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Laynie Portland #0.5
Spy Rising
No one is born a spy.In one way or another, every “righteous” clandestine operative is sought out, enlisted, and trained for the difficult and often terrible work intended to ensure that the principles of freedom triumph over ideologies that seek to dominate and enslave.The year is 1977; the Cold War is intensifying. Helena Portland—Laynie to her family—is set to graduate from the University of Washington, when recruiters from Marstead International invite her to dinner and an informal employment interview. Laynie is Marstead International is a technology and aeronautics firm with a global presence and reputation.But behind their corporate image? Marstead is a front for joint U.S./NATO covert operations.Not far into the dinner conversation, the recruiters make their “We have offices around the world, Miss Portland, and we actively seek college graduates with the right mix of aptitude and skills to work and grow within our worldwide market. Actually, we have been observing you for some time. We feel that you have the potential to serve . . . the interests of your country.”Laynie catches their drift and confronts it. “Let me see if I understand you correctly. You are representatives of a U.S. intelligence agency, unnamed so far, and you are trying to recruit me. Do I have it right?”When Laynie accepts Marstead’s offer, she is sent through the Company’s rigorous tradecraft and tactical training program. Laynie soon discovers that the world of clandestine service is dirty business. To succeed, operatives must bend and twist the tenets of liberty. Along the way, noble objectives tarnish and corrode, hearts harden, and methods and means drag virtue into the gutter.Laynie perseveres at the work set before her; she enters into it because she holds a secret—a secret she has never shared with anyone, a view of herself that not only condones the awful choices she is asked to make, but justifies them.I am worthless; my life has no value. I am only useful when the work I do serves a greater purpose. Laynie PortlandBook 1: Laynie Portland, Spy Rising—The PrequelBook 2: Laynie Portland, Retired SpyBook 3: Laynie Portland, Renegade SpyBook 4: Laynie Portland, Spy ResurrectedBook 5: Vyper, A Laynie Portland Sequel
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2019
305 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Kestell
54 books211 followersVikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 17, 2021
This book was billed as “faith-filled fiction,” but it didn’t quite feel that way. Despite the protagonist being raised in a Christian home, after she goes out on her own, she has two tawdry affairs. She also voices anti-Christianity sentiments; even on the last page, she considers going back on the straight and narrow, only to decide against it. Some of the spy training scenes were hard to read, as well. I hope that Laynie ends up giving her life to Christ before this series ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
I’m torn with this book. First, it was interminable...or seemingly so. Every aspect of our main character's spy training was documented in excruciating detail. Extensive and grueling for both mind and body. It was interesting, though, that the author seemed to know so much about it.
Laynie Portland was raised by a beautiful Christian adoptive family who loved her and trained her up in the way she should go. But it simply didn’t stick. She went through the motions, but chose to believe Jesus wouldn’t want her anyway, so she went her own way. This included lying to her family about the job she was taking. What was supposed to be a business position for a technology procuring company was in fact a non-governmental spy organization including unlawful activity, creating a person who simply shut off all feeling, and, well, telling her she had to lose her virginity in order to be hired — that they didn’t want an employee with religious hang ups.
What?? Oh, this upset me.
Anyway, this was long for a prequel, for sure, setting us up for her life of spying in the following books. But in this first book she did things her parents would have been devastated over and it only got worse. Her major assignment changed her completely. It was sad to read.
I do believe the rest of the books will lead to more faith issues that actually make an impact, but this one? Not so much.
Just a small point. The book covers for this series are strange. She looks like a 10th grader in each one. Her ages in this prequel are 22-27. In the next book, where she looks exactly the same on the cover, she progressively ages nearly twenty years. I think they need some updates because this is no teenage book!
Laynie Portland was raised by a beautiful Christian adoptive family who loved her and trained her up in the way she should go. But it simply didn’t stick. She went through the motions, but chose to believe Jesus wouldn’t want her anyway, so she went her own way. This included lying to her family about the job she was taking. What was supposed to be a business position for a technology procuring company was in fact a non-governmental spy organization including unlawful activity, creating a person who simply shut off all feeling, and, well, telling her she had to lose her virginity in order to be hired — that they didn’t want an employee with religious hang ups.
What?? Oh, this upset me.
Anyway, this was long for a prequel, for sure, setting us up for her life of spying in the following books. But in this first book she did things her parents would have been devastated over and it only got worse. Her major assignment changed her completely. It was sad to read.
I do believe the rest of the books will lead to more faith issues that actually make an impact, but this one? Not so much.
Just a small point. The book covers for this series are strange. She looks like a 10th grader in each one. Her ages in this prequel are 22-27. In the next book, where she looks exactly the same on the cover, she progressively ages nearly twenty years. I think they need some updates because this is no teenage book!
June 10, 2020
I like spy stories, and this one was intriguing but raw in places.
Laynie Portland is smart. She catches the eye of the Marstead Conglomerate, a cover for a spy network. They train and groom her. So different from the adoptive, Christian family she grew up in. She is determined to prove herself, for she is not sure she agrees with her devout parents. Laynie is convinced God has no use for her. This may be a tough read for some, but this is a story of God trying to woo a wayward child. Her upbringing haunts her.
This story is full of the workings of spycraft, which was immensely interesting. It can be dark at times. It is the backstory of the series.
I will be reading the next book to see what is up for Laynie.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Laynie Portland is smart. She catches the eye of the Marstead Conglomerate, a cover for a spy network. They train and groom her. So different from the adoptive, Christian family she grew up in. She is determined to prove herself, for she is not sure she agrees with her devout parents. Laynie is convinced God has no use for her. This may be a tough read for some, but this is a story of God trying to woo a wayward child. Her upbringing haunts her.
This story is full of the workings of spycraft, which was immensely interesting. It can be dark at times. It is the backstory of the series.
I will be reading the next book to see what is up for Laynie.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
November 9, 2019
Oh wow! I could NEVER be a spy! This is a gripping story of a young woman, Laynie Portland, who is desperately searching for her identity, something she can excel at. And, boy, does she go through unbelievable things to prove herself! She pushes herself beyond her limits, determined that she WILL succeed ... no matter the cost. But the cost gets exponentially higher and higher. After a horrible tragedy, she has to choose. Will she go all the way into complete deception and danger or go back to love and safety? She chooses danger. Darkness. And possibly death. Noooo! Now I HAVE to know what happens to her!!
June 26, 2019
I can't say that I enjoyed this series as much as I did the nanomite series, but I think that was because Laynie gives up on her relationship with the Lord and pours her whole heart into being a spy - and that means doing some sinful things.
There are inferences to sexual acts in this story, but nothing spoken beyond the inference, which I appreciated. There are inferences to cussing, but never the words - I appreciate that too.
I enjoyed the story overall, just didn't like that the main character gave in to sin because she felt so undeserving - and that wasn't something that the story explained - why did she feel so undeserving of the Lord even before she did many of the things that she ended up feeling like she totally wasn't worth God's attention or love.
Overall this is a clean story, just inferences to sin made.
There are inferences to sexual acts in this story, but nothing spoken beyond the inference, which I appreciated. There are inferences to cussing, but never the words - I appreciate that too.
I enjoyed the story overall, just didn't like that the main character gave in to sin because she felt so undeserving - and that wasn't something that the story explained - why did she feel so undeserving of the Lord even before she did many of the things that she ended up feeling like she totally wasn't worth God's attention or love.
Overall this is a clean story, just inferences to sin made.
June 17, 2020
The ACFW Book Club is reading book two in this series so I decided to order this one to learn more about how Laynie Portland became a spy. If you ever watched "Alias", the TV series, then you will be somewhat familiar with a similar story line.
Laynie was recruited right out of university to become a spy. She and others were put through very rigorous training and if they did well, they were given various assignments. If they did very well, then the assignments became more difficult.
Laynie was adopted and taught unconditional love and how Jesus loved her very much. Laynie is one very determined young woman to set out on her own. There are consequences in taking this attitude as you will find when you read this prequel. I am looking forward to book # 2.
Laynie was recruited right out of university to become a spy. She and others were put through very rigorous training and if they did well, they were given various assignments. If they did very well, then the assignments became more difficult.
Laynie was adopted and taught unconditional love and how Jesus loved her very much. Laynie is one very determined young woman to set out on her own. There are consequences in taking this attitude as you will find when you read this prequel. I am looking forward to book # 2.
September 27, 2020
Spycraft
I'd read Vikki Kestrell's prairie The Early Years, and thoroughly enjoyed those books. That's why I wanted to read Laynie Portland, Spy Rising. It's not only a different time period, it's a different genre. It took me a while to warm up to it. It is a good story, and I realized I was never cut out to be a spy, not that it was ever high on my list of career possibilities. I did find Mrs. Pollifax inspiring. :).
Laynie was raised in a Christian home, but apparently thought she wasn't good enough for God to love her. If you have trouble with sinners acting and thinking like sinners, skip this story. If that's not a problem, there's plenty of action and suspense for a good read.
I'd read Vikki Kestrell's prairie The Early Years, and thoroughly enjoyed those books. That's why I wanted to read Laynie Portland, Spy Rising. It's not only a different time period, it's a different genre. It took me a while to warm up to it. It is a good story, and I realized I was never cut out to be a spy, not that it was ever high on my list of career possibilities. I did find Mrs. Pollifax inspiring. :).
Laynie was raised in a Christian home, but apparently thought she wasn't good enough for God to love her. If you have trouble with sinners acting and thinking like sinners, skip this story. If that's not a problem, there's plenty of action and suspense for a good read.
October 25, 2022
I found this book very hard to read. I found it dark and raw and it gave me anxiety. It sounded so interesting and I was looking forward to reading it, but the detailed descriptions, the abuse of power, and the cavalier attitude about losing her virginity so casually… as a Christian, I found it really tough to read. I’ve got to an age now that this stuff stresses me so I don’t force myself to finish books anymore when they make me feel uncomfortable. There is no doubt she is a talented writer, but it was just too intense for me.
September 21, 2019
The story developed in the last third of the book while the first two thirds were a grueling and detailed account of 'spy boot camp' Vikki is, as usual, incredibly well researched in her development and there was value in the loooong development to bring Laynie to the point of hardness required to be a spy in the real world. I am very interested to move on to the next book and see if Laynie finally finds redemption and true happiness in her life.
November 24, 2019
Quite a different read from my usual genre and all I can say is that I enjoyed it immensely. I felt immersed in Laynie's life, I could feel the strain in my muscles as she did the obstacle course! The level of commitment required by the participants would be mind blowing for most people. Vikki Kestell is a great storyteller and her writing style is easy to read and enjoyable to read. Thanks Vikki for the reading pleasure.
April 18, 2020
I so love Laynie Portland...Vikki Kestell has fashioned and extraordinary story. There was a lot going on in this book. I enjoyed it thoroughly - however, i felt rushed at some points, and missed some things. But the story line was awesome, believable. As an avid reader, this was a great view into the life of an operative. I happened to read Renegade Spy first, so this helped my understand it bit better some of the things that i came across in that book. Overall a good read.
April 27, 2020
Well written. Dynamic characters. interesting scenes and events. Seemingly realistic. Laynie's internal struggles are so real. Her plight and drive unmistakable.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Informative. Page-turner. Realistic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Informative. Page-turner. Realistic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
January 3, 2021
Disappointed
I didn't care too much for the prequel but I am sure the series will take on the character of a Vikki Kestell story. I couldn't get into the character of Laynie. To me, character development was lacking and left me antagonized after reading each chapter. I wasn't comfortable with the direction of the plot. Sorry
I didn't care too much for the prequel but I am sure the series will take on the character of a Vikki Kestell story. I couldn't get into the character of Laynie. To me, character development was lacking and left me antagonized after reading each chapter. I wasn't comfortable with the direction of the plot. Sorry
February 15, 2024
This is supposed to be Christian fiction, but I wasn't comfortable with how some issues were dealt with. Others may be fine with it as there's no on screen sexual content per se. There is torture, even if the torture is part of training to be a spy. I won't read it again, though it was interesting enough to keep my attention.
