Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.
The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.
Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.
Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Can we say upping the ante Batman? Everything Ronie Kendig is known for, witty banter between team member, intricate plots with twists and turns, conspiracies, intrigues—it’s all within these pages ten fold. And good thing this is fiction or all the conspiracy theorists would be on high alert😅. Make sure to read book 1 though! Now I’m marking days off my calendar for book three to see how this epic story ends.
A great book that builds on the prior one and series. Filled with twists and I'm eager to see where the series goes next. Ronie is one of the best when it comes to military/international thrillers with a supernatural twist.
Kings Falling is a labyrinth of a story that kept me turning pages as fast as I could without coming up for air! Ronie Kendig has crafted a unique and enthralling thriller of a story with high stakes, believable circumstances, and a team you would want to covering your 6.
This is the kind of book that’s best read in sequence with the first book, Storm Rising. The pace of Kings Falling never lets up – with almost whiplash impact, Leif, Iskra, and the team travel the globe to put together fragments of truth about the famed Book of the Wars. Seeing the team reunited and learning more about some of my favorites was just a bonus (I’m talking Mercy, Lawe and Pete, and even Cell). Getting a peek into their perspectives every now and then added more layers and tension (ahem, CELL) to the events happening. I really, REALLY hope book 3 will complete some of these hinted story trails!
I’m intrigued – though not at all surprised – with the way Kendig has crafted this story. Every tiny detail is important to the whole, and the cohesion of the plot and of the characters on the page is riveting. I was, in turn, surprised, delighted, frustrated, humored, mad, and even impressed; sometimes all in the same paragraph 😉! The psychological dimensions and growth of Leif and Iskra were my favorite.
I highly recommend this story to any fans of military suspense, thrillers, or action-packed, team-centric drama. November and Soul Raging (book 3) can’t come soon enough!
Thank you to the publisher, Bethany House, for the review copy. This is my honest review.
One word to describe Ronie Kendig's books: Intense. With a capital I.
Kings Falling was even better than book one in the series, Storm Rising. I can't wait to see what book three will hold! From page one I was drawn back into the story and finished it in a matter of hours. My one complaint: that cliffhanger! How will I survive until October brings book three?
I loved the evolution of Leif and Iskra's relationship in this one. A lot of the physical attraction and rather heated kisses that annoyed me in the first book was replaced by a deeper mutual respect and falling in love between the two characters. Leif's character arc in this book was very intense, ending with that annoying\awesome cliffhanger that leaves you literally on the edge of your seat and you're not even sure which side he's on anymore. Iskra has really matured in this book, and I found that I actually like her now and am able to relate and empathize with her.
The story is never-ending suspense. The plot wraps up nicely by the end of the book, while still leaving the overarching story to be finalized in the last book of the series. (It bears mentioning again: THAT CLIFFHANGER. Beware.)
My overall thoughts . . . I'M DYING FOR BOOK THREE. If you love inTENSE suspense, romance, and paramilitary themes, definitely dig into The Book of the Wars series! You won't regret it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Ronie Kendig has done it again! This story is amazing. I had really high expectations for Kings Falling and I am happy to say that this story totally exceeded them! I loved everything about it. The camaraderie, the action, Leif, the growth of key relationships, the wonderfully creative storyline, and did I mention, Leif? Ronie Kendig writes the best male characters.
There is not a whole lot I can say about this story without getting into spoiler territory. So, what I will say is this, there are so many twists and turns in this story and so many things I totally did not see coming. I was on the edge of my seat from the very first page to the very last page. I cannot wait to find out what happened to Leif during those missing months. I am so glad that we do not have that long of a wait for Soul Raging, which comes out in November! I cannot wait to see how this series plays out.
Ronie Kendig is the most consistently amazing author I have ever read. Her always creative, addictive stories, and her characters are why she is my absolute favorite author.
I finished reading this book 2 days ago and am not only still reeling from the incredible story but am seriously considering picking it up to read again tonight! Yes, it is that good! Kings Falling is book 2 of the series The Book of the Wars and it does not disappoint! This is definitely a series, in my opinion, that you need to read in order. But never fear, book 1 was phenomenal too! Kings Falling starts off right where book 1 ends and it is filled with action, twists and turns, WOW moments and a story line that simply blows you away in how well it is written and carried out. And the end of the book has me wishing book 3 was already released! Ronie Kendig has, once again, created a story that is as intense as it is well written. This story wreaked havoc on my sleep! Leif and his team, Reaper, need to locate the book. But right now they are working on locating guardians that are prophesied in the book. Reaper is trying to take down these agents/guardians but quickly find themselves outgunned. Tensions rise as things get more and more intense for the team. Frienships are tested and the team could be torn apart. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review.
"He pulled her spine to his chest and tightened his arms around her. Crushed her close. Anything so he didn't pummel her with apologies and let her see his brokenness, the terror that had claimed his soul."
What an incredible thrilling adventure with the Reaper team! This sequel to Storm Rising takes the team all over the world as it seeks to recover that elusive Book of the Wars from the hands of the villain and to neutralize the band of super-soldiers dubbed Neiothen before they become activated to do the villain's biddings. The first book is a must-read before starting this one because it lays out all the background information and this book adds delicious details and major plot twists to that background. Reading this book is like tasting and savoring one layer of a scrumptious three-tier cake at a time, loving how each ingredient and flavor meld to make a beautiful creation and trembling with excitement and anticipation at what the next layer will hold.
The plot is fast-paced with plenty of action, adrenaline, and suspense. The team's banter and camaraderie are fun and hysterical. The secondary characters, like Peyton, Adam, Mercy, and Cell, become more solidified in this book and it was truly a pleasure to get to know the other team members better. And, wow, the plot twists had my head spinning and it's still spinning days after finishing the story. Leif and Iskra, of course, are still the main characters of the series and I can't wait to see where Ronie Kendig will take us in the final book of the series.
If you enjoy paramilitary romantic suspense/thriller, you will absolutely love this book and the series. No one does it better than Ronie Kendig! I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Is it possible to give this more than 5 stars? This definitely deserves more than 5! Wow! This book will take you on a wild ride right from page one! Every time I thought I had it figured out something new would come along. It was so good! Ronie Kendig does such an excellent job writing stories that pack a punch. There was an incredible amount of detail in this book! I loved the way the characters interacted with each other. This book has me begging for book 3!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
You know, I feel like I’m running out of adjectives to describe Ronie Kendig’s writing. You must know by now how much I love her writing, her creativity, and her heart-pounding action. King’s Falling is no exception.
The story begun in Storm Rising continues with heart-pounding action, a bit of passion, and a whole lotta tension, and true to her tagline (Rapid-Fire Fiction), it doesn’t stop. Kendig finds ways to honor God, military/paramilitary, and human growth and compassion in sometimes subtle but always beautiful ways.
I loved, loved, LOVED this story, and am anxious for Soul Raging, coming in November!!
If you're looking for a nice, cozy, meandering story... put the book down. You are about to enter the world of spec ops and a thrill that will leave you gasping for air. Ronie Kendig NEVER gives away more than she needs to as her plot masterfully unfolds amid high adrenaline chases and mysteries. But there are tender moments also, for those who love a bit of romance (and I admit that I do). I love the banter between the characters, the sense of comradery. This book is another incredible story and I can't wait for the next one. This book is another unpredictable thrill ride and well worth my time.
These are the myriad thoughts stampeding across my mind after reading Kings Falling…
I know (personally) how much time and effort goes into writing a novel. The blood, sweat and tears. The dedication, creative prowess, and all THE WORK. And I respect the level of creative juices that Kendig so obviously poured into Kings Falling, but…there are some things. I know that I’m the oddball out in my feelings after reading 5-star review after 5-star review, but that doesn’t change how I felt during and after I read KF.
#1 Connection // I did not feel connected to Leif or Iskra at all, which was terrible. I remember liking both characters in Storm Rising, rooting for them and their relationship, but in KF, I got nothing. Nada. I didn’t like Leif, I didn’t really feel like I got to experience HIM, as a character. He was unreadable and stone-cold and…strange. Which I understand was part of his character evolving with the plot, but I didn’t feel like I wanted to root for him, I wanted to fire him as an MC. I had more of a reader/character to Payton and Adam than anyone else--and they were secondary characters. I felt like I was getting more military intel and slang/abbreviations than meaningful connections. The way character interactions went over the course of the book typically felt like it does when you walk into a room and no one gives you eye-contact. It’s weird, vague, and feels like something is off. People are distant and unreachable, and every possibly meaningful interaction gets cut off right when it was about to get good. That’s kinda how the characters (apart from Peyton and Adam) felt in KF.
#2 Information // The level of information relayed in KF was (for me) just mind-blowingly expansive. I could hardly keep up—correction—I couldn’t keep up with the amount of information being thrown at me. I honestly couldn’t track. Which leads me to #3
#3 Character Count // Maybe it’s because I read Storm Rising many months ago and wasn’t refreshed on the character list, but when Kings Falling started, I was asking myself who everyone on the team was. I couldn’t remember certain characters, especially with the way they are referred to by first name, then last name, then their military call sign—yikes! I couldn’t keep them straight. I didn’t know that Braun was even a woman until almost the end of the book, and each time she was referred to as a woman, I was like, “What? I didn’t know Braun was a woman!” And that was just the main characters. An overwhelming amount of fringe dues and dudette’s got introduced so rapidly, my head was spinning. Add to that the amount of information being dumped on me, I got irritated with how much information was descending on me, as a reader, who felt like I’d built a house on sand, not stone, and was being washed away into the sea because I didn’t have secure footing/foundation. Which leads me to #4
#4 Plot Pacing // For points 2 & 3, you’d think the rate the plot was moving, would be fast. I felt as though, until almost the 3/4 mark, the plot was quite slow. A few explosions and “taking fire” moments don’t make a plot feel like it’s moving forward. After a while, gunfire gets repetitive & starts to feel like a garbled kind of white noise, more than the action you’re hoping for as a reader. So, as I was saying, for a thriller, I felt the pacing of KF was overall, pretty slow. The ominous carrot of information and discovery was always being dangled just out of reach, which I don’t mind, but for a whole book? No. You may be asking, “Why are you referencing not having enough information when you JUST said there was too much of it?” It’s because the over-information mentioned was crazy high analytical intel (kinda like being told to remember a book full of numbers) that didn’t have a launch/landing pad my mind. I had NO referencing point in which to store the information, so, like all information that doesn’t have a firm mental holding place, it went in one ear and out the other. I was hoping for more personal details on Leif and Iskra and the others to ground me to them, the plot, etc., but the information we got was mostly technical info like “We’re going after our next target—Kelly Finnegan who is a corporal in the DOD but is working undercover for Helli Energy Solutions in Hawaii, and her call sign is Blackbird.” Nice information and all, but I was looking for more personal/emotional information that would help me feel like I was EXPERIENCING a character and what it felt like to BE THEM throughout the book. And yes, I picked up on that at a few points in the book, I’m not saying it never happened, but…it honestly didn’t take place enough for me to have felt like I was really there experiencing the plot. It irked me how the theme of the book was “let’s go stop this attack before it happens” and then the group goes, doesn’t stop the attack, they seem to have accumulated no actual information to further their investigation, they’re left asking how it went down, and they couldn’t stop it…and then this same scenario is repeated, but in a different city, with a different crowd, and the same general cluelessness amongst the ranks of the team. There was so much information in the pages of this book, but the amount of useful information as a reader (and that it seemed the team in the book) was digesting, was not high.
>>>>Some SPOILERS BELOW<<<<< For how much information we received (point #2) I don’t feel like the plot actually advanced enough by the end of the book. I mean, didn’t we all suspect Leif was an ArC super soldier from the beginning when we were told he had six missing months and the military was hiding something from him? He couldn’t remember what took place during those months—we all knew he’d been experimented on and had his memory wiped, so why…why was the confirmation dangled as “THE BIG JUICY CARROT” for the whole first book, then the second, and that’s it? I was hoping for SO MUCH MORE!!! So much more. And maybe I’m just not super into the whole Sci-Fi world, and it actually happens a lot, but the first thing I thought when I heard about the ArC soldiers being audibly activated with a code, or a phrase—all I could think about was in the Captain America movie when Bucky gets activated, and it just seemed...off. Maybe it happens all the time in Science Fiction, but I just…this girl just wasn’t buying it. >>>>>>SPOILERS CONCLUDED<<<<<
I respect the effort and time put into this book. In a creative capacity, it is quite incredible. I respect Kendig as an author—& I’ll continue to read her books (which I always rate highly) because she is a literary genius—and I TRULY mean that. She is brilliantly gifted in the creative department, and the character growth/interactions I’ve read in her books have been over-the-top incredible. However, this book just felt far too ambiguous and head-spacey, and I felt like it wasn’t pulled down from the creative cloud in a way that was digestible and enjoyable to me as a reader. As I said at the beginning of my review, I know I’m in the minority for my thoughts on KF. But…they are what they are. I don’t have a grudge against this book or hate it—I don’t. It just (for the reasons shared here) really didn’t make me want to dance a happy jig as a reader. Which is fine. Every book is not for every reader, and I understand that.
“I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.”
Kings Falling is written in Ronie Kendig’s signature “rapid-fire fiction” style. Fast-paced with conspiracies, suspense, on-the-move action, the Reaper team is set to hunt down the Book of the Wars.
This book will take you around the world (Egypt, Maryland, Afghanistan, Virginia, and other places) as the reader joins the team in searching for clues that will unveil the mystery around the Book of the Wars. Ms. Kendig will give you suspense, action, and a bit of romance in between it all.
If you’re a Ronie Kendig fan, it isn’t a question of if you’ll pick up Kings Falling but when. I’d suggest now to continue the story from Storm Rising. If you’ve never read Ronie Kendig, now’s your chance with this new series. Dive in and enjoy the stormy waters. 🙂
*I received an ARC through NetGalley from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
Just, whoa! This book took me on the wildest ride and then dropped me off a cliff. Book three cannot get here fast enough for me! Ronie Kendig is the queen of rapid-fire writing and globe trotting action. If you haven’t started this newest series yet what are you doing? Just make sure you’ve got 911 on speed dial before you get going. Reaper is back in action and things are getting real, fast. Despite their best efforts they always seem to be a step behind the Neothen and the consequences are international in proportion.
Prepare yourself for a binge read. There is enough action, intrigue and romance here that putting the book down won’t even be an option. The absolute best part of this book though, are the awesome female characters. These women are truly amazing and demand as much respect as their male counterparts. I can’t wait to see what insanity Kendig has in store for the finale!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
have been a Ronie Kendig fan since her debut novel released and I have read every one of her military fiction books that have graced our shelves ever since! That being said this book didn’t quite hit the mark for the high expectations I have of her books. It still had all the things we’ve come to expect from a Kendig novel, high-paced action, buckets of intrigue and mystery, and intense characters with so much story to reveal. Since this book is a continuation of book one we were already introduced to everyone but there was still so much more to learn about them all. Leif is still battling the demons of his past that he can’t identify and Iskra is figuring out what her life looks like now. The team provided a plethora of other characters with their own unique personalities. Several of them were given their own POV at various times throughout the book, and while it was good to get to know the team better it felt like a bit too much at times to have so many different viewpoints. The team spends this book continuing to hunt for the Book of Wars and to stop those connected to it. Their chase around the globe provided lots of different locales as well as a lot of action scenes which are Kendig’s trademark. I will say at times it was hard to determine the reasoning behind some of their actions and there seemed to be some plot holes that left me questioning some things. Also, the overuse of certain phrases bugged me a bit, but that was probably something only my detail oriented self noticed. It was good to get some more of the puzzle pieces in place for the overarching story and with how this book ended I am very interested to see how the third book wraps things up! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh. My. Once again Ronie Kendig leaves me utterly speechless and reeling with a cliffhanger ending that blew my socks off and left my heart stuck in my throat. My brain is screaming, and my eyes can’t even blink. I need CPR. I might need a defibrillator.
Kings Falling continues the secret ops adventures of Leif Metcalfe and his team Reaper. In a race to stop Armageddon, Reaper must find the Book of Wars and eliminate unwitting agents who are being activated as assassins, but by whom? Meanwhile, Leif struggles with his own memory loss, night terrors, and strange flashes of what seems to be someone else’s memories. How can Leif pursue a relationship with Iskra, who has secrets of her own, when he isn’t sure what is happening to him and could potentially harm her or her daughter?
Kings Falling is a must-read for every adventure seeker, every Indiana Jones explorer, everyone who has ever been captivated by Ronie Kendig’s books in the past. You will never be disappointed by Kendig, although you will be in hung-over trance when you close the final chapter!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig gives readers more of everything we’ve come to expect from her novels. More death-defying action, more amazing characters like Leif Metcalf and Iskra Torodova, more danger, and much more inner conflict. But note that this novel ends on a total cliff-hanger which will leave readers wanting…well, MORE!
This is the second novel in the series, so readers need to pick up Storm Rising first to keep up. The story picks up with Leif, Iskra, and the rest of the team, now dubbed Reaper, as they try to stop assassination attempts that were predicted in the Book of Wars, not to mention that the book is missing. Leif struggles with his relationship with Iskra but also the thought that men are being “activated” and turned into mass murderers. Oh, and throw in a secret organization called the Armageddon Coalition which wants total world domination and you’ve got one action-packed, thrilling novel.
If you loved Storm Rising, you’ll not be able to put down Kings Falling. I used to think I had a crush on Tox (from the prior series) but now it’s totally Cell. He’s kind of the behind the scenes guy trying to keep everything straight, while Leif and others on the team starts to come unglued. I don’t want to reveal too much, but this is a fantastic adventure filled with drama, action, suspense, and intrigue. Clearly, I can’t wait for the next one. Because the ending of this one is leaving me hanging in mid air trying to catch my breath!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
*I was given an ebook copy of this review through Netgalley for my honest reviews. These opinions are my own.*
Genre : Christian, Action, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Military My rating: 5 stars Language: Clean! (However there are a few lines where it is suggested that they say a curse word, but end the sentence before they say it. E.g. "Son of a - "). There is one line where it says, "Get your head of your butt and back in the game". Age Range: 16+ Content: Kissing (mild), one scene where two characters sleep together - though it wasn't a sex scene. They just fell asleep. There was talk about a woman going to bed with guys. Violence is medium - there are people dying. One scene slightly disgusting with people vomiting. Favorite Character: Iskra, Mercy, Baddar and Cell. Leif was my favorite... but things change a little and he isn't quite on my top list anymore. Favorite quote: "That's what she said" (Just read the book - it's not what you think :) ).
Conclusion: Once again, Ronie Kendig wrote an amazing story! Great character development, plot twists that I was not expecting, and action/suspense that kept me turning the pages. Exceptional work and excitement! The ending took me by surprise and I hope that the third and last book has a happy ending. Highly recommend this book and author.
Oh my Lord. When's the third one out? This book is epic and will take a while to process. Ronie Kendig wasn't messing around when she wrote this series. With major drama in every chapter and a concerning amount of foreshadowing regarding the possible condition of one main character, I am once again in awe of her ability to write a book that delivers on every level.
Kings Falling was another action-packed and unputdownable thrill ride from Ronie Kendig. From beginning to end, I could hardly catch my breath. There's so much suspense and so many twists that left me shocked, kept me guessing, and had me questioning everything. The excitement hardly ever let up.
This epic and intense adventure is not to be missed. Be sure to grab a copy of the first book, Storm Rising, before diving into this page-turner. It's not a standalone. I'm very eager for the next book because, oh man, this one left me hanging. I can't wait!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Intense Thrilling Action packed Complex Twists and turns Hold your breath These are what comes to mind as I write this review of the highly anticipated second book of the Book of Wars series. You simply have to read Storm Rising first, for there you are introduced to all the players and a very vital backstory. It's hard to write a review on this book because there are quite a few twists that I don't want to give away. So I am just going to say if you are looking for a intense, action packed, paramilitary suspense .......I recommend no other than Ronie Kendig. I really enjoyed how she has taken the characters introduced to us in Storm and really fleshed them out on a deeper level. Not only are they racing against the clock and around the world, but they are facing their own personal struggles and hidden obstacles that could be their undoing. Bravo Ronie Kendig! You once again have crafted a story that has kept me reading until the late hours of the night and I am anxiously awaiting the next book!
Like every Ronie Kendrig book, Kings Falling has you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. The characters are amazing, the storyline wonderful- just wait until you get to the end! This is truly and fabulous read that you won't regret picking up. I will be impatiently waiting to devour the next one!
Received this book from NetGalley all thoughts are my own
First of all, Kings Falling is book two in the Book of the Wars series. If you haven’t read book one, Storm Rising, you definitely need to read it before starting Kings Falling. Both are amazing books, and when you finish Kings Falling you will probably be, like me, anxious to get your hands on book three!
Kings Falling was an incredible story, full of action and heart. The author constantly threw these characters into danger and put me on the edge of my seat, wondering if they would all make it through each mission.
