Sometimes a book is so good that I struggle to put into words just how amazing it is. Crown of Souls is just that kind of book. It took me a little bit to get my thoughts about it in order. Usually, after I finish reading a book, I immediately go write my review. But not with this one. There was so much sheer awesomeness that it took me a day to figure out what to say.

Wow! What a way to start a book! I was hooked from that very first sentence. This is a big book, but it went by lightning quick. The pace was fast and furious, never letting up. I couldn't read it fast enough. There were times when my heart was pounding furiously and I caught myself holding my breath. The action was so intense, the danger felt so real. I felt like I was right in the middle of the action. There was never a good place to stop. I didn't want to put it down. I mean, there were times I'd have to because... 'real life'... but I was never happy about it.

Crown of Souls takes a closer look at Tox and his past, the demons he's fighting, the fears he's struggling with. His old friend and teammate has him in his sights, making Tox question everything about himself. It was great reconnecting with Tox and the team for another archaeological mystery and race against time. There were so many complex layers weaved seamlessly throughout. The amount of research that must've gone into this novel... mind blowing!

Crown of Souls is another spectacular, edge of your seat, nonstop thriller from Ronie Kendig and is her finest work yet! If you haven't picked up this series, run and grab yourself a copy! I can't recommend it highly enough and am very eager for book three!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

Oh my goodness! I love Tox and his fellow team members. I would love to hear a story about Ram and his background. He intrigues me with his character and his dependability. Maybe someday. As for now, I will stick to Tox who shines in the Tox Files by Ronie Kendig. When I read a Kendig novel, I know that I'm getting a novel with tons of military personnel in a war ravage war area. Kendig does a good job at creating characters who shine on the page and jump right into my heart. With her latest addition to the Tox Files, The Crown of Souls, I can't say enough good things about the plot and character.
First, with her writing, Kendig draws me into the story with the first chapter and doesn't let go. The story begs to be read and enjoyed in one setting. I feel the sand under my feet. I can see the mud built homes in the Middle East. I can feel the weight of the military equipment on Tox and his teammates as they trudge through the desert.
The characters of Haven and Tox were mentioned in the first story, Conspiracy of Silence. If you jumped into Crown of Souls before reading that book, you might want to pick up Conspiracy of Silence to understand the backstory on Haven and Tox. I really enjoyed getting to know Haven more in this book. She became more than a jittled sister of a friend. She had more depth this time around. Kendig does a great job at bringing her to life with her feelings and emotions. The only downside I had against Haven that she appeared to be the damsel-in-distress at moments in this book. The bad guy would capture her and wait for Tox to rescue her, so he could explore his growing feelings for her. As for Tox, I watched seeing his transformation from the first book. In Crown of Souls, Tox has soften a lot since the first book. He is willing to allow love into his heart and works hard at trying to protect his interest. I enjoyed him a lot more in this novel. (Not that I didn't enjoy him in the first one!)
There is romance in this one. The couple has to work at their choices and see if it what they really want. Kendig does not write a romance novel type of romance, so if you're like me and don't really like to watch a predictable romance, than this might be the romance for you. It is on the surface of Tox's mind, but it isn't the controlling force, and I don't see all this internal dialogue about Tox's emotions.
The plot has a Indiana Jones with a mystery thrown in. I really got lost in the story and had a hard time putting it down. I finished it in one day and can't wait for the next installment. There are many twists and turns that kept me glued to the page. I love the close nature of the plot to Tox and how much it could affect him if he goes toward the darkness or against it.
Overall, Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig is an amazing feat of historical research mixed in a thrill ride of a novel. With a hero like Tox, it is hard to find another character who would go to the depths of the world to rescue someone he loves. Kendig really has outdone herself with her second installment, and I anxiously await book three.
I received a complimentary copy of Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Crown of Souls is a global thrill ride suffused with heart pounding, adrenaline driven moments. Kendig is a master at characterization and The Tox Files characters are just getting better and better! I was a little intimidated by the length of this book but it didn’t take long to realize when it was over, I wished it wasn’t. That’s the thing about Kendig’s stories, I can never get enough!

Cole ‘Tox’ Russell has become one of my favorite characters that Kendig has written. Yes, he is the ultimate spec -ops soldier but this time he is really and truly swoony. Oh my! There are a couple of the most amazingly romantic moments between Tox and Haven. Mind you, this is in no way a focus in this story but it’s such a vital glimpse into their relationship and getting to know them even better as a couple.

If you’ve read Kendig’s Discarded Heroes Series, you are in for a surprise. If you haven’t, you are missing the beginning of a great author’s career in fiction writing. And that’s all I am saying about that. ;-)

I genuinely loved this book and recommend it to fans of contemporary fiction with a high intensity military focus that weaves in a truly gripping ancient mystery. I think anyone who has enjoyed The DaVinci Code, Jason Bourne, The Librarian and any adventure/thriller/mystery/ancient treasure hunting book or movie will be enthralled with this series. I received a digital copy for review purposes from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

It has been a while since I’ve read a book this good! “Crown of Souls” kept my attention all the way and I didn’t want to stop reading – and if I had to stop, I couldn’t wait to get back to it!
I love all the ingredients that make up this story; fast-paced action, special forces, secret mission, a mysterious artifact, historical facts, biblical truths, digging deep into the mind and heart of Tox who wrestles with his conscience, a Special Forces operator gone rogue, and more!
I also loved the humor and the camaraderie. And . . . oh, the suspense!
Wonderful writing by a great minded author.

Crown of Souls

by Ronie Kendig

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers



Christian

Pub Date 05 Sep 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Crown of Souls through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are enjoying a little rest six months after stopping a deadly plague. But sadly that Peace is short-lived after Tony is hit by a sniper shot.

Alec King is likely the only one who has skills comparable to Tony's and he is determined to see that they get justice, he wants to make those responsible pay and he wants Tox to join him, believing they are the same type of soldier.

Fearing that his old friend is right, Tox Battles the darkness within himself as his team faces another deadly encounter with antiquity.

Once again Ronie Kendig captivates with a story and characters that come alive on the page. Leaving you with a book you just can't put down.

I give Crown of Souls five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Ms. Kendig has done it again!!! This book had me on the edge of my seat I was "oh no" at spots, " YES!!" on all of the fight scenes and sad at another spot. I have read quite a few of Ms. Kendig's Cole "Tox" Russell is enjoying the 4th of July holiday by having a barbeque on the beach with his girlfriend Haven Cortes, whom is military intelligence, along with his team and their families. Not having to be on alert every second. Until Cole feels something rip through his shoulder. While working on Cole and putting in the call to EMS his team gets everyone to safety and when they survey the scene they find a bullet casing and immediately realize who did this.
Alec King was a soldier who lost most of his team on a mission due to not going with his gut but following orders that he strongly disagreed with. Now he is on a mission of revenge and looking to make any one connected with that mission pay for the choices that were made.
After Cole leaves the hospital he and his team immediately get to work figuring out how their one time "brother" could have turned against them. There have already been a few murders. that they now realize had to be Alec.
And they need to figure out how Alec found them all and specifically Cole... since he has been dead for 4 years.
I have read many of Ms. Kendig's books over the last couple of years and cannot wait for more.
Never disappointed!! Thank you Ms. Kendig for allowing me to participate in this read and review!! More please.

FULLY FREAKIN' IMMERSIVE PEEEPLLESSS!!! From the in-depth, FULL TECHNICOLOUR historic details, to the breathtaking world travelling vistas, to the swoon worthy (emphasis on swoon) romance, to the crazy tactical fight scenes- LIKE WHOAH. Crown of Souls has it all.
If you love a good suspsense, military, Indiana Jones/National Treasure ish vibe, CROWN OF SOULS should do it for you. I loved getting to know the characters on a deeper level with this second book in the Tox Files series.
The plot is unique to book 2 in the series- not a continuation from book 1...however- there are many tie-in's from 1 that carry into 2.

Do what you need to do to and. Read. This. Book.

Filled with all the action, suspense, romance (less tension this time although it was there), spirituality and a slightly heavier dose of mysticism that filled Conspiracy of Silence, this book had me hooked! I laughed, worried, panicked, was in awe and actually squealed a couple of times. And spent most of my time on the edge of my seat.

I loved the relationship between Cole and the members of Wraith. They're all this big family that can tease each other mercilessly, but will turn around and have each other's back no matter what. I did get the slightest bit frustrated with them when Cole revealed everything that happened with his deal. Yet at the same time I was also angry with him. Yes, he had a gag order so the team should have bee understanding yet he was trusting them not to say anything about him being around, I feel he could have (and should have) trusted them with this. I am glad that they were able to get past that and still will fully put their trust in Cole and it seems like they'll always have his back. I also really enjoyed the teasing of Levi that went on, especially by Cell.

And Haven and Cole's relationship! I absolutely love that Haven is willing to fight for Cole, even when it means fighting him because he's being an idiot. I also loved when Cole's jealous side would come out, especially regarding Haven and Levi. It really proves that not only does he really care about Haven although he thinks he's not good enough, it goes to show that he's not the monster that he seems to think he is. Plus, it was highly entertaining in general.

Step aside, Frodo Baggins. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out! Cole 'Tox' Russell is on the job, and while he may be full of self-doubt, I'm with Haven. He's the best!

Seriously, I'm not sure what I can say about Ronie Kendig or her books that I haven't said already. Some writers are great with the high-stakes action, others are great at delving into their characters and really getting to the heart of what makes them tick, but I have never come across an author who combines the two as well as Ronie Kendig. And with Tox--no, I'll follow Haven's example and call him Cole--with Cole, the emotional stakes are as confronting as the physical stakes. Because there’s a fine line between confronting evil and becoming it. And if Alec isn’t redeemable, then neither is he.

And Haven... What a fabulous character. Intelligent, wise (yes, there’s a subtle difference), grounded, and for Cole, exactly what her name implies. I love how much we can see and feel that in this novel, and I love the tension that it creates in their relationship. It’s the best kind of tension; the kind of tension that grows the muscle of their relationship, constantly creating little tears that knit back together to make them stronger.

And that doesn’t even begin to touch on the actual plot. I wasn’t joking when I said ‘Indiana Jones eat your heart out’. And yes, this is one epic journey in order to destroy an artefact that slowly decays the moral judgment of the wearer, so I imagine that if Cole and Frodo Baggins ever met, they’d do that silent nod of acknowledgement thing that only guys who’ve confronted evil and triumphed can do.

And the dynamics in this team! The banter, the intelligence, the brotherhood, the tension. There are so many other stories there just waiting to be unearthed. Like Ram and Tzivia. And then the appearance of a surprise character that will thrill long-time fans of Kendig’s books (particularly if you’re anything like me!)

This series holds more awesomeness than one series should rightly be able to claim, but you won’t hear me complaining!

Cannot. Believe. It. Ronie Kendig has truly outdone herself with Crown of Souls. She totally stepped everything up several notches - the action, the mystery and suspense, the romance. My heart was pounding throughout the entire book!

The writing, as always, is superb. Ms. Kendig has a way of pulling the reader in at page one and not letting go. Oh, and the action-packed adventures in this book! I would rather read her incredibly detailed action-adventure scenes than watch James Bond, Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones, or Marvel movies. The plot in this book was more intricate and complicated than the previous book Conspiracy of Silence. Deliciously crafted twists and turns to the storyline were gasp-inducing. This book answers some questions that have been lingering since the novella but the epilogue opens up a whole new world of questions only the next book can answer (I hope!).

I would recommend that readers who are new to the Tox File series start with Warrior's Seal, which is a prequel novella (and currently free). This novella will lay the groundwork for the continuation of the saga in the Conspiracy of Silence. Reading Conspiracy of Silence prior to this current book, Crown of Souls, will give the readers good backdrop and background details for the thrilling adventure that happens in this second full-length novel.

Now onto the characters.....
Cole is very vulnerable in this book, which is quite wonderful and refreshing. To see a seasoned warrior, one of the best that the country has, be so broken and needing love is....totally hero-worthy. He's drowning in self-doubt and guilt from his past actions and only Haven's love and God's grace and forgiveness can help him.
Haven is a steadfast beacon in a world of darkness, full of wisdom, compassion, love, unswerving loyalty, and goodness. She's not battle-hardened like Cole but he needs her softness and gentleness to help him.
The secondary characters, including Cole's Wraith team members and the two archeologists and other governmental agency agents, are wonderfully crafted and give the story more depth and dimension. The banter amongst the men of Cole's team provides great humor and is quite delightful.
I was disappointed not seeing Chiji, Cole's Nigerian friend, in this book, though he is mentioned multiple times. Hopefully he'll be back for the next book in the series?

Haven's steady and quiet but solid faith is admirable. Cole's faith is shaky but he's learning to trust in small increments and not let his guilt or sense of failure drag him away from his loving Creator and Savior.

Can't wait for the next book!!!

I received a digital ARC of the book from Bethany House and author via Crown of Souls Influencers group. I was not required to write a review or write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Buckle up butter cup because Tox has returned and he ain't holding back.

Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are home and enjoying a new "normal" when their lives are thrust into yet another mission--and this one's personal. An ancient crown that carries a lethal legend; imminent danger to those Tox loves; and a past that won't let him believe there's hope. Reading this story is like watching an epic Indiana Jones adventure... on steroids.

What I love about Ms. Kendig's writing is her ability to make the words come alive on every page. There wasn't a second when I didn't feel like I was living and breathing these character's lives with them. I enjoyed getting to the guts of Tox's personality and discover what drives him and what scares him. The tension those revelations bring to his relationship with Haven and his team felt authentic and believable. The undercurrent of theme rang true to both the plot and characters and added a richness to the story I appreciated.

While the atmosphere within these pages is intense, Ms. Kendig's ability to masterfully create dimensional characters allow them to escort readers through the emotional highs and lows of a plot that does not quit. The historical and mythical content of the storyline was riveting and I couldn't turn the pages quick enough.

Ms. Kendig's Rapid-Fire Fiction never fails to satisfy readers looking for high-caliber fiction but Crown of Souls kicks epic story-telling to a thrilling level that will not disappoint!

***I received a copy of a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Cole “Tox” Russell and his team are back with another mission. As they race around the globe to solve the mystery of an ancient artifact, a crown that has Biblical ties, the personal stakes continue to rise.
Crown of Souls combines military maneuvers, history, crime, mystery and a touch of science fiction to bring readers another adrenaline-filled adventure with team Wraith. As the team travels from the US to Iraq, Egypt, and more, readers need to buckle in as they’re swept along with them.
During their mission, Tox fights his demons. Is he like the man he once consider a friend who is extracting vengeance without directive? Will his team leave him when they find out his secret? And most of all, how will Haven feel about him when the truth is brought to light?
Kendig does an excellent job of balancing all of the alpha-male testosterone with Haven and Tzivia. Both of these women hold their own against this group of men. Haven brings out not only protective side but a softer side of Tox that most don’t get to see.
If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, military movies, or stories that just plain suck you in and carry you along, Crown of Souls is a must-read. It is book 2 in the Tox Files and can be read as a standalone story but you’ll gain more insight to many members of the team if you read Conspiracy of Silence first.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Oh. My. Tox!!

Crown of Souls, book 2 in the Tox files, is even better than Conspiracy of Silence. The opening completely hooked me! Seriously, Ms. Kendig is the queen of killer openings!

I was riveted and happily jumped back into the world of Tox and his crew. Cell was back with his sarcastic humor. Thor with his mighty glower. Ram and all his mystery. Maangi with his stealth.
And Haven. The romance between Russell and Haven had its ups and downs. Y'all, I can't even. I wish I could lay it all out there but no one like spoilers. Trust me, you will be glued to their story. I mean glued! I'm sure I came undone a few times as my heart jumped in my throat and my eyes devoured every word in front of me.

All I can say is bring on Thirst of Steel.

*I received a free copy from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

nother fabulous, action-packed volume from Ronie Kendig! It's like being in the middle of an action movie or a CIA episode.
I loved this book, from the beginning, to the very end. It's one of those books that I was afraid to finish. And yet, couldn't bare not to! (But then, that's what I've found from all of Ms. Kendig's novels)

Cole (Tox) & his team are back in another adventure; he's in a relationship with the lovely Haven; and they are on a quest to locate an old friend, and the crown that is turning him into terrible evil! Can they beat him at his own game, or will Tox give in to the guilt that has haunted him for too long?!

Ancient history, archaeology, & unexpected twists & turns combine to make this a delightfully captivating book.


I am anxiously awaiting the third book in this series!

There’s a line in this book which I agree with, “Faced with cruel missions and outcomes. How was he still walking upright?”
This is exactly what I kept thinking throughout this book. How can they be going through all these things and still be going? Tox and his team are like the Energizer bunny rabbit. They keep going and going and going!
Ronie Kendig truly knows how to put her characters through so much.
In this story, you will find flavors of Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and The Mummy, all wrapped up in one. If you like adventure then this is the story for you. It will keep you on the edge of your chair until you’re finished, and you won’t want to put it down until you’ve read it all. Then, you won’t want it to be done!
Ronie Kendig also brought in beautiful words of encouragement we can all use. “In Exodus, it says God will fight for you. That you must only be still.” “Get out of His way, so He can work.”
If you want to read a book packed full of intrigue, suspense, action, drama, military struggles, and just a bit of romance, then this is the book for you! You won't be able to breathe deeply until the end, but it will be worth it.
I highly recommend reading the book. Pick it up and start on the adventure of your life.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

My review of this title has been posted in its entirety on the Fresh Fiction website at:
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=63457

Ronie Kendig brings us another sensational military-type thriller with her second book in her Tox Files series. But CROWN OF SOULS is so much more: an historical and archeological adventure, as well as an inspirational and romantic one. Cole and Haven are strong, resilient characters, surrounded by an assorted mix of supporting characters who add a little lighter flavor to the harsh reality of their mission. They go through a lot of self- examination about their personal lives and their relationship. Ms. Kendig brings back secondary characters from her previous book in this series and gives them important roles in helping to capture Alec King. Connecting the clues of this puzzle together takes them on a whirlwind journey to Egypt, Israel and deep into an underground tunnel in Iraq. This is a story about justice and revenge, right and wrong, light and dark. The plot is very complex, with lots of twists and turns that move it to a dynamic climax. CROWN OF SOULS can be read as a stand-alone, but why miss such great series?

I would like to thank Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to view this ARC.

Wow! Edge of your seat. A rush against time to stop a former soldier who is on a path of destruction. Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are brought into this mission by a madman, a former team member of his. There is a Crown of Souls that is being used to annihilate people and they must stop it before it's too late. This story goes from one Biblical historical site to another with archeological artifacts thrown in and Biblical history. If you like military and Indiana Jones type stories, this is for you. Absolutely loved it.

I love this book ! Kept my attention . I can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend if you like action and mystery.