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The Quiet Professionals #1
Raptor 6
His mission.
His team.
Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when hackers threaten both his mission and his team, Dean's Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Ten military super-secure computers are missing—which if opened, would give America's enemies a blueprint of U.S. military intelligence. Failing to stop the hackers isn’t an option.
Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. She's also a target. Her expertise in quantum cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hackers' deadly game. They're coming for her, and Dean and his team must stop them.
Before the team can get to Zahrah, she disappears. Now Dean must race to rescue her and stop the hackers from unleashing terror on millions across the globe. But to do so, Dean will be forced to crack open the steel box around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.
His team.
Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when hackers threaten both his mission and his team, Dean's Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Ten military super-secure computers are missing—which if opened, would give America's enemies a blueprint of U.S. military intelligence. Failing to stop the hackers isn’t an option.
Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. She's also a target. Her expertise in quantum cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hackers' deadly game. They're coming for her, and Dean and his team must stop them.
Before the team can get to Zahrah, she disappears. Now Dean must race to rescue her and stop the hackers from unleashing terror on millions across the globe. But to do so, Dean will be forced to crack open the steel box around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.
351 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
153 people are currently reading
1413 people want to read
About the author
Ronie Kendig
68 books1,240 followersRonie 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 ).
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 ).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
June 8, 2014
I read Ronie Kendig’s debut novel Dead Reckoning years ago when it came out, and I really enjoyed it. It was unique and complex. Even though I enjoyed her writing, I didn’t pick up any of her other novels, because I didn’t see any story lines that particularly appealed to me, until now.
I was excited to read Raptor 6. Being a third generation military wife, with more experience in the military than with civilian life, its definitely something I have an interest in. However, its hard to find fiction that portrays it accurately. It sounds like Ronie Kendig has some experience with the military and spec ops so I was hoping for a more authentic reading experience than a lot of Christian military books offer. Sadly that was not the case. I’m not saying that details in Raptor 6 aren’t accurate in Ms. Kendig’s experience. They just didn’t ring true in mine. One minor thing that bothered me way more than it should have was when one character shouted, “Son of a biscuit box!” or something like that. All I could think was, “What is this guy Ned Flanders? What the heck was that?” I’ve never heard that saying before, and I certainly never heard a military man say anything close to that. It was just SO ridiculous it was laughable and a little embarrassing. I had a hard time taking anything seriously after that. I know it’s minor and I wouldn’t want to necessarily read a book with characters cussing all over the place, the way real military guys talk, but you can edit that without making it sound completely ridiculous.
There were so many characters introduced very quickly and given very little to distinguish one from any other one. Whenever they were talking about someone on the team besides Dean I pretty much had no idea who they were referring to. They were all interchangeable background guys as far as I was concerned. I couldn’t keep any of them straight. All the characters were rather flat and I didn’t really connect to any of them.
The writing itself wasn’t terrible, but I found the plot confusing. Not because the actual plot was that complex, it was actually very simple, but the way it was presented was kind of all over the place. I couldn’t get really excited about the whole computer thing. And I thought it was strange that people seemed to know things Dean didn’t and they were waiting for him to figure it out. If he was the leader of a spec ops team and there was something life or death pertaining to a mission that he needed to know, he would be told. No one would be waiting for him to figure something out. This isn’t Murder She Wrote. They aren’t out there killing time in the desert for fun. It just seemed very odd to me. It also annoyed me that there was a glossary of military terms, and two lists of characters in the front, but no glossary of arabic/farsi words and phrases. From the moment Zahrah came on the scene there were foreign terms flung about all over the place and even having been married to a man who’s been deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan, there were some I was unfamiliar with. I wouldn’t consider them common knowledge. I would think the US military terms would be more well known to the average reader.
I can understand why some people enjoy this book, unfortunately it just wasn’t the one for me. I am thankful I got the chance to try it though.
*I received an ARC from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
www.wanderingthepages.tumblr.com
I was excited to read Raptor 6. Being a third generation military wife, with more experience in the military than with civilian life, its definitely something I have an interest in. However, its hard to find fiction that portrays it accurately. It sounds like Ronie Kendig has some experience with the military and spec ops so I was hoping for a more authentic reading experience than a lot of Christian military books offer. Sadly that was not the case. I’m not saying that details in Raptor 6 aren’t accurate in Ms. Kendig’s experience. They just didn’t ring true in mine. One minor thing that bothered me way more than it should have was when one character shouted, “Son of a biscuit box!” or something like that. All I could think was, “What is this guy Ned Flanders? What the heck was that?” I’ve never heard that saying before, and I certainly never heard a military man say anything close to that. It was just SO ridiculous it was laughable and a little embarrassing. I had a hard time taking anything seriously after that. I know it’s minor and I wouldn’t want to necessarily read a book with characters cussing all over the place, the way real military guys talk, but you can edit that without making it sound completely ridiculous.
There were so many characters introduced very quickly and given very little to distinguish one from any other one. Whenever they were talking about someone on the team besides Dean I pretty much had no idea who they were referring to. They were all interchangeable background guys as far as I was concerned. I couldn’t keep any of them straight. All the characters were rather flat and I didn’t really connect to any of them.
The writing itself wasn’t terrible, but I found the plot confusing. Not because the actual plot was that complex, it was actually very simple, but the way it was presented was kind of all over the place. I couldn’t get really excited about the whole computer thing. And I thought it was strange that people seemed to know things Dean didn’t and they were waiting for him to figure it out. If he was the leader of a spec ops team and there was something life or death pertaining to a mission that he needed to know, he would be told. No one would be waiting for him to figure something out. This isn’t Murder She Wrote. They aren’t out there killing time in the desert for fun. It just seemed very odd to me. It also annoyed me that there was a glossary of military terms, and two lists of characters in the front, but no glossary of arabic/farsi words and phrases. From the moment Zahrah came on the scene there were foreign terms flung about all over the place and even having been married to a man who’s been deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan, there were some I was unfamiliar with. I wouldn’t consider them common knowledge. I would think the US military terms would be more well known to the average reader.
I can understand why some people enjoy this book, unfortunately it just wasn’t the one for me. I am thankful I got the chance to try it though.
*I received an ARC from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.
www.wanderingthepages.tumblr.com
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June 28, 2018Whew! That was intense! Review and rating to come.
June 1, 2019
I always enjoy books by Ronie Kendig and Raptor 6 is no exception. Dean Watters is a captain with the Army Special Forces and currently in Afghanistan when a school is hit by the Taliban. Posing as a missionary teacher, Zahrah Zarrick is an American born of an American father and Afghani mother. Her mother has passed and Zahrah is drawn to helping the people of her mother's home country. Her father is a retired Army general who was head of the Coalition Forces and feared by all military who come under his eye. Dean and the Raptor team are supposed to keep Zahrah safe but fail. Someone knows the teams every move but who? Zahrah is really an asset for the military and is found out so she is captured for her knowledge. Dean has to get her back.
The book is full of danger, edgy suspense and downright fearful situations. Zahrah's faith carries her through the danger and eventually touches Dean's wounded soul. One of the points that I took away from the book is that to surrender our will to God's isn't weakness but shows strength, recognizing the fight is beyond you.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, especially since there are still some issues that have not been resolved.
The book is full of danger, edgy suspense and downright fearful situations. Zahrah's faith carries her through the danger and eventually touches Dean's wounded soul. One of the points that I took away from the book is that to surrender our will to God's isn't weakness but shows strength, recognizing the fight is beyond you.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, especially since there are still some issues that have not been resolved.
