Fiction Addict

Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Speculative Fiction

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: May 2013

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Jagger Baird is a tough guy. He’s a former Army ranger and he’s worked in security for years. He’s not someone you should cross or take for granted. After discovering that there are immortals called the Tribe walking around that were a part of the Exodus, Jagger was pretty sure he’d seen it all. Except that there’s something new and it’s so dangerous that it has him completely stunned. And this time, he is determined to protect his family and keep them out of harm’s way. Except that he’s one of the only people on the planet who is equipped to fight this new terrifying enemy.

The Clan is part of the Immortals – people who were cursed by God and forced to walk the earth without being able to die. Differing from the Tribe in monumental ways, the Clan is determined to cause as much chaos, harm, and destruction as possible. When they get their hands on a piece of stone that pulls back the veil to reveal the spiritual world and battles happening around us daily, a deadly plan emerges. What if they were able to track down all of God’s favorites and completely destroy them?

Robert Liparulo is a master of suspense, intrigue, and adventure – this tale is no exception. There were, once again, moments when I had to stop reading just to catch my breath. As delighted as I was with the first book, The 13^th Tribe, I can say that this one did not disappoint. In fact, as hard as it was for me to imagine, Liparulo managed to up the ante and bring this to a whole new level of suspense and intrigue.

These characters resonated once again and though I admit that there are moments in the story where the dangerous focus on Jagger’s family felt a little heavy handed, I still felt emotionally drawn to each of them in an incredible way. The questions Jagger has, the wavering faith of his wife, and the concern of his son all hit home in some powerful way. With these characters, he addresses all of the levels of faith, doubt and fear that we have as we consider God and our lives in conjunction with His plan. I love that.

I also love the fast-paced action in these books. If you’re a lover of Tom Clancy or Clive Cussler, these books will become fast favorites. Epic battles with a variety of weapons, hand-to-hand combat and realistic survival moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. (Warning: Seriously do not attempt to read this book to settle yourself down for bed. I have at least one night’s lack of sleep that was sponsored by the letters L, I, P, A, R, U, L and O) With twists and turns that you’d never imagine coming, this book will keep you entertained, breathless and most of all, wanting more.

Two thumbs way up for this outing from Liparulo. I’ve got dibs on the ARC for the next one the second it’s available. (I figure by putting this in my review maybe I have a chance of actually scoring a book before Josh Olds gets it! *shrugs* It’s worth a shot!)

(Editor’s note: I’ll be nice and not edit out that last comment. Plus, we know she doesn’t stand a chance anyway. – Josh)