Shaiton's Fire

Chapter 16 #1

by Jake Thoene

Shaiton's Fire, the first book in the techno-thriller series Chapter 16, propels you into the world of domestic counter-terrorism. The bombing of a subway train is only the beginning of a master plan that Steve Alstead--tactical operations specialist--and the rest of the team have to stop . . . before it's too late.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Thriller, Suspense, Science Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

son of Bodie Thoene & Brock Thoene

Reviews

[Jeff Sabean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

It’s not overtly Christian other than a few mentions of the faith of the characters and a few Bible references. Just enough to make it a Christian book with no profanity or anything in it, I would be comfortable letting my kids read it. Action packed and a great story! I would also recommend the second book, Firefly Blue, as I actually was given a copy of that book so I bought Shaiton’s Fire because I enjoyed that book so much.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off slow but as the action picked up I started sweating with anxiety. Steve Alstead is involved with a domestic counter terrorism organization in cahoots with the FBI who called themselves Chapter 16. As they searched for terrorists they learned of a plot more sinister then they could have imagined. What I liked about this book was the lack of gruesome violence and immoral behavior. It was a clean read.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay but the story took a while to hold my interest. There was too much detail in some parts for my liking which bogged down the story but I'm glad I stuck with it and finished the book.

[Martine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like how this book represented certain groups, both ethnic and religious. Honestly could not feel less patriotic reading this...plot was okay.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll give this book a 3.5 star…it was good, but I didn’t love it. I’m not itching to read it again.

[Becki]

In this first book of the Chapeter 16 series, we are introduced to Special Agent Steve Alstead, his family, his co-workers and his enemies.\n\nA bomb has gone off in the San Francisco subway, killing many. What is the movtive? Who is behind it?\n\nThen a natural gas storage plant goes up in flames. There is a connection.\n\nWhat will be next?\n\nThe book was mildly interesting. They tell you who all is behind the acts of terrorism pretty early on in the book. So it's not that exciting or thought stimulating. Decent, though.\n\nI hope the additional books in the trilogy explore the characters more as they are very one-dimensional at this point.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the theme of this book is you have to make your own decisions. No one can make your decisions for you. I the book this is represented because Steve must contact his wife. His wife won't contact him and no one else can call his wife and tell him he is ok. I also think this represented in Steve's job. Steve makes the call whether or not to shoot, to carry out the plan, or to confront the suspect. No one can make that call for Steve in his line of work. This is why I believe that the theme of this book is making your own decisions.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly the most suspenseful suspense novel I've ever read. Plus, I think the author wanted to show off all the research on special weapons, etc. that he did before he wrote this. All I need to know is that it's a bullet-proof vest, okay? Extra descriptions (that can be inferred anyway) and fancy names mean nothing to me. But, once the boredom and descriptions were over with and the climax started, it was good.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel by the son of Brodie and Brock Thoene- favorite authors- set in modern-day California. Adventure/action story. A good early effort. Perhaps a trifle amateurish. We are familiar with most of the settings in the book- so that was a bit like a fun visit back to CA.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter 16, an FBI domestic counterterrorism unit, starts with the bombing of BART in San Francisco. Great for those who are into guns. One kind or another didn't mean much to me. Possibly this is a sequel but does stand alone.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story got better the more you read... I struggled with Steve, the main character, for the first half of the book, but he does get better along the way... The ending way a little loose, but then it is the first in a series..

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next two to arrive in the mail! Jake's talent for writing reminds me of a couple....ahhhhh. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat....America needs to repent and seek God again before this becomes reality!

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of excitement and thought put into the planning of the plot but some of the book was unclear.

[Dianne Doggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

I was unable to put this book down. This is a total nail biter, and unfortunately a very scary possible reality.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

domestic counterterrorism before 9-11

[Toesnorth's mom]

fair

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written about two months before 9/11/01. I would have listed it as science fiction back at the time it was written, but since what had happened on 9/11, it would now occur to present day fiction, not something that might happen in the future. Read the last section of the book on "Weeds in the Garden of Eden" first to help you understand the rest of the book. This is where Jack Thoene got his material to write the book. What was taking place during the writing was apathy on part of the people. Since it didn't happen to me or I was not involved, it probably won't happen to me. It took 9/11 to wake us up, that this could happen to me.