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Crystal #1
Searchlight
A heart-rending tragedy. A passionate love. A firm resolution.
Ambition
For as long as Crystal remembers, she has wanted to be a singer.
For as long as she remembers, her parents have feared the SOT, a celebrity cult that will make you famous, but destroy you in the process.
When Luke, leader of the SOT, sets his sights on Crystal will she have the courage to stand her ground, or will she give in?
Destruction
After the SOT deals a deadly blow, Crystal has no choice but to obey their orders to sign up for Searchlight. Searchlight is the biggest talent show on TV. With the SOT’s backing, Crystal could win, but is she willing to pay the price? When she unexpectedly finds love, she is afraid to pursue it for fear that darkly handsome Juda could become an SOT target too.
At Searchlight, her dreams and nightmares collide. According to Juda, it’s the darkest places that need light the most, but the SOT is much darker than Crystal imagined.
Heartbreak
Not everything is what is seems to be, and not everyone is who they say they are. Crystal is tough, but she’s only human. There’s only so much heartache and betrayal one girl can take.
Then she is tested and forced to make a choice.
It’s a choice between light and darkness.
Good and evil.
Faith and despair.
But choosing God could mean choosing death.
The SOT is back, and this time they mean business! Lexi escaped. Will her daughter, Crystal?
Fans of the popular Beauty for Ashes Series, by the same author, will love this new novel, which focuses on Crystal, supermodel Lexi Washington’s daughter.
Ambition
For as long as Crystal remembers, she has wanted to be a singer.
For as long as she remembers, her parents have feared the SOT, a celebrity cult that will make you famous, but destroy you in the process.
When Luke, leader of the SOT, sets his sights on Crystal will she have the courage to stand her ground, or will she give in?
Destruction
After the SOT deals a deadly blow, Crystal has no choice but to obey their orders to sign up for Searchlight. Searchlight is the biggest talent show on TV. With the SOT’s backing, Crystal could win, but is she willing to pay the price? When she unexpectedly finds love, she is afraid to pursue it for fear that darkly handsome Juda could become an SOT target too.
At Searchlight, her dreams and nightmares collide. According to Juda, it’s the darkest places that need light the most, but the SOT is much darker than Crystal imagined.
Heartbreak
Not everything is what is seems to be, and not everyone is who they say they are. Crystal is tough, but she’s only human. There’s only so much heartache and betrayal one girl can take.
Then she is tested and forced to make a choice.
It’s a choice between light and darkness.
Good and evil.
Faith and despair.
But choosing God could mean choosing death.
The SOT is back, and this time they mean business! Lexi escaped. Will her daughter, Crystal?
Fans of the popular Beauty for Ashes Series, by the same author, will love this new novel, which focuses on Crystal, supermodel Lexi Washington’s daughter.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2014
137 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Dayo Benson
70 books125 followersDayo Benson is passionate about using fiction to convey powerful messages about redemption and God's love. When she is not writing she enjoys music, reading and going for long walks. She lives in North West England with her husband and their two beautiful daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 5, 2019
Not My cup of tea
i thought I would be interested in this book because I love to read books about people who overcome adversity especially when it’s centered around Christ but that wasn’t the case with book.
Perhaps it was too much going on. The girl was constantly drugged, abused, it seemed like her rich parents didn’t care. She was kidnapped and continued to go out by herself when she knew people would hurt her.
I couldn’t really connect with the story and I felt like Christ was added in as a secondary plot instead of the storyline revolving around biblical principals.
i thought I would be interested in this book because I love to read books about people who overcome adversity especially when it’s centered around Christ but that wasn’t the case with book.
Perhaps it was too much going on. The girl was constantly drugged, abused, it seemed like her rich parents didn’t care. She was kidnapped and continued to go out by herself when she knew people would hurt her.
I couldn’t really connect with the story and I felt like Christ was added in as a secondary plot instead of the storyline revolving around biblical principals.
July 17, 2017
Worth the time for sure.
What an epic topic for a book!! It took a little longer than I like to get to the story but overall l really enjoyed this book. I am excited to read the rest of the series.
What an epic topic for a book!! It took a little longer than I like to get to the story but overall l really enjoyed this book. I am excited to read the rest of the series.
December 29, 2017
A very good read - the ending was unexpected though.