March 20, 2020
Laynie Portland
What does it mean to gain the world but lose your soul? It appears when one believes God has abandoned them then they feel justified to abandon Him. I hope she finds her spiritual self in the next story.
What does it mean to gain the world but lose your soul? It appears when one believes God has abandoned them then they feel justified to abandon Him. I hope she finds her spiritual self in the next story.
June 20, 2020
The spy tradecraft is written flawlessly and believably. I was sorry not to see a bit more of her Christian foundations visible and troubling to her, but I'm sure it was hard to find a perfect balance. I look forward to the sequel.
August 19, 2020
Intoxicating!
I love this author, and I know salvation must await Laynie. But how far will she sink in mire? I know she feels unworthy, but for the wrong reasons. Since none are worthy.
I love this author, and I know salvation must await Laynie. But how far will she sink in mire? I know she feels unworthy, but for the wrong reasons. Since none are worthy.
November 4, 2020
Spy games
Author freebie. A prequel to the laynie portland series. Features a minor character from another series. Involves a spy who is making tough ethical decisions. Set mainly in the 70's and 80's.
Author freebie. A prequel to the laynie portland series. Features a minor character from another series. Involves a spy who is making tough ethical decisions. Set mainly in the 70's and 80's.
August 14, 2022
wow!!
What a crazy ride! I can honestly say I have never read a book like this before but I wish I had sooner. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
What a crazy ride! I can honestly say I have never read a book like this before but I wish I had sooner. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
January 6, 2025
Engaging
This was a great book. Starting in the late 1970's shows how spy craft worked without mobile phones and the Internet. Laynie is a reliable character with complex issues. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This was a great book. Starting in the late 1970's shows how spy craft worked without mobile phones and the Internet. Laynie is a reliable character with complex issues. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 2, 2025
WOW this was a very intense story. Kept me reading until the end. How someone so young go through what she did is so amazing yet a very dangerous course to take. Some places very dark and now I need to know what happened to Laynie so off I go to find the next book in this series.
November 24, 2019
Very nicely written. I'm not usually into Spy Books, but this one caught my attention right off. Very informative and believeable.
December 12, 2019
Riveting
I really enjoyed this story and now will have to read the rest of them! The story keeps your attention and really makes you think.
I really enjoyed this story and now will have to read the rest of them! The story keeps your attention and really makes you think.
April 6, 2020
Intrique
It was an interesting read. At times was very suspenseful - had me on the edge of my seat. The surprised ending makes me want to read the next book.
It was an interesting read. At times was very suspenseful - had me on the edge of my seat. The surprised ending makes me want to read the next book.
April 13, 2020
I really enjoy Vikki Kestell's writing. Sad to see Laynie turn away from the Lord but maybe she will turn back in the next book. Hopeful.
April 18, 2020
Vikki Kestell is an exceptional storyteller. She keeps me turning pages book after book.
May 9, 2020
Great prequel
I haven’t read the spy series yet, but now I’m looking forward to it. This was a great book to wet my appetite.
I haven’t read the spy series yet, but now I’m looking forward to it. This was a great book to wet my appetite.
May 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, even though the training scenes went on a bit too long. I look forward to reading more.
November 11, 2020
Another good one!
This book is unusual because it speaks about the consequences of the choices that we all make. It does not end withzX
This book is unusual because it speaks about the consequences of the choices that we all make. It does not end withzX
July 1, 2021
Another prequel?
This isn’t book 1, it’s book .5. Why? I don’t know. I’ll just have to get the next volume one. Good back story, didn’t like the abrupt ending though.
This isn’t book 1, it’s book .5. Why? I don’t know. I’ll just have to get the next volume one. Good back story, didn’t like the abrupt ending though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews