Ronie Kendig delivers another gripping, heart-pounding, wrenching story in this final emotionally intense book of The Tox Files series. Brimming with suspense and intrigue and populated with amazing, engaging, and multi-layered characters, this book kept me on the edge of my seat and trying to figure out what the author was going to put those characters through next and how she was going to get them out of the most agonizing situations. In addition to racing back and forth across the globe with dizzying speed, they had to contend with evil adversaries intent on doing away with them.

I enjoyed the spots of humor and romance that both added to the storyline and gave some needed emotional relief from the tension and suspense of the story. Kendig is masterful at achieving a balance in her books.

The only minor problem I had with Thirst of Steel, and the rest of The Tox Files stories, is the use of so many acronyms. I would sometimes have to stop and try to remember what they stood for, and it would pull me momentarily out of the story. There were also many military words and expressions that I was not familiar with, and they added a little bit of confusion.

If you haven’t read the other books in the series, I suggest you do so before starting this one. Although it could technically be a standalone, you’ll need the background from the others to fully appreciate Thirst of Steel. I would recommend this book and series to those who enjoy mind-blowing action and suspense. I’m sad to see this series come to an end but excited to see what Kendig has in mind for her next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Ronie Kendig has done it again! With Thirst of Steel, Kendig provides her readers with yet another engrossing story filled to the brim with heart-pounding action, and peppered with intrigue, romance, humor, and adventure.


In this final installment of the Tox Files, Ronie Kendig brings her thrilling series to a close with Tox, Ram, and the team fighting one last battle.This time, the stakes are higher than ever, as Tox faces mystery, heartache, and betrayal as he infiltrates the enemy’s inner circle. But appearances are deceiving, and one mistake—or failure to distinguish friend from foe—could cost him everything.


The relentless pace of action and intrigue make Thirst of Steel a compelling page-turner, and Kendig truly kept me guessing right up to the very end! And as befitting the finale of an incredible series with well-drawn and believable characters, this novel packs plenty of emotional punch, and the surprising ending left me hopeful and heartbroken all at once.
I have to say I’m sad to be seeing the last of Tox, Haven, and Wraith Team, but boy what a ride it’s been! I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!

My Review

Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction,


My Rating:3 to 5 Stars, Although I enjoyed this book it I am disappointed to have to give it 3 to 5 Stars because of some of the things that happen in it.


Recommendation: 16+ Because of Violence, Characters, and other reasons which will be in my thoughts below.


My favorite character/s: Umm, all of them? No, you say? OK, ok, I guess if I must pick it would be Chij. He’s so sweet, encouraging, protective, cool, a priceless conscience, a good friend, great mentor, walking rock to Haven, and Cole, funny when he wants to be, a listening ear. I could go on, buuutttt that would leave spoilers and we can’t have that!
My Verse for Chij Psalm 5:12
For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. English Standard Version


Haven (a given, she’s so sweet!) I love how she’s so determined to find out the truth.
My Verse for Haven is Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. English Standard Version


Ram (yup, he is!) I liked getting to read more about him, his life, and his family, he is a kind of a secretive guy…
My Verse for Ram is Psalm 6:6
I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. English Standard Version


Cole/Tox (of course!). In this one, he gets in a big mess…
My Verse for Cole/Tox is Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. English Standard Version


And the rest of the team, but these are my top favorite characters in this book.

Slight spoilers, SORRY!
I prefer to read things more in line with Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


My thoughts: I didn't think this book would be like it was... it was pretty good... I loved it and yet hated it... because of the characters actions, the plot, what happened, pretty much the whole thing, and the ending was pretty bad (as in how can the author do this to me!?!), and there were some unfinished thoughts/ideas it was kind of like the author forgot what she had started writing about then went on to another thought/idea. I enjoyed this book despite the problems I have with it. I can't say that I agree with some of the things in this book, but it was nice. The ending was gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking! I have to say some things felt like Science Fiction or maybe Fantasy because of the “Timeless” character thing, and the whole curse thing was different from how the first books were. I was completely blindsided by how it ended! Overall it was a wonderful book though there were a few subjects I don’t agree with.

Anyway, if it weren’t for the “Timeless” character thing being like it was I would probably give this book 5 stars. It was intense, sweet, dreadful, dangerous, and all out AMAZING!!!

The author says this is the end of the series, BUT she will be doing a series with one of the other characters and it is my hope that she will clear up the loose ideas/thoughts, and if she does this book gets 5 Stars!!!

Oh. My. Gosh. This book. This series.

Confession: When the first book came out in the Tox Files Series, I was slightly worried. After 4 previous Kendig series that had captured my attention, sucked me in and had me recommending with top honors to reader friends, Conspiracy of Silence was a fascinating read but didn't have the same can't put it down, magnetic pull for me like her previous series/characters. Then came book 2, Crown of Souls. No longer worried, I was now a huge fan of Tox Russell, Ram Khalon and Team Wraith. With an Indiana Jones meets military special ops team spin, I was yet again addicted to the amazing stories Kendig has the talent of weaving, and could not wait for the final installment.

Enter Thirst of Steel. Something I consistently brag on in regards to Ronie Kendig, is her wonderful ability to write stories and characters with unexpected twists, adrenaline boosting plots and devastating turns you did not see coming. While some authors over time unfortunately fall into a story telling pattern that a few books later makes it pretty easy to guess what's going to happen next and how it will all end, Ronie most definitely does not.

Intrigue, suspense, action, drama, military struggles, and a bit of romance - Thirst of Steel contains it all. I loved finding out more about Ram and Tzivia's history. A new character, Mercy, is introduced in this novel and is a perfect addition to the team. If anything, I was mad we didn't get more of her throughout the series and am hopeful she may hop over to a future tale. Team Wraith continues to bring in the snarky comments and willingness to defend at all cost. There are glimpses of the symbolism of Christianity weaved throughout the story that leaves a message of hope and keeping your eyes fixed on God. The conclusion is gut-wrenching and powerful, it was everything it needed to be and more. It tied up the story nicely, however it did leave small potentials that provided room for more stories told by different characters to hopefully come in the future . Though Cole “Tox” Russell’s story has come to a close, I don’t believe for one moment that Ronie has closed the chapter on some of these beloved side characters. (please, please let that assumption be true!)
If you’re in search for a book with non-stop thrills and adventure with themes that make you think long after you close the book, then this is the series for you. Ronie Kendig will quickly become a favorite author and before you know it, you will want all her books in your collection!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thirst of Steel is the amazing, action-packed, and emotional conclusion to the Tox Files series. This is definitely a series that I recommend reading all of the books in order. You will fall in love with these strong, intense characters!

The author, once again, did an amazing job of combining fast paced military action and suspense with a beautiful love story. All through the book I swooned over Cole and Haven’s feelings for each other. It has been building throughout the previous stories and Thirst of Steel is the culmination of that romantic thread and it is so very well written. I could feel the pain of when they had to be apart.

The undercover work, along with the dangerous situations that so many of the characters are thrown into, kept me eagerly turning pages to see what happened next. The twists and turns in this novel had me holding my breath as events spiraled to a dramatic end. Thirst of Steel was a thrilling ride that looked deep inside the hearts of many of the characters that readers have been following throughout this fantastic series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

One of the most explosive series I’ve read to date, the final book in Ronie Kendig’s The Tox Files series, Thirst of Steel, is one of the best military thrillers currently on the market today. Released on July 31, 2018 Thirst of Steel continues Kendig’s fast paced, military thrillers that are sure to keep the reader entranced to the wee hours of the morning.

From the moment one of Ronie Kendig’s novels are up for preorder, I’ve ordered it; beginning a sometimes months-long handwringing desire to get the book in my hands. Once it arrives, however, I’m just a bit reluctant to begin reading for this means the story I have been waiting for will soon end when I finish reading it. Each book in this series has taken me twice as long to read as my average time for I read them slowly, taking my time to digest and contemplate, kind of like savoring fine wine.

As with the previous two installment in the series, the team continues to fight those who would destroy people and places to obtain their goal. In the Thirst of Steel, the Arrow & Flame Order, a militaristic terrorist group with members worldwide, will stop at nothing to obtain the sword of Goliath. It is an intense and deadly race between the team and members of the AFO to find all three pieces of the sword; the team to prevent a world wide slaughter and the AFO, to slaughter many in order to be released from the curse, a curse that makes them deathly and painfully ill. A life long disorder, similar to hemophilia, that leaves them requiring frequent injections that prevent a very painful death.

In a prior novel, the AFO has found an artifact that allows them to create arrows with phosphorous content, that upon hitting a human target, the person melts from the inside out, leaving them in a ugly puddle where they stand. Currently around the world, people are inexplicably dying with arrows found nearby. When members of the US government are found, dead, in a most horrific way, the intrigue of the nearby arrow alerts members of Wraith, a seriously skilled Black Ops team. Even though members of the team are deeply embedded in areas around the world, including Russia, they must work together carefully and stealthily to stop a world catastrophe. Despite the absence of team leader “Tox” Cole Russell, team Wraith races to find the pieces of Goliath’s sword before the AFO. Having retired after the last “ops”, Cole’s plan had been to marry and begin raising a family; except Cole is tapped for one last mission, deep under cover in Russia. No one knows where or what he is doing, not even his team.

However, one man, a member of the team is also deep undercover in Russia. Most think Ram is there to track down his sister Tzivia, who has gone missing in attempts to find their long-lost father. His other task is as Toxs’ handler; it is to Ram that information is delivered and transmitted back to the team. It is Ram who is responsible to extract Tox if things go down. Tox is so deep undercover as the top security detail for the head of AFO, he undergoes surgery to transform his face to look like a top Russian agent. When Ram learns his sister is searching for the missing pieces of the sword, with intent to deliver it to the AFO, the missions weave together, becoming much more dangerous, for everyone.

As Ram and Tox race to stop the AFO from obtaining the full Sword of Goliath, both become determined to extract Tzivia from her traitorous path. With a mole in the US government and Mossad involvement, Ram and Tox can trust no one. When the rest of the team is sent in, no one knows how many will die.

This book begins with a storyline no one expects, with twists and turns that will leave a reader with their jaw dropped, finally ending in a way that no one saw coming.

And thus begins this reader’s long wait to learn what author Ronie Kendig is next writing. It is agonizing.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein are solely mine.

The final installation in the Tox Files. The search for Goliath's sword will take the Wraith team across continents and end with a reenactment of the famous David and Goliath battle. Friendships and loyalties are tested through this quest. This story focuses mainly on Tvzia and Ram Kahlon and "Tox" Russell and Haven and Chiji from the other two books. It's the final showdown with the Arrow and Flame Order. Tvzia is trying to find the pieces of Goliath's sword to save her father, Ram and Tox are trying to stop her because that would give the AFO all the power they need. It is a rush against time. Definitely a page turner.

Thirst Of Steel is one shockingly adventurous, stimulating, tremendously vivid story. The author takes you on such a colorful journey. You are transported on the adventure with many secrets. The characters have to fulfill one last mission so they can have a normal life - what is normal? Can anyone tell me? especially for thes4e characters - you go guys - if you know these characters you root for them - you fall in love with them - This book is exciting and Faithful. It takes you on an incredible mystery and you are traveling hard and fast with them - and believe you me you feel all of it - every twist and every turn - every pain and every journey they are put on. The author makes everything so vivid - you are so enthralled with this book you honestly cannot put it down - you have to find out how it all ends - there isn't just one storyline - and you have to see how it all ends up - it is so cool. - if you want to be taken on a journey, mystery adventure that blows your mind this is just for you. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in the review are all my own.

Have you ever finished a book that just kind of leaves you in shock? One that you don’t want to end but know it has to come to that? One that leaves you thinking you didn’t really read that correctly, right?

If you haven’t yet, the final book in Ronie Kendig’s Tox Files will definitely leave you with that experience.

First off, before we delve into the nitty-gritty of this book, let me just say that while this can be read as a stand alone book you will get so much more out of it if you’ve read the first two books in the series. There are a lot of players (many who are introduced in the previous books) and having that little bit of history tucked away will make Thirst of Steel that much more enjoyable.

Ok, now that we’ve got that out of the way. All I can say is WOW! Kendig has outdone herself with this book. Twists and turns kept me guessing throughout the entire book. From not knowing who stood on what side to the introduction of a new character (I enjoyed Mercy with her penchant for the superheroes and her considerable skills), Kendig doesn’t allow the tension to ease until the final epic battle that left me screaming (in my head) No. That can’t happen.

One part of this book reminded me of the movie Face Off. But there is so much more depth there. Part archaeology, party Biblical history, and entirely captivating and entertaining, Thirst of Steel challenges Kendig’s characters as well as her readers to delve beneath the surface to discover the truth.

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Tox and the entire Wraith team, now is the time! Kendig’s ability to create characters who are relatable despite their extreme situations while mixing in touches of humor with just the right depth of spiritual truths is something not to be missed. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what she’s got in store for readers next.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.

As the final book in the Tox Files concludes, readers will have their emotions taken on a roller coaster ride. Ronie Kendig brings one of the best novels of the year and all others I’ve read will have a hard time toping it.

The Arrow and Flame Order has plagued Cole Russell and his group for years. Just when they think it’s over, things heat up again when Tox has to leave Haven Cortes, the woman he loves, to go deep undercover and complete a final mission to find the sword of Goliath and keep it from the order. The AFO wants the sword more than anything and use Tzivia and Ram’s father to get them to find the sword for them. Tzivia wants to see her father alive again, even after he walked out on them years ago, and Ram is afraid his secret will be exposed and his life in more danger if he doesn’t do this. With the team being split apart and loyalties in question, Tox, Ram and the others have to work harder than ever before to protect those around them and do what is right.

Ronie Kendig has done it again with another spectacular novel about Tox and his team. After three books, it is hard to not love these characters and feel deeply impacted by what happens to them. Thirst of Steel is one of the best books as far as getting the reader deeply invested in every single character, no matter how much page time they receive. I enjoyed seeing Ram and Tzivia at the fore front of this novel and watching them flesh out a little more than in the previous novels in the series. There is no stop to the action, adventure and suspense in this novel and I am very sad to see this series come to an end.

I have really enjoyed the teams adventures and the way they have tied their missions in with history and ancient artifacts. It kind of makes it feel like national treasure at times, which makes the story even more fun and exciting. When reading a Ronie Kendig book you can be sure of a few things, you are going to have characters you can’t help but fall in love with and root for them to succeed. Secondly, you are going to have a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I love that I know that going into these books, it makes everything better and Kendig never disappoints. A lot of books written today have a lot of unnecessary filler material that could be skipped and still enjoy the story, these are not like that. I read every page and get something from every line and feel so much more connected to the story and characters by the end. That shows how good the writing is and how much effort was put into it and I for one appreciate that as a reader. This is a book I recommend to all Kendig fans as well as those looking for a great suspense thriller. I do recommend reading the first in the series before starting this one to have a better understanding of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I loved this book from the start! I think this is the best one of the series. The storyline kept me hooked and guessing. I’m sad that this is the last book in the series. I’m going to miss Tox and the rest of Wraith. I recommend this entire series. I am looking forward to reading more from Ronie Kendig!




I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Unexpected twists and turns AHOY!!! Yikes!
So many thoughts...to get fully coherent ones I know I need to go back and read books two and three and THEN Thirst of Steel--but alas--here we are at this moment.

I had to work to get into the swing of things at first because there were so many layers to the plot and with the characters, but once I got my momentum, I was hooked.
I loved how many characters were in play for this book. How Ms. Kendig did that and gave them all interesting and unique backstory's, I just don't know how! #literaryprowess FOR SURE.
I loved the globetrotting. Double loved the extra time spent on espionage type missions, plot work and such--that was right up my alley. Seriously--for future books...you have an espionage lover right here. So...*wink* *wink*
The action--check.
The romance, while fairly nonexistent between Tox & Haven--STILL CHECK. The romance falls under the (loved how many characters were in play) thing.

I don't entirely know what my feelings are...surrounding the "backstory" on the biblical artefacts & Templar dudes that live forever and have almost an angelic persona. I wish some additional things had been explained, backstory wise for those guys--cause I left with the impression that they're not angels but everything about them seems as though they're angels but they're men who live forever???
I'm not really a fan of the whole Templar Knights thing (researching them got pretty sinister let's say)--and to have the impression that they're angels but not, and Masonic dudes...just felt kinda weird to me.

HOWEVER, that bit aside that I'm still sorting my feelings over--what an epic book. Intense conclusion. So much creativity and hard work and sweat and tears went into this book and it shows. Truly. I don't even know how Ms. Kendig was able to mastermind such a complex series! And so many characters! As always, I'm shook. And shock. And my mouth is just hinged wide open.
That's all.

Now I want a book all about Tox & Haven--TOGETHER!!

Bodies are piling up in Washington, DC, but a strange coincidence links them all together. They are glowing and gooey, melting away from the inside. This can only be the work of the AFO (Arrow and Flame Order). Cole "Tox" Russell and SAARC (Special Activities Artifact Recovery and Containment) have been trying to shut down this group for several years now. As the FBI begins to work these cases, they learn there are similar ones popping up all over the world. But what is the common denominator?

Tox began transforming himself into Kazimir Rybakov several months ago, posing as a Mossad operative and infiltrating Mattin Worldwide in Moscow, Russia. SAARC believes that the head of this company, Nur Abidaoud, is also the head of the AFO. If Tox can extract the right intel on the AFO, SAARC can take them down. Working with the FBI, CIA, and DOD, SAARC goes into action following leads that are coming from Tox and Ram Khalon, his handler in Moscow. But Ram's sister, Tzivia, throws a monkey wrench in their plans when she shows up in Moscow, believing their father is being held there. Nur Abidaoud has lured Tzivia, an archeologist, to bring him a century old sword, the Adama Herev, that is believed will wipe out the Jewish race if one Hebrew is killed with it. Nur promises to release Tzivia's father if she succeeds. Can Tox and SAARC bring down the AFO before Tzivia finds the parts of this sword?

THIRST OF STEEL is an inspirational thriller whose storyline globe-hops from the US, to Russia, to the Congo, London, Latvia, and Israel. It is filled with international espionage and century old tales about Biblical artifacts. The diverse characters in this riveting story are strong, intense, and determined. The covert missions are spine-tingling and immersed with suspense. The storyline moves at break-neck speed, as the team spans the globe and uncovers one clue after another, then ties them together. Has the AFO infiltrated governments all over the world? Ronie Kendig brings us an extraordinary tale with this installment of her TOX Files series. She even incorporates a few romantic surprises! This is an adventure you do not want to miss!

Absolutely stunning. Every page is adrenaline-filled with high-intensity action and suspense. Yet those raw, tender, emotional moments are the ones that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book. Ronie Kendig has indeed created a masterpiece of a series in The Tox Files and she ends the series with a mighty bang in The Thirst of Steel. This final book in the series is everything you’ve come to expect from this wonderful author - fast-paced and fluid writing, intricately and tightly woven plot with multiple dimensions that comes together seamlessly, a nice dose of history and archeology, a great splash of humor in dialogue, memorable characters that grab your heart, and a solid thread of faith and prayer integrated into the story.

Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, reading the prequel novella and the subsequent two novels will definitely help in understanding the background for the ultimate mission in this book and also in understanding the characters. We see a lot more of Cell, Ram, and Tzivia in this book than previously and many questions readers have had about Ram are explained. We see a bit more of Levi here, too, which is nice. It’s also nice to see that Tox and Haven are finally together and planning for a life with each other. There are twists and turns to the plot that will leave you with whiplash, for sure. And the angst, ache of love denied and repressed that follow the characters will leave you crying for them.

If you love suspense with military action and delicious romance, you will love the Tox Files, especially The Thirst of Steel. I received a copy of the book from the author and Bethany Publishing. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I am prepared for two things when I step into a Ronie Kending story. The first is that I’m going to be swept up into immediate, nonstop adventure and twists and turns I could not even have imagined coming my way. The second is that I will form an intense connection with her characters and spend time when I’m not reading the book worrying about their fates. I believe The Tox Files is her best series yet and Thirst of Steel was everything I could have wanted and more in a conclusion. I was left a bit of an emotional wreck at the end of the story. There was satisfaction at these characters finding peace at happiness after such a mad journey, but there were also some tears and heartbreak to be had as well. I was so distraught about a certain event that I had to wait a day or so after finishing the book to write my review so that I could process my feelings. I have decided to ignore that one part of the book for my own sanity! I enjoyed getting to know Leif Metcalfe a little more and will be eagerly awaiting his turn as leading man in the Book of Wars series.

I finally reached the final pages of this book, and MAN what a story!
I loved it all!
If you like action, intrigue, mystery, CIA, FBI, and all those other letter agencies, then you will NOT want to miss this one!! It was absolutely incredible!
I think I felt the whole run of emotions as this one played out.
I wanted to cry. I wanted to just lay the book down and not watch the next scene play out in front of me.
And yet, I HAD TO KNOW what would happen next.
These characters are incredible.
I especially loved Tzivia in this book.
She was right in the middle of the action. A bit crazy at times. And yet, I loved every minute.

I also really like the fact that this book is about Goliath's sword. One of those objects from the Bible that you wonder what ever happened to them....I loved the idea that was the supporting backbone behind the search to reassemble the sword.
The ending. Oh my. I was so afraid. My mind raced ahead and all the possible scenarios I thought of...well, none of them were pretty.
The author does not disappoint.
It has a satisfying ending. Although, I must say, it's like with the end of any series...so very bittersweet. I really don't want to say goodbye to these beloved characters.

But I can't wait to see what else Ronie Kendig has up her sleeve!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Thirst Of Steel - Ronie Kendig

Do you like stories with lots of plot twists? Suspense? Heart pounding adventure? Military adventures? Historic, archeological mysteries? A touch of romance without getting smutty? Stories where every character has a secret and most of those secrets affect the outcome of the story? You need to check out The Tox Files! The third book in the trilogy just released and you don't want to miss it!!!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and review - that opinion is, I Love It!!! The only negative to this book is that it's the last one LOL

#TheToxFiles #ThirstOfSteel #ParaMilitary #roniekendig #NetGalley #VVOLT #Haven #Tox #Tzaddik #Tzivia #DontMissThisStory #ARC #5Stars

I can't believe this series is over!! As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Kendig's work.

I loved the way she portrays the relationships in these books. You've got the familial relationship that abounds throughout Wraith--they'll tease each other mercilessly, sometimes over the smallest things, but at the end of the day, they've always got each others backs. There's also the relationship between Tox and Chiji, yes that one is familial as well, but I feel like it goes the slightest bit deeper just because he was the one who's kind of been there to start pulling Tox out of his deep dark hole that he threw himself into. Then you've got the romantic relationships which are amazing! I love Tox and Haven's relationship. It's awesome that they've come so far and (especially after some of Tzaddik's reveals) they always seem to find their way to each other (even if Tox is being a bit of a butt and not wanting to acknowledge it)

Speaking of Tox and Haven, I'm glad things seem to be heading on an upward trajectory. But I have to question Tox's consideration of "domestication." Not that he doesn't deserve if it's what he wants, but he just doesn't feel like someone who could just sit back and not be out there helping the world. I think it'll be fun to see he and Haven starting a family and what that all entails, especially since he's now officially alive again...

