Dark Prophecy

Elite Guardians #4.5

by Lynette Eason

When Riley Matthews (niece of Daniel Matthews from the book Without Warning in the Elite Guardians series) heads to North Carolina to rescue her best friend from the Swiss Saints cult, she quickly runs into trouble. Steve Patterson, home from Afghanistan and ready to adjust to civilian life, wants that life to include Riley Matthews. But first, he has to find her, help her rescue her friend--and convince her that he's a changed man. Only Riley's not so sure she believes him. Truthfully, her heart wants to say all is forgiven, but her head won't let her forget the pain he caused her when he left without so much as a goodbye. Working together, they find that rescuing her friend is one thing. Rescuing an entire compound of innocent people might just prove impossible. But they have to try--or one man's evil schemes will have tragic consequences.

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

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novella from the Elite Guardians series. I really enjoyed this quick story but I would have enjoyed it better if it was longer. The story is focused almost entirely on the action and many of the character motivations ended up taking second place. It was great to see a glimpse of old characters from earlier books, even though in most cases the glimpses were all too short.

The action is well done, though, and I liked the resolution of the story, despite it being too short.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was so great to revisit the characters from the Elite guardian series. It was one of my favourite series by Lynette Eason. If you still have to read that series, what are you waiting for? The series starts with

This novella was packed full of action and danger. But at the end felt too short...would have loved to see more of the elite guardians as well as Steve and Riley.

*I read this on Kindle Unlimited.*

[Emily Boyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more from this

[Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Didn't realize until after the fact that this is part of the Elite Guardian series, which I have not read. Regardless, I had no trouble following.

It is an enjoyable novella that does what it can within its limited word count--there's only so much an author can do to immerse a reader in the characters and setting with only 78 pages. Good, active writing. One of the better novellas I have read and one of the few I could potentially see myself rereading.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of the Elite Guardians series, this is the perfect novella to bring back another round of action and adventure from the all-female body guard agency. This is full of suspense as Riley Matthews finds herself in a terrible predicament, and calls on Olivia and Katie to help. I'm not usually a fan of shorter novels, but this story is the perfect size to get reacquainted with Riley. I just hope Riley gets her own novel spin-off next! (This is a great pick for Kindle Unlimited members)

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Prophecy by Lynette Eason is definitely a novella. BUT the story does encompass an entire range of emotions. From the first chapter, Eason does what she does best. She throws readers into the action, allowing them to race through the story along with the heroine and hero. The hunt for a reason behind a cult reminded me of a series by Christy Barritt entitled Lantern Beach Mysteries, but this story had a different ending. If readers are familiar with her Elite Guardians series then some of the characters are familiar. This is the reason why I believe Eason doesn't give a lot of background to the characters because it is following familiar characters readers should be familiar with. Overall, Dark Prophecy is a quick read filled with high octane threats and a tiny hint of romance at the end. I believe readers of the Elite Guardians series should enjoy this book.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella so I knew it would be shorter, however the length didn't diminish the intriguing story. I was drawn in from the first paragraph. Riley receives a text that says only one word "Help" from an unfamiliar number but she is certain it's from her friend Beth who is undercover while investigating a compound that houses a suspected cult. Riley calls for back-up but because of delays she decides, while waiting, that she'll go into the compound by herself. She believes time is running out to get Beth out. A number of complication arise which kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages to the end.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley and Steve's restored relationship that had been on hold for six years. A novella story to go with the Elite Guardians series. Riley who was Daniel's niece and Kate became a family they supported Riley in her endeavours , so when Riley went looking for her friend Beth she knew she needed help big time. Riley had learnt skills and had opportunities to fix problems. The dark side in this story is that people get caught up with charisma believers and accept/ surrender to personalities that are bigger than life and work the fears to submission. Sometimes the media get to tell these cases and know deception really happens. This story is a kind reminder to be aware.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley Matthews heads to North Carolina to rescue her best friend from the Swiss Saints cult. Cult leader's message written by Beth, Riley's sister: July 14th EOW. End of the world, tomorrow? Steve Patterson, home from Afghanistan wants his life to include Riley Matthews. He has to help rescue her friend and convince her that he has changed. Being in his presence (Steve) the bandaid would rip off her old wound. (Riley) Two plot angles made this an exciting read. They have to rescue an entire compound of innocent people or one man's evil schemes would have deadly consequences. Tension filled scenes. Five-stars.

[hoadbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start I was pulled in to this story. I'm not a very fast reader but I finished this novella in just a few hours. The story is intriguing and compelling. Eason did a great job as usual captivating me and keeping me connected to the pages. Riley's journey in to trouble and out was entertaining. I'm not usually a fan of novellas but this was the perfect length and it didn't feel cut short or rushed. Well done, Lynette Eason. (I did wonder at times if I'd missed a book filling in some of the back-story details.)

[Eva North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaser book

I got this book on KU and I was thinking it was the beginning of or part of a series, the elite guardians series, which I'm beyond in love with. However, I feel that it was a teaser book. It had Riley and Steve and Beth, 🥰🥰🥰which was awesome. You find Beth had a brother in this book and they do bring in, Katie and Daniel, her uncle and aunt🤗. Olivia and her hubby and you find that Maddy had a baby🥰🥰🥰 this also told you that Riley was now part of the elite guardians, which was awesome. This book was short, however it was also an awesome book.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author truly knows how to get a reader sucked into a story. The action is clear from the start and then it goes further. She knew her friend was there and in trouble and it was her job to get her out. It's an action filed read with mail biting moments and that's only part of it. Loved the story and the action. Love this author's style. It's a refreshing to find authors who can fulfill all the requirements of an amazing read with romance and still be able to keep it clean.

[Julynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful follow up novella to the Elite Guardians series! So fun to see the team working together again. Riley was a fun heroine to root for as she battles the forces of evil to save her friend, as was swoon worthy Steve fighting at her side. Ms. Eason is one of my favorites to read and this gem of a novella was no disappointment. Thank you, Ms. Eason!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

End of the world

I felt like I had fallen down a rabbit hole with this novella. I didn't know who these people were and how they could pull off a daring rescue like this. Obviously this is a sequel to a series I either have not read or have forgotten. I'd recommend reading the series first, or you'll find yourself as lost as I.

[Diane McMichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story.

Lynette has never failed to bring a page turning, can't put down book to life. I get so wrapped up in the story an can hardly put the book down. I really like the characters and story that has nonstop action. Lynette writes phenomenal books that I truly enjoy reading.

[Deb Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prophecy Can Bring Light or Darkness

Lynette Eason has the knack of bringing you right into her stories whether she's writing a novel or a short story. Dark Prophecy is a short story with endearing characters I'd like to see more of. The premise, a cult and the end of the world scenario, is all too real. The denouement is exciting. You'll love this one and want more!

[Kirsten Desorcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella

Novellas are always short and therefore do not expand on characters and focus more on the action of the story. This was perfect because she used characters that were previously portrayed in her Elite Guardians series. The novella was full of action disallowed for a quick and easy read.

[Lora · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read books by Lynette Eason and enjoyed them, but this one was not good at all. It was too short, completely predictable, and everything just fell into place. There was no suspense whatsoever. This could have been a very intriguing story if the author had written a full-length book and actually had some plot twists, intense scenes, and nail-biting action. It had none of that.

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!!!!

This is a really awesome book. I love the author's talent in telling a story and keeping the reader on the edge of his/her seat. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Faith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite suspense authors!

I enjoyed the story from beginning to end...the only downside is I read it so quickly!!Lynette Eason the best suspense author with greatest timing.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Another great read by Lynnette. Once again this book Starts with a bang and it just keeps you turning pages to see how this will end. I was pleasantly surprised to find some characters from her Elite Guardians series in this book.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent novella that features the Elite Guardian team as well as Daniel and Kate's niece Riley and her ex boyfriend Steve. Clocked full of suspense, this novella is of Riley sneaking into a compound to see if her friend who has vanished is there.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read. It’s short, but has so much to it! It definitely didn’t feel like such a short book, with all the action and detail. I very much enjoyed this reunion with some of the Elite Guardians group!

[Karen O'Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread

I am not sure why I didn't review this book the first time I read it. This second read was as great as the first time. Lynette Eason writing is so awesome and I love every one of her books I have read.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 75 pages, Lynette Eason closes this great series with a fast moving, incredibly well written novella. Each of the main characters from the Elite Guardians played a great role in this swift moving book that focuses on a cult in North Carolina.

[Laura Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced Novela

Fast paced novella with intrigue and suspense.
Another excellent book by this author.
I enjoyed this novella and have enjoyed her novels as well.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Loved catching up with Riley and Steve, they feel like old friends. I enjoyed it even though it is a nouvella and I would have loved it to be longer.

[Shirley Delamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I love this author. I love clean suspense. That's why I will always give her a five star rating. That and faith.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only God knows

Another good story from Lynette Eason ! Clean, suspenseful and faith based . Love reunited while taking down the bad guy !

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading.

I love reading a good clean mystery. This my first Lynette Eason book, but it will not be my last.