Atlas

by Ronie Kendig

Some hearts are worth fighting for—even when the battle comes home.

Olympic sharpshooter McKenna Neeley thought her biggest challenge was living up to her legendary father's legacy as Nightshade's team sniper. But working as a junior Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, she's about to face her most perilous mission yet—and it has nothing to do with diplomacy.

When a high-stakes dinner party brings Dante Riddell back into her life, McKenna's carefully ordered world tilts off its axis. The brooding security specialist from Omen Tactical Group was her childhood crush, but now he's all grown up—and guarding secrets as closely as he guards his VIP clients.

Despite finally being claimed by his father as a teen, Dante has spent his life believing he isn’t worthy of the Nightshade legacy. When his duty collides with McKenna's consular work sparks fly and keeping their distance becomes impossible. She's everything he remembers and more—brilliant, compassionate, and dangerously distracting. His job is complete the mission and walk away before his damaged heart gets involved.

But when a deadly enemy disrupts peace talks, simple plans shatter like glass.

Trapped together in a web of international intrigue, McKenna and Dante must trust each other—and God’s plan—forging a love that's been years in the making. Because sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with weapons, but with faith, forgiveness, and the courage to believe in second chances.

Can two wounded hearts find healing in each other's arms, or will the shadows of their past destroy their chance at forever?

"A beautiful blend of faith, heart-pounding suspense, and swoon-worthy romance. This book touched my soul!" — Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author

Discarded Scions
Book 1: Atlas
Book 2: Apollo
Book 3: Achilles

Genres: Christian Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking inspiration from the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict and piggybacking on one of her previous novels, author Ronie Kendig writes to reveal that living up to a legacy is a daunting task for anyone, even those from paramilitary families who thrive on a challenge.

Her characters struggle with being worthy of their father’s Nightshade legacy, a black ops group of veterans, and are challenged by nurturing a budding romance while on a dangerous mission.

McKenna Neeley is an Olympic sharpshooter holding a position of Junior Consular Officer at the US Embassy in Armenia. She’s come to help the Armenians and soon finds herself in danger. Her childhood crush, Dante Riddell, is also in Armenia as a security specialist with Omen Tactical Group. Despite his training, Dante finds it difficult to put aside his feelings for McKenna. Can they get out of Armenia alive while still making space for each other?

Kendig’s Rapid-Fire Suspense is blended well with a clean romance featuring second chances and two characters who need to learn to trust each other. This novel can stand alone, but I think reading Nightshade first would help with understanding the first few chapters. After a few chapters, the title will make sense.

I’ll remember this book for its encouragement to see failure as success in progress.

If you enjoy clean romance, suspense, found family, friends to more, second chances, and stories featuring military families, this is a must add.

I’m looking forward to the release of the next installment, Apollo, this Spring.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for endorsement, rtc

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might feel sus, me giving ATLAS 5 stars when I wrote it ... but the rating is really about my love of being back in the Nightshade world, running ops with Dante, McKenna, and Omen ... AND beautiful cameo appearances by the OG team, including Cowboy, Legend, and Midas. It has been so wonderful being immersed in this world again. And--dawg, I love these characters.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this read! McKenna and Dante’s story was a total page-turner.

When McKenna runs into her childhood friend, she thinks her biggest challenge will be keeping her feelings in check until his cold shoulder makes her question whether she even knows him anymore. Dante is just as thrown off. She’s no longer the girl who once had a crush on him but a confident woman he feels he could never be good enough for. And with her working as an embassy officer and him as a security specialist, they both have a job to do, and personal feelings can’t get in the way.

Neither wants the distraction, but when danger closes in, forced proximity pushes them to confront their emotions and slowly let down their walls. And as the threat escalates, admitting their feelings becomes the least of their worries.

If you enjoy friends to more, page turning suspense, sweet kisses, and forced proximity, this one’s for you. The close relationships between the characters made the story feel especially unique. I did wish I knew more of the backstory, so reading the earlier books may enhance the experience, but it still stands strong on its own.

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a really good Christian romantic suspense. When I started the book, I immediately felt like I was entering in the middle of a series which startled me because I know that this is the first book in this series from this publisher. I went back and did some research and found that this series is a spinoff from a series the author published previously. If you have the chance, I did not, I would highly suggest that you read that series first as I think you will be able to better enjoy this book if you have that history. There are some things with the military operators that felt off with their communication in the first 30% of the book, but after that things went really well.

