Dead Reckoning

by Ronie Kendig

INSPY Award FinalistWhen underwater archaeologist Shiloh Blake finds herself in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash during her first large-scale dig, she flees for her life. Is the man trailing her an enemy or a protector sent by her CIA father? Whoever he is, the  only way to prevent a nuclear meltdown means joining forces with this mystery man. Will Shiloh violate her vow to never become involved in her father's web of intrigue and mystery? Will she reconcile with her past and with him? Will she allow God to help her through this ordeal of danger, mistrust, and uncertainty?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Suspense, Christian, Mystery, Thriller

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

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.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

Reviews

[Rel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remind me never to end up as a character in a Ronie Kendig novel! Danger and intrigue lurk around every corner and just when you think safety is in sight, the hammer of heartache drops again, hurtling Shiloh Blake deeper into jeopardy. Then there is Reece Jaxon...okay, on second thoughts maybe I do want to be in her books, after all ;-)

Brilliantly executed in every way, Ronie Kendig has a winner on her hands with her debut novel, Dead Reckoning. The non stop action, fuelled by Shiloh's spirited personality and the indefatigable CIA agent Reece Jaxon's dedication to his mission, is breathtaking and enthralling. While the attraction between Shiloh and Reece is palpable, Ronie doesn't settle for a predictable romance, as Shiloh struggles with feelings for her dearest friend. Complex characters and relationships are plentiful. The setting of Mumbai, India increases the exotic appeal of this story but it is the relentless turmoil and the compelling writing that set this novel apart.

Readers who have been bemoaning the loss of Dee Henderson's writing, need complain no more! Ronie Kendig ups the stakes in Dead Reckoning, reminiscent of Jennifer Garner and Alias in novel form.

[MaryLu Tyndall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book a couple nights ago and it is a fantastic roller coaster ride! Wozie! This is Ronie Kendig's first published book but it isn't her last. My very own publisher scooped her up last year and gave her a contract for 3 more books! Ronie writes what I would call Modern suspence espionage romantic thrillers! How's that for a mouthfull? Anyway, I found her style of writing very unique. Very sharp, quick and to the point. Her characters will impact you and make you laugh and cry at the same time. I have no idea how she fit in a great romance int the middle of so much action and intrigue but she did! If you're looking for a fast-paced romantic exciting story, then look no further. You won't regret it! I can't wait for her new series!!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the characters in this book . . . I thought both Shiloh and Reece were flawed enough to be believable (and for each to have their own moments of growth in the book), yet nice enough that you didn't feel like you wanted to haul either of them over a cliff at any given point. (ha!)
I liked the way faith played a role in the story, but wish we'd gotten to see a little more of Shiloh's thought processes that lead her back to praying and feeling God's presence in her life.
That said, it felt like there were a few threads of the suspense that got picked up, then dropped, only to never be resolved, and it was kinda distracting at times. However, I definitely was pulled into the action of the book from the very beginning and will be reading more by this author in the future.
3.5 stars

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronie Kendig's debut is as good as her most recent release!! :-D Now that I have read Dead Reckoning, I can officially say that each book by Kendig is a winner and immediately goes onto my favorites shelf after I finish them!

The character development with both Reece and Shiloh was great -- very crisp, sharp, and realistic. Both come from hard backgrounds, so any reader should be able to relate in some way to the struggles they face during Dead Reckoning.

There's a bit of violence. The book deals with special ops guys who have missions, so they have to take down a lot of enemies. A girl is mentioned to have been raped, but no details given. And there is also a torture scene, which was pretty intense, though not too much for me, personally.

From start to finish, this book was awesome! I've said this before, but I can say it again...Ronie Kendig is an author that I can trust. Whenever I see she has a new book out, I don't even need to read what it's about -- I know I'm going to love it!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I've heard good things about Ronie Kendig and after reading this book...I can confirm that they are true! This book was awesome and I had a hard time putting it down.

I love a strong female leader character and Shiloh fills the role perfectly. Plus, can you really go wrong with a hansome ex-Navy SEAL as her romantic interest? The plot was fast-paced and intriguing, the setting was described in great detail and you could cut the suspense with a knife.

Suspense fiction is one of my favorite genres, especially if it's from Dee Henderson and Irene Hannon; however, now I can add Ronie Kendig to my list of favorites. I loved this book and I'm looking forward to her newest book, Nightshade!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kept me hooked throughout. It was a twisty spy story that featured an estrangement, a controlling fiancé, high-octane action, tension, and a quick pace. I adored the gutsy move to not let the leading lady learn the leading man’s name until the 46% mark. Very creative! I also loved the unique proposal that took place at one point.

Content: tattoos, tobacco, rape mentioned, expletive, alcohol, crude sexual terms

[Robin Caroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fast paced, action driven thriller that had me flipping pages. The author created such amazing characters that they stuck with me long after the book was finished. For a wild and exciting journey into the world of espionage with characters who'll become your friends, don't miss this debut novel.

[Nike Chillemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and thrilling read. I questioned some of the CIA prodecures as far as believablility. Liked the main character a lot.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I can now say that I have read everything I can find by this author.

[LadySnowAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*happy satisfied sigh* I love Dead Reckoning! It has everything I love in a good novel; lots of action, adventure, suspense, incredible characters, and a sweet romance. The plot kept me glued to the book and the edge of my seat. :D

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a high octane read, look no further! This one will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

[Elle Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced thriller with a romantic thread. I loved the way Ronie Kendig wove together a terrorist plot, family drama, friendship, and romantic love in this suspenseful read. This was only the second book of hers I read, but I'm reading another one now. She may be my new favorite author.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thankful to receive a review copy of Ronie Kendig’s debut novel which bursts on the scene overflowing with action and drama right from the start. The first half of this adventure is jam packed with high-speed car and motorcycle chases, explosions and military drama, I felt I was holding my breath and dodging bullets along with Shiloh. She’s a young girl who’s clueless as to why her world is turned upside down. Will she survive one hour to the next? Who to trust? Shiloh really becomes unnerved when she meets Reece, international spy. Is he for her or against her? He helps her maneuver a few mishaps; situations he could have killed her if he wanted to, instead he provides a way of escape. Can she trust him?

The first half of this story reminded me of Bruce Willis’s movie Live Free Die Hard. There is no rest for Bruce as bad guys chase him constantly trying to kill him. The same is true of Shiloh Blake. Her world changes forever when her diving partner rapidly descends on top of her while scuba diving, leaving a trail of blood. What’s happening she hasn’t a clue?

Towards the middle of the story things change to feel like a 007 type of film, with secret operations, international spies, double agents, and everyone in a race to uncover a nuclear terrorist plot in Mumbail! With so much action going on I got a little confused as I tried to keep up with who was who and what side they were on nears the end. It’s a fast paced action and adventure drama sprinkled with romance, mixed with enough surprises and fun that drew me into the world this author created. I lost all track of time and was compelled to keep reading and find out the fate of Shiloh Blake and Reece. You will too. Can’t wait to see what Ronie Kendrig has for us next.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's her debut novel, however Ronie Kendig does not disappoint! This was not the first novel by Ronie that I read (I have read Nightshade and Digitalis by her previously). I loved this book as much as her others.

Shiloh is a girl surrounded by disappoint...in her father. Afterall, he watched her mother die and is quite possibly the cause of her death. Shiloh spends her time with her best friend, Khalid, and they love deep sea diving. It's not until they are on an archeological diving dig that she realizes how much she needs him. Trouble shows up and Shiloh finds herself fighting for her life as well as Khalid's.

Reese is a CIA operative who has his sites on Shiloh. She's his main objective...and he has to keep her safe. Reese finds out what a tough person Shiloh is when she lands a punch across his jaw. He thought he was prepared for anything!

What trouble is brewing in India that can destroy the world? You have to read to find that one out!

I am a huge fan of Ronie Kendig after reading two books in the Discarded Heroes series. I just recently learned those were not her first books. With that news, I had to search out this other book. There is no greater satisfaction then finding it to be available as an instant download on my Kindle! I literally could have read this book in about five hours, had I had the time to sit and devote to it. It was killing me to have to put this book down when life required me to! I love Ronie's writing style and the suspense that she writes within the books. Sometimes you never know what direction her stories will take!

I have had the opportunity to tweet with Ronie over time and have grown to love and respect her even more! She's worth checking into and picking up a great read!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never really been a reader of suspense fiction, it just wasn't that interesting to me until I discovered author, Ronie Kendig. I first read her second release, Nightshade a few weeks ago and I LOVED it! She kindly offered to send me a copy of her debut novel Dead Reckoning and I finished it on one day, staying up till the wee hours of the morning.

From the first page I was hooked! Being a lover of history I've always had a respect for and interest in archaeology so it was easy for me to like underwater archaeologist, Shiloh Blake and her best friend Khalid Khan. There is also a hunky ex-Navy SEAL turned spy, Reece aka Brutus, who will give you heart palpitations! Did I mention that from the very first chapter there is enough "edge of your seat" action to give a body a heart attack? Seriously. It is so good!

A lot of the suspense that I've read has had one or two scenes that made my pulse race but Dead Reckoning does not let up, it's nonstop action from start to finish. Assassinations, kidnappings, nuclear weapons, spies, and terrorists all in the exotic setting of Mumbia, throw in not one but two romances involving our main character, Shiloh and you have a suspenseful and thrilling read that will knock your socks off! I highly recommend this book to anyone (guys that means you too) who loves a great story!


