Renegade by Mel Odom, Book 2 Called To Serve, Book review

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (June 21, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-1414349312

Synopsis:


Having grown up in the foster system, Private Pike Morgan’s rough exterior and problem with authority earn him few friends among his fellow Marines. When he’s not on missions for the Marine Reserve, Pike’s rebellious attitude and eagerness for vigilante justice have the local police regularly at his doorstep. Struggling to set down roots, and nervous of his desire to, Pike’s eager to answer the military’s call for another deployment.

On a peacekeeping mission to Afghanistan, Pike and his squad soon find themselves entrenched in a heated war zone. After an American journalist is kidnapped by known terrorist Zalmai Yaqub, the whereabouts of this al Qaeda leader become a top priority for the American military. But when Yaqub flees to Pakistan, will anyone aid Pike in his hunt, or will this strong Marine find himself without an ally?

Here are my thoughts:


If you are new to this blog you might very well wonder why I reviewed this particular title but as others know by now, my family has always been involved with the Armed Forces, be it serving in the ranks or at the home front! Duty and Honour calls at any level and this latest Christian offering by TYNDALE PUBLISHERS is well worth a moment of your time!

RENEGADE, Book 2 in the 'Called To Serve' series follows Pike Morgan, a maverick who has been in and out of trouble for many years. Growing up in the Foster Care system of course has not helped his rebellious side. When his best friend is killed by a gang, Pike agrees to testify and enters the Witness Protection program.
Now a Marine reservist called to active duty, Pike Morgan is sent to Afghanistan where his fighting skills proves him to be a survivor when a regular rescue mission turns grievously wrong and becomes the biggest challenge of his life.

Mel Odom might have well written just another of those war novels if it was not for the fact he cleverly deals with duty and honour infused with a great amount of faith! There are some excellent Christian values in this plot particularly for single parent families, as we realize Pike's past haunts him and emotional ties scares him.  No man is an island after all! 

Well worth reading, RENEGADE is packed with action most favoured by men but also the sort of 'feel good' times women relate to and as such, provides great material for family/group discussions.

With over 140 books to his active in various genres, Mel Odom proves to be a versatile author certain to grab your attention and whilst this 2nd novel in the series starts rather slowly, the narration builds up steadily! The only negative might be that some of the (interesting) characters appeared to be left in limbo, material for a future novel perhaps?

Finally, a word of caution: Understandably, the author could not escape the harsh realities of war so there is a certain amount of violence leading me to recommend this novel for mature readers only!

5 Stars!


About the Author:

Mel Odom says: "I write in a number of fields, but always with the hope of telling an interesting tale that will incite a reader to think for himself or herself, to examine his or her own place in the world, and offer a little nudge in the direction of dreams, faith, and personal growth in spite of whatever odds a person has to face.
I also believe we were all put here for a purpose. Hopefully, several purposes.

I'm a father, a little league coach, a teacher, a friend, and a writer. I struggle to keep that balance, as many of us do these days, but I hold tightly to the belief that I'm doing all I can be doing, and doing what I should be doing."

For additional information about this author visit his website (HERE).


I received a paperback copy of this title from TYNDALE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.