March 5, 2016
If I were allowed to give a book 6 starts, I would be giving it to Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig.
This book was simply amazing!
The fast pace plot and high action sequences will keep you glued to your seat wondering just how long Kendig can keep it up. In Raptor 6, the first in the Quiet Professionals Series, she pushes her characters to the breaking point from a personal and professional standpoint.
Dean Watters, better known now as Raptor 6, is the strong silent type with a will made of pure steel. His sense of duty is suddenly tested when beautiful Zahrah Zarrick enters the scene. She's got a steel will to match his, though hers is fortified by the Lord and her sense of mission to teach the children of her mothers homeland in Afghanistan.
Enter a threat on Zahrah's life, the potential loss of secured information, and a talented Special Forces team and you've got more action than you'll know what to do with.
Honestly and truly this book was fantastic! Some have said it's her best yet and I'd have to agree. I would recommend this to fans of military action and suspense. Kendig writes like a seasoned veteran and draws you into the action. You'll find yourself laughing at this new Raptor team and their antics, crying with the emotion of it all, and flinching as the bullets fly past you in the night.
Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2014/05...
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
This book was simply amazing!
The fast pace plot and high action sequences will keep you glued to your seat wondering just how long Kendig can keep it up. In Raptor 6, the first in the Quiet Professionals Series, she pushes her characters to the breaking point from a personal and professional standpoint.
Dean Watters, better known now as Raptor 6, is the strong silent type with a will made of pure steel. His sense of duty is suddenly tested when beautiful Zahrah Zarrick enters the scene. She's got a steel will to match his, though hers is fortified by the Lord and her sense of mission to teach the children of her mothers homeland in Afghanistan.
Enter a threat on Zahrah's life, the potential loss of secured information, and a talented Special Forces team and you've got more action than you'll know what to do with.
Honestly and truly this book was fantastic! Some have said it's her best yet and I'd have to agree. I would recommend this to fans of military action and suspense. Kendig writes like a seasoned veteran and draws you into the action. You'll find yourself laughing at this new Raptor team and their antics, crying with the emotion of it all, and flinching as the bullets fly past you in the night.
Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2014/05...
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
August 12, 2015
This is a good book... it really is. But it took me forever to read! (Yes, 2+ weeks is forever!) And it was sad -- had me crying several times throughout the book. I was so glad to hear that the other two books aren't as sad and I'm really looking forward to them. Especially Falcon, he's already my favorite.
April 15, 2014
Once I started reading this novel, I found myself in one relaxed state like you do when you return to familiar ground. It was so good to be back in the world of the military that Kendig so masterfully creates.
This is a new series that has characters from the A Breed Apart trilogy. In this novel, Captain Dean Watters is the main character whereas in the aforementioned trilogy, he plays a small supportive role to the main characters of the A Breed Apart team. I liked him in that trilogy and I like him even more in this new series. Seeing that the next books in this series will be centred on some of the other team members mentioned briefly in the previous trilogy, Watters will be back to playing a minor role in each.
Kendig has depicted Watters as a man of integrity and strong character. I am sure he is based on either one particular soldier in her military knowledge or on many. So I reckon with the other members of Raptor 6's team as well. Reading more of him in this novel, I am very much in admiration of his character, dedication to the military, his passion for it and what he can contribute. He definitely shows this in being the Captain of his team and in his dealings with Zahrah Zarrick, the latter more so, even if he has personal feelings for her.
As in the previous trilogy, Kendig depicts the rapport and relationship between the team members as it would be in the military from what I know of the military and have read in other military novels, despite having not be in the military myself. This team is unified and operate as a well-oiled machine. They respect each other and they know how each other operate, each other's strengths and weaknesses. They have each other's backs. This is one of the strengths of novels like this, the depiction of realism especially when it is based on what the author knows from the reality experienced from real military personnel.
I liked the inclusion of the anonymous character who sneaks in every few chapters or so and gives a running commentary in the first person narrative of his efforts to undermine everyone in the Raptor team and the American Military hierarchy, being the mole that he is, reporting back to his superiors who are desperate to have the stolen computer hacked into leaving the security of the American military undefended and extremely vulnerable. Every cynical and bragging narrative of this character increased the level of suspense and kept you guessing who he is and how much more he has thwarted and kept at bay the efforts of Watters and his team to retrieve the computer and bring the perpetrators to justice. Very clever of Kendig to include this and it is very effective. Seems this character is going to also be in the next instalment!
Some readers criticise those authors of military fiction who include romance in their plots as they see it as a distraction from the action and suspense of the nature of the military and warfare aspects of this genre and see this inclusion as making the flow of the plot disjointed. Some also criticise as having too much romance and others too little. However, I find that in the previous A Breed Apart trilogy and now in this series, Kendig seems to have struck a healthy balance between the two, military and romance. I reckon they have a happy marriage in her novels and this is from a reader and reviewer who does not read any romance and avoids this genre as much as he can! But in Kendig's novels, this, for me, is quite an attraction. I loved the attraction of Watters and Zahrah and the friction this generates between them for all their personal and spiritual reasons. Kending blends this very well and it adds to the construction of the plot, characterisation and suspense of the novel, including how the torturers manipulate and abuse this relationship to their torture techniques.
This story shines, or should I say, Kendig shines, in the second half of this novel. What consists in the first half comes to a head in the second. Watters' attempt to protect Zahrah and the advice he gives her become a self fulfilling prophecy and threatens to destroy both of them. This second half showcases Kendig's best writing, plot construction and suspense. I had tachycardia for this entire second half! Her description and depiction of Watters and Zarrick captivity, torture, their coping mechanisms, the evilness from their captors, the questions about God, Zahrah's faith, Watters failings and not being able to let go of his past are all captured by Kending in many chapters of beautiful writing and structure. Very captivating and entralling. The spiritual message that she delivers through the faith of Zahrah and all the events in this second half really touched my heart and challenged my faith. It is writing like this and the message carefully interspersed throughout, that again reinforces in me that Christian fiction does not just entertain but can minister to one's spirituality and not only educate in spiritual/biblical principles but edify the Christian and the Body of Christ. And it shows a great heart towards God in an author who can do this so masterfully as Kendig does.
I consider this to be the best of Kendig's novels I have read, which is those of the A Breed Apart trilogy. I just wish I had read her Discarded Heroes series previously. I do have Dead Reckoning I picked up as a free kindle offer a few years ago so have to get into this one!
I highly recommend this new novel of Ronie Kendig. She has crafted a great, memorable story. Don't pass on this one!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Inc., through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
This is a new series that has characters from the A Breed Apart trilogy. In this novel, Captain Dean Watters is the main character whereas in the aforementioned trilogy, he plays a small supportive role to the main characters of the A Breed Apart team. I liked him in that trilogy and I like him even more in this new series. Seeing that the next books in this series will be centred on some of the other team members mentioned briefly in the previous trilogy, Watters will be back to playing a minor role in each.
Kendig has depicted Watters as a man of integrity and strong character. I am sure he is based on either one particular soldier in her military knowledge or on many. So I reckon with the other members of Raptor 6's team as well. Reading more of him in this novel, I am very much in admiration of his character, dedication to the military, his passion for it and what he can contribute. He definitely shows this in being the Captain of his team and in his dealings with Zahrah Zarrick, the latter more so, even if he has personal feelings for her.