I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down. Set in Armenia, our heroine McKenna works for the American consulate and our hero Dante (callsign Atlas) is with a military operational team. When peace talks are happening between Armenia and Azerbaijan, our main characters meet again. They haven’t seen each other in probably a decade, but they grew up together, and she has always had a crush on him. Their families are extremely close together - more family than friends. When McKenna gets pulled into being on a team going into a place where there’s questionable hostile military activity, the stakes rise, and Dante has to face the depth of his feelings for her as they struggle to make it out alive. This book has twists and turns and keeps your heart pounding the entire time, but it also has a great dose of sweet romance. I felt like it ended too soon! I am definitely excited to continue this series and see more of these operators. This is just kisses romance, intimacy level 2. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I absolutely loved the Nightshade Discarded Heroes series with Cowboy, Legend and Midas which are the OG’s and their children. McKenna, Olympic Sharpshooter and Dante, former Navy Seal now Operator for Omen group. Dante is fighting for his spot on Omen and to prove he’s got what it takes. He’s never felt like he was good enough and always trying to prove his worth to others. McKenna is working for the Embassy in Armenian country. When an incident puts these two in close proximity, along with Dante’s team, as they try to fight the unknown enemy while trying to figure out their feelings. I love high intensity and energy with danger and suspense. This is a perfect Christian romantic suspense for those who love breathtaking action and sizzling chemistry and faith-filled love and hope.

5 out of 5 stars for another great series starter by Ronie.

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic was my first thought when I was reading Atlas. In true Ronie Kendig fashion, Atlas is a rapid-fire, non-stop action, Christian romantic suspense novel. It is a gripping, suspense-filled story and I did not want to put it down. It is so good to be spending time in the world of the Nightshade team again. I loved the setup for McKenna and Dante, really enjoyed the Omen team banter and I really appreciate the emphasis on the Armenian conflict

If you enjoy high-octane military suspense, childhood friends' beginnings and non-stop action, with a throwback to the Nightshade team, then I would highly recommend Atlas.

I received a complimentary copy from Sunrise Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atlas by Ronie Kendig takes familiar readers back to the world of the Nightshade team and their children. Readers will enjoy the unfamiliar terrain. I did not even know where this little country was located on the map, so I went and looked it up. Kendig does a wonderful job at creating a horrific moment after moment to keep the tension nice and tight and make the plot keep moving and allowing the readers to stay glued to the pages. As for the romance, these characters have grown up together and finally one of them realizes how important the other one has been their entire life. The romance is a little heavy-handed at times as the two realize how much they mean to each other. One of Kendig’s strengths is to bring the heart and passion to the lives of the military characters. As an avid reader of all her stories, I enjoy this part of her stories. However, the one aspect that kind of annoyed me was that the heroine is in a situation where a whole bunch of bad things went down, and they left the scene of the crime to head south. What happened with all these bad people and things? Is part of the plot for the second book in the series? One of my favorite aspects of military stories is the justice done for crimes done by other countries. This ending left me wanting justice. I hope Kendig has this plot element in the next book. Overall, Atlas by Ronie Kendig writes stories that I love to spend a good day with. I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of Atlas by Ronie Kendig from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[MyWeekendIsBooked7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 of 5 Stars. Wow! I’ve been waiting for another Ronie Kendig military suspense to come out and Atlas does NOT disappoint! Dante Riddell has struggled to feel worthy since his father deceived him in order to protect him. Now he knows the truth, but still struggles with the doubt. He works with a super fun private contractor team (Kendig rights such awesome teams, and she put two in this story!) and is always working to earn the respect of his team and commanding officers. Little incidents make him doubt further, but McKenna Neeley (I can’t believe we get to read her all grown up! I loved her in the Discarded Heroes series!) sees him for who he really is and wants a chance to get to know him more and maybe have a relationship with him…if he’ll let his stiff rules go long enough to let her close. McKenna has her own problems as she struggles to prove that her gentleness is not weakness, which really makes her an interesting character who has a unique perspective on things. They go on quite an adventure as they battle terrorists in Armenia and fight to discover who sold them out. McKenna sure goes through a rough time in this book, but Dante always shows up to help her out. Overall this book is gripping, and I could have easily read it in one sitting if not for my responsibilities. Kendig has a way of writing that hooks you from the start in a way that very few authors manage. I highly recommend Atlas and any other Kendig book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Discarded Heroes series by Ronie Kendig is a favorite of mine and when I heard she was going to write a Scions series I was so excited. And this book did not disappoint.
Atlas fast forwards through time and the children of Nightshade are now grown up. Dante is now a former Navy Seal and working for the Omen group. He's a strong military soldier and yet still struggles with things from his past that make him seem “less” in his eyes.
McKenna, is an Olympic sharpshooter having learned from her sniper Daddy. She is now working for the Ambassador and helping people.
Circumstances bring Dante and McKenna together again and the excitement and action gear up from there! And in true Ronie Kendig fashion, she had me holding my breath at times, crying at times and sometimes doing both at the same time!
An aspect that I love about this book is showing the strong bond the Scions have. They consider each other family. And family is always there when you need them.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. The review is all my own thoughts and completely honest. I highly recommend this book! I've already told my friends it is a must read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS STORY!!!!!
Picking up years after the Discarded Heroes series ended we get to see cameos of our favorite characters!
This rapid fire story delivers the action, the romance, and the flawed characters that Ronie Kendig never fails to deliver.
I loved how the main characters had bits and peices of their parents struggles AND strengths.
I loved McKenna! No surprise since Cowboy is a favorite from the first series 😉.
She is strong and skilled and had the perfect amount of vulnerability that makes her precious.
Dante was awesome! His struggles and insecurities about making his family proud was something so raw, and yet it didn't take away with how he jumps in to protect the people he cares for.
Them together? Sigh.
We rarely get friends to more in the Ronieverse, so this was so special! Wonderfully done, with all the mutual pining that makes their story an absolute treat!
One of my top reads of 2025!

[hoadbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any Kendig fans who enjoyed the Nightshade series you will be thrilled with the Scion series. Admittedly I am anticipating the books to come to be as good as book one.
Atlas did not disappoint. Kendig takes Dante and McKenna on journeys that increase their faith and grow their relationships. Each one grows up just a bit more as they each set aside childhood wonder for the grit and dirt of adulthood.
Plenty of action, mixed with paramilitary suspense, of course a sprinkling of romance, challenges of insecurities, and trying to live up to the heroes of Nightshade.
Book 1 is so good. I look forward to the release of the rest of the series. I am going to need these in paperback to fill my shelf.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story! I loved Dante and McKenna and how they both try to come to terms with their past and overcome their present.

The suspense in the story kept me turning the pages as I tried to sort it all out. I enjoyed how the team worked together but was also able to have fun with each other.

Although this is the first book in this series, it included characters from other books, which was confusing for a reader that was new to this author.

Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas was a fast-paced read with plenty of action, danger, and tense moments. This new series involves the children of Nightshade as adults. I enjoyed McKenna and Dante's story as it involves childhood friends to more and second chances. Kendig crafted an awesome read with a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa Philipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced thriller with romance and a message. Ronie Kendig delivers with great characters and lots of action. As well as a message about how we see ourselves and others, and how God can step into our story. I loved the background of Atlas and McKenna played into their relationship and their interactions with each other.
A definite must read and I'm looking forward to the rest of this new series.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action packed inspired suspense not to be missed! Descendants from amazing families trying to make their own mark on the World. Fast paced this book will keep you hooked from beginning to end! I didn't want to put this one down! Excited to see what comes next in the series!

I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Failure is success in progress."

It was really good to join up with the Nightshade team again. Years have flown by and their children (dubbed Scion) have grown but the ferocity and tenacity of the team have not faded. McKenna, daughter of Colton Neely, is not in the military but works as a junior consular officer in Armenia where politics remains volatile. She's sweet, compassionate, competent and still carries a torch for the older Dante from their childhood. Dante, son of Griffin Riddell, works with the Omen Tactical Group and carries the nickname Atlas; he's been through a lot and struggles with worth and finding his place in the world. Their worlds collide when Dante's group is hired to provide security for government officials in Armenia and things go sideways. Packed with action, plot twists, suspense, faith and clean romance, this book will wow you as it introduces you to a new generation of heroes. I loved that we still got glimpses of their fathers and mothers in this story (which prompted me to finish the Discarded Heroes series).

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.