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COIL Legacy
DISTANT FRONT: A Christian Action Suspense
DISTANT FRONT is a recipient of The Reality Calling Spirit-filled Fiction Award.In DISTANT FRONT, Book Two of The COIL Legacy by D.I. TELBAT, we learn that the daring COIL Special Forces Operative Steve Brookshire was kidnapped in Hong Kong two years ago. The communist Chinese government wanted his intel on the Chinese Underground House Churches. His work for Jesus Christ may have cost him his life!However, a whisper about Steve reaches the COIL office of Agent Corban Dowler, which suggests that Steve may still be alive, but no one knows what shape he's in. It seems the Chinese Secret Police are holding the COIL agent in a hidden location—and he may not be the only one they're holding! There's just one man prepared and courageous enough to lead a small team to search for the missing missionary behind closed borders . . .The Lord continues to work on Titus Caspertein, developing him into a complete servant for Christ. But Titus is battling his own troubles—including his partner Oleg's capture in Iran—yet the call to aid another kidnapped agent becomes his priority, even though they've never met. With Luigi Putelli lurking in the shadows, and Corban Dowler's influence growing, Titus puts his life on hold once again to enter harm's way on this distant front—China!DISTANT FRONT is another whirlwind of a novel that takes the COIL pace up a notch and into the heart of China, where every operation is a battlefront. See faithfulness in the worst possible suffering, yet watch God use even broken people for His own purposes. And find again that . . . there is no redemption without sacrifice.BONUSES a note from the author, two maps, a character sketch, a sample chapter from the next book in the series, Distant Harm, and Endnotes about Back to Jerusalem, a factual ministry serving the Persecuted Church in China today. Cover design is by Streetlight Graphics. Distant Front is now included in The COIL Legacy Collection, three page-turning novels in one volume.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2016
97 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
D.I. Telbat
55 books72 followersI've been writing novels and short stories since I was a young teen. God has greatly impacted me, and I now desire to honor the Lord with my life and writing.
My stories can be read in several online and print publications, as well as three anthologies. My bestselling COIL Series include novels Dark Liaison, Book One; Dark Hearted, Book Two; Dark Rule, Book Three; and Dark Vessel, Book Four, and are available at most e-retailers, as are Jaguar Dusk, a Christian Special Forces novel, Sea Scribe, a Covert Christian Mission Suspense, and End Times Novel, God's Colonel. See my website for other novels and stories added often, including Dark Cover, COIL Book Five, to be out late 2014.
I offer free weekly Christian short stories, or serialized novels, my Author Reflections, and occasional challenges to the Christian Church on my Telbat's Tablet blog at http://ditelbat.com.
When I'm not writing, I'm very involved in Christian ministry. I've kept my home office in the NW U.S. where my assistant, Dee, lives and helps with my editing and writing needs.
My motto: There is no redemption without sacrifice.
[This is Dee K. Borah. I work with David Telbat and will be managing his Goodreads account for him. All reviews and bookshelves belong to D.I. Telbat.]
My stories can be read in several online and print publications, as well as three anthologies. My bestselling COIL Series include novels Dark Liaison, Book One; Dark Hearted, Book Two; Dark Rule, Book Three; and Dark Vessel, Book Four, and are available at most e-retailers, as are Jaguar Dusk, a Christian Special Forces novel, Sea Scribe, a Covert Christian Mission Suspense, and End Times Novel, God's Colonel. See my website for other novels and stories added often, including Dark Cover, COIL Book Five, to be out late 2014.
I offer free weekly Christian short stories, or serialized novels, my Author Reflections, and occasional challenges to the Christian Church on my Telbat's Tablet blog at http://ditelbat.com.
When I'm not writing, I'm very involved in Christian ministry. I've kept my home office in the NW U.S. where my assistant, Dee, lives and helps with my editing and writing needs.
My motto: There is no redemption without sacrifice.
[This is Dee K. Borah. I work with David Telbat and will be managing his Goodreads account for him. All reviews and bookshelves belong to D.I. Telbat.]
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 11, 2017
Telbat has really excelled himself with this one! This is the best out of the COIL Legacy Series! Everything has been upped! There is more action, evil, deceit, persecution and hatred for Christians. But there is more victory in Christ and more of the workings of the Spirit than in previous novels.
I found this one the hardest to read, despite it still being highly entertaining. Telbat has intertwined the 2-year history of Steve Brookshire's captivity and torture into the present activity of Titus and Oleg and subplots.
It is this 2-year history that makes it hard to read. What Telbat has depicted Steve enduring as persecution, torture and imprisonment are just that bit more detailed than other COIL novels. But this account does show more of the spiritual tenacity of Steve having counted the cost of being a follower/disciple of Christ and being unwavering in his faith and commitment to Christ. At every step of his persecution, including the deliberate amputation of his foreleg, Steve did not give in. In fact, this only made him more like Christ. Not once did he allow any anger, bitterness, resentment, selfishness dictate his behaviour towards his many persecutors. Instead, he told them to their face that he forgave them. At every opportunity, even immediately after being tortured, he witnessed to them, told them that God loved them and that he was praying for them.
This challenged me as I questioned whether I would be so forgiving, would I respond like Steve did? So Christ-like? If I don't do that now in much lesser circumstances, would or could I do so if I was placed in a situation like this? Definitely, sobers you and convicts you of your shortcomings in this regard to your relationship with Christ. it has encouraged me to take this to Jesus and have a conversation with Him.
I must remember though, that Steve was able to do this due to his love, submission and obedience to the leading of the Spirit of God. He placed all things of God above and before anything to do with himself. I pray that what Telbat has depicted in Steve's attitude towards Christ and his persecutors encourages Christians to consider this in their own lives and circumstances, however small or insignificant it appears.
I was gobbed smacked at the fruit of the Spirit in Steve's Christ-like behaviour and attitude towards his persecution. This resulted in the salvation of his persecutors. In nearly all cases, the ex-persecutors, and now new babes in Christ admitted the evil of their hearts was overcome by the witness of Steve and his responses to them during and after his persecution! But then again, it was the working of the Spirit through Steve that achieved this. Reminds me of the verse from Zechariah 4: 6,
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
So one hand, there is Steve who is totally committed to God and unwavering in his faith. On the other, we have Titus, who stumbled in his decision making on his assignment to rescue Steve and placed this mission in jeopardy and the lives of Oleg and others. So Titus acts on his emotions and disappears. God uses this to minister to him and allows him to grow spiritually. Yet, he has to endure some painful lessons in humility from a previously unknown source, including some hard love and carefrontation from Corban. Again, the way Telbat has depicted and handled this situation with Titus is very biblical. It shows us a lesson in how to be humbled by God and our fellow brethren, especially those we have wronged and hurt and how to be reconciled to God. In this circumstance with Titus, we see how he allowed himself to be responsive and teachable from the Spirit of God. Titus is returned to the fold of his COIL team a better and stronger operative spiritually. Like Steve, less of himself and more of Christ. And that, in itself, is a lesson and a behavioural trait for us as disciples of Christ.
These spiritual lessons that Telbat infuses into each of his novels are the strengths of his novels.
Apart from the spiritual side of this novel, there is the usual action and adventure, fast-paced plot, and well-constructed novel. Titus seems to be more humorous in this one than previous. This adds a softening touch to the seriousness of their missions. It also allows the team, mainly Oleg and Titus, to get on better with each other, be the cohesive unit that they are and complement their strengths and weaknesses.
I would love to collate all of Titus' humorous one-liners about how "...it ain't easy being......" in the many aspects of his life and situations.
I am so looking forward to the next instalment in this series, Distant Harm, to be released later this year.
Highly Recommended.
World Building 5/5
Characterisation 5/5
Story 5/5
Spiritual Level 5/5
Enemy Spiritual Level 3/5
Overall Rating 4.6/5 Stars
I found this one the hardest to read, despite it still being highly entertaining. Telbat has intertwined the 2-year history of Steve Brookshire's captivity and torture into the present activity of Titus and Oleg and subplots.
It is this 2-year history that makes it hard to read. What Telbat has depicted Steve enduring as persecution, torture and imprisonment are just that bit more detailed than other COIL novels. But this account does show more of the spiritual tenacity of Steve having counted the cost of being a follower/disciple of Christ and being unwavering in his faith and commitment to Christ. At every step of his persecution, including the deliberate amputation of his foreleg, Steve did not give in. In fact, this only made him more like Christ. Not once did he allow any anger, bitterness, resentment, selfishness dictate his behaviour towards his many persecutors. Instead, he told them to their face that he forgave them. At every opportunity, even immediately after being tortured, he witnessed to them, told them that God loved them and that he was praying for them.
