Review: Beowulf by Ronie Kendig

2014/January by Marji Laine

Book #3 of A Breed Apart series

I have come to count on Ronie Kendig for intense action, fierce romance, realistic characters, and honor to our military through her novels. But Beowulf took my expectations to a new level.

Riveting

From the moment this story begins during an investigation for weapons of mass destruction by Beowulf, a bullmastiff full of attitude, this story grabs a reader and refuses to release. Kendig has a mastery of timing that grips through the most intense parts of the action. By the time I reached the respite, I realized that my own breathing had shallowed as the characters battled.

Passionate

So often that word in misunderstood to have inappropriate connotations. In the case of Beowulf, the words romance, affection, or compassion just aren’t strong enough. Tony “Candyman” VanAllen has been attracted to Beowulf’s spitfire handler, Timbrel Hogan, through several missions together. She flits through his mind constantly and when she’s within view, he struggles to keep his mind on his work, a dangerous situation in his military career.

For Timbrel, the only man in her life is her giant dog. Working in her chosen field flings her into the center of groups of men all the time. With a caustic attitude, she resists all advances. Until a stubborn, persistent Green Beret that insists she call him by his given name breaks down the walls she’s built. Even her dog hates the man, but she can’t eliminate him from her mind.

The chemistry between these two is palpable!

Engaging

Tony and Timbrel and the rest of the crew aren’t just characters. They’re deeply researched members of teams that likely exist within our military today. They have backgrounds, warts, and hangups with which any reader can empathize. And because of the way Kendig peopled her story, a reader doesn’t stand outside and observe. The reader is part of the battle, wearing the skin of the different characters, firmly ensconced within the contours of the written page.

No wonder I had trouble putting down the book for annoying interruptions. Sleep, work, driving, parties, etc.

This book is exceptionally done. My first favorite of the new year!

Author: Marji Laine

Marji is a recently "graduated" homeschooling mom whose twin girls have blessed her by sticking around the nest for a little longer. She spends her days directing the children’s music program at her church and working with the authors of Write Integrity Press to put out the best possible version of their books. Raised in suburban Dallas, she got her first taste of writing through the stories of brilliant authors of their day, Mignon Eberhart and Phyllis A. Whitney, and through stage experience. After directing and acting in productions for decades, Marji started writing her own scripts. From that early beginning, she delved into creating scintillating suspense with a side of Texas sassy. She invites readers to unravel their inspiration, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Lord’s Great Mystery that invites us all.