At first look, I thought the cover of Raptor 6 screamed this is a “mans book”. If you are having a similar reaction…don’t judge a book by it’s cover. As a female author Ronie Kendig tucks plenty of treasures between the pages of her book for the ladies.

Prepare for a little shock and awe – Raptor 6 was a thrill to read! From cover to cover Ronie Kendig’s “Rapid-Fire Fiction” will keep you turning pages. This was my first experience with the Christian Suspense genre and Ronie Kendig knocked my socks off. Kendig knows a thing or two about military operations and culture and she has clearly done her research for Raptor 6. She delivers a well constructed novel with nail-biting suspense, pulse-pounding action, and heart wrenching drama.

Raptor 6 is a highly trained Army Special Forces team. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each member of the team over the course of the book. Each man had an assigned specialty and a unique personality that contributed to the cohesiveness of the unit. The banter between them was “clean” and the occasional use of expletives were done using made up phrases. I laughed out loud at the humorous ribbing that they gave one another. Their playful joking worked nicely to break up the tension in the more suspenseful moments.

Captain Dean Watters is a born leader who inspires esprit de corps among his men. I grew to admire him as a man of strong character who is committed to his country and his team. He is a precision instrument of war – intelligent, focused and controlled. His desire to control circumstance and provide for the safety of others stems from a past that the author does an excellent job of revealing over time.

Raptor 6 is more than military might and maneuvering, there is a romance that evolves between Zahrah Zarrick and Capt. Watters. Missionary Zahrah Zarrick won me over with her BOLD faith. She is a woman who is on fire for Christ and has completely surrendered herself to His service. Her resolve to trust God for her protection despite the turmoil around her baffles Capt. Watters. He lets himself believe that he is merely covering his six, looking out for retired General Peter Zarrick’s daughter, but there is something about Zahrah that he can’t escape.
Keep in mind that this novel takes place in present day Afghanistan during a US military war on terrorism. These characters fight monumental spiritual battles as well as a physical dangers. The book has violence to include violence against women that may be difficult for some to read. Kendig does a tactful job of incorporating these egregious acts into a redeeming storyline.

Ronie Kendig honors those who serve(d) in our military and has won a new fan. I strongly recommend Raptor 6 to men and women for it’s intricate plot and powerful message. I anxiously await the next book in The Quiet Professionals Series and give this Christian military suspense novel 5 stars! Go buy it!