Fallen Warriors

by Mark Anderson Smith

In the city of York, a young woman dies in a tragic accident but is mysteriously brought back to life. As she attempts to find out and understand what happened, a terrorist group plans the largest attack the West has ever seen.
A group of ordinary people find themselves drawn together, fallen warriors called to stand and fight, but will they stand or will they fall?
A homeless man running from his past…
A detective unaware he’s being watched…
A thief who stole from the wrong man…
A woman intent on removing her Pastor…
A young girl questioning her faith…
A man disturbed by terrifying visions…
With a large cast of characters and multi-threaded stories all woven together, this Christian thriller has had advanced readers desperate for each new chapter.

Genres: Christian Fiction

500 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2017

Reviews

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read Christian thriller about ordinary people from all walks of life, like you and me, caught up in a well planned terrorist plot to take over modern day York in England as a stepping stone to rule the world. In stages Mark carefully introduces the characters, many of whom find themselves in apparently unsolvable situations as the story unfolds.

At every turn Mark keeps us guessing but with satisfactory annoyance we are compelled to read on. Edge of the seat stuff! Craftily though Mark affords us the opportunity to sit back and reflect in peace on the underlying faith theme.

Enjoy
Don

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb Thriller, bringing together the possibilities of what could happen in our country today. Introducing the characters in a unexpected and gripping way which makes you want to know more about them and how they fit into the story. The very real threat of terrorism in our lives today is balanced with the Christian faith and how empowering it is. Once you start to read you are kept in suspense as to what is going to happen next in the lives of the diverse and interesting individuals.
This book is compulsive reading and as the plot opens up I couldn't lay it down. One of the best Christian thrillers I have read.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with a number of unexpected twists, especially liked the detail into the characters which played a big part on how they responded to what was happening in their lives, all tied in with a plot that is current, it could happen!
A clever challenge to our faith, how would we respond to God revealing something to us? recommend reading it to find out.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was unusual, thought-provoking and gripping.

[Dan King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Mark's third full length novel (I think - unless I have already lost count!) and his writing style continues to strengthen and improve.

I am very impressed with the range of characters he has been able to create and the various different perspectives he has been able to present. To be able to get into the minds of different kinds of people from different backgrounds like this is a real gift (although no doubt one that Mark has also worked very hard on!) I don't think I have this gift and I can't help but feel impressed by anyone who exhibits it. For the most part I found his characters believable and relatable to, but the sheer number of characters involved did sometimes mean that there wasn't space for very much depth. Also, I did occasionally find some of the dialog a little stilted.

Mark's novels tend to focus quite strongly on keeping the reader engaged through the power of the cliff-hanger. He has become very good at this and it does make the book feel fast-paced and sometimes very difficult to put down. At times though I found this a little frustrating and it did sometimes seem a little cliched. I found it particularly frustrating at the end of the novel as I had been anticipating a little more closure (I hope that isn't too much of a spoiler, but it may help some readers to enjoy the ending a bit more than I did!)

Apart from being a kind of adventure novel, the book is also about the Christian faith, the power of the gospel, and some of the ways in which God can work in ordinary people's lives. Mark has dealt with some very tricky subjects - including the supernatural - and on the whole I think he has done a good job. I also like the way he has tried to present his characters' flaws, weaknesses, uncertainties and insecurities as they try to make sense of their experiences and their lives.

I was a little disappointed though, that the only Muslim characters we got to know in the story were either terrorists or doubting their faith. In real life there are a lot more categories and I would have liked to see a more positive role in the story for - or at least a bit more insight into the thinking of - those Muslims who are very happy with what they believe, but are very much not into killing those they disagree with!

Several other reviewers have commented on how realistic the story was, but on this point I have to disagree. The book centres around a terrorist plot, the scale and nature of which I personally thought was *very* unrealistic.

Terrorism is a very real and present threat in our nation at the moment - as the recent bombing in Manchester has exemplified - which leads to a lot of fear and suspicion, making it very difficult to keep a proper sense of perspective. My biggest criticism of this book is that the perspective it gives on the scale of this risk seems to me to be very skewed, in a way that unnecessarily increases this fear - as indeed seems to be attested to by some of the other reviews.

[Trudy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christian thriller. It seems an unusual genre and yet Mark has woven a modern day story full of all the thriller standards any reader relishes with an undeniable Christian principle.
Set in the beautiful and historic city of York, Fallen Warriors blends the lives of a wide cast of varied and believable characters whose seemingly disparate lives become connected and caught up in a scarily possible terrorist threat to the city.
Mark's story gives true insight into the different mindsets any Christian can face in their life of faith, from trusting God completely, to doubting His very existence. Alongside this the reader is also introduced to followers of the Islamic faith, some at odds in their understanding of how a Muslim should lead their lives.
The plot gains more momentum as the threat to the city becomes more imminent. The pace in the final chapters becomes frenetic and it becomes impossible to put the story down. The conclusion leaves you breathless and desperate for more.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, in a way, such a dramatic and convincing Christian psychological thriller is maybe one of the best stimulants for the awakening of Christians to the awareness of the the mission God assigned to each of his followers in the present tormented society - to serve the community in all possible circumstances, culminating with those that threaten even the survival of innocent people, by following his most wise guidance.
We are living in times in which, maybe more than ever, people are prompted to question themselves about the most essential values and principles of life and are challenged to start fighting for them. Mark Anderson Smith's book has the great merit of clearly portraying this reality, as also suggesting the always underlying divine plan of an omnipotent and loving Father, that never hesitates to help the persons of good-will honestly appealing to him, never counting their weaknesses or worldly position...

