Thirst of Steel
by Ronie Kendig
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 31 Jul 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Thirst of Steel through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Ready for another adventure? An adventure that will pull you in and not let you go?
The Sword of Goliath though taken apart centuries ago, still is rumored to have thirst for enemies blood. Cole Russel (Tox) Only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes but in order to do that he must complete his final mission, get the word and destroy the deadly Arrow and Flame Order.
This mission will take Tox across the glove from the U.S to Moscow to the Congo.
The AFO is determined to get the sword though and claim it. Wielding their Father’s life over Tzivia, Ram and Khalon, and they threaten to expose Ram’s dark secret at the same time demanding Tzivia locate the sword. The Wraith team is slowly being torn apart and things only worsen when Mercury Maddox a new operative emerges with stunning news the sword is being tied to both Ram’s secret and unsolved serial murders.



Tox, Ram and the rest must set aside fears to focus on the enemy, no matter the cost, Wraith must stop and take the enemy down with them.


I give Thirst of Steel five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Ronie Kendig’s books are in a genre unto themselves. Yes there’s suspense, but Thirst of Steel is surrounded on the mysterious sword of Goliath. So that brings in history and a little bit of the surreal—dare I say, fantasy?

The guys are military and you really don’t see that a lot. It’s one of the reasons I became a fan of Ms. Kendig’s works. I love the military–I’m a vet–and I love reading about it.

Then there’s a thread of romance in here. Y’all, I was surprised left and right in this area. In fact, the whole book was nothing but twists and turns. I couldn’t stop reading. I couldn’t focus on anything other than the world Ms. Kendig has built.

And knowing this was the last book of the Tox Files had me apprehensive. I love Tox and the Wraith guys. I didn’t want to say goodbye. And seriously, this is probably the first time I didn’t want to finish a last book in the serious. I just knew I wasn’t prepared.

And y’all, I was not prepared. I don’t want to give away the ending but to say I’m shocked and floored is an understatement. I literally had to keep myself from bawling like a baby and writing this, I’m still trying to supress those tears. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending, but I know it’s one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

If you read this book, make sure you take a couple of days to get through the book hangover. Oh and grab a tub of ice cream.

All in all, Ms. Kendig has outdone herself once again. I look forward to reading more books from her.

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

It pains me to write this, but not in the way you think. If ever there was a book/series that changed my perspective about something, it was this series. This is not my typical read. The military part of it just isn't my cup of tea. But, someone recommended the series, and so I had to read. WOW. I won't rehash old thoughts and books one and two, but it's hard not to mention them when discussing book three. There are characters we have come to know and love. We have been with them through everything - they're family now. And this edition? Ms. Kendig turns up the heat here. More action, more power, romance, twists, turns, you name it, it's in here! This book lived up to its' hype and then some. Well, then a lot actually. So much more than I anticipated. Readers, maker sure you read book one and two first. But then? Well, have the tissues nearby, maybe some popcorn and hot chocolate. You are in for a wonderful ride!

One of the things I love most about Thirst of Steel is how much I connect with each and every character. I felt like there was really no small part here. You get to see so much of the characters that to me, there isn't just a main character with some supporting characters, they are all main characters! That's hard to do in a book like this, but Ms. Kendig managed to do it. I love them all, but of course my heart belongs to Tox. How could it not? Know this however, Ram gave Tox a run for his money. Phew....I don't know how Ronie can write about these guys and not melt! All the male characters have similar qualities to them - strength, courage, loyalty, and well.....the swoonalicious quality!

