Some hearts are worth fighting for—even when the battle comes home.
Olympic sharpshooter McKenna Neeley thought her biggest challenge was living up to her legendary father's legacy as Nightshade's team sniper. But working as a junior Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, she's about to face her most perilous mission yet—and it has nothing to do with diplomacy.
When a high-stakes dinner party brings Dante Riddell back into her life, McKenna's carefully ordered world tilts off its axis. The brooding security specialist from Omen Tactical Group was her childhood crush, but now he's all grown up—and guarding secrets as closely as he guards his VIP clients.
Despite finally being claimed by his father as a teen, Dante has spent his life believing he isn’t worthy of the Nightshade legacy. When his duty collides with McKenna's consular work sparks fly and keeping their distance becomes impossible. She's everything he remembers and more—brilliant, compassionate, and dangerously distracting. His job is complete the mission and walk away before his damaged heart gets involved.
But when a deadly enemy disrupts peace talks, simple plans shatter like glass.
Trapped together in a web of international intrigue, McKenna and Dante must trust each other—and God’s plan—forging a love that's been years in the making. Because sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with weapons, but with faith, forgiveness, and the courage to believe in second chances.
Can two wounded hearts find healing in each other's arms, or will the shadows of their past destroy their chance at forever?
"A beautiful blend of faith, heart-pounding suspense, and swoon-worthy romance. This book touched my soul!"— Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author
Discarded Scions Book 1: Atlas Book 2: Apollo Book 3: Achilles
Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over forty 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 on the East Coast. 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, Realm Award, Alliance Award, back-to-back RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Taking inspiration from the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict and piggybacking on one of her previous novels, author Ronie Kendig writes to reveal that living up to a legacy is a daunting task for anyone, even those from paramilitary families who thrive on a challenge.
Her characters struggle with being worthy of their father’s Nightshade legacy, a black ops group of veterans, and are challenged by nurturing a budding romance while on a dangerous mission.
McKenna Neeley is an Olympic sharpshooter holding a position of Junior Consular Officer at the US Embassy in Armenia. She’s come to help the Armenians and soon finds herself in danger. Her childhood crush, Dante Riddell, is also in Armenia as a security specialist with Omen Tactical Group. Despite his training, Dante finds it difficult to put aside his feelings for McKenna. Can they get out of Armenia alive while still making space for each other?
Kendig’s Rapid-Fire Suspense is blended well with a clean romance featuring second chances and two characters who need to learn to trust each other. This novel can stand alone, but I think reading Nightshade first would help with understanding the first few chapters. After a few chapters, the title will make sense.
I’ll remember this book for its encouragement to see failure as success in progress.
If you enjoy clean romance, suspense, found family, friends to more, second chances, and stories featuring military families, this is a must add.
I’m looking forward to the release of the next installment, Apollo, this Spring.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This might feel sus, me giving ATLAS 5 stars when I wrote it ... but the rating is really about my love of being back in the Nightshade world, running ops with Dante, McKenna, and Omen ... AND beautiful cameo appearances by the OG team, including Cowboy, Legend, and Midas. It has been so wonderful being immersed in this world again. And--dawg, I love these characters.
I flew through this read! McKenna and Dante’s story was a total page-turner.
When McKenna runs into her childhood friend, she thinks her biggest challenge will be keeping her feelings in check until his cold shoulder makes her question whether she even knows him anymore. Dante is just as thrown off. She’s no longer the girl who once had a crush on him but a confident woman he feels he could never be good enough for. And with her working as an embassy officer and him as a security specialist, they both have a job to do, and personal feelings can’t get in the way.
Neither wants the distraction, but when danger closes in, forced proximity pushes them to confront their emotions and slowly let down their walls. And as the threat escalates, admitting their feelings becomes the least of their worries.
If you enjoy friends to more, page turning suspense, sweet kisses, and forced proximity, this one’s for you. The close relationships between the characters made the story feel especially unique. I did wish I knew more of the backstory, so reading the earlier books may enhance the experience, but it still stands strong on its own.
I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
This is a really good Christian romantic suspense. When I started the book, I immediately felt like I was entering in the middle of a series which startled me because I know that this is the first book in this series from this publisher. I went back and did some research and found that this series is a spinoff from a series the author published previously. If you have the chance, I did not, I would highly suggest that you read that series first as I think you will be able to better enjoy this book if you have that history. There are some things with the military operators that felt off with their communication in the first 30% of the book, but after that things went really well.
I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down. Set in Armenia, our heroine McKenna works for the American consulate and our hero Dante (callsign Atlas) is with a military operational team. When peace talks are happening between Armenia and Azerbaijan, our main characters meet again. They haven’t seen each other in probably a decade, but they grew up together, and she has always had a crush on him. Their families are extremely close together - more family than friends. When McKenna gets pulled into being on a team going into a place where there’s questionable hostile military activity, the stakes rise, and Dante has to face the depth of his feelings for her as they struggle to make it out alive. This book has twists and turns and keeps your heart pounding the entire time, but it also has a great dose of sweet romance. I felt like it ended too soon! I am definitely excited to continue this series and see more of these operators. This is just kisses romance, intimacy level 2. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
First of all, I absolutely loved the Nightshade Discarded Heroes series with Cowboy, Legend and Midas which are the OG’s and their children. McKenna, Olympic Sharpshooter and Dante, former Navy Seal now Operator for Omen group. Dante is fighting for his spot on Omen and to prove he’s got what it takes. He’s never felt like he was good enough and always trying to prove his worth to others. McKenna is working for the Embassy in Armenian country. When an incident puts these two in close proximity, along with Dante’s team, as they try to fight the unknown enemy while trying to figure out their feelings. I love high intensity and energy with danger and suspense. This is a perfect Christian romantic suspense for those who love breathtaking action and sizzling chemistry and faith-filled love and hope. 5 out of 5 stars for another great series starter by Ronie.
Reading Atlas was like spending time with loved ones who you haven’t seen for a while.
When I learned that the author is bringing out a series featuring the children of the Nightshade team in the Discarded Hero series, I was excited and knew I wanted to read the series ASAP. And the interaction between Atlas and the members of the Nightshade team reminded me why the author won my heart with this group of heroes.
I enjoyed the action and suspense and seeing how old and new worked together. The danger element was never ending and Atlas’s desire and struggle to measure up to a legacy believable. The banter between team members I have come to love in the author’s books was also overflowing in this story.
There is a thread which was mentioned in the beginning of the book but not solved, which I am expecting will wrap up at the end of the series.
If you love military thrillers and fell in love with the Discarded heroes, you will enjoy this book as well.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Absolutely fantastic was my first thought when I was reading Atlas. In true Ronie Kendig fashion, Atlas is a rapid-fire, non-stop action, Christian romantic suspense novel. It is a gripping, suspense-filled story and I did not want to put it down. It is so good to be spending time in the world of the Nightshade team again. I loved the setup for McKenna and Dante, really enjoyed the Omen team banter and I really appreciate the emphasis on the Armenian conflict
If you enjoy high-octane military suspense, childhood friends' beginnings and non-stop action, with a throwback to the Nightshade team, then I would highly recommend Atlas.
I received a complimentary copy from Sunrise Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
This book was Amazing 😍 it made me want to go back and reread about Nightshade. also love the on going threads that started here and will continue on. also, love love love their love story.
This is a fast paced thriller with romance and a message. Ronie Kendig delivers with great characters and lots of action. As well as a message about how we see ourselves and others, and how God can step into our story. I loved the background of Atlas and McKenna played into their relationship and their interactions with each other. A definite must read and I'm looking forward to the rest of this new series.
What a story! I loved Dante and McKenna and how they both try to come to terms with their past and overcome their present.
The suspense in the story kept me turning the pages as I tried to sort it all out. I enjoyed how the team worked together but was also able to have fun with each other.
Although this is the first book in this series, it included characters from other books, which was confusing for a reader that was new to this author.
Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
An action packed inspired suspense not to be missed! Descendants from amazing families trying to make their own mark on the World. Fast paced this book will keep you hooked from beginning to end! I didn't want to put this one down! Excited to see what comes next in the series!
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
Atlas was a fast-paced read with plenty of action, danger, and tense moments. This new series involves the children of Nightshade as adults. I enjoyed McKenna and Dante's story as it involves childhood friends to more and second chances. Kendig crafted an awesome read with a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and faith. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"Some hearts are worth fighting for - even when the battle comes home." This is the first sentence of the blurb, and it sums up so much about this book and its characters.
McKenna works for the American consulate in Armenia. She is the best at her job. One day she forgets all about her professional exterior when her childhood friend comes through the door. Dante (Atlas) is a security specialist with Omen Tactical Group. He is a member of a group that are the elite of the elite. The ones you want in your corner in an emergency. For McKenna the childhood crush that she was never able to voice comes rushing back. However, Dante is not as excited to see her. She is shattered. In his defense, personal distractions, of any kind, can get you get killed in his line of work. He is also trying to show he deserves to be where he is at.
Let's just say the calm before the storm is putting it mildly. When this book started picking up steam it was like an avalanche. My heart stayed in my throat as the author so adeptly describes the events in this story.
There is danger around every corner. No one knows who they can trust and being alert means staying alive, as survival is not guaranteed.
McKenna was one of those women that you better not underestimate. Not only is she is an Olympic sharpshooter, but her father taught her skills that she never dreamed that she would use. I was in awe of this heroine and her courage under fire.
This is a high stakes, action packed story with a romance attached to its plot. The thought of losing someone changes how you see them, which is a lesson that will be learned for these characters. I anxiously await the next book in the Discard Heroes series.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“"Love doesn't need a time stamp for X number of days to be valid…”
Atlas by Ronie Kendig came out this. Brand new series that is a spinoff of her Discarded Heroes series. I haven’t read a lot by Ronie Kendig, and this book was such a good read! I told myself one chapter before I go to bed. Next thing I know, I’ve finished the book and had to be up in five hours.
McKenna Neeley is working as a Consular Officer at the U. S. Embassy in Armenia. She is trying to live up to her Father’s legacy, she wasn’t planning on running into Dante Riddell. Her childhood crush and a family friend. McKenna was such a fun character to read about. She’s trying to live up to a family name and to be her own person. Something a lot of us can relate to in one way or another. I loved that McKenna wasn’t about to sit back and let others save the day when things start to go wrong on her assignment.
Dante Riddell is struggling to feel like he is worth of the Legacy, his father and his team built. His new assignment puts McKenna back into his life. Despite his attempt at keeping her at arm’s length, Dante is forced to keep McKenna safe as they work together. I felt sad for Dante and his struggles with his self worth. But I loved the journey as Dante with the help of McKenna and his family recognizes his worth.
Atlas is a fast moving pace read. Once you start it’s a hard one to put down. It is the first one in the series but it could be read as a standalone. The author does a great job at giving enough background for characters that show up that are from the original series.
Atlas by Ronie Kendig takes familiar readers back to the world of the Nightshade team and their children. Readers will enjoy the unfamiliar terrain. I did not even know where this little country was located on the map, so I went and looked it up. Kendig does a wonderful job at creating a horrific moment after moment to keep the tension nice and tight and make the plot keep moving and allowing the readers to stay glued to the pages. As for the romance, these characters have grown up together and finally one of them realizes how important the other one has been their entire life. The romance is a little heavy-handed at times as the two realize how much they mean to each other. One of Kendig’s strengths is to bring the heart and passion to the lives of the military characters. As an avid reader of all her stories, I enjoy this part of her stories. However, the one aspect that kind of annoyed me was that the heroine is in a situation where a whole bunch of bad things went down, and they left the scene of the crime to head south. What happened with all these bad people and things? Is part of the plot for the second book in the series? One of my favorite aspects of military stories is the justice done for crimes done by other countries. This ending left me wanting justice. I hope Kendig has this plot element in the next book. Overall, Atlas by Ronie Kendig writes stories that I love to spend a good day with. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of Atlas by Ronie Kendig from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Atlas delivers some great action and the kind of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
It’s been years since I read any of Kendig’s Discarded Heroes books and honestly, I didn’t remember much. I did remember enjoying them! (I think I only read two?) Anyway, before starting I went on Goodreads to read the original series synopsis and a couple reviews to spark my memory and remember names. McKenna’s parents’ story rang a bell for me, while Dante’s parents’ story did not, but it didn’t matter. It was enough that I knew this series was to be about the children of a former special forces unit- a close-knit family.
Right away we get to know McKenna, serving at the Armenian consulate and Dante- a SEAL imbedded with a special unit there to protect a VIP during peace talks. But things get crazy, as you’d expect! I don’t want to spoil anything by saying anything else.
I really enjoyed this friends-to-more story. Both McKenna and Dante have cared about each other for a long time but never thought the other did, plus, they were like family (calling each other’s dads “uncle” etc). But in the crucible of this story, the truth comes to light. It was an enjoyable journey for me. The story was exciting from the helicopter to the escape. It was fun trying to guess who was responsible. There’s some groundwork for the next story as well, and what will probably be an overarching mystery to solve.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
McKenna Neeley may be an Olympic-level sharpshooter, but stepping into a diplomatic role at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia proves far more dangerous than any competition. When a high-stakes event throws her back into the orbit of Dante Riddell — her childhood crush turned brooding security specialist — old feelings resurface in the middle of a very real and very deadly crisis.
Wow, this was SO good. I’ll be honest — I had to Google a few of the military terms along the way, but that just showed how detailed and immersive the story was. Even when I didn’t know the terminology, the emotional stakes and action were crystal clear, and I was completely hooked.
I loved the blend of international intrigue, faith, and slow-burn second-chance romance. McKenna is strong, capable, and compassionate, while Dante carries that quiet, protective intensity that just works in romantic suspense. Their shared history and deep family ties added so much emotional weight, especially as both of them wrestle with living up to the Nightshade legacy. I haven’t read their parents’ stories yet, but now I absolutely want to go back and experience those books too.
The action is fast, the danger feels real, and the romance builds beautifully through trust, sacrifice, and faith in God’s bigger plan. Forced proximity, childhood-crush-to-more, and wounded hearts learning they are worthy of love? Absolutely here for it.
If you love clean romantic suspense with military ties, found family vibes, and a faith thread woven naturally through the story, you’ll want this on your list.
ARC note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The Discarded Heroes series by Ronie Kendig is a favorite of mine and when I heard she was going to write a Scions series I was so excited. And this book did not disappoint. Atlas fast forwards through time and the children of Nightshade are now grown up. Dante is now a former Navy Seal and working for the Omen group. He's a strong military soldier and yet still struggles with things from his past that make him seem “less” in his eyes. McKenna, is an Olympic sharpshooter having learned from her sniper Daddy. She is now working for the Ambassador and helping people. Circumstances bring Dante and McKenna together again and the excitement and action gear up from there! And in true Ronie Kendig fashion, she had me holding my breath at times, crying at times and sometimes doing both at the same time! An aspect that I love about this book is showing the strong bond the Scions have. They consider each other family. And family is always there when you need them. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. The review is all my own thoughts and completely honest. I highly recommend this book! I've already told my friends it is a must read.
Atlas is the PERFECT continuation of the Discarded Heroes series! I loved those books when Kendig wrote them, and the story world is made better by this new spinoff series.
Although while you should totally read that series because it's fabulous, Atlas can stand alone. You'll get the background you need as you read, which works because this is a high-octane read from start to finish, and I'm here for it.
I I couldn't believe the traumatic situations that Kendig writes into this book, though I should, because she's no stranger to high stakes - but you'll love the way that she draws out the suspense for McKenna.
And Dante? How can you not love a perfectionist special ops guy with mad skills and family issues? He's so amazing and yet also completely relatable as an insecure person who has to learn his value and purpose - don't we all?
So if you want a book that will draw you in, make your pulse pound, and tempt you to cry and cheer for the main characters by turn, you need Atlas in your life - immediately.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book captivated me from the very beginning. The first book in the series made me realize what I have missed, since I have not read the Nightshade series and have not met the Scions, their children. However, I was able to join this incredible group of people without a problem, other than that I need to go read the other series!
Set in the landlocked country of Armenia, McKenna, Olympic sharpshooter and Scion, is a consular officer at the embassy. The excitement heats up with the arrival of the Secretary of State and the Omen Tactical Group. Dante, former Navy Seal, Scion is part of Omen. Old memories rise when these two cross paths in their work.
This non-stop suspense military thriller brings acceptance of the past and replaces it with a hope-filled future for both of these Scions. Faith, love and a little humor as well as the return of several of the Nightshade team sets the scene for a series I don’t want to miss. A copy was received through Sunrise Publishing and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Y’all! This book was so good! I was so excited to dive back into Ronie Kendig’s military books. And I was so happy that this new series follows the grown-up kids of her characters from the Discarded Heroes series. I loved it so much!
I really liked McKenna and Dante. They had amazing chemistry, and while there was obvious attraction, there were many things preventing them from becoming anything more than friends. I was rooting them on the whole way through. They faced some really daunting and scary situations. I really admired McKenna's strength in the face of it all.
I appreciated the spotlight on Armenia. I didn’t know a whole lot about the country or the conflict with Azerbaijan.
Action-packed, with a lightning-fast pace and ever-increasing danger, this book was near impossible to put down. I loved it and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-stakes, faith-filled romantic suspense.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Ronie Kendig has done it again! I don’t know how she comes up with so many amazing and unique characters, but each book of hers I’ve read has been a delight and something different than all the rest.
McKenna might be my favorite heroine of Ronie’s. The way McKenna wants to help and serve, genuinely, but also proves she’s not too sensitive felt like seeing a bit of myself on the page. The way she fights through injuries and is willing to protect those she loves made me want to stand up and cheer, and her ability to see and speak to Dante’s struggles is something I hope to emulate.
And Dante. Fierce, dedicated, and so dutiful, and yet trapped by past wounds that color his view of his relationships with everyone close to him. That is such a relatable struggle, and his growth and what he learned is both encouraging and challenging for me.
Combined with a heart-thumping plot of twists and turns, appearances from the Nightshade team, and the beautiful setting of Armenia, Atlas is a no paramilitary and romantic suspense enthusiasts don’t want to miss.
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!!! Picking up years after the Discarded Heroes series ended we get to see cameos of our favorite characters! This rapid fire story delivers the action, the romance, and the flawed characters that Ronie Kendig never fails to deliver. I loved how the main characters had bits and peices of their parents struggles AND strengths. I loved McKenna! No surprise since Cowboy is a favorite from the first series 😉. She is strong and skilled and had the perfect amount of vulnerability that makes her precious. Dante was awesome! His struggles and insecurities about making his family proud was something so raw, and yet it didn't take away with how he jumps in to protect the people he cares for. Them together? Sigh. We rarely get friends to more in the Ronieverse, so this was so special! Wonderfully done, with all the mutual pining that makes their story an absolute treat! One of my top reads of 2025!
It is fun to hear about characters from past books. I liked the non-stop action which seemed fantastical yet realistic at the same time. Not too many people talking about the ongoing assault on Christians in this part of the world so it was good to hear about it.
There is enough realism in the book to show what days of captivity really look like. It is gritty at times without being overly explicit. My favorite parts of the book are the action scenes. Dante is quite the action hero and McKenna is pretty great as well.
I feel like there is more to the story that will be revealed in future books. The characters think about their parents a lot. It gives the impression of very young adults just finding their place in the world with the adults being in supportive, advice giving roles. The books about their parents had more experienced characters in both life and career.
Atlas is book 1 in the Discarded Heroes: Scions series by Ronnie Kendig. This book has me so excited for the rest of the series.
McKenna Neeley is an Olympic sharpshooter, a junior consular at the embassy in Armenia, and a Scion.
Dante Riddell is a former Navy Seal, a member of the Omen Tactical Group, and the oldest of the Scions.
When McKenna and Dante are caught in one dangerous situation after another, repressed feelings spark to life in spite of the unwritten rule that Scions don’t date each other.
This book is so full of twists, turns, action, and romance that it was hard to put down.
This book contains: - forced proximity - friends to more - second chances - so much action - the importance of family - both blood and chosen.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
I barely even saved any quotes from it because I was so enthralled in the story, I couldn't stop reading even for a moment to highlight them!
Dante and McKenna were a great team. I loved how they both saw each other's strengths when they were feeling their weakest. The way that they believed in each other, even before fully admitting their feelings, was so inspiring and I was in awe!
I also loved their dads and uncles. I need to read the original discarded heroes series now because I really want to learn more about these incredible men.
The thing that struck me the most was both Dante and McKenna's faith. I love how they both turned to God immediately, without second thoughts. It truly spoke to my heart and reminded me of God's power and love. Well done, Ronie! I cannot wait for the next book!
For any Kendig fans who enjoyed the Nightshade series you will be thrilled with the Scion series. Admittedly I am anticipating the books to come to be as good as book one. Atlas did not disappoint. Kendig takes Dante and McKenna on journeys that increase their faith and grow their relationships. Each one grows up just a bit more as they each set aside childhood wonder for the grit and dirt of adulthood. Plenty of action, mixed with paramilitary suspense, of course a sprinkling of romance, challenges of insecurities, and trying to live up to the heroes of Nightshade. Book 1 is so good. I look forward to the release of the rest of the series. I am going to need these in paperback to fill my shelf.
Atlas is the first book I have read written by Ronie Kendig. This is the first book in the new series Discarded Heroes: Scions, though it is a spin-off of the previous series Discarded Heroes. While digging into it, that series seems to be about the fathers of the characters in the Scions series. I have not read this series, so there were a few missing pieces, though this story was still enjoyable, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as going back and reading the original series.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. There were a few areas where I did feel a little lost, but I am glad I stuck with the book. It was a great read full of suspense, military elements, romance, and faith elements.
This friends-to-more romance was the perfect kissy-only romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.