[Moira Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this Christian thriller to be both disturbing and intriguing. Disturbing because a similar terrorist attack could happen at any time in any of our cities and intriguing because I couldn't wait to find out what happened to all the diverse characters whose lives are skilfully interwoven as the story progresses.From a Christian point of view it is salutary to note how familiar passages impinge on someone who comes to the Bible for the very first time with fresh questions and comments.
The book is well written and we are made aware of the increasing tension as the planned attack comes ever closer.

[Mary Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Fast moving plot with lots of different characters and a very topical storyline. It was definitely a page turner and I now can't wait for the sequel! A couple of things would make it an even better read. I didn't feel as if I got to know the main characters as well as I would like. I like to get involved with the people in the books I read. And much as I now want to get the next book to find out what happened, I did feel that it did have an unfinished feel. I suppose I like stories to be neat and tidy and all tied up at the end!
Overall though, it is a good book and well worth a read.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

Fallen Warriors by Mark Smith is a thought provoking read that grips you from the first chapter. The characters capture you from the start & leave you looking for more as the story unfolds. At the end of season one you are left on a cliff hanger of action, suspense & faith. A story that could be a realistic journey for anyone living in the age of culture & terrorism that face the UK & Europe. Who will the true warriors be? Will good overcome evil? Will terrorism win? Intrigued you should be, download Fallen Warriors & you won't be disappointed!

[Bobbie Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Smith’s writing is gripping and pacey. ‘Fallen Warriors’ is a real page-turner with a totally believable plot, right up there with all that is on everyone’s hearts concerning terrorism today.
His characters are well-drawn and I engaged with them. For this reason, I would have liked a more conclusive ending, in particular a deeper transformation for Danny, whom I saw as the main character. Nevertheless, an excellent novel.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Victoria Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down!

I couldn't put this book down. It begins fast paced introducing a lot of characters. I quickly got into the different characters lives, wondering how they were going to be brought together later in the story. This book is a good, easy read, leaving me with a slight sense of fear as this story could so easily be reality.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
The plot and characters caught and held my attention throughout. Their lives were woven together in some expected and some unexpected ways. I especially enjoy stories that are not completely predictable and this wasn't one of those.
I can't wait to read season 2!

[Robert Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good storyline; very though provoking given the recent events in Westminster.
The story is also well written with a number of twists in the plot which are unexpected and keep interest levels high.
Well worth a read.

[Isabel]

Currently reading it and it is brilliant. I am thoroughly enjoying it............

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying the book. The different strands, themes and characters are skillfully woven together into a shocking, inspiring, entertaining, and very relevant story for the times we live in.

[Chip Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought-provoking and complex plot, fast-moving and enjoyable to read.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping book...scary how real it could be. The way the characters are interwoven through their own chapters and brought together has been done very well. A great read.

[John Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic/Realistic/Gripping - and I'm only halfway through what is sure to be one of the best thrillers I have read recently.

[Richard Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t do a lot of reading but coming from a Christian author with a free copy to read in exchange for a review I decided to give it a go and am really glad I did. I was just two chapters in and hooked, very readable with a good topical storyline in fact the further on in the book I got the more engrossed I became. Knowing York pretty well and with so much detail of where incidents were taking place I could visualise the scene before them. It was a shame the end arrived so abruptly but as a sequel is being worked on I wait with great anticipation.

If the people of York new such a gripping yarn was set in their midst they would be queuing up for it. Well done Mark.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Mark has given us a book to challenge some of our concepts and stir your thoughts, not often the case in Christian books. Here is a good clean thriller with out overstated or unnecessary violence. For a story demonstrating the power of prayer plus salvation then this is for you.

[John Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this; it's been a long time in the making, and in the interests of full disclosure, Smith is a good friend of mine. I was also quite apprehensive; what if, after all this effort, it was a steaming pile of crap? I was proud to hold an actual, paper copy of this in my hand, but we've all seen the downside of self-publishing. What if, were it that bad, it didn't even burn very well?

Bad it is not, in fact it's good. I may be a friend but I'm also the last person you'd ask for an opinion unless you were looking for criticism. I'll get stuck in and you can paint the picture yourself.

It's hard to categorise this book. It's a thriller I guess, but the action certainly gets going, and Smith keeps up with the pace. It's a character ensemble with a large cast, and despite knowing who a couple of them would be, every time someone new appeared I wondered where their paths would go, and how long before they came back into it, as most of them did. Some of them are a bit thin, but they are all distinct, and I didn't spot any continuity problems. It is said of Tarantino's characters that they are allowed to talk to each other about things that do not directly further the plot. If we extend that concept to their thoughts and actions, then there are a few points scored here.

Factually there is a fair bit in there, and either Smith is knows his onions or he's a great liar. Sometimes it's just a wealth of small details that make the background to a scene, but that aspect is solid.

The writing I thought was good, with very few cliches, and it brought the scenes, characters and narrative to life. There's a smattering of random grammatical or punctuation errors if you want something to look out for, but the potential complexity of the numerous threads are balanced well. While Smith is not quite rubbing shoulders with Edna O'Brien, he has written a book that makes you want to read another chapter, then another.

So, the plot. It's a book on several levels, but essentially it is one answer to the question, how would God stop a terrorist attack? On the surface, you might expect a simple good-vs-evil tale a bit like Constantine but without the monsters, but that would do this book a disservice. The eponymous fallen warriors are all different, but they are all caught by crises of faith, and in this we even find the bad guys swept up; on this latter count I thought the depiction on radicalisation was handled well. These disparate tales play out well, and for the most part I was pleasantly surprised to watch them develop. This is a book where God is the ultimate force for good, acted out by the various players, so in that you can expect to read a great deal about Him. This goes pretty well although I found some parts in the second half a bit too tambourine for me, despite good portrayals of religious skeptics, possibly even on the same page. That said, you could know nothing of the Bible and still enjoy this story. If you've read anything by Michael Crichton then you know that a book can have parts that are a bit indulgent, but on the other hand if you're the sort of person who is going to read this with your NIV next to you, you'll no doubt revel in the details great and small. Spoiler: there's no Monty Python-style giant foot coming down from the clouds to smite the deserving.

A good book needs three things in my mind: credible characters, decent writing, and a plot that is strong enough to carry it all. The litmus test for the latter is whether the setting could be changed with minimal impact on the rest (think early William Gibson vs. later). Smith scores well on all counts and has produced a book that draws you in, with more than enough depth to its little world that you want to follow its arc.

[Lillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

My policy is to review every book I finish but to abandon any book I'm not enjoying. That means I seldom write negative reviews--if I'm not enjoying the book I usually abandon it before I have read enough to write a review.

I was enjoying this book up until the end. I was so engrossed in it I told a friend about it and commented that it would surely be a 5-star review. The plot is complex but compelling; the characters are many and diverse; the faith element is powerful but not forced. I like everything about it--until it ends in a cliffhanger.

Spoiler: The story stops in the middle of a terrorist attack. No warning--it just stops. I hate cliffhangers; I feel totally cheated by the author. I have invested hours and emotions in this story, then I don't find out what happens. I believe a book has a beginning, a middle, and an end--a conclusion. There is no conclusion here.

If you are one of those readers who love cliffhangers, this book is for you. If, on the other hand, you are like me and find cliffhangers offensive, this one won't appeal to you.

I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I found this book confusing. I am the sort of person who hates a TV programme which jumps around from one person to the next. However, I found that I could not stop reading this book on my Kindle.

As the characters emerged, I found myself making judgements about them only for those decisions to be challenged later in the book. I wasn’t sure who I supported and it did change as I progressed. This was not a simple story of heroes and villains.

As someone who has lived in York for almost 35 years, it was good to have a feeling for the place, and even to discover some things that I did not know existed! The idea of setting it in York was inspired. It is not the sort of place usually associated with this kind of story.

There were enough tense moments in the narrative to keep me reading, with other times to catch my breath. The ending moved particularly quickly.

I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Louisa Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. I felt that the author did a brilliant job in creating realistic characters in ordinary situations, but there is nothing ordinary when the extraordinary is at work.

The various set ups were tricky to keep jumping between initially and concerning the characters it took a while to like them and wanting to see what happened to them but the themes were so compelling that you wanted to know just how things were going to plan out.

I found the best part of the novel and a little unsettling was the way the Priest had to discipline a church member. Uncomfortable because of how often you see church members work like this or hear about it but I thought the author was utterly brilliant at explaining the situation from a different angle.

I now need to know what happens next....

[Scott Eberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been severely disappointed with most contemporary Christian fiction, but Fallen Warriors has proven to be an exception. The story was gripping and inspiring. The character development and plot devices were realistic. The prose was excellent. I look forward to more Christian fiction from this author.

[Caroline Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real page turner of a book containing a wonderful cast of characters. Within these pages you'll find characters you can identify with - either reminding you of yourself or people you know. I can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel!

[L.G. Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend lent me this book and I have to say at first, I wasn't sure where it was heading but that was the beauty of it. Its characters and interesting plot lines kept me interested, and the themes explored were something just a little bit different from my usual reading material. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something refreshing and thought provoking.