P.S. I think the author is like me and has a thing for all things fast, like motorbikes! This book's hero owns a Ducati and Nightshade's hero drives a Hayabusa! Yum!

* I received my copy courtesy of the author, Ronie Kendig. Thank you.*

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiloh Blake finds herself in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash. As a daughter of a top-notch CIA agent, she was trained to trust her senses. It is the only that has kept her alive after surviving an attack on her small diving boat and friends.
Now she's on the run and one of the men chasing her says that he is there to help her. Can she believe him? What is it about him that puts her on edge?

This book is an action-packed story. I absolutely LOVED it! I will definitely be reading this one again and again. I borrowed it from our church library, but now I'm going to have to get my own copy.

This was my first book by Ronie Kendig and if all her books are this well-written and gripping, I will be her newest, biggest fan.

The plot was well-thought out and the hooks at the end of each chapter had me reading late into the night. If you like intrigue and modern day suspense, this is the book for you!

[Natalie Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first chapter I was thrust into a fast-pace thriller through the streets of Mumbai to the depths of the Indian Ocean. More than the plot, the characters are what I loved most about this story. It's a rather extensive cast but the depth of personality Ronie Kendig provides for each character makes them jump off the page.

I appreciated the strong female lead in Shiloh Blake but also the balance of weakness Ms. Kendig employs to create a desire and need for the hunky hero, Reece Jaxon. There's a quote at the beginning of the novel and it's perfect for the way these two characters fill the need in the other-making them whole.

The plot has plenty of twists and turns that even an adrenaline junkie would have a hard time putting the book down. Another fantastic book!!

[Aerykah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Finished this book in hours and I LOVED it! It's fast paced and kept my complete attention from the beginning to the end. I haven't gotten that into a book or finished one that fast in months.
I'll certainly be keeping my eye out for some more books by Ronie Kendig. She has quickly become one of my very favorite authors.

[Jan Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

[Christine Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally fun! A real page turner. I highly recommend this author!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was an intense book!
Tons of action and adventure.
I LOVED it!

The romance was so good!
I loved to plot and the different twist's.

I cant wait to read more by Ronie Kendig!

[Bonnie Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. Wish the series had progressed. Shiloh was a great character with a lot of spunk and the international intrigue moved fast and remained compelling throughout.

[Rachel Brantley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope

I tried, I really tried to like this book. I made it to about 70% before I gave it up. The main female character is an immature, whiny baby, who apparently thinks the world revolves around her. I was very disappointed the way the author portrayed her. The main male character was just not believable at all. From what I know of CIA agents, they have to lie, steal, and sometimes kill.....I don't think a Christian would make a very good agent! I think that the age difference between them was much too large, 32 and 24, so all the male lead got was a stupid, whiny child, who likes to throw tantrums to get her way, as a love interest. I really can't see that happening in the real world, and if it does, I doubt it would last long. As for the actual story line, I was confused. The story jumped around way too much for me, and a lot of the relationships between different the characters mentioned did not make sense . I didn't really see a point in bringing the the Green Berets, since they didn't contribute much to the story (unless it was after 70%). I assumed they were there to fawn over the female lead (and egg her on into situations where she had no business being.). .. I'm not sure how this book got so many good ratings, but it didn't do it for me.

[Taylor Newport · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 of 5 Stars

This was a truly thrilling read. Shiloh Blake has gotten herself tangled in a mess that she has no idea how to handle. She's being stalked, but luckily she has some knowledge to slip away from the bad guys. Reece Jaxson has to aid her without engaging with her. It makes his task difficult, especially as she refuses to trust anyone. These two characters have a wild ride, and after having already read Ronie Kendig's "Raptor 6", I'm glad to have finally read these two character's journey.

[Lea Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had a vivid imagination, but I've got nothing on the descriptive detail that lines every page of this book. You can almost feel the sticky heat of the breezes through the Indian marketplace as the main character gets into and out of and into and out of (you get the idea) trouble.
Btw, she's not trying to get into trouble. It's the worst case of wrong place/time that I've encountered in quite a while, though. And the plot twists keep coming! That's why I only gave it four stars--I'm exhausted just from reading it!
On the other hand, this is the perfect book for anyone looking for a clean romance, an international espionage thriller, and a trip to an exotic locale all with Christian undertones. Absolutely astonishing. I'd love to know how long it took her to write this.

[Noodle The Naughty Night Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having spent a fair bit on eBooks recently to try out my new Tablet, I decided it was time for a freebie, so picked up this one via The Frugal eReader on Kindle App. I never quite know what to expect with a free eBook, so was pleasantly surprised with this pick.