June 23, 2017
Intense and fast-paced, I really enjoyed this book. I love the way the characters are all so different and well-developed. The topics of persecution, selling your soul for fame, betrayal, running from your past, and being indecisive in what you believe are the foundation of this intriguing read. I would have to say that, if given the option for half-stars, I'd give this 4.5 out of 5 for the sole reason that, as I've mentioned in other reviews, I don't believe profanity has any place in Christian fiction--ever. But that being said, what profanity was present was mild and few, and the overall message behind the book is interesting.
As far as sexual content goes, there isn't anything graphic. There are references and you know that some of the characters are sexually active, but there aren't any scenes that go into great detail or made me uncomfortable. There is reference to a date rape drug.
As for drug/alcohol references, the main thing in the book would be the injections, as far as drugs go. There are injections given to knock people out, clear their memories, make them compliant, perk them up, wear them down, etc. As mentioned, the date rape drug is referenced a few times.
Violence is plentiful. There's blood, forms of torture, stalking, emotional/verbal/psychological abuse, and plenty of folks getting hurt one way or another. If you want something soft and fluffy, this isn't the book for you. But it's not like watching a horror film or anything. It's just full of drama.
I am working on reading the second book in the series now and so far it is great, too. I can't wait to see how it compares, and to see what happens next!
As far as sexual content goes, there isn't anything graphic. There are references and you know that some of the characters are sexually active, but there aren't any scenes that go into great detail or made me uncomfortable. There is reference to a date rape drug.
As for drug/alcohol references, the main thing in the book would be the injections, as far as drugs go. There are injections given to knock people out, clear their memories, make them compliant, perk them up, wear them down, etc. As mentioned, the date rape drug is referenced a few times.
Violence is plentiful. There's blood, forms of torture, stalking, emotional/verbal/psychological abuse, and plenty of folks getting hurt one way or another. If you want something soft and fluffy, this isn't the book for you. But it's not like watching a horror film or anything. It's just full of drama.
I am working on reading the second book in the series now and so far it is great, too. I can't wait to see how it compares, and to see what happens next!
April 20, 2024
For as long as she can remember, Crystal has wanted to be a singer. She and her friends are trying to break into the business. Along comes the SOT, who tell Crystal they can make her a big star as long as she does things their way. When she doesn't, they shoot her up with mind-altering drugs that make her compliant. Yet, Crystal has a strong will and she fights against this organization especially after they murder her little brother.
This was an interesting read. Crystal was able to have a strong will because she believed in the Lord.
I like how the author kept nudging little bits of the Lord here and there in the story. A good read and I will be looking for other books by this author.
This was an interesting read. Crystal was able to have a strong will because she believed in the Lord.
I like how the author kept nudging little bits of the Lord here and there in the story. A good read and I will be looking for other books by this author.
September 1, 2018
The very real secret society that runs our world is a topic that interests me. This novel is an excellent expose in the guise of fiction on the dark forces that control our world and our perceptions of reality in real life.
Crystal who, is the protagonist of this novel, has been forced into a secret society which seeks to use her for their insidious agenda which is thoroughly antichrist. A talent competition is their launching pad to cement Crystal`s fame and influence upon the masses. Crystal must decide if she will stand with Christ or go along with the secret society's agenda. I look forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series.
Crystal who, is the protagonist of this novel, has been forced into a secret society which seeks to use her for their insidious agenda which is thoroughly antichrist. A talent competition is their launching pad to cement Crystal`s fame and influence upon the masses. Crystal must decide if she will stand with Christ or go along with the secret society's agenda. I look forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series.
October 13, 2024
Riveting but Disappointing
This book tried hard to show the struggle between Satan and God in the arena of cults, but I think fell short in allowing the reader to think God is basically not active in answering prayer, is powerless in helping parents get their children out of cults, and protecting
Christians in mind and heart with wisdom and real life options.
Very disappointing to not see Crystal's parents keep her safe from this (when they knew so much about this particular cult), and the ending leaves the reader with a very negative conclusion.
This book tried hard to show the struggle between Satan and God in the arena of cults, but I think fell short in allowing the reader to think God is basically not active in answering prayer, is powerless in helping parents get their children out of cults, and protecting
Christians in mind and heart with wisdom and real life options.
Very disappointing to not see Crystal's parents keep her safe from this (when they knew so much about this particular cult), and the ending leaves the reader with a very negative conclusion.
January 30, 2022
An amazing author who gives a different and exciting twist to Christian fiction. This book had me hooked on this author and I have read all of her books. Following the life of Crystal and her family and the people she meets along her journey will prevent you from putting down this book. More importantly her faith and the need for God in your life is evident.