This challenged me as I questioned whether I would be so forgiving, would I respond like Steve did? So Christ-like? If I don't do that now in much lesser circumstances, would or could I do so if I was placed in a situation like this? Definitely, sobers you and convicts you of your shortcomings in this regard to your relationship with Christ. it has encouraged me to take this to Jesus and have a conversation with Him.
I must remember though, that Steve was able to do this due to his love, submission and obedience to the leading of the Spirit of God. He placed all things of God above and before anything to do with himself. I pray that what Telbat has depicted in Steve's attitude towards Christ and his persecutors encourages Christians to consider this in their own lives and circumstances, however small or insignificant it appears.
I was gobbed smacked at the fruit of the Spirit in Steve's Christ-like behaviour and attitude towards his persecution. This resulted in the salvation of his persecutors. In nearly all cases, the ex-persecutors, and now new babes in Christ admitted the evil of their hearts was overcome by the witness of Steve and his responses to them during and after his persecution! But then again, it was the working of the Spirit through Steve that achieved this. Reminds me of the verse from Zechariah 4: 6,
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
So one hand, there is Steve who is totally committed to God and unwavering in his faith. On the other, we have Titus, who stumbled in his decision making on his assignment to rescue Steve and placed this mission in jeopardy and the lives of Oleg and others. So Titus acts on his emotions and disappears. God uses this to minister to him and allows him to grow spiritually. Yet, he has to endure some painful lessons in humility from a previously unknown source, including some hard love and carefrontation from Corban. Again, the way Telbat has depicted and handled this situation with Titus is very biblical. It shows us a lesson in how to be humbled by God and our fellow brethren, especially those we have wronged and hurt and how to be reconciled to God. In this circumstance with Titus, we see how he allowed himself to be responsive and teachable from the Spirit of God. Titus is returned to the fold of his COIL team a better and stronger operative spiritually. Like Steve, less of himself and more of Christ. And that, in itself, is a lesson and a behavioural trait for us as disciples of Christ.
These spiritual lessons that Telbat infuses into each of his novels are the strengths of his novels.
Apart from the spiritual side of this novel, there is the usual action and adventure, fast-paced plot, and well-constructed novel. Titus seems to be more humorous in this one than previous. This adds a softening touch to the seriousness of their missions. It also allows the team, mainly Oleg and Titus, to get on better with each other, be the cohesive unit that they are and complement their strengths and weaknesses.
I would love to collate all of Titus' humorous one-liners about how "...it ain't easy being......" in the many aspects of his life and situations.
I am so looking forward to the next instalment in this series, Distant Harm, to be released later this year.
Highly Recommended.
World Building 5/5
Characterisation 5/5
Story 5/5
Spiritual Level 5/5
Enemy Spiritual Level 3/5
Overall Rating 4.6/5 Stars
January 4, 2021
Another late night because I camtputthe book down.
Good grief! D.I. Telbat is causing me to have a severe lack if sleep. Distant Front continues the COIL series, this time in China. This book take unexpected turns (like that is something new for Mr. Telbat? No) once again its a constant tension yet good things as well. Mr. Telbat certainly makes one consider their faith in God and how strong it is.
Good grief! D.I. Telbat is causing me to have a severe lack if sleep. Distant Front continues the COIL series, this time in China. This book take unexpected turns (like that is something new for Mr. Telbat? No) once again its a constant tension yet good things as well. Mr. Telbat certainly makes one consider their faith in God and how strong it is.
October 3, 2021
I don’t know how the author does it!?!
I read the first book in this series and I thought it was great, well researched story telling. This book number 2 is amazing in its characters and it’s illustrations of Christian faith in action. Totally unpredictable page turner! TY
I read the first book in this series and I thought it was great, well researched story telling. This book number 2 is amazing in its characters and it’s illustrations of Christian faith in action. Totally unpredictable page turner! TY
December 18, 2021
Fantastic and very much a Christian book!
January 15, 2024
Consistent in portraying Christian principles throughout the various characters who profess Christ
Too many novels of a "Christian" flavor adjust their characters to accommodate sin and compromise. D.I.Telbat has consistently portrayed the story's participants as flawed but desirous to grow and mature throughout the storyline. This is refreshing and hopeful, revealing the Savior i have come to know; the One who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. He (Jesus) saves to the uttermost and these novels are effective in showing lives transformed by interactive characterizations of Christian, seekers, and aggressive non-Christian people who must confront, battle, and live life: resolving various issues in traumatic and/or catastrophic situations. i am so delighted to have read these novels by D.I. Telbat.
Too many novels of a "Christian" flavor adjust their characters to accommodate sin and compromise. D.I.Telbat has consistently portrayed the story's participants as flawed but desirous to grow and mature throughout the storyline. This is refreshing and hopeful, revealing the Savior i have come to know; the One who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. He (Jesus) saves to the uttermost and these novels are effective in showing lives transformed by interactive characterizations of Christian, seekers, and aggressive non-Christian people who must confront, battle, and live life: resolving various issues in traumatic and/or catastrophic situations. i am so delighted to have read these novels by D.I. Telbat.
November 19, 2018
Inspiring
I didn't write a review for Book 1 because I couldn't wait to get into the next book. Having read the first 2 books I can honestly say I can't wait to start Book 3. These stories are inspiring. They are a nudge to get off the sideline. They are informative regarding what is happening to Christians in other areas of the world. There is a sense of humor in these characters along with love, forgiveness, mercy and the desire to share those qualities just as Jesus does. The adventures and antics of COIL agents are God willing. On to Book 3. God speed agents! Thank you.
I didn't write a review for Book 1 because I couldn't wait to get into the next book. Having read the first 2 books I can honestly say I can't wait to start Book 3. These stories are inspiring. They are a nudge to get off the sideline. They are informative regarding what is happening to Christians in other areas of the world. There is a sense of humor in these characters along with love, forgiveness, mercy and the desire to share those qualities just as Jesus does. The adventures and antics of COIL agents are God willing. On to Book 3. God speed agents! Thank you.
March 14, 2021
Like the rest of the series, perfect
Ongoing breathtaking action, constantly keeping our eyes on Jesus! Encouraging a closer walk with the Lord while keeping us deeply involved with the characters, and then drawing us to pray for the real missionaries in China, the real Bible smugglers, the real rescuers. David Telbat, God bless you! These books could be safely given to teenagers. They are clean, without graphic violence, no cursing. Just wonderful Christian reading!
Ongoing breathtaking action, constantly keeping our eyes on Jesus! Encouraging a closer walk with the Lord while keeping us deeply involved with the characters, and then drawing us to pray for the real missionaries in China, the real Bible smugglers, the real rescuers. David Telbat, God bless you! These books could be safely given to teenagers. They are clean, without graphic violence, no cursing. Just wonderful Christian reading!
April 6, 2019
Distant Front
I could hardly put this book down! It spoke to my heart! It made me ashamed of the way I live my life as a Christian! It made me want to get out and witness for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It made me want to fall on my knees and beg for forgiveness for not telling others about Jesus!
I could hardly put this book down! It spoke to my heart! It made me ashamed of the way I live my life as a Christian! It made me want to get out and witness for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It made me want to fall on my knees and beg for forgiveness for not telling others about Jesus!
January 5, 2018
Inspiring
I've enjoyed the fast pace and all of the characters. I like all of the religious reference's. Good story line.
I've enjoyed the fast pace and all of the characters. I like all of the religious reference's. Good story line.
January 25, 2019
Can't wait to read more from this author and I'm going to read all I can !
December 21, 2019
just keeps getting better
The storyline just leeps getting better. Now a new twist with some new characters so hold on to your seat bet is going to be a bumpy ride.
The storyline just leeps getting better. Now a new twist with some new characters so hold on to your seat bet is going to be a bumpy ride.
December 26, 2016
Breath Taking
I didn't think that Mr. Telbat could out do himself but he has. He keeps you on the edge of your seat page after page with realistic situations in the lives of ordinary followers of Jesus who do extraordinary things by His empowerment. I liked the good natured teasing between Titus and Oleg that is so common among agents and first responders. All of his books challenge my faith to grow and be proactive. But this one put me on my knees in renewal after I finished it. Perfect for the fresh start in the new year. If you are already a believer you will be thrilled to read this. If you are a seeker you will get a realistic view of what it truly means to follow Jesus. No one can read this book and say they were bored!!!!
I didn't think that Mr. Telbat could out do himself but he has. He keeps you on the edge of your seat page after page with realistic situations in the lives of ordinary followers of Jesus who do extraordinary things by His empowerment. I liked the good natured teasing between Titus and Oleg that is so common among agents and first responders. All of his books challenge my faith to grow and be proactive. But this one put me on my knees in renewal after I finished it. Perfect for the fresh start in the new year. If you are already a believer you will be thrilled to read this. If you are a seeker you will get a realistic view of what it truly means to follow Jesus. No one can read this book and say they were bored!!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews