If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.
Isaiah 7:9b (NIV)
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Fatal Domain by Steven James is Book 2 in A Travis Brock Thriller Series.If you've never read a Steven James novel, prepare yourself to read a real "book." And by that, I mean he writes good-size novels with plots so complex you can't imagine him being able to tie all the threads together – but he does. And he does it with precision.
Travis Brock was devastatingly burned by a house fire and has the scars to prove it. He lost his wife in the fire when he couldn't save her. (Broker of Lies). He works as an elite redactor for the Department of Defense and notes that "secrets are his business." He's now in a small elect group led by Colonel Clarke which includes a female "Adira" (former Homeland Security/Secret Service), and another male "Gunnar" (former Army Ranger). Their task is to commandeer something that could devastate national security from an IT firm manipulated by a billionaire Robin Hood type trying to save the world through a breakthrough pharmaceutical product. To say it's complicated is an understatement.
As it turns out, as dangerous as their assignment is, it's only the beginning of shocking revelations and tests of character, determination, and endurance with outlandish twists and a lot of personal evaluations and reconfiguring of right and wrong, the big picture, the horrors of "studies," and the evils of various mindsets.
It wouldn't do to give away pieces of this lengthy story, so I will conclude this review with my opinion that the sequel to Broker of Lies is far better and reveals many aspects of how dangerous the quests of pathological choices can be in the name of "the greater good." Men and women playing God and striving to make the decisions only He can make demonstrate the worst and most deceived of humanity.
I've read most of Steven James' novels, all of The Bowers Files, and Fatal Domain includes the most and the best explanations and references to biblical principles and particular scriptures without intoning a "religious" voice than all of his previous novels that I've read. A welcome aspect to the wicked characters and concepts in this story.
Highly recommend this Master Storyteller's Fatal Domain.
Father, please continue to guide Steven James' work, his artful writing, and bless him and his family in the ways they need it most. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Once upon a time – a long time ago . . . My caption for this old photograph: "Is that so?"
Thank you, Father, for my life, my childhood, and bringing me through those years where I couldn't find you in my rebellion. Thank you is never enough for rescuing me from myself. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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I know I write in the genre in which I should be writing. However, if – and that's a big IF – I could write in another genre, I'd be a thriller writer. There's nothing like a good thriller!
The problem with genre labels today is that publishers insist on labeling many suspense novels "thrillers" when they are not. Thrillers are indeed a particular kind of novel. The incredible sense of pacing, the detailed background, the remarkable research to make them believable, and the courageous characters that draw the reader deeply into the story: now those are thriller novels.
That's not to degrade suspense novels. To sustain suspense is a talent in itself while the protagonist(s) attempts to solve a mystery/problem/crisis with burgeoning opposition and unique pressures. Good suspense novels are a pleasure to read.
So that's where I'm wandering this Wednesday.
Father, thank you for all that you've given me to do. May I succeed in doing it. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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The lyrics say it all.
Father, one more time: intervene for us and bless this One Nation under God. You're the only One who can give us redemption for a season until the final chapter. Please, Lord, God Bless America. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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We remember. We honor you. Thank you is not enough for your sacrifice. The loss is immense. This Day is in memory of those who gave it all. We will not forget.
God, you created warriors to fight for the freedom we cherish. You knew and know each one. May those who fight today to preserve the freedoms provided by the warriors of the past, know you as their Lord and Savior, their shield and protection against the evil one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,
who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent.
Isaiah 5:20-23 (NIV)
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To be fair, this is not news to those of you who read or have read my blog. The thing is I believe it's an important statement. If not important, at least it's honest. And, there are variables in making it. Here's the statement: I write what I like and want to read.
In the seemingly most popular genre of all for female readers of novels, although not for all female readers, the romance genre follows a basic formula. In general market fiction there is often a lot of graphic sexual content and in Christian fiction there is not. Boy meets girl and/or vice versa, there is attraction, there are problems, there is reaction, there is either resolution or tantrums, break-ups, good-byes, steamy make-up scenes in general market or pledges of love in Christian fiction. You get the drift. So, naturally, if the reader likes the characters, they're emotionally involved, pick sides or don't, and silently demand a happy or satisfactory ending to the story.
As you well know, I claim to write love stories because I don't always follow the romance formula. I also say I "write love stories with a passion." And include my 3-word tagline: Raw Romantic Redemptive. Because passion is a fact of love. Failing to acknowledge it makes "romance" mundane – and by "passion" I don't mean getting between the sheets. I mean being physically attracted to the love interest and having to come to terms with the desires that person induces. "Raw" because my words are not graphic, but they definitely touch on the sexual attraction.
I write this way because I see it as real. If nothing else, it's the reality I know. It's the truthful way to tell the stories I've written. And that's the reason I write the way I do. And that's the reason I write what I like to read.
Father, you've given me every character, every story. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. Please help me to write as you lead. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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(This is from 10/22/09)
The devil in your eyes
I’ve seen the devil in your eyes.
Lovely and cruel
Sweet and vicious.
I’ve heard the devil in your voice.
Kind and cutting
Whispers and threats.
Your skin is taut with fire.
Touching you is like being singed—
Skin peels back inflamed
In pain.
You wrap around them like a boa.
Striking like a cobra
After the mesmerizing dance
Venom, fatal.
The glee pervades your defiant stance.
Unleashed control
Head back howling
Exacting revenge.
The prettiness is encased in ugliness.
No longer do those blue eyes glimmer.
Instead they shout obscenities
In meager tones.
You are a shell.
Vacant.
Wicked.
Empty.
Father, you have given us the Holy Spirit to fight the dark forces of evil in high places. The power in the Blood of Jesus readies us for the necessary fight. Help us to fight the good fight, to do as you ask. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Rinse and Repeat Springtime in Western Washington.
Father, thank you for the greens produced by the rains, the beautiful assortment of flowers, and all of the unique seasons. Thank you for leaving the touches of beauty to remind us of your splendor. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