Hunky heroes aside, this book is jam-packed with action. It's a pretty thick book, so it would take a fast reader to be able to read it in one setting. However....don't rule it out! I think you'll find your fingers wanting to fly through the pages to get to the satisfying, yet surprising end. And then? Well be prepared for a book hangover. I've heard this from a lot of other readers too. Just warning you! In all honesty though, read this book! Read the series if you haven't yet! You will not be let down I can assure you of that.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ronie Kendig definitely knows how to wrap up a trilogy! This third and final installment of the Tox Files is non-stop and filled with just about every feel you can imagine. Secrets are revealed, questions are answered, hearts (especially mine!) are broken, all while the plot keeps you flipping pages so fast, you risk paper cuts (or for your e-reader to be unable to keep up!).
Tox and the crew may be separated, but their bonds grow stronger throughout the book. They trust each other, even when it seems that they are turning away from the right path. What an awesome picture of true friendship and faithfulness!
I have so enjoyed reading The Tox Files, this military-action-thriller series with a supernatural twist, and am sad to see it end. However, I can’t wait to see what Ronie Kendig has for us next and plan to savor her fantasy series (Abiassa’s Fire) in the meantime
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own!

Cole and Haven have witnessed and endured the unimaginable since the fight against a centuries-old disease reunited them. Now they want nothing more than to start their life together, but the Arrow & Flame Order continues to advance more determined than ever.

On the hunt for the dismantled sword of Goliath believed to thirst for the blood of its enemies, the AFO will stop at nothing to accomplish its mission, including kidnapping Tzivia and Ram’s father. It is up to the Cole and the Wraith team to stop them, but shifting alliances and deadly secrets threaten to unravel the team and shatter Cole and Haven’s future before it begins.

WOW! Indiana Jones meets a Tom Clancy story with a touch of the supernatural in the conclusion to The Tox Files. High stakes and twists galore make Thirst of Steel an impossible to put down novel that leaves the reader reeling long after finishing. Ronie Kendig rakes her audience through the coals. I spent a good portion of the second half bawling. First, because I feared what might come, and then because my fears took place in the most shocking way imaginable. My heart hated the ending, but my head couldn’t argue its power. Days later, I still struggle to process everything that happened and choke up even as I write this.

A masterful storyteller, the author proves her metal creating nail-biting suspense and mind-bending events that leave one breathlessly suspended at the edge of his/her seat. Yet even beyond that, Kendig shines by expertly penning characters the reader becomes invested in, rooting and mourning for them as though of flesh and blood.

Kendig fans won’t want to miss this third and final installment in the series, and for anyone new to The Tox Files, I strongly suggest starting at the beginning. Could Thirst of Steel stand alone? Possibly, but a lot of depth would be missed.

Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig is book three in the Tox Files series. It is the amazing continuation of this action packed story! I do think the books in this series need to be read in order and should not be read as standalone novels. That being said, all of the books are amazing and are well worth the read. If you love action and adventure, complicated characters, and faraway places, this book is for you!! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is book three in the Tox Files series, (four, if you count the prequel). I would suggest reading them all, and in order, to understand everything that goes on in each book. Warrior's Seal, Conspiracy of Silence, Crown of Souls and then this one, Thirst of Steel. The entire series focus on a group of soldiers with their leader being "Tox" Cole Russell. Each character has their own personality type and really play a very important role in their missions. This series is not an easy read, you will need to focus on what is going on and will probably still get a bit lost, but it will all start making more sense eventually, and be an amazing adventure.

Ronnie Kendig always does such a great job at keeping the suspense, action and drama all at the forefront. I love books about our special forces, military, police force and such, and hers are some of my favorite.

Please take this review as a positive review.

As I was reading this book, I realized that this series must be a very good one. So, because of that, I decided that I’d like to go back and read the other books first.

I definitely want to read this whole series. I’m going to hold back on finishing this one for awhile. But I’m giving it five stars for what I did read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was an awesome read. Cole and the rest of the team are tasked with finding the ancient sword that was used by David to fight There has been a battle between the descendants to acquire the sword and end the battle once and for all.
Each member of the team has a roll to play and they are trying to do just that.
What the team does not realize is that the bloodline is Cole's and another member of the team and it will hurt them very much when they discover the truth. But they will also pull together as a team, as a family, in order to get through this mission and get back home.

This was a very fast and action packed read. Ms. Warren does it again.

The author does a fantastic job keeping the reader on their toes with this one!! Too, who has been the main character in the previous books, is MIA at the beginning of this book. I found myself turning back the pages to make sure I didn’t miss some kind of information about where he was. Then the author flips the whole plot on it’s head. There are really surprising plot twists and as the final book in the “Tox files series,” I would recommend reading all of them in order because they do build on each other.

A fantastic, riveting end to a few years of adventures with Tox and the team!

It's really hard for me to put into words all the emotion I felt as I read this book. The action is out of this world crazy and at time intense. And I love Tox, Haven, and Ram.

The "ancient" story line at times bothered me and just a little "out there" for me. But definitely didn't see all the pieces of it and how they ended up falling together.

Honestly, the ending broke my heart and I didn't see that one coming either.

If you're read the first two books in the series you definitely want to read this one. If you've not read the first two you really want to before reading this one. It might work as a standalone, but I think you would miss out on critical pieces.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sweet Lord Above. Yes, that’s the best way to start this off as I reflect back on all that I just read in the final Tox File novel by the brilliant Ronie Kendig. Lord have mercy on my soul, she absolutely took my breath away with this incredibly moving, powerfully suspenseful, amazingly addictive novel. Ronie Kendig is a master of epic proportions when it comes to writing a Christian romantic suspense novel. This book will leave you like me: reflecting and wanting more.

The characters within this book are wonderful. They are created with a real-to-life feel about them, and when I followed their story, I felt every emotion, every action, every message they did. The intensity of the suspense, the splash of the romance, the powerful faith that flows with Kendig’s words is beyond captivating. I loved these characters, and I don’t want to say goodbye!

Mrs. Kendig has created a final addition to the Tox Files that is worthy of the highest recommendations. Her research, her creativity, the way she knows what to give her fans, is awe-inspiring. I loved every second of this 5 star novel and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone that asks for one of my top reads of the year. Hats off to you, Mrs. Kendig and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for you fans. Bring on another fantabulous novel please!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

The riveting conclusion to The Tox Files has arrived and it did not disappoint. Ms. Kendig wraps up the series in this high stakes finale delivering everything her readers have come to expect: an intricately developed plot that weaves Biblical and historical content with the heart-pounding adventure that drives a well-developed cast of characters to their conclusive endings leaving readers exhilarated and maybe a little (or a lot) heart-broken.

As much as I adore Ms. Kendig's ability to twist and turn a plot, it's her skills bringing characters to life in a way that makes them unforgettable and undeniably authentic that I appreciate most as a reader. And while I'm sad that this team's mission is complete, I'm excited for the next group of heroes to get boots on the ground!

*This is the third book in the series and I highly recommend they be read in order for the purest and most satisfactory reading experience.

As a reader, there’s only one thing I like more than a gripping beginning and that’s a slam dunk finish. OH. MY. STARS. This book far exceeded my expectations and I’m still reeling.

Thirst of Steel is the final installment in the Tox Files. This is a series I have loved and that has caused several dark shadows after a late night because I couldn’t put it down. This final installment is no different. It begins with a wallop and continues apace until the epilogue.

The thing about this book is that the characters creep under your skin when you aren’t looking and then all of a sudden, you’re taking every step with them, swinging every punch and ducking every attack. The complexity of the plot with its twists and turns is borderline genius, and breathtaking in scope, taking the reader from the days of David and Goliath to the most high-tech environments we could fathom.

As ever, the character development only left me wanting more of these amazing heroes and it was with a significant pang that I turned the last page. Bravo Ms Kendig, bravo.

Ronnie writes a killer thriller as the finale to this series. The intricacy of the plot continues to amaze me. And then the small things she adds to break the tense moments and to make the character’s real are icing on the cake. I don’t want to spoil them for you but you will know what I mean when you see the reference to Jekyll and Hyde, loud and proud, and the name of Haven’s dog.

Kendig writes with purpose. There are several characters both past and present and multiple plot lines weaving in and out.

The main storyline is to end a century old curse that we find has been affecting one of our own. They are on the hunt to find the three pieces of Goliath’s sword before the wrong people do. In addition, the Arrow and Flame organization is back and just as determined.