February 22, 2022
A Very Dark Suspenseful Book
This book is unlike any book I’ve ever read. Dark verses the Light. Good verses bad. An occult trying to recruit people against their will for the cults benefit. It boils down to God verses God and I know who will ultimately win.
This book is unlike any book I’ve ever read. Dark verses the Light. Good verses bad. An occult trying to recruit people against their will for the cults benefit. It boils down to God verses God and I know who will ultimately win.
May 26, 2017
Eye opener !
Worth reading and giving much attention to the real threat we face as christians . This could happen anywhere , pray it doesn't happen to you !
Worth reading and giving much attention to the real threat we face as christians . This could happen anywhere , pray it doesn't happen to you !
November 12, 2017
Wow
I am so glad I found this series. I am looking forward to continuing it. The way the author handles the fight between good & evil is very believable. We are in a battle.
I am so glad I found this series. I am looking forward to continuing it. The way the author handles the fight between good & evil is very believable. We are in a battle.
December 5, 2017
I struggled through this book. It's violent but still a great story. There is some profanity.
May 9, 2018
I enjoyed the book. It was well written. I would love to see what happen next.
May 23, 2018
Great book and such a great way to start the Crystal series. Can't wait to read the rest.
June 19, 2025
An amazing author who gives a different and exciting twist to Christian fiction. This book has me hooked on this author and I can't wait to read all of her books.
July 22, 2020
This isn't a book I normally would have wanted to read but I had to for a project almost two years ago and I'm still angry. It was entertaining and fast-paced for sure, but I have one MAJOR issue with it.
Other reviewers have noted that it is too sexual for Christian content. My issue was more with the fact that Crystal's friends at the restaurant actually tease her and make her wait tables for the man they believe just attempted to rape her. They make a joke of it.
Not only is rape waaaaaay overused in literature today (I say as a female who is fortunate enough to have been spared it, I can't even imagine the insult of the flippancy used in this book for women who have had to endure that) and in this book it's just disgusting that her friends behave like that and she just kind of goes along with it. She just lets her friends tease her into serving him even thought they all think he was trying to assault her.
Can someone explain to me how that is even remotely okay?
Other reviewers have noted that it is too sexual for Christian content. My issue was more with the fact that Crystal's friends at the restaurant actually tease her and make her wait tables for the man they believe just attempted to rape her. They make a joke of it.
Not only is rape waaaaaay overused in literature today (I say as a female who is fortunate enough to have been spared it, I can't even imagine the insult of the flippancy used in this book for women who have had to endure that) and in this book it's just disgusting that her friends behave like that and she just kind of goes along with it. She just lets her friends tease her into serving him even thought they all think he was trying to assault her.
Can someone explain to me how that is even remotely okay?
September 27, 2016
Book one of "Searchlight" series. This author has several books in this storyline and these are Crystal's stories. I read the first three in Crystal's and plan on finishing up the series. Good YA Christian. Suspense, conspiracy, and demonic activity. I really enjoyed these! I can recommend for ages 16 and up. There is violence, and talk of torture and rape in this series, adult content. Great writing.
August 27, 2016
Uncertain future
Crystal is an ordinary girl until . . .
But nothing is going to go easily when she's . . . into a dangerous society
Will she stay or become free from . . .??
Enjoy!!
Crystal is an ordinary girl until . . .
But nothing is going to go easily when she's . . . into a dangerous society
Will she stay or become free from . . .??
Enjoy!!
April 22, 2016
The whole series is really great
June 18, 2016
Very different!
I gave 5 stars because it is unusual, however, I hate cliffhangers! I liked it until the ending, which seemed to have been written by a third grader!
I gave 5 stars because it is unusual, however, I hate cliffhangers! I liked it until the ending, which seemed to have been written by a third grader!
January 7, 2023
This book is riveting and a page turner, loved how the characters came to be. I highly recommend this book and I am starting on second book. Can't wait to see what happens with Crystal and Juda.
August 26, 2017
I didn't realise it was a Christian book when I bought it, but I can say that the story is great. Whether you're a Christian or not, it's still a good story
Read
December 2, 2017The SOT was bad, but this book is great
Crystal wanted to become a singer. I know that she didn't want to be forced by the SOT to do anything. I am excited about reading Surrender, the next book in this series.
Crystal wanted to become a singer. I know that she didn't want to be forced by the SOT to do anything. I am excited about reading Surrender, the next book in this series.
dnf
March 12, 20190%
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews