Christianbook.com Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Barbour Publishing Firethorn - eBook

Barbour Publishing Firethorn - eBook

Former Marine Griffin Riddell found purpose working with Nightshade--until he's falsely convicted of a murder that plants him in a federal penitentiary. Is there someone he can trust? Amid explosive confusion, covert operative Kazi Faron breaks Griffin out of a maximum security prison. Then she delivers the death blow--the Nightshade team has been dismantled. Together Kazi and Griffin must rescue the others and figure out who's behind the sabotage. Can two people overcome their mistrust of each other in time to save Nightshade?
Average Customer Rating:
4.633 out of 5
4.6
 out of 
5
(30 Reviews) 30
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (30 reviews)
5 stars
23
4 stars
4
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
0
29 out of 3097%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Firethorn - eBook
Review 1 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:March 10, 2013
Customer Avatar
Army Mom
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Firethorn was bittersweet for me. Because this is the last book in this series we have to say goodbye, which is hard because I have so much emotions invested in these characters. But I loved reading Legand's story. It was as well done as the rest of the series, action, adventure, romance. Kazi and Legand fit well together despite the fact that both have trust issues. One of the best things that I loved about this series was the fact that it was both character centered as well as action driven. This combination really work well.
I would recommend reading the series in order, but it's not strictly necessary.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:December 4, 2012
Customer Avatar
Cheryl Faith
Location:Orangeville, ON Canada
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I was wowed by this book! I have all the other books to this series and have thoroughly enjoyed them and this book did not disappoint! Written really well and very hard to put the book down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!!!!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:September 7, 2012
Customer Avatar
Jved267
Location:Detroit, MI
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I loved it and couldn't put it down. An unlikely couple, a big black guy from the city, Legend, and Kiza, a petite blond Polish girl from a farm, end up working together to help reunite the team after someone works hard to scatter them and send many off to brutal enemies. Kiza is used to working alone as a spy and is unable to escape the man who once saved her life. Legend longs to have a family, but two failed opportunities have him pessimistic about trying again. Yet through working together, the unlikely couple starts bringing together the team and realizing that they've found what they're looking for in each other.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5

Not my cup of tea

Date:August 22, 2012
Customer Avatar
Anonymous
Location:Inyokern, CA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Value: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
After reading the positive reviews I found myself confused with the lack of morals and take-away value. Great read for the secular realm.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Love the series

Date:June 25, 2012
Customer Avatar
Tree
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
I love the Disgarded Heros series. I really enjoyed getting into the characters of the Team. This particular book gave a view of what the families of these men go through. I was disappointed that the series is over. The author did a great job of ending the story with such hope and dreams for the futures of the men and their families.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Great story line.

Date:July 17, 2012
Customer Avatar
Avid Reader
Location:Rural PA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Took a few chapters to get everything straight and all the characters in relation to one another and location. Lots of action and interaction with the characters. Figured out who the "bad guy" was. Always fun when you can do that.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Yes! A new-to-me author to follow.

Date:June 28, 2012
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
My first time reading Ronie Kendig, but certainly not my last. Loved, loved, loved this book. It wasn't necessary to have read books one, two, and three, but this one just wet my appetite to go back and devour them as well.
Love finding great authors that are new to me.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:June 27, 2012
Customer Avatar
Becky
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This was a great ending to a wonderful series! I even recommended these to my husband to read!! Excellent books!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent Series

Date:May 3, 2012
Customer Avatar
Grumpy
Location:New Palestine, IN
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
As in previous books, the adventure is captivating. If this is the end of the series...I'm sad.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Great book - Great series - Great subject

Date:March 16, 2012
Customer Avatar
Missy
Location:Edmonton, Alberta
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is one of the best series of books along this line that I have read in a long time. The writer deffinately knew military life and did her research well - great writing! Sorry to see this series end. Hope she will write on this or simillar topics again soon. We need to be kept aware of what our soldiers are doing for us and what they suffer through to do it. May God keep them safe in His care now and forever.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:April 14, 2012
Customer Avatar
Marbie
Location:The Netherlands
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Having read Digitalis, Wolfsbane and Firethorn in one month, I became very attached to the Nightshade team. I loved all the books in this series. Ronie Kendig's writing is full action. You can hardly find the right time to stop to go to bed. So be warned not to start reading any of her books shortly before bed time, or you will loose sleep!
The shack was attacked and the Nightshade team was captured and seperated. Kazi is hired by Lambert to get the team members back from all corners of the world. First she frees Griffin from the prison and together they are trying to retrieve the other men. They face many dangers. Griffin is surprised in Kazi--this small lady is capable of great things.
Griffin "Legend" Riddell is a big guy with secrets he didn't tell his team members. Kazi wants to keep her past and identity to herself, because she doesn't trust anyone. Both Griffin and Kazi are hurting, because of the things they keep hidden. When they get to work together they must learn to trust each other.
Unlike the other books in this series we also read a lot about the other team members--that's why it's best to read the other books in this series first. It's great to see all the men back with their families. A perfect ending to this great series!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.*
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Heart-in-your-mouth action!

Date:April 12, 2012
Customer Avatar
Deb Piccurelli
Location:Gloucester Township, New Jersey
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Once again, Ronie Kendig has written a fast-paced, action-packed adventure in the Discarded Heroes series. Volume #4, Firethorn, is the best one yet. That’s not to say the others weren’t excellent reads. I enjoyed every one of them.
In Firethorn, Griffin Riddell, one of the Nightshade operatives, has been set up for a murder he didn’t commit, and lands in a maximum security prison, unable to prove his innocence.
Covert operative, Kazi Faron, has been hired to reassemble Nightshade. Part of doing that is breaking Griffin out of prison. But as they race to rescue other members of Nightshade, and discover the traitor who wants the team dismantled, love begins to bloom. But distrust looms between them. Both harbor secrets from their pasts, but Kazi has one that could get them all killed.
These two characters are so dimensional. I think they’re the best I’ve seen in some time. I really liked how Ronie showed us the pain each had experienced, but tamped down inside to avoid vulnerability. Yet, they did remain vulnerable, which kept them real. I applaud how the race issue was handled between the characters, which was treated as if it were no issue at all (not an issue with me, but society sometimes sees it that way).
The story was written in such a way that demonstrated not only how much we need the Lord, but that, no matter what has happened in the past, we shouldn’t close ourselves off from other people, and distrust everyone we meet. If we trust Jesus, we’ll be able to discern who is trustworthy, and who is not. A fantastic read!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Firethorn

Date:March 12, 2012
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Falsely accused of murder and locked in a maximum security penitentiary, Griffin Riddell doesn't expect to be broken out of prison by cute blonde, Kazi Faron. In a whirlwind of action Griffin follows Kazi who claims to be reassembling the Nightshade team. Danger and adventure surround Griffin and Kazi as they attempt to rescue the other team members. They are forced to trust each other with their lives, but will they trust each other with their hearts?
Firethorn, the fourth book in the Disgarded Heroes Series by Ronie Kendig, can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I recommend reading the books in order. Griffin's character was especially enjoyable for me. He had a unique, somewhat unpredictable personality that was intriguing. The storyline hooked me from the beginning, as is common for action/suspense novels. Underlying themes about trusting in God and the importance of loyalty added depth to the story. Having recently read Wolfsbane, the third book in the series, I definitely had some high expectations for Firethorn. I was slightly disappointed as I thought Wolfsbane was better, but overall it is still a very good read and I would recommend it an anyone looking for Christian suspense/romance book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Awesome!!

Date:February 29, 2012
Customer Avatar
LaRou
Location:Shipshewana, IN
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I have read the whole series and wish there was more coming. Held my attention and had a hard time putting the books down. Loved them!!! You must read!!!!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5