Admittedly I was starting to not like Tiz. She was truly going crazy and mad. The question is how far will you go to find out if your father is alive and if he is, what will you do to keep him alive.

I liked how Kendig created the situations with Haven and Cole. I was glad she went to Israel with him.

I really enjoyed HackerGirl and her super hero references. I could see her appearing in a future novel.

Again Kendig amazes me with the intricate plotting. I plan to find time to read all three books together to thoroughly enjoy how she wove the plots through all of them.

This was not my favorite ending.... I won’t spoil it for you but not my favorite. I would like to re-read it with an alternate ending.
Kendig is truly an author to enjoy. She will have you holding your breath with the fear of what she might do to the characters. The characters feel so real that when the book is over you might have to remind yourself that they are not real. That didn’t really happen. Even though it feels very real.

Sexual - mention of intimacy after marriage, and someone is pregnant.
Violence - flaming arrows, several are killed, threatened, threatened with torture, and beaten up Drinking - i dont recall any drinking

I couldn't imagine a more epic and emotional conclusion to The Tox Files series! I loved reading about the team members and the new details that emerged about their backstory and what motivates them, especially Ram and his sister Tzi. It's a nail-biter from the start, and the author definitely exhibits why her tagline is "rapid-fire fiction"! Literal nail-biting is the reason why I have to limit the suspense books I read, but it was so worth it. The romance between Cole and Haven bring all the feels, and I loved the connection I felt to their relationship. Even with the tension I felt while reading the different perspectives I knew would all weave together, I was caught off guard and surprised by the twists and turns of the plot. I definitely recommend reading all the books in the series in order, as they build on each other with character development. Don't miss this explosive series full of depth, action, and romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Thirst of Steel continues the edge of your seat action that the whole series has had. Ronie Kendig does a remarkable job in writing a story that is fast-paced and really hard to stop reading. With each page, you want to keep going and find out what is going to happen next.

Though most of the characters were in the previous books, new aspects of their personality are revealed, and you get a better sense of who they are. At least, you think you do. Ronie Kendig is really good at adding twists to both the people and events to keep you from getting bored.

I have enjoyed the previous book in this series, and this one was no different. I like how the stories all fit with one another, and how the separate plots with each story come together at the end. I also like how the emotions that the characters experience are expressed in a way that lets you imagine how they feel.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Excellent conclusion of one of my favorite series!
I was so happy to finally get back to Tox and his team. And Haven. Kendig did not disappoint in this final book in the Tox Files series. She brought all my favorite (and not favorite) characters to life on the pages of Thirst of Steel. The plot line was brilliant. The suspense high. The emotions raw. A surprising conclusion which brought heartbreak and satisfaction at the same time. I stayed up till 2:30am to finish reading - something I rarely do, so that means something. The author did an exceptional job. High praises for Kendig's talented storytelling!

This book . . . wow! I am not sure that I can adequately describe how amazing it is. Ronie Kendig is fabulous at writing suspense and mystery so that the reader has absolutely no idea what is coming. Every page is a surprise. I love that!
I highly recommend this book, but would tell you to read the previous books in the series first, as they are also great, and they introduce you to the characters.

I honestly do not know how she did it, but Ronie Kendig's Thirst of Steel was even better than the last 2 installments (and they were amazing!). I have to say, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. If you enjoy action packed, story telling - this is definitely for you. Ronie does not disappoint and keeps us loving the characters and on our toes with each turn.

In Thirst of Steel, the gang is back, albeit reluctantly. Although all Tox, Cole Russell, would like to do is begin a new chapter with Haven... he is tasked on yet another mission.

The AFO is on a mission to find the sword of Goliath and there are amazing twists and turns along the way... I loved how Ronie continued to interweave a complex story of characters while still engaging the readers. I was really vested in each of the characters from Tox and Haven to Chiji, Ram, and Tzivia...

I was truly shocked at how the story ended. A part of me wishes we could continue to walk with the characters in the future - but Ronie ended their story beautifully. Be prepared to hold your breath and mutter aloud as you read this thriller!