We follow Shiloh Blake, an underwater archaeologist, who gets caught up in a murderous espionage plot. She is helped out by Reece Jaxon, a covert CIA operative based in India. Together they unravel a deadly mystery, whilst fighting for their lives.

What did I like about this book? The depth of the world created by Kendig was certainly an asset. The descriptive markets, clothing and atmosphere of Mumbai, to the beautiful underwater world of the Arabian Sea. I really felt like I was amongst the smells and textures which graced the page.

But that wasn't all there was to like about this book. The secret life of a deep cover spy was well portrayed. Not necessarily a pretty place to be, but a gritty, life-on-the-line existence required in order to keep his country and fellow countrymen safe. It felt a little like The Bourne Identity, not such a bad thing, as I've always felt Robert Ludlum did a great job of demystifying the role of a spy.

But wait, there's more! The dialogue was simply lovely, wrapping you up in the psyche of the characters with ease...

"Life took on a sinister hue, coloring her world in daunting shades of red."

I could quote a dozen passages from this book, so beautifully descriptive and emotive they were. I always feel a book captures my heart when there are worthy paragraphs or sentences to quote, when I choose to re-read a section purely because it was delightfully phrased. That's what grabs a reader and pulls them in.

"Insecurity scratched at her, especially with Reece and his unwavering, undaunting, un-everything personality."

Even a bit of humour here and there didn't detract from the edge-of-your-seat, page-turning pace, but lightened the moment and only made you closer to the characters themselves.

"It had taken two bottles of water, a lime soda, and a cola to drag the siren from her pen."

When a book is nicely put together, it's easy to fall for the characters, especially when those characters are likeable, courageous and capable. Shiloh has spirit, she's a survivor, having been taught by the best. Her estranged father is also a top CIA agent, and brought her up to be aware of inconsistencies around her and to trust her gut instincts.

"...she'd managed to change clothes, exit unnoticed, and almost lose him. Brilliant. Who was this woman?"

Reece was at the top of his game, a real All-American Hero, with the capability to kill when needed, but have remorse at the loss of a life. He was easy to like, capable, strong, fiercely protective and with the heart of lion. His slow realisation of his feelings towards Shiloh and the position it put them both in, was heart wrenching and captivating.

"With his heart still sitting on the bench across from Shiloh, Reece stomped off, grabbed his rucksack, and headed down the path."

And lastly, the thing which really made me fall for this story, was that slowly unravelled attraction between the tough, hard as nails, top spy and his asset. It developed at such a leisurely pace, with such beautifully descriptive phrases, that you simply never wanted it to end. Like an unfurling of an exquisite flower, petal by petal. Even better, was the doubt and disappointment which clouded this attraction and made it feel that much more realistic.

"An ounce of disappointment clung to him at how easily she'd been ensnared by his advantage."

So, was there actually anything I didn't like about it? Well yes, and this is where I probably should have read a few more reviews before picking this one up, (but really would they have stopped me? - I certainly hope not). This was, surprisingly, a Christian Book. I admit I've never read a Christian Book before and wasn't even aware of this story falling into that category until well past half way, simply because it wasn't forced down our throats, but at some stage Kendig must have decided to up the ante, because as the book progressed, so did the bible quotes and references to being a good Christian.

Even more annoying, was the obvious lack of swearing. I understand being a Christian Book, swearing is perhaps frowned upon, but I can't help thinking a harden CIA operative, trained to kill and endure torture when necessary, wouldn't be afraid of the odd cuss.

"I think he actually made a couple of perfect scores and scared the Academy spitless."

Spitless? Get outta here! No way would they have said that.

But, despite these minor grievances, and they were minor, this book was a delight. I truly enjoyed the world created, the mystery and life-on-the-line world of a spy and most of all, the gorgeous, slow unravelling of love, true love, between two unlikely characters.

So, what do I give Dead Reckoning on the NBRS scale?

8.5/10, somewhere between: "Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created" and "Fantastic, left me wanting more".

Oh, and look! Kendig has even written more, so could I be a convert to Christian Books? Let's see!

[Diana H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller through and through. While this is technically Christian fiction, it doesn't read "preachy" at all. I really enjoyed this book and will read more by the author.
The reason I only gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that some parts of it were just a little bit fantastical.

[Jestine Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy the danger of the story and the spunk of the main character. I enjoying reading Christian fiction, and it was much better than a Christian romance or fiction novel. The characters were pretty interesting, and I would definitely try more books by this author.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spectacular Thriller!

This is one of my favorite books so far! It has so much action and intrigue. It also has a love story mixed in which adds so much to the story. The writer describes everything in great detail. I love the characters. This is a must read!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and it definitely leaves me wanting to read more of her books. It was definitely different than the other romantic suspense books I've been reading this year.
The book drew me in from the start and I found it hard to put down.