One for Fans of Military CF

Date:February 26, 2012
Customer Avatar
The Phantom Paragrapher
Location:Tauranga, New Zealand
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
When it comes to genres , I'm not normally a military genre chick .For me , in order to get into it , it needs to be thrilling, fast-paced and not too confusing . I have enjoyed the likes of Lee Child , Howard Gordon, Douglas Preston and now I have a new name to add to my list Ronie Kendig. His military book Firethorn was awesome and thrilling as we read the main character on the run for his life -in a way Firethorn reminded me alot of the second part of the film "The A-Team" which I loved that film and ended up buying it on DVD. In Firethorn, we are introduced to the main leader Griffin -he is sitting in a bar with unresolved issues , a military guy comes up to him taunting him about his perfect record , his christianity and of course bringing up his dysfunctional childhood. Griffin lashes out and the next thing we know , a congressman is dead and Griffin is hurt and been sent to a maximum security prison on murder charges. The other side of the story flips to what we discover is Griffin's team of soldiers - known as Nightshade which makes sense considering that was the title of Ronie Kendig's first book in the Discarded Heroes series. More guns a-blazing , people dying , people being arrested and then we are transported back to the maximum security prison with Griffin . Arriving at the prison undercover as a pyschologist is Kaci , she has come to help Griffin escape prison as she bears bad news that somebody is destroying the Nightshade team and a few of his men are still missing. On a race of time , Griffin with the help of Kaci and a few others must find the remaining men that are alive, help those who have been arrested and find out who is behind the target of the Nightshade Crew.
A fast-paced thrilling story that all fans of Military and Justice fiction will enjoy
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Action Packed to the End

Date:February 17, 2012
Customer Avatar
Faye
Age:Under 18
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
You'd better hold on tight because Firethorn is a wild ride that will have you hanging on with white knuckles, as the characters cross continents and oceans to rescue the endangered Nightshade team. You will not want to miss this explosive conclusion to a terrific series!
Not only do we get to explore Griffin's character more, we also get to re-visit other members of the Nightshade team and their families. The characters were wonderfully complex, both Kazi and Griffins both had to deal with scars from their pasts. Every chapter ended with a cliffhanger and the action never stopped. Firethorn was strong in every area. Masterfully plotted and executed, as well as both emotionally and spiritually solid, Firethorn is the perfect conclusion to a great series.
The writing gripped me and the fast-paced action kept the pages turning rapidly. I was first introduced to this series by my father who is a bigger fan of the series than I am, and he was really excited to learn that I would be reviewing this book.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. This book has it all, action, adventure, romance, military suspense, mystery, and cliffhangers abound :) I would put out a warning though, that there are some scenes of violence--just to ya'll informed :) Thank you!
Final Rating: 4.75 out of 5
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Repaying the Favor!

Date:February 14, 2012
Customer Avatar
Anonymous
Location:St. Paul, MN
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
BLOWN AND DISMANTLED! NIGHTSHADE IS READY TO REPAY THE FAVOR!
The Nightshade group are recouping in The Shack when they find themselves infiltrated and fired upon. No matter where they hid, they were found out except for Max and Dighton. Not only are they infiltrated, their complex is imploded. The men are then scattered all over the world. Who? How? The Shack was secure!
Nightshade team member, Griffin Riddell (aka “Legend”), finds himself in a maximum security prison, charged with the murder of a Senator. He never saw it coming. And he didn’t do it.
Kazi Faron, a covert operative, is brought in to break Griffin out of the penitentiary–and she’s successful! Though she tends to be a loner, she’s a fireball that gets the work done despite the odds and dangers.
From this point on, Ronie Kendig, in Firethorn, has us traveling all over the world with Legend and Kazi, tracking down the Nightshade team. All have their own dilemmas to escape. It’s a fast-paced, quick-changing twist of events. Just like Ronie’s first three novels, this one does not let up on the action. You can’t let yourself lull over a particular rescue, as she jumps to another. The scenarios are interspersed, which demand that you stay just as alert as her characters. Though interspersed, they all intertwine in a fashion only Ronie can pull off.
The touchy romance between Griffin and Kazi is threatened by their distrust, events and her past. But you’ll find yourself loving every minute, wondering if they will make a couple or not. Nothing is guaranteed.
Though faith is interwoven into Ronie’s books, and it’s relevant and important to each member, it’s not an ‘in your face’ message. It’s the daily living out of their faith.
You can read these books out of order, but it’s more interesting reading from beginning to end. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. I am disappointed the series has ended with Firethorn, however. I could see another book at the end of this one!
Ronie considers herself an Army brat, but it’s those experiences that bring depth, accuracy and meaning to each of her books.
Special thanks to Ronie Kendig for sending me a review copy. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

An exciting read and so much more

Date:February 10, 2012
Customer Avatar
Connie
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Phew! <dramatic arm across brow> What a wild ride!
I just read the final installment of Ronie Kendig’s Military Thriller Series, Discarded Heroes, and it was … well … thrilling.
Firethorn starts off with the Nightshade team in shambles. Their headquarters, The Shack, is blown to smithereens, the team scattered by those who want to make them suffer, and Griffin Riddell is in jail for murder. How can they save themselves when each is imprisoned and there is no team to extricate them?
In walks Kazi Faron, who plucks them from oblivion, one-by-one. But is she really there to help, or does she have an agenda of her own? You’ll have to read it to find out.
I love saying that!
I must admit, I am a Kendig fan. I have not been disappointed by a single book yet. And though, there is an element that reminds me of the scene in the movie, Speed, where the bus leaps up over a gap in the highway with no apparent ramp—extra-ordinary—I just plain don’t care. It’s about the ride, and I love the adrenaline. This is fiction after all.
But it’s deeper than that. The reason I am not just a Kendig fan, but also a Discarded Heroes fan is that this series shines a much needed light on some of the needs of our men and women in the armed forces. These are the heroes of our world. The ones who keep our nation free and too often pay a heavy price in doing so. Ms. Kendig also reminds the reader that true healing of the inner scars of war come from a real and deep relationship with Christ.
A word of caution to those slackers—I mean—people who haven’t read the first three books. You’ll be meeting a lot of characters in a short period of time. And even for one who’s read the others, it’s a lot to keep track of. This malady, however, can be prevented by reading the series in order, so you can be introduced to the entire team and their families one at a time.
Oh bother! That means you’ll have to read four really cool novels instead of one. <sigh> A chore indeed. <tongue planted firmly in cheek>
So what are you waiting for? You’re still loitering about reading this silly review. Go buy the book. Just make sure you strap on your seat belt before you open it.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Wow - Firethorn, what a Finale!

Date:January 30, 2012
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
In order to appreciate this book fully, you may want to read the previous books in the Discarded Heroes series. There are complicated relationships intertwining and you want to enjoy this novel in all its complexity and layers. Aside from being an action junkie, I've enjoyed getting to know every member of the Nightshade team and I especially appreciated Kendig's fine weaving of all their stories in the final book.
The prolog begins with Griffin "Legend" Riddell meeting General Lambert just after Legend has been disgraced and discharged from the Marines. Jump four years ahead to find complete mayhem happening and be prepared for constant globe trotting throughout the novel. Although their team is ripped apart after being attacked, with the help of others, they are able to sew the seams together again. I really wish there was another book after this one because I loved their grit and determination to help each other.
Legend does a mighty fine job of burying his painful past, but his intelligent counterpart in Kazi requires him to confront what he had been avoiding so far. I was thankful to see both Legend's and Kazi's journeys in healing and the patient persistence and courage needed. Their stories felt real and uncontrived and therefore challenged me to strengthen my relationships, being tenacious in restoring dignity.
Final comments - the cover design is outstanding. And Range Metcalfe definitely deserves his own story to be told!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Firethorn - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

She saved the best for last!

Date:January 28, 2012
Customer Avatar
MaryLu Tyndall
Location:San Jose, CA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
The Discarded Heroes series has been one WILD ride! And I, for one, am sad to see it end. I fell in love with all the macho heroes who made up the covert Nightshade team. I cheered for them when they rescued victims and fought for justice, I trembled for them when their lives hung in the balance, I laughed at their boyish antics, cried at their pain and internal struggles, and smiled as each one fell madly in love! Each man waged his own battle with himself and with God. But what a joy it was to see God's love bring them out the other side stronger and wiser. Ms Kendig knows her stuff. Her tag line is rapid-fire fiction and don't kid yourself, that's just what you get. I felt like I was a special-ops agent myself! Thankfully, thanks to Ms. Kendig, I could capture bad guys from the warmth of my own house. LOL. I'm looking forward to whatever this fabulous author writes next!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
12Next >>>