Book 1 of this series is currently only 99¢. See HAVEN'S FLIGHT. Haven Ellingson has been stalked, kidnapped, and beaten by Dade. After her escape, he continued to torment her through threats and constant pursuit. Again she was able to break free, thinking the man had finally perished. But he’s back, now intent on destroying the life of another young girl and countless, misguided followers. And Haven is having none of it. Sometimes you hide from your attacker; sometimes you stand and fight.
This book is a good conclusion to the series, although Netherton does leave the door open for future novels involving the characters. A new character is introduced in Thea. Her story soon intersects with Haven's as Thea gets pulled into a dangerous cult lead by Haven's nemesis. Netherton has done her research, I think, and presents a realistic view of how one is taken in by a controlling leader and how that warped leader can twist Scripture to lure in susceptible people and control them. I was happy to see it also relates how people showing the true love of Christ can help those deceived. It is not an easy nor simple task, however. This is a good character driven novel exploring the psychological aspects of cult attraction in both innocent and evil people. There is a good deal of suspense included near the end as well as the possibility of a budding romance.
This is the third book in a series and I highly recommend reading the other two prior to this one. Major characters involved here originate from the previous novels and you will not be able to fully appreciate the plot until you know the entire story.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I should begin this review by saying that, until I got 9/10 of the way through reading Haven’s Fire I didn’t realize that I was reading a book in a series, and until I sat down to write my review, I had no idea that this is actually Book Three in The Hunted Series. (No, I didn’t look very closely at the cover, as I read it on an electronic device.)
That said, the book held together as a stand-a-lone surprisingly well. At a few points, I found myself thoroughly confused, but they were relatively small and, I imagine, would have been nonexistent had I read the first two books. The author did jump into most of the characters without much preamble or introduction, but not so much that I couldn’t enjoy the story or the people.
I must say, this is a rare instance where the title and the description of the book do not seem to match the story. I have no idea what Haven’s Fire has to actually do with the book, besides that there is a character, mostly in a supporting role, named Haven. Further, the description of the book seems to put Haven in a much larger role, doing far more then in the story. The story focused on Jesse and Thea, whose story I liked, but I never would have got that from the description.
The characters I found to be quite well done, the story captivating, and the writing style enjoyable. The visual illustration of the power of a cult, led by a seductive and enigmatic leader and the influence it can achieve, is a good message. Watching Thea get buried deeper and deeper into the net of rules and entrapment, the reader wants to pull her to safety, but almost justifies all the horrors along with her, as you see her mind twisted and led along.
Which brings me to my biggest complaint about the book, despite my enjoyment of it. While the author showed the cult very clearly, I wish that she had been more Biblically clear in her rebuttals. The leader of the cult used portions of Scripture or ideas from Scripture, twisting them in an expert and dangerous manner to mislead his followers. When, however, the Christians tried to reach the followers of the cult, they, in turn, rarely quoted Scripture themselves, which left an unbalanced argument, especially as the cult leader frequently went on for a few pages. The author frequently quoted a Scripture verse with the chapter header, but the people themselves rarely quoted any. As followers of Christ, Scripture is our authority and I left wishing that the Christian characters had quoted their Master more often, and saddened that they had not.
In conclusion, I enjoyed Haven’s Fire. I wish they had quoted more from the Bible, but I liked the characters and am glad to add them to my list of fictional friends. The story will certainly be one that stays with me.
The book is powerful, realistic and scary at the same time. The author does an incredible job of letting us enter a world where people are deceived by a man that controls them. It is the perfect picture of a cult. Dade is very persuasive and once again wants to reign terror on his followers. We met Jesse in a previous book in the series and I'm glad to have him join this story.
Jesse has come through some horrific times in his childhood. How do you forgive someone who tortured you as a child? i liked that Jesse was working on walking in forgivesness. He has a pure heart and when he meets Thea it is obvious that he is attracted to her. Jesse has had to overcome so much in his life and as he starts to suspect that Thea may be in danger she pulls away from him.
Thea has had a hard life and lives every day with the pain and scars her father did to her .She has always wanted to feel loved from a father and I think that was how easy she was to convince to follow the Spirit Way. She is naive to a point that she is easily taken in by this new group. I wanted to shake some sense into her and tell her to run as fast as she can away from Dade or Father Michael as he calls himself now. Why would she think it was alright to be told who she could be friends with? The scars she carries prevents her from trusting very easily until she is introduced to someone who has power over her.
The author does a great job of keeping the story moving at a good pace with intrigue that gave me chills. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know how Haven becomes involved in the story. She is one character that I'm glad is back and will become very vital to Thea. Haven knows the terror of what Father Michael is capable of. Jesse will lean on Haven to pray with him and help him try to save Thea before terror reigns on her. Jesse to me is the hero in this book because he is courageous and determined to stop a man from destroying another life. Hold on to your seat at this story rises with danger and explodes with an ending that you won't forget.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
When Dade re-emerges from the wilderness and settles in Seattle, intent on establishing a powerful cult following, Haven, Petter, and Jesse must protect their new friend, Thea, from his evil plans.
Haven Ellingson has been stalked, kidnapped, and beaten by Dade. After her escape, he continued to torment her through threats and constant pursuit. Again she was able to break free, thinking the man had finally perished. But he’s back, now intent on destroying the life of another young woman and countless, misguided followers. And Haven is having none of it.
Sometimes you hide from your attacker; sometimes you stand and fight.
My Thoughts: Author Dena Netherton, takes her readers into the life of a cult. This is a very powerful, captivating book. It kept my attention from the very beginning. The author brings out various emotions in the reader as well as teaching the ways of a cult organization.
Fast-paced adventure combined with romance gives this novel just the right ambiance for the storyline. The reader will learn to love and hate the characters while being kept on an emotional, suspenseful rollercoaster.
I truly enjoyed this novel, and I do suggest that the readers read the whole series, although you can read this book alone, but why miss out on such a wonderful series and writing.
Even though I received a copy of the whole series, my review schedule unfortunately didn't give me enough time to get through all of them before the tour for this one. While it wasn't too difficult to read it as a stand-alone, I would have liked to have read from the beginning to hear more of Haven and Jesse's stories. This was a highly engaging page-turner.
Cults have always intrigued me. I've always wondered how cult leaders are able to draw people in and completely brainwash them to fall under their control. Do the followers actually believe the lies they are told? How are they sucked in and what would it take to get them out? How do the cult leaders know what type of people to pursue? This story delves into the life of a young woman with desperate emotional needs, and shows how easily she could be manipulated by a cult. Luckily for her, she had a support system she didn't even realize she had. This was certainly not an easy book to put down!
I highly recommend this series to suspense fans and those intrigued with cults. It easily sucked me in and held my attention. This was the first time I read a book by this author but I'd be highly interested in reading more from her in the future!
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This series gave me chills of the best kind. I do recommend you read them all. While you can pick up this book and read it alone, the first two give you valuable insight into the characters and help show just how evil Dade is.
I can't remember ever reading a book where the characters become involved in a cult. While the idea gave me the heebie-jeebies, I kept reading because I needed to see Dade get what was coming to him. For my newly created awards list, Dade wins best villain.
Dena Netherton does a marvelous job of showing you how a powerfully charismatic man can take the word of God and twist it to meet his needs. From this, a cult arises. Dade knows exactly who to target and how to draw them in. I would consider this real-world fiction. While the story itself might be fiction, cults and their followings are real and they do affect people all over the world.
The action and suspense pull you deep into the story of Haven, Thea, and Jesse. You feel what they feel and understand what they think. Even when you disagree with their actions, you understand what brought them to this point.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Haven's Fire is Dena Netherton third book in the series. She wrote an amazing dramatic story that got you thinking about things. She takes us into a world with dark and sinister cults and how innocent people can get caught into them.
Thea, a young college student, who has experienced a traumatic event as a child is searching for a father figure. In the process of it, she gets caught up with a charismatic individual who is controlling her through humiliation, shunning and murder. "Haven's Fire" really goes into depth on dangerous cults which are led by a dangerous leader. Dena made her characters relatable. I felt so many emotions reading this book. I think the biggest emotion was fear and anger. This book also has a sweet romance thing going too. Woven into the story is the truth of the Bible. This dark novel shows encouragement, forgiveness, and faith. I would highly recommend reading the first two books first.
I received this eBook through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.
I'd give even more stars ... This was a real page turner. I read the first two in the series, and I HIGHLY recommend that you read those before you read this. The impact of the characters and what they have been through will not hit you as hard, if you don’t know the background. You can get the gist from the author’s summary here, but still, you don’t get the impact. For example, Jesse, who was under oppression most of his life is living his own life now, and when you read his background, you feel MUCH happier for him, when you see him again in this book. And when everything happens at the end, you DEFINITELY get the impact of it from reading the first two.
There might be some minor quibbles with writing style, some things might drag a bit maybe, but you know, I don’t care. It was such a great conclusion. I very happily give it 5 stars.
I received this book as a gift. I did not receive any compensation for an honest review, other than an excellent read.
"Haven’s Fire" by Dena Netherton is the third book in the series and I think a reader should read them in order just to get the full story.
"Haven’s Fire" is about cult activity and how lonely people and unsuspecting victims are lured into joining.
These books are fast paced and while reading them I was thinking these books are like the show "Criminal Minds".
These books are filled with danger and heart stopping scenes along with scenes of true love.