But these stories, though full of adventure and danger, are truly character driven, as well. I found myself highly invested in every single person on this team and deeply concerned for their well being and any relationships that they were involved in. The author made me really care what happened to these fictional people who seemed so very real. I am desperate to read the third book in the series, Soul Raging.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Ronie Kendig is back and somehow, she cranks the level up in Kings Falling. The previous book in The Book of the Wars series was intense and action packed, and you really need to read it before you read this one.
Why? Because book two builds on the relationships, the witty banter, and the Reaper team’s hunt for The Book of the Wars. Or Leif’s search for answers to the missing months of his life (and boy do I have some questions about that because both Storm Rising and Kings Falling hint at things I want answers to).
Something Kendig excels at is dropping bombshells on her readers and leaving them reeling with the results. And she does it again in this book. Plus, she leaves readers clamoring for the next book after devouring the current one.
You will not regret picking up this book (or series if you haven’t started the series yet).
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Things get so tense and stressful in this sequel to Storm Rising! Friendships get tested and that cliffhanger ending wrecked me. A great read for lovers of fast-paced action and high-stakes action.
This book is filled with lots of action. The twist and turns with the characters are the best because you never know what's going g to happen. Love the suspense of each character and how they all seem to just go together and know what each think and how to react. I absolutely recommend this book. You would t w ant to put it down
“Leif tightened his jaw and curled his fingers into a fist. I’m committed. I’m not going to walk away from something I haven’t finished.”
The intensity just keeps ramping up with every turn of the page. Storm Rising was among my top picks for last year, so I’ve eagerly awaited this second book from The Book of The Wars series.
“Six months of my life are missing, like someone erased them. How can that not be bad?” Leif continues to struggle with that missing chunk of time. Digging for the truth. What happened?
With unexpected twists and turns, Kendig masterfully draws us into a whirlwind rush to stop a massive worldwide conspiracy. Kings Falling is filled with so much action, intrigue, travel and adventure that I felt like a part of the Reaper team. As Reaper seems to fail one mission after another in stopping ArC, I couldn’t help but feel their frustration and losses. I loved the camaraderie of the team. Their whit, banter and communication was really well written. Kendig had me laughing, cheering, wincing, and worrying over this team. The reference to chess and the kings’ falling was a great picture of how this story was played out. The culmination of the book had me begging for the final book in the series, with a cliffhanger that was unexpected and intense. The rollercoaster ride this team took, kept me wondering what would happen next. I absolutely loved Leif and Iskra. Their relationship holds so much promise and yet, so much to work through to attain their happily ever after. Kendig brought so many ups and downs for this couple and the Reaper team, that I can’t wait for the rest of their story. This story was awesome, so I know book three Soul Raging will be phenomenal.
I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves international conspiracy, special ops, and just a really great read. I would liken this series to Joel C Rosenberg, who I just read and thoroughly enjoyed. There is a light touch of romance that has a thread of sticking together through the tough times. Warning: This book should come with a disclaimer that it will cause an overactive imagination or the conspiracy theorist in you to come out.
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions in this review are given honestly.
Firstly: if you did not read the first book in the series, Storm rising, stop right here and go read that first. Otherwise you will be a bit lost and also missed out a lot on these characters.
Second: do not read the summary of book 3 before you have read this book...rather just not read the summary at all! And just buy book 3 as soon as you can.
Ok, now we can continue. Ronie Kendig is the master of playing with her readers’ emotions. She brings you this great cast of characters, she makes you love them, then she throws them into all sort of danger and action and leaves you hoping your favourite characters will survive, because in the past they didn’t (Tox files anyone?).
This second book in the series was great. Not only did we get to see great action, but we get a great team who each works through their own growth and baggage as well as being there for each other. Leif is such a great character...in this book we see him facing more of his unknown past (which I’m wondering if I’m guessing correctly what that past is) as well as his relationship with Iskra who is still dealing with her own demons from the past.
And the twists and turns we were taken on! Did not see that!!
And just when you are really into this story and things happen which you don’t like and want to see how it will ends...you have to wait for book 3! I love this series and I love this team.
The only negative I have (for the publisher) is that the cover of the page gave me the impression that a certain character will be front and center but then wasn’t - I kept waiting for her to rise up and take charge.
If you like paramilitary you should read this series. If you have never tried Ronie Kendig, try this series (though I would start with Tox files since some characters’ backstory is in that series).
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.*