As in the previous trilogy, Kendig depicts the rapport and relationship between the team members as it would be in the military from what I know of the military and have read in other military novels, despite having not be in the military myself. This team is unified and operate as a well-oiled machine. They respect each other and they know how each other operate, each other's strengths and weaknesses. They have each other's backs. This is one of the strengths of novels like this, the depiction of realism especially when it is based on what the author knows from the reality experienced from real military personnel.
I liked the inclusion of the anonymous character who sneaks in every few chapters or so and gives a running commentary in the first person narrative of his efforts to undermine everyone in the Raptor team and the American Military hierarchy, being the mole that he is, reporting back to his superiors who are desperate to have the stolen computer hacked into leaving the security of the American military undefended and extremely vulnerable. Every cynical and bragging narrative of this character increased the level of suspense and kept you guessing who he is and how much more he has thwarted and kept at bay the efforts of Watters and his team to retrieve the computer and bring the perpetrators to justice. Very clever of Kendig to include this and it is very effective. Seems this character is going to also be in the next instalment!
Some readers criticise those authors of military fiction who include romance in their plots as they see it as a distraction from the action and suspense of the nature of the military and warfare aspects of this genre and see this inclusion as making the flow of the plot disjointed. Some also criticise as having too much romance and others too little. However, I find that in the previous A Breed Apart trilogy and now in this series, Kendig seems to have struck a healthy balance between the two, military and romance. I reckon they have a happy marriage in her novels and this is from a reader and reviewer who does not read any romance and avoids this genre as much as he can! But in Kendig's novels, this, for me, is quite an attraction. I loved the attraction of Watters and Zahrah and the friction this generates between them for all their personal and spiritual reasons. Kending blends this very well and it adds to the construction of the plot, characterisation and suspense of the novel, including how the torturers manipulate and abuse this relationship to their torture techniques.
This story shines, or should I say, Kendig shines, in the second half of this novel. What consists in the first half comes to a head in the second. Watters' attempt to protect Zahrah and the advice he gives her become a self fulfilling prophecy and threatens to destroy both of them. This second half showcases Kendig's best writing, plot construction and suspense. I had tachycardia for this entire second half! Her description and depiction of Watters and Zarrick captivity, torture, their coping mechanisms, the evilness from their captors, the questions about God, Zahrah's faith, Watters failings and not being able to let go of his past are all captured by Kending in many chapters of beautiful writing and structure. Very captivating and entralling. The spiritual message that she delivers through the faith of Zahrah and all the events in this second half really touched my heart and challenged my faith. It is writing like this and the message carefully interspersed throughout, that again reinforces in me that Christian fiction does not just entertain but can minister to one's spirituality and not only educate in spiritual/biblical principles but edify the Christian and the Body of Christ. And it shows a great heart towards God in an author who can do this so masterfully as Kendig does.
I consider this to be the best of Kendig's novels I have read, which is those of the A Breed Apart trilogy. I just wish I had read her Discarded Heroes series previously. I do have Dead Reckoning I picked up as a free kindle offer a few years ago so have to get into this one!
I highly recommend this new novel of Ronie Kendig. She has crafted a great, memorable story. Don't pass on this one!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Inc., through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
June 11, 2014
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R12GB8K9...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Raptor 6 was a great read! Packed with a ton of suspense and danger, there were several scenes that had me "on the edge" of my seat.
The story starts with an intense first chapter and then the story jumps back in time 6 months (to show what led up to that event), so we don't get to find out what happens next until near the end of the book. It was an interesting beginning and definitely grabbed my attention, even though I'm not typically a huge fan of this type of opening.
I loved the characters and how believable the things that happened to them were (things were definitely not sugarcoated!). I couldn't help but feel for them and got teary-eyed during parts of the story...the things they went through were terrible!
I loved the banter between the Raptor team members - there were several times they (especially Hawk) had me laughing! I also liked how some characters from previous Ronie Kendig novels were in Raptor 6.
The ending to Raptor 6 was great and makes me eager to read the next book in this series! I definitely recommend this book to fans of military thrillers with some inspirational elements. Very good read!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
[4.5 stars]
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Raptor 6 was a great read! Packed with a ton of suspense and danger, there were several scenes that had me "on the edge" of my seat.
The story starts with an intense first chapter and then the story jumps back in time 6 months (to show what led up to that event), so we don't get to find out what happens next until near the end of the book. It was an interesting beginning and definitely grabbed my attention, even though I'm not typically a huge fan of this type of opening.
I loved the characters and how believable the things that happened to them were (things were definitely not sugarcoated!). I couldn't help but feel for them and got teary-eyed during parts of the story...the things they went through were terrible!
I loved the banter between the Raptor team members - there were several times they (especially Hawk) had me laughing! I also liked how some characters from previous Ronie Kendig novels were in Raptor 6.
The ending to Raptor 6 was great and makes me eager to read the next book in this series! I definitely recommend this book to fans of military thrillers with some inspirational elements. Very good read!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
[4.5 stars]
May 29, 2014
This first installment in “The Quiet Professionals” series has everything we’ve come to love about Kendig’s writing: thrills a plenty, heart-pounding pace, solid character development, great military heroes, some crazy mad bad guys and a love story in a war zone.
But in this novel, it’s wonderful to see how Kendig has excelled in upping the ante so everything I’ve mentioned is even better.
What I’ve always loved about Kendig’s writing is her tremendous craftsmanship in drawing the reader into her war zone. In Raptor 6 it is no exception. She takes us right into the thick of it. We can feel the tension, hear the guns being fired, smell the sweaty testosterone within the cramped confines of the military vehicle and taste the grittiness of the dust.
And then there’s the love story. A young military leader passionately responsible for leading his small troop go where very few dare but emotionally wounded by events of the past. Torn by serving his nation and opening his heart to what has only led to heartbreak in his past.
The soldier soon meets a striking American but with Afghani blood and an absolute ripper of a name: Zahrah Zarrick. The daughter of a military hero who has returned to her mother’s homeland to bring hope to the children who know no other life than living in a war zone.
Zahrah falls hard for her soldier hero, he reminds her of her father, the decorated General. But it’s her faith and willingness to die serving God that attracts me the most to Zahrah. Kendig handles this well in demonstrating the challenge it can be when faced with terrible consequences for one’s faith.
I’ll stop there before I start giving too much of the engrossing story away.
This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait for next one.
But in this novel, it’s wonderful to see how Kendig has excelled in upping the ante so everything I’ve mentioned is even better.
What I’ve always loved about Kendig’s writing is her tremendous craftsmanship in drawing the reader into her war zone. In Raptor 6 it is no exception. She takes us right into the thick of it. We can feel the tension, hear the guns being fired, smell the sweaty testosterone within the cramped confines of the military vehicle and taste the grittiness of the dust.
And then there’s the love story. A young military leader passionately responsible for leading his small troop go where very few dare but emotionally wounded by events of the past. Torn by serving his nation and opening his heart to what has only led to heartbreak in his past.
The soldier soon meets a striking American but with Afghani blood and an absolute ripper of a name: Zahrah Zarrick. The daughter of a military hero who has returned to her mother’s homeland to bring hope to the children who know no other life than living in a war zone.
Zahrah falls hard for her soldier hero, he reminds her of her father, the decorated General. But it’s her faith and willingness to die serving God that attracts me the most to Zahrah. Kendig handles this well in demonstrating the challenge it can be when faced with terrible consequences for one’s faith.