Ram was interesting. I was shocked and surprised at some of his actions. At least a little. In the other books, while I could tell that he was definitely loyal to Wraith, it always felt like he was holding something at least to the side. He'd give information without actually saying anything outright or he'd speak in vagueness. And I did get frustrated with him towards the end, mainly because of the way he went about things. I was a little happy that he seemed to once and for all choose exactly where all his true loyalties lay.

Mercy was such an awesome character. I loved the way she kicked butt but also had her obsession with superheroes. I liked that she could handle herself and while she did occasionally get herself into trouble she always managed to find a way out. With and without help.

One of those books that you’ll get to the end, close it, and just sit there in your chair, your mind and emotions left reeling.

In this stunning, elegantly written conclusion to the Tox Files, Ms Ronie Kendig neatly ties up all her loose threads left from Crown of Souls and Conspiracy of Silence (COS & COS2), while still managing to introduce new characters for her readers to fall in love with. Or hate. Depending on which side they’re on.

In true Ronie Kendig form, the whole novel will keep you on your toes, with sudden twists you may or may not see coming. Following on the return of Leif in the previous book, he comes into the team with attitude and swagger, and it’s just fun to watch his interaction with Wraith.

There’s comedy, a la Barclay Purcell, drama, courtesy of basically everyone...and a touch of romance, thanks to a few couples. One thing I have always appreciated about Ms Kendig’s work is she’s able to keep things real, and the more tender moments never seem forced or just there for the sake of being there. It’s natural, and just as well written as the action scenes.

Overall, loved the book. Total rereading session coming up soon, and it will be the whole series. They’re all just that good. Massive kudos to Ms Kendig at writing another suck you in adventure!

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

To say it in one word: BRILLIANT! A few more: the plot, ancient mystery, secrets, and twists are perfectly executed.

In Thirst of Steel, secrets, friendships, loyalties, and fortitudes are tested as the challenge of a lifetime faces the Wraith team — and especially Tox, Haven, Ram, and Tzivia. With more POVs, details about team members, and TWISTS you will never see coming, this story is one that will have you turning pages late into the night to see just what happens next! And, you’ll need to be prepared for action, adrenaline rushes, and around-the-world locations.

The Wraith TEAM is as funny, precise, and cohesive as ever. Tox and Haven are ALL THE FEELS and a big part of the emotional upheaval of the story (Ram is attributed the rest of the emotions and tears). A particular favorite of mine was Haven’s involvement in ancestry research… and the way Tzi Tzaddik and Chiji work with her.

Readers will be ecstatic that we get a few more perspectives in this story, especially more time with Ram and Tzivia. RAM. His loyalty, sacrifices, ties to Mossad, and even his romantic life are front and center this time — further complicating the mission and forever changing the team dynamic. And Tzi? She’s as gorgeous and fierce as ever — especially when it comes to her efforts for her family and even in her blindness about her own self-worth. Her growth and arc in this book are impressive. AND, a lady named Mercy shows up as an important part of the story — and she brings to light the incredible symbolism and meaning behind some of the character names.

Thirst of Steel is more than a thriller. More than an undercover paramilitary black ops story or an ancient mystery-turned-international threat plot. It’s a story of humanity, of sacrifice and integrity, of family and brotherhood, of the true character revealed by a person’s actions, and of spiritual warfare, the very real fight against evil, and a powerful and all-knowing God we can choose to serve. This fictional story points to truth, light, and the salvation found in the greatest sacrificial Love humanity has ever known. Read it, friends. It’s quite the adventure.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.