This series is one that I would recommend to older teens along with adults that likes suspense and stories that are fiction but deals with the ugly facts of "real life". I said that last sentence because we all know cults do exists but we sometimes like to pretend that they don't.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are mine own
Haven’s Fire is the third installment of “The Hunted” series. In this installment, Dade is back pretending to be Father Michael and seeking to create a cult of followers. We first meet Thea at the beginning of this third book in her father’s funeral home as a young girl. Her father has her hide in a casket and pretend to be dead. In the meantime, bad men come to get her father. As they take her father away, they set fire to the funeral home. Thea manages to escape but carries those memories with her. Years later, Thea and Jesse meet in Seattle at the college they both attend.
This book includes adventure, Christian beliefs, cults, evil and more. It is definitely a book worth reading, but I definitely recommend reading the first two books in the series first. Without the first two books, you may find yourself lost and wondering what is going on in this story.
Thea is a young college student who experienced a horrible trauma in her childhood. Searching for a father figure, she is caught up in the web of a charismatic individual who controls through humiliation, shunning and murder. Is she destined to be so involved in this cult, that she loses her own identity? The third book in this series brings the reader wonderful release but not before it has you looking behind every bush and refusing to walk alone in the dark! I recommend you don't read these three books in the evening when you are home alone, but you really don't want to miss them. I received this ARC through Write Integrity Press and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.
A suspenseful, tense and dramatic story that draws the reader in deep and leaves an indelible impression. The author does a remarkable job of portraying the dark and sinister nature of cults and the unwitting involvement of innocents caught in a carefully spun web of deceit. All is not dark though this novel includes a snippet of young romance and the encouragement of giving and receiving true forgiveness. This one is not for the faint of heart but will definitely keep the reader considering where their allegiances lie. Interesting, to be sure.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Wow- what a punch this book packed! I have never read a book that goes so in depth to a dangerous cult led by a very dangerous leader like this book did, and it was definitely eye-opening. The characters were so easy to relate to, and I really felt their emotions from fear, to betrayal, to anger, and more. The romance within was sweet and light, and it was enjoyable to watch unfold. The truth of the Bible found within that truly only God can fully satisfy us was beautifully displayed. The action found within was enough to keep me on my toes and keep reading. I feel like this was a story that needed to be told, and I felt like the suspense, romance, and just plain truth found within were all woven together to make a beautiful book. Don't miss Haven's Fire!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
Thea father died when she was very young. There was men after him and they end up involved with her years later. She doesn’t know who they are. Thea goes to college and gets involved in a cult. We just never know how people can influence us.
Thea meets Jesse who plays music at a local hangout. They become friends. He is actually the good guy. But she is not so sure.
This is my first book by the author. I found it very interesting. A fast reading book. There is two books before this one that I will have to read. I do look forward to reading them.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review.
This is book three, the final book in this series and it's a strong story. You need to read the entire series so that you aren't lost, and so you don't miss a thing! Herein lies a suspense story, filled with cults parallels against the truth of God's love. It's a nice contrast. I really have enjoyed this series, and I think it's worth reading.
My copy is via Celebrate Lit. My review is my own, left of my own free will.
If the goal as Dena states is "to write stories compelling enough to keep you ‘up all night'" reading then she has succeeded! Once I began the journey into Haven's Fire [Book 3 in The Hunted series] it was easy to get lost in wanting to know what would happen next and how the people were going to make it through such difficulties. Dena does an excellent job of character development and weaving real life issues and locations into her fiction. I highly recommend The Hunted series.
My thoughts on Haven's Fire: First, this is the third book in a series. It can be read alone, but definitely makes more sense when you read it in the series order. I did receive ebooks of all three books to read. They're a great series and I loved reading the first two to give me more depth to the characters and background that is skimmed over in the third book.
I have not had any personal encounters with cults, but I have read several books that include cults or fanatic groups within them. That being said I think this book really delved into the inner workings of not only the leader's mind but also how people become involved. We always say " oh I'd never fall for that" but how do you really know unless you're placed in that situation? You don't.
Reading this book gave me lots to think about. I attend a non-denominational Christian church. But I am a skirt wearing woman, not because I feel the Bible or religion says I have to but because it makes me feel feminine. I do often get stared at and asked if I'm xyz religion especially when they see me out and about with my 11 children!
I recommend Haven's Fire and the entire series to everyone to read. There is lots of great suspense and even a hint of mystery. I loved the depth we got to know the characters and how their eyes were opened. It's also "funny" how they don't see that their two people are one and the same because Haven is out of the situation while Thea is within the throws.
Thea is misguided and gets the cruelest wakeup call imaginable. She also has her doubts about Father Michael and his group but they are forced out of her mind with her immense need to please this man. This, of course, stems from her father letting her down in the worst way. And the fact that her scars don't matter to Father Michael. They don't matter to Jesse either but she's not ready to hear about this forgiveness he's learning about. Oh and add in the suitcase of money and it's just a great plot going on!