I’ll stop there before I start giving too much of the engrossing story away.
This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait for next one.
May 13, 2024
This first book in the quiet professional series, delivered a strong, but broken, likable military team, loads of action and a female lead I liked from the start.
The first half of the book took me a while to get into, mainly due to all the characters being introduced and trying to keep track of the leads - sometimes they are referred to by their real names and sometimes military names. This is my 7th military book by Ronie, so I found it easier this time to keep track.
To read parts from the bad guy’s viewpoint brought a different, but edgy feel to the story.
I loved Hawk! His sayings was so funny and helped to make a heavy book feel a bit lighter.
There is some difficult topics in this book - torture and rape - and due to this I would recommend it more for older readers.
There is some unanswered mysteries, specifically wrt the bad guy, which seems would continue in the next book, so for that reason and also character stories, I would recommend to read this series in order.
Some of the characters appeared in Ronie’s previous series - the military war dogs one - so I knew them from that series, but you won’t need to read that one to start this series.
The first half of the book took me a while to get into, mainly due to all the characters being introduced and trying to keep track of the leads - sometimes they are referred to by their real names and sometimes military names. This is my 7th military book by Ronie, so I found it easier this time to keep track.
To read parts from the bad guy’s viewpoint brought a different, but edgy feel to the story.
I loved Hawk! His sayings was so funny and helped to make a heavy book feel a bit lighter.
There is some difficult topics in this book - torture and rape - and due to this I would recommend it more for older readers.
There is some unanswered mysteries, specifically wrt the bad guy, which seems would continue in the next book, so for that reason and also character stories, I would recommend to read this series in order.
Some of the characters appeared in Ronie’s previous series - the military war dogs one - so I knew them from that series, but you won’t need to read that one to start this series.
June 29, 2018
This novel, like so many others, has failed to grab and captivate my attention. There are many different times that I can pick up a novel and cannot finish it at that time; however, I might be able to return to it at a later date. This is one of those, who knows, maybe next time it will be a game changer.
May 5, 2014
Gritty and invariably intense, "Raptor 6" is Ronie Kendig at her very best! High military drama coupled with tender, intimate moments; international espionage interrupted by deep, spiritual conversations, and characters so courageous that you will want to travel the globe; track them down, shake their hands and say, "thank you for your service to our country"!
Captain Dean "Raptor 6" Watters takes the job of leading his special forces team very seriously. Experience has taught him to guard his heart and protect his country with fierce loyalty and selfless integrity. When Taliban fighters initiate violence on the grounds of an Afghan school in a previously peaceful location, Watters and his team cooperate with the locals to retrieve victims and assist with clearing debris; unknowingly putting themselves in the apex of a global security battle over the military's high level computer systems. Entrance into these systems would allow terrorist regimes around the world full access to America's military intelligence.
Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher of Afghan children in the very school where Watters' team intercepts terrorist activity. Gorgeous, soft-spoken and deeply devoted to her calling, Zahrah ignores Watters' efforts to evacuate her to a more secure location. She is, after all, the daughter of an Afghanistan woman and a highly decorated, but retired American general. In addition, Zahrah is a brilliant cryptologist; her expertise highly desirable by evil forces.
When a number of super-secure military computers go missing, and Zahrah is viciously kidnapped, this story escalates into a desperate attempt to save Zahrah's life before she can be coerced into betraying her country. There is only one man for the job; and his name is Dean Watters.
In spite of his growing, un-confessed feelings towards Zahrah, and her unabashed admiration for him, Dean willingly walks into the "den of vipers", literally willing to lay down his life for his country and the beautiful woman he has vowed to protect. And the ending . . . . . . you will just have to read for yourself . . . . . . . . . . . ."a poppy and a promise"!
Nobody writes inspirational romantic suspense in a military venue like Ronie Kendig; nobody! The conclusion of this story is only the beginning of another. Bring on the "Hawk"!!!
***Thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with this book and allowing me to be on this early influencer team!
Captain Dean "Raptor 6" Watters takes the job of leading his special forces team very seriously. Experience has taught him to guard his heart and protect his country with fierce loyalty and selfless integrity. When Taliban fighters initiate violence on the grounds of an Afghan school in a previously peaceful location, Watters and his team cooperate with the locals to retrieve victims and assist with clearing debris; unknowingly putting themselves in the apex of a global security battle over the military's high level computer systems. Entrance into these systems would allow terrorist regimes around the world full access to America's military intelligence.
Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher of Afghan children in the very school where Watters' team intercepts terrorist activity. Gorgeous, soft-spoken and deeply devoted to her calling, Zahrah ignores Watters' efforts to evacuate her to a more secure location. She is, after all, the daughter of an Afghanistan woman and a highly decorated, but retired American general. In addition, Zahrah is a brilliant cryptologist; her expertise highly desirable by evil forces.
When a number of super-secure military computers go missing, and Zahrah is viciously kidnapped, this story escalates into a desperate attempt to save Zahrah's life before she can be coerced into betraying her country. There is only one man for the job; and his name is Dean Watters.
In spite of his growing, un-confessed feelings towards Zahrah, and her unabashed admiration for him, Dean willingly walks into the "den of vipers", literally willing to lay down his life for his country and the beautiful woman he has vowed to protect. And the ending . . . . . . you will just have to read for yourself . . . . . . . . . . . ."a poppy and a promise"!
Nobody writes inspirational romantic suspense in a military venue like Ronie Kendig; nobody! The conclusion of this story is only the beginning of another. Bring on the "Hawk"!!!
***Thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with this book and allowing me to be on this early influencer team!
June 3, 2014
Where to begin... :) I requested this review book from Litfuse mainly for two reasons - one, the description mentioned Zahrah being a missionary teacher which interested me, and two, because the book seemed 'my type' of book; I've written some (unofficial, and probably full of errors) military-related writing, and enjoy fiction books of that subject.
This book did have good aspects to it, and it was pretty well-written. But I, personally, had a hard time really getting into it, maybe because I had a slightly difficult time relating to the main character, Dean. I liked the secondary character, Zahrah, but her sections in the book weren't as many.
One thing that kinda tripped me up a little, was having to constantly flip to the front glossary to figure out what the military terms being used meant. You only really had to do that for the first quarter of the book, though, since you kinda gathered what was meant and said by the rest of the book.
I enjoyed the bit towards the very end (I won't give away anything) that was very intense, but also very...sweet/break-through/teaching/learning. I don't know if that makes sense... :)
Actually, the ending was probably my favourite part; the last ten chapters or so.That part was what most interested me and kept my attention.
The next book in this series appears to be about one of the other members of the Raptor team - "Hawk" - and I might check that out when it is available. :)
If you're thinking about reading this book, don't be turned away by my review - check out multiple book reviews! This might be just the book you're looking for! While this book wasn't a full hit with me, that doesn't mean that it won't be your next favourite. Like I said, it had many good aspects, and action going on. The author obviously knows her military-stuff!
I received this book free from Litfuse in return for my honest and unbiased opinion, which I have given.
godspeculiartreasurerae.wordpress.com
This book did have good aspects to it, and it was pretty well-written. But I, personally, had a hard time really getting into it, maybe because I had a slightly difficult time relating to the main character, Dean. I liked the secondary character, Zahrah, but her sections in the book weren't as many.
One thing that kinda tripped me up a little, was having to constantly flip to the front glossary to figure out what the military terms being used meant. You only really had to do that for the first quarter of the book, though, since you kinda gathered what was meant and said by the rest of the book.
I enjoyed the bit towards the very end (I won't give away anything) that was very intense, but also very...sweet/break-through/teaching/learning. I don't know if that makes sense... :)
Actually, the ending was probably my favourite part; the last ten chapters or so.That part was what most interested me and kept my attention.
The next book in this series appears to be about one of the other members of the Raptor team - "Hawk" - and I might check that out when it is available. :)
If you're thinking about reading this book, don't be turned away by my review - check out multiple book reviews! This might be just the book you're looking for! While this book wasn't a full hit with me, that doesn't mean that it won't be your next favourite. Like I said, it had many good aspects, and action going on. The author obviously knows her military-stuff!
I received this book free from Litfuse in return for my honest and unbiased opinion, which I have given.
godspeculiartreasurerae.wordpress.com
June 7, 2014
Raptor 6 is the first in a brand new series called The Quiet Professionals and I have been anxiously awaiting its release. In this book, we follow Raptor Team, headed up by Captain Dean Watters, code name Raptor 6.
Once again, the author has brought us a story that is so authentic and makes you feel like you are really right there in the action. She has set up such a great start for what promises to be a very exciting series, full of complex team members and intensely dangerous missions.
I have to admit that I did not instantly connect with the main characters in Raptor 6. I think this is due to the situation they were in when they first met and the way Dean feels about romantic relationships. After a little while of watching where the story was taking me and seeing the connecting tendrils coming together, I found myself completely and totally invested in the lives of Captain Dean Watters and Zahrah Zarrick. And then, the author blew me away with the direction the story took! Absolutely powerful!
I love that I can pick up one of Ronie Kendig’s books and immerse myself in a totally unique experience, full of danger, heroes, and the military. I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
You can read this review and enter Ronie's contest to win a Kindle HDX (through 6/15/14) on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
Once again, the author has brought us a story that is so authentic and makes you feel like you are really right there in the action. She has set up such a great start for what promises to be a very exciting series, full of complex team members and intensely dangerous missions.
I have to admit that I did not instantly connect with the main characters in Raptor 6. I think this is due to the situation they were in when they first met and the way Dean feels about romantic relationships. After a little while of watching where the story was taking me and seeing the connecting tendrils coming together, I found myself completely and totally invested in the lives of Captain Dean Watters and Zahrah Zarrick. And then, the author blew me away with the direction the story took! Absolutely powerful!
I love that I can pick up one of Ronie Kendig’s books and immerse myself in a totally unique experience, full of danger, heroes, and the military. I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
You can read this review and enter Ronie's contest to win a Kindle HDX (through 6/15/14) on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
December 16, 2019
My heart broke for these characters over and over again! This was a beautifully written war book that is not for the faint of heart. Though it is cleaner than most military related book I’ve read, this book is still not for the faint of heart. It deals with very heavy topics and was very violent.
Mrs. Kendig did a fabulous job at writing this novel. She dealt with the topics well. She wrote her characters to be so real and emotion. I honest to goodness am shocked that I am not sobbing right now. I had tears in my eyes in quite a few places throughout this book. Todd and Amy’s story made me cry. And then we had everything going on with Dean and Zahrah that I could hardly hold myself together.
I need book 2 now that ending was not okay and I demand this man who is behind everything to be discovered and put into jail. I have my assumptions on who it is but I don’t know if I am right or not. All I know is that this book made me fall in love and then roped my heart out and shredded it into a million pieces multiple times!
Mrs. Kendig did a fabulous job at writing this novel. She dealt with the topics well. She wrote her characters to be so real and emotion. I honest to goodness am shocked that I am not sobbing right now. I had tears in my eyes in quite a few places throughout this book. Todd and Amy’s story made me cry. And then we had everything going on with Dean and Zahrah that I could hardly hold myself together.
I need book 2 now that ending was not okay and I demand this man who is behind everything to be discovered and put into jail. I have my assumptions on who it is but I don’t know if I am right or not. All I know is that this book made me fall in love and then roped my heart out and shredded it into a million pieces multiple times!
November 30, 2024
As usual for Ms. Kendig writing, this story is a wonderful mix of action, suspense, budding romance, and faith. Unfortunately, I caught several technical errors like wrong words in this book which is unusual in Ms. Kendig’s books. Not enough to cause me to not recommend Raptor 6, but enough for me to point them out.
The characters are well-written and balance each other.
Zahrah’s strong faith led her to the mission field in Afghanistan. It also gives her the courage to remain in Afghanistan despite growing threats. Certain the Lord has called her to stay in Afghanistan, she questions why but never loses faith that God had a purpose for bringing her there and telling her to stay.
Dean’s need to protect others borders on obsession. Events from his past drive him to rely solely on his own strength and ability. But when circumstances bring Zahrah into his life and the two share a horrifying ordeal, will he be able to let go of his need to be in control and learn to trust God with the kind of faith Zahrah possesses.
Another crisp, fast-paced, enjoyable read from Ronie Kendig.
The characters are well-written and balance each other.
Zahrah’s strong faith led her to the mission field in Afghanistan. It also gives her the courage to remain in Afghanistan despite growing threats. Certain the Lord has called her to stay in Afghanistan, she questions why but never loses faith that God had a purpose for bringing her there and telling her to stay.
Dean’s need to protect others borders on obsession. Events from his past drive him to rely solely on his own strength and ability. But when circumstances bring Zahrah into his life and the two share a horrifying ordeal, will he be able to let go of his need to be in control and learn to trust God with the kind of faith Zahrah possesses.
Another crisp, fast-paced, enjoyable read from Ronie Kendig.
September 6, 2017
Intense. Gripping. This story was packed with action and intensity from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know how it would end. It was real and emotional the entire time. Full review at my website. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
September 20, 2017
This is my first time reading a book of this genre and I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it! So much so that I couldn't put it down until I finished it at 4:30am! Going to get the other two from the library today! talk about an adrenaline rush!
October 8, 2022
Good read! I enjoyed it, but not enough to reread it. Would recommend though!!
March 25, 2018
Wow. Just wow.
June 13, 2020
If you’ve read any of my past reviews of Ronie Kendig books, you know she is my absolute favorite author. Her writing is so good, so addictive - I mean seriously hard to put down- and you can feel the heart she puts into each one of her stories. They are always original, creative, and just plain brilliant. Raptor 6 is an adrenaline pumping story from start to finish! I loved this team and can’t wait to read the rest of the stories in this series.
Dean Watters is the epitome of a hero! He is brave, loyal, strong, and always does the right thing - he’s also gorgeous! 😉 Zahrah is one of my favorite female characters. I loved her heart and her loyalty to the people she loved. Parts of this story tore my heart to pieces - I may have even cried, but as I knew she would, Ronie Kendig nicely put it all back together again before the story ended.
I cannot wait to start Hawk’s story!
Dean Watters is the epitome of a hero! He is brave, loyal, strong, and always does the right thing - he’s also gorgeous! 😉 Zahrah is one of my favorite female characters. I loved her heart and her loyalty to the people she loved. Parts of this story tore my heart to pieces - I may have even cried, but as I knew she would, Ronie Kendig nicely put it all back together again before the story ended.
I cannot wait to start Hawk’s story!
May 2, 2014
About the Book:
Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.
About the Author:
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs--a Golden Retriever and a Maltese Menace. 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, named to 2012 Bestselling Fiction by Christianbook.com, finaled in numerous contests and reader awards, including ACFW Carol Awards, RWA's Faith, Hope, & Love's Inspirational Readers' Choice Awards, Christian Retailing's Readers' Choice Awards, INSPY Award, The Christian Manifesto Lime Awards, and FamilyFiction's Readers' Choice Awards.
My Review:
Ronie Kendig is known for captivating her fans with her mix of military & romance, and how she so beautifully displays them in way that they co-exist simultaneously. Raptor 6, is book one in The Quiet Professionals series. Captain Dean Watters is in full military gung ho status ready to complete his mission. The mission is to save a missionary teacher in Mazar-e Sharif that hasd now become a target. Before Captain Dean Watters and his team can get to her she disappears which is making her hard to find at the moment.
Dean as all military types keeps his heart on lock down, but as he gets to know Zahrah, he soon feels so drawn to her that this could change everything for him. But is he willing to risk it all for her?
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.
About the Author:
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs--a Golden Retriever and a Maltese Menace. 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, named to 2012 Bestselling Fiction by Christianbook.com, finaled in numerous contests and reader awards, including ACFW Carol Awards, RWA's Faith, Hope, & Love's Inspirational Readers' Choice Awards, Christian Retailing's Readers' Choice Awards, INSPY Award, The Christian Manifesto Lime Awards, and FamilyFiction's Readers' Choice Awards.
My Review:
Ronie Kendig is known for captivating her fans with her mix of military & romance, and how she so beautifully displays them in way that they co-exist simultaneously. Raptor 6, is book one in The Quiet Professionals series. Captain Dean Watters is in full military gung ho status ready to complete his mission. The mission is to save a missionary teacher in Mazar-e Sharif that hasd now become a target. Before Captain Dean Watters and his team can get to her she disappears which is making her hard to find at the moment.
Dean as all military types keeps his heart on lock down, but as he gets to know Zahrah, he soon feels so drawn to her that this could change everything for him. But is he willing to risk it all for her?
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
June 10, 2014
This is an interesting story that is centered around a Green Beret Special Forces team. The team is working in Afghanistan. The author did a great job in making the action of the story feel very real. She even helped describe what life is like there and the tensions between Afghan people and American soldiers.
The plot centers around the theft of a super computer that contains information that can be used to bring down the American military and wreak havoc on the nation. A half American half Afghan woman who is the daughter of a retired American General is kidnapped. She has the expertise to hack into the stolen computer, and her captors will stop at nothing to get her to give them access to the computer. There is a love story between the leader of the Special Forces team and this woman.
A sub-plot to the story involves one of the members of the team going back to the states to spend the last days of his newlywed wife suffering from cancer.
Scattered throughout the novel are elements where different people reveal their personal walks with God. Plenty is found in this story to show people’s dependence on God.
The language is very clean considering the dialogue of soldiers. This would be a great book for teenagers interested in fictional stories centered around military operations. It is a good read and a quick read. At first, I had trouble keeping up with the many characters introduced almost all at once. Often, the author uses military acronyms, but she includes a glossary at the front of the book to understand them all. The book ends openly revealing there are more books to follow within the series. (guest reviewer, B.Lyles, teacher and band instructor)
GIVEAWAY: A copy has been provided by Litfuse for one of our readers to win. Begins June 10 & ENDS July 2 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open for US addresses only. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher in exchange for a review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.
The plot centers around the theft of a super computer that contains information that can be used to bring down the American military and wreak havoc on the nation. A half American half Afghan woman who is the daughter of a retired American General is kidnapped. She has the expertise to hack into the stolen computer, and her captors will stop at nothing to get her to give them access to the computer. There is a love story between the leader of the Special Forces team and this woman.
A sub-plot to the story involves one of the members of the team going back to the states to spend the last days of his newlywed wife suffering from cancer.
Scattered throughout the novel are elements where different people reveal their personal walks with God. Plenty is found in this story to show people’s dependence on God.
The language is very clean considering the dialogue of soldiers. This would be a great book for teenagers interested in fictional stories centered around military operations. It is a good read and a quick read. At first, I had trouble keeping up with the many characters introduced almost all at once. Often, the author uses military acronyms, but she includes a glossary at the front of the book to understand them all. The book ends openly revealing there are more books to follow within the series. (guest reviewer, B.Lyles, teacher and band instructor)
GIVEAWAY: A copy has been provided by Litfuse for one of our readers to win. Begins June 10 & ENDS July 2 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open for US addresses only. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher in exchange for a review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.
Read
November 22, 2017This may be the first of its type (military fiction) that I’ve read so far, certainly my first by this author, and I have to say I’m impressed. Even though this is a little bit outside my normal reading habits, I read so many positive reviews of Ronie Kendig’s novels by bloggers whose opinions I respect, I had to give this a try. Especially when I found a good deal on the audio version.
Here’s a glimpse of what I loved about Raptor 6. The action and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what might be coming next. The characters were engaging and felt realistic, with flaws and a history. I really enjoyed seeing the camaraderie among the Raptor team members, and I loved how Zahrah stood by her beliefs even when things got difficult. And yeah, “difficult” is probably the understatement of the year. This book definitely puts the hero and heroine through the ringer, which makes for some intense reading, and plays a big part in the development of their relationship. I also found the first person viewpoint of one of the bad guys a pretty fascinating complement to the rest of the story.
Recommended to those who enjoy an action and suspense oriented story with romance on the side. Raptor 6 is first in the Quiet Professionals series, which includes Hawk (November 2014) and Falcon (May 2015), each telling the story of another of the Raptor team members introduced in this book.
Specific to the Audio Edition:
I haven’t come across very many Christian fiction audiobooks read by male narrators yet, so Adam Verner’s performance made for a nice change. He did a good job differentiating the characters’ voices and making even the female voices sound natural. I also thought his narration included just the right amount of character and emotion to give depth and added interest to the listening experience. I think audiobook fans will find this one worth listening to.
This review first appeared on my blog at http://karencollier.com/audiobook-rev...
December 27, 2014
I had never read any books by Ronie Kendig prior to reading Raptor 6, but had heard such wonderful reviews on her books, that when the opportunity arose, I decided to try this author and her new series. While I was very hesitant to request this book, I hoped that I'd enjoy it, though I'll admit it is definitely not the kind of book I'd normally pick up. I'm really into chick-flicks and such, and hardly ever read stories with male main characters that are centered in a war zone.
Unfortunately, despite really wanting to enjoy this book, I didn't. I really did try and get into the story, but after 100 pages I just decided to skim the remainder of the story, knowing it just wasn't my cup of tea. I want to be completely open and say that there was nothing wrong with this author, or her writing style. But personally for me, as a big fan of girl-y books, to read a novel with a male main character and centered in a war zone just didn't appeal to me. I had a feeling this would end up happening, and looking back can see that maybe choosing to help promote this book wasn't the best idea, as I'm not the best person to do so being that I'm not into this genre.
However I do know that there are lots of people who absolutely love this author. I would definitely say that the overall writing style in this book was wonderful-the only problem I had with this book was the genre which I'm not into. I honestly hate having to give this book such a low rating since the rating was entirely due to my personal taste in reading and in no way reflected on the author. So please don't think that just because I didn't enjoy this book that you won't either! I encourage you to give it a try, as I know lots of people who have enjoyed this author's novels!
D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of Raptor 6 from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to do so, and all thoughts expressed are completely my own, honest and unbiased.
Unfortunately, despite really wanting to enjoy this book, I didn't. I really did try and get into the story, but after 100 pages I just decided to skim the remainder of the story, knowing it just wasn't my cup of tea. I want to be completely open and say that there was nothing wrong with this author, or her writing style. But personally for me, as a big fan of girl-y books, to read a novel with a male main character and centered in a war zone just didn't appeal to me. I had a feeling this would end up happening, and looking back can see that maybe choosing to help promote this book wasn't the best idea, as I'm not the best person to do so being that I'm not into this genre.
However I do know that there are lots of people who absolutely love this author. I would definitely say that the overall writing style in this book was wonderful-the only problem I had with this book was the genre which I'm not into. I honestly hate having to give this book such a low rating since the rating was entirely due to my personal taste in reading and in no way reflected on the author. So please don't think that just because I didn't enjoy this book that you won't either! I encourage you to give it a try, as I know lots of people who have enjoyed this author's novels!
D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of Raptor 6 from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to do so, and all thoughts expressed are completely my own, honest and unbiased.
January 6, 2015
Ronie Kendig delivers you into the hands of the enemy in Raptor 6. Captain Dean Watters leads the Special Forces team in Afghanistan and is surprised when American missionary teacher, Zahrah Zarrick, captures his thoughts and his heart.
The story is filled with great prose and description real enough it'll make you cringe. The storyline draws you in but not before you're overwhelmed with the military lingo-to the point it's just a bit too much. Even my soldier husband found it difficult to stay connected to the story because there was just so much militaristic dialogue, description, and facts. At the beginning of the book there is a key to help the civilian understand all of the acronyms but who wants to go back and find out what how the AAR was written for SOCOM because the CID discovered OPSEC was breached?
After you make it through the first several chapters of getting acquainted to the military world of Captain Watters you're finally introduced to the real heart of the story. I was drawn in once the story started flowing and I found myself right there with the characters. The suspense was just right. However, towards the end of the story it felt rushed and almost unbelievable how quickly the rescue happened. I'm finding this happens more often in stories lately. The author takes great effort to deliver you into the story world and you're there, living with the characters like a fly on the wall watching it all go down and then swoop!! It's over and you're thinking, "Did I blink?" One of the more disappointing issues was how quickly the nasty, evil, antagonist dies. I wanted him to suffer in ways worthy of his actions. That makes me sound a bit sadistic but I just wanted a more satisfying ending for the creep.
All in all the book was wonderfully written. The author was very detailed in her writing and created a story that I will read again and recommend. This is the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
The story is filled with great prose and description real enough it'll make you cringe. The storyline draws you in but not before you're overwhelmed with the military lingo-to the point it's just a bit too much. Even my soldier husband found it difficult to stay connected to the story because there was just so much militaristic dialogue, description, and facts. At the beginning of the book there is a key to help the civilian understand all of the acronyms but who wants to go back and find out what how the AAR was written for SOCOM because the CID discovered OPSEC was breached?
After you make it through the first several chapters of getting acquainted to the military world of Captain Watters you're finally introduced to the real heart of the story. I was drawn in once the story started flowing and I found myself right there with the characters. The suspense was just right. However, towards the end of the story it felt rushed and almost unbelievable how quickly the rescue happened. I'm finding this happens more often in stories lately. The author takes great effort to deliver you into the story world and you're there, living with the characters like a fly on the wall watching it all go down and then swoop!! It's over and you're thinking, "Did I blink?" One of the more disappointing issues was how quickly the nasty, evil, antagonist dies. I wanted him to suffer in ways worthy of his actions. That makes me sound a bit sadistic but I just wanted a more satisfying ending for the creep.
All in all the book was wonderfully written. The author was very detailed in her writing and created a story that I will read again and recommend. This is the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 24, 2018
Dean Watters is a phenomenal leader, warrior, soldier; a man with a past. He has been through hell and back, seeing death up close and personal. His strength and stamina are amazing, both physical and mental.
Zahrah Zarrick is a woman of strong Christian faith, teaching young Afghani girls in her mother’s home country of Afghanistan. Amidst a war torn country and age old traditions, she is a beacon of hope for those she teaches.
“You don’t need bars, a crust of bread, and water to be a prisoner. If your past is holding you hostage, then it’s time to break out.” ~ Zahrah Zarrick
I’m not sure how to describe this book. It’s one of those that have so many layers, once they’re peeled back, more and more appear. It is full of intensely gritty scenes that even though I found difficult to read, I couldn’t stop reading. The prose is mind-blowing and held me hostage from the first page to the last. The intensity of emotion in Raptor 6 tops every one of this author’s other books.
Every. single. one.
There are some difficult scenes to read. It’s a war zone, after all. Terrorists commit horrific crimes. Dean and Zarrah are thrown together in dreadful circumstances. He relies on his own strength. She relies on her undefeatable faith in God; in His sovereignty over all situations. There’s a real battle going on and it’s not just on the ground but in the heart. And no one shows the struggles and victories these brave men and women go through better than Ronie Kendig. There’s a reason her tagline is Rapid-fire fiction, and Raptor 6 showcases it to the extreme.
I eagerly await the next two books in the series.
Thank you, Barbour Publishing and Litfuse Publicity, for sending me a copy to review. No compensation has been received. Only my honest opinion of the book was required.
Zahrah Zarrick is a woman of strong Christian faith, teaching young Afghani girls in her mother’s home country of Afghanistan. Amidst a war torn country and age old traditions, she is a beacon of hope for those she teaches.
“You don’t need bars, a crust of bread, and water to be a prisoner. If your past is holding you hostage, then it’s time to break out.” ~ Zahrah Zarrick
I’m not sure how to describe this book. It’s one of those that have so many layers, once they’re peeled back, more and more appear. It is full of intensely gritty scenes that even though I found difficult to read, I couldn’t stop reading. The prose is mind-blowing and held me hostage from the first page to the last. The intensity of emotion in Raptor 6 tops every one of this author’s other books.
Every. single. one.
There are some difficult scenes to read. It’s a war zone, after all. Terrorists commit horrific crimes. Dean and Zarrah are thrown together in dreadful circumstances. He relies on his own strength. She relies on her undefeatable faith in God; in His sovereignty over all situations. There’s a real battle going on and it’s not just on the ground but in the heart. And no one shows the struggles and victories these brave men and women go through better than Ronie Kendig. There’s a reason her tagline is Rapid-fire fiction, and Raptor 6 showcases it to the extreme.
I eagerly await the next two books in the series.
Thank you, Barbour Publishing and Litfuse Publicity, for sending me a copy to review. No compensation has been received. Only my honest opinion of the book was required.
May 30, 2014
Dean Watters and his Special Forces team do missions that no other team could do, but when one is called home, it leaves the team shorthanded just as they find evidence of a sinister threat that could endanger soldiers all over the world. And then there's the other interference of Zahrah Zarrick, the village children's teacher. Not only has she interrupted his mission, now she IS his mission. And he can't take his eyes off her.
Ronie Kendig is one of the best thriller authors out there. I have a confession: sometimes when I read a book I mentally check off the elements of a novel, i.e., foreshadowing, character development, the dark moment, etc. Raptor 6 sucked me into the story and held me there until the very end, so schedule your time accordingly.
Our military heroes go through so much more than I can imagine. (And by heroes, I mean everyone who serves.) I'm so grateful that they would willingly put themselves situations that could become as terrifying as those that the author describes in Raptor 6. This work, although fiction, gives us civilians a tiny idea of what our military is willing to go through to preserve our freedom.
And even though Kendig is known for thriller/action/adventure, the romance between Dean and Zahrah is out-of-this-world. These two connected on all levels: intellectual, emotional, spiritual and yes, even physical. I cried more than once during their highly-charged romance.
You'd don't have to love military novels to love this book. Thriller and adventure fans will enjoy the fast-paced exploits of all the members of the Raptor 6 team.
I'd like to thank LitFuse Publicity for my copy of Raptor 6 in exchange for my fair and impartial review.
Ronie Kendig is one of the best thriller authors out there. I have a confession: sometimes when I read a book I mentally check off the elements of a novel, i.e., foreshadowing, character development, the dark moment, etc. Raptor 6 sucked me into the story and held me there until the very end, so schedule your time accordingly.
Our military heroes go through so much more than I can imagine. (And by heroes, I mean everyone who serves.) I'm so grateful that they would willingly put themselves situations that could become as terrifying as those that the author describes in Raptor 6. This work, although fiction, gives us civilians a tiny idea of what our military is willing to go through to preserve our freedom.
And even though Kendig is known for thriller/action/adventure, the romance between Dean and Zahrah is out-of-this-world. These two connected on all levels: intellectual, emotional, spiritual and yes, even physical. I cried more than once during their highly-charged romance.
You'd don't have to love military novels to love this book. Thriller and adventure fans will enjoy the fast-paced exploits of all the members of the Raptor 6 team.
I'd like to thank LitFuse Publicity for my copy of Raptor 6 in exchange for my fair and impartial review.
February 27, 2016
RAPTOR 6, book one of The Quiet Professionals series was so intense, I found myself clenching my chest and gasping in sympathetic pain. An incredible start to what I anticipate to be a great series.
Captain Dean Watters heads his Special Forces team with unwavering focus. His team is his family and he lives to serve his country. When super-secure computers go missing with information that will compromise U.S. military intelligence, he and his team do all they can to secure the computers before they can be hacked by the enemies of the U.S.
Few know that Zahrah Zarrick is more than a missionary teacher. With skills in quantum cryptology she becomes an unwilling target of those who have taken the missing computers. When Dean realizes she is in danger, he and his team are too late to protect her. She has been taken captive and now it is up to Dean and his team to find her. Complicating matter more is the fact that Dean has lost his heart to Zahrah. When he realizes the only way to rescue her is to become a captive himself, he must reach down deep to his very core, knowing he might have to sacrifice his life for hers.
All I can say is WOW! Ronie Kendig as done it again. The intensity of RAPTOR 6 is truly griping. Some scenes might be too intense for some people but it definitely leans to the realism of the tragedies of war. I love the relationship that forms between Dean and Zarhrah and how they drew strength from each other. I also enjoyed the rapport and banter between the team members of RAPTOR 6. They epitomize the definition−a band of brothers. I can’t wait to read HAWK, book two in the series.
Captain Dean Watters heads his Special Forces team with unwavering focus. His team is his family and he lives to serve his country. When super-secure computers go missing with information that will compromise U.S. military intelligence, he and his team do all they can to secure the computers before they can be hacked by the enemies of the U.S.
Few know that Zahrah Zarrick is more than a missionary teacher. With skills in quantum cryptology she becomes an unwilling target of those who have taken the missing computers. When Dean realizes she is in danger, he and his team are too late to protect her. She has been taken captive and now it is up to Dean and his team to find her. Complicating matter more is the fact that Dean has lost his heart to Zahrah. When he realizes the only way to rescue her is to become a captive himself, he must reach down deep to his very core, knowing he might have to sacrifice his life for hers.
All I can say is WOW! Ronie Kendig as done it again. The intensity of RAPTOR 6 is truly griping. Some scenes might be too intense for some people but it definitely leans to the realism of the tragedies of war. I love the relationship that forms between Dean and Zarhrah and how they drew strength from each other. I also enjoyed the rapport and banter between the team members of RAPTOR 6. They epitomize the definition−a band of brothers. I can’t wait to read HAWK, book two in the series.
May 14, 2014
We finally get to hear Captain Dean Watters story! If you have read Kendig’s “A Breed Apart” series, you know him as an interesting man who would do anything for his team. Dean is now about to embark in the most important mission yet. Someone has stolen military computers that could give the enemy a blueprint of the U.S. Military and everyone in it. Dean’s team has to get it back. While out on patrol Dean meets Zahrah Zarrick, a missionary teacher, who just so happens to also be a retired Generals daughter and an expert in quantum cryptology, which makes her a target the enemy can use. They will do anything to force her to do their bidding. Raptor 6 is so believable it takes you to another place far away in a hot desert. Kendig keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. She paints a great picture of our men and women in uniform, and helps us to understand what some of them go through for the freedom of others. In Raptor 6 you hear many different sides of the story, including a sinister one. I was unable to put it down, and know you will feel the same way. Kendig researches what she writes about to make it as accurate as possible, and it shows in her writing. A great military romance, in which God’s grace shows throughout the story. A must read for anyone who likes Christian Fiction, Romance, Suspense, and Action all thrown into one. I can’t wait for the next book in the Quiet Professionals Series!
April 14, 2015
Raptor 6 is a wild, unforgettable ride!
This is my first Ronie Kendig book. Her tag-line is Rapid-fire Fiction--it fits perfectly! I'm in awe of her tight, powerful prose and the constant forward-motion of this exciting story.
Her writing style is perfect for military stories; the details of a military unit are authentic and fascinating. Multiples times I laughed at the team's interactions and then held my breath as they were a moment from danger. The author's attention to detail makes the story zing to life from page one.
Main characters Dean and Zahrah are living, breathing people who jumped off the page, scene after scene. Dean's an indomitable, honorable leader and warrior, weighed down by the death and destruction he's seen and experienced. Zahrah is a calm beacon for Jesus in the midst of an awful war-zone, teaching children and trying to make a difference in her mother's war-torn land.
Zahrah and Dean's interactions and connection are intense and powerful; I loved their scenes together.
Though there are a few difficult scenes to read in Raptor 6, it's real life and real war. The author doesn't sugarcoat the dangers faced by military men and women.
If you like strong spiritual threads, danger on each page, and breathtaking action, Raptor 6 is for you. And what an exciting ending!
4.5 stars, and I look forward to reading the next story in this series!
This is my first Ronie Kendig book. Her tag-line is Rapid-fire Fiction--it fits perfectly! I'm in awe of her tight, powerful prose and the constant forward-motion of this exciting story.
Her writing style is perfect for military stories; the details of a military unit are authentic and fascinating. Multiples times I laughed at the team's interactions and then held my breath as they were a moment from danger. The author's attention to detail makes the story zing to life from page one.
Main characters Dean and Zahrah are living, breathing people who jumped off the page, scene after scene. Dean's an indomitable, honorable leader and warrior, weighed down by the death and destruction he's seen and experienced. Zahrah is a calm beacon for Jesus in the midst of an awful war-zone, teaching children and trying to make a difference in her mother's war-torn land.
Zahrah and Dean's interactions and connection are intense and powerful; I loved their scenes together.
Though there are a few difficult scenes to read in Raptor 6, it's real life and real war. The author doesn't sugarcoat the dangers faced by military men and women.
If you like strong spiritual threads, danger on each page, and breathtaking action, Raptor 6 is for you. And what an exciting ending!
4.5 stars, and I look forward to reading the next story in this series!
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