David C Cook / 2012
About the book:
A thick web of deceit closes in around Austia, and her circle of friends becomes smaller by the day, even as she finally opens herself to the idea of falling in love again. But who can she trust? Facing a spiritual battle that proves more treacherous than it at first seemed, Austia’s convictions are tested to their limits and her heart becomes primed for breaking. She must ask herself: how much she will risk to stay true to her herself, her faith, and to the lives of the women she serves?
My rating:
My thoughts:
The Next Target was a really suspenseful and intriguing read. There were a few things I personally didn't like (i.e. Jesus appearing in Fatima's dream, Austia getting the response "Trust Me" when she was praying, etc.), but other than that, I really enjoyed it!
At first, I wasn't sure what to think about Zaki (whether to like his character or not), but as the story progressed, I found myself liking him more and more - he may even have been my favorite character in The Next Target.
While there wasn't much mystery (it was pretty much known who the "bad" guy was), there were a few tiny twists/surprises that I liked along with the little bit of romance.
It isn't really a surprise to me that I enjoyed this novel, I've enjoyed other books that are slightly similar to The Next Target (having to do with terrorists, etc.). One other thing I really liked was how I got to know the Muslim religion and some of their customs a little bit better.
The Next Target was a great read and I recommend it if you like suspense books or books that deal with terrorism.
*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Book Giveaway!
PLEASE COMMENT on this post (even if you don't want to enter the giveaway). If I'm one of the two bloggers with the most comments, I'll win a Kindle Fire courtesy of David C. Cook publishers!
Enter to win one of three copies of The Next Target! This giveaway is only open to the US and Canada.
Enter via the Rafflecopter below.
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yay! I don't think I'll enter, but I hope you win the Kindle Fire! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for commenting!! :)
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DeleteGood luck, hope you meet your goal. Happy reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bette! :)
DeleteSounds like some good reading--just not at bedtime.
ReplyDeleteDLBrandmeyer@ gmail.com
Diana
Great Review Melanie! Love the cover on The Next Target :) Hope you win the Kindle Fire! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't usually go for this kind of book but it actually does sound really good!
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It looks like a pretty cool book! Not really my type though, but it seems good:) hope you get your kindle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review, Mel! Please don't enter me, but here's to you winning that kindle fire...go Mel!! Shared this on facebook and goodreads, blessings :)
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ReplyDeleteWhen I read the summary, what really struck me was the fact that I could learn a little bit of information about the Muslim community too - just like you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it does sound like an interesting book...
ReplyDeleteHope you reach your goal and win your Kindle! :)
Sounds like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! And good luck, I hope you win! :)
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ReplyDeleteThe four sentences of the first paragraph certainly draw me in!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI just read a book that highlighted some of the Muslim faith.. Very intriguing. -Marie
ReplyDeleteIt does sound interesting. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book. Best wishes on your quest to win the Kindle. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book. :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully a fresh take on romance/suspense novels. Good luck winning the Kindle Fire!
ReplyDeleteI hope you win it!
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ReplyDeleteHmm. This book seems different than any book I've read before, but it sounds like it might be interesting. I'm rooting for you to win!! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a novel I'd enjoy. I'm adding it to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteHey Melanie! I want you to win the Kindle Fire! Your review was very good, but this doesn't sound like my kind of book... I very much a fantasy/sci-fi/supernatural kinda gal ;)
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to say HI Melanie and hope you win the kindle, dont want to be in the drawing on this one, thanks for invite. like your blog and stop by from time to time just to check you out. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletePaula O
This sounds like an interesting read. I don't think I'd enjoy the terrorist part of the plot but the concept of sharing your faith when it could cost your life - that's something to get every U.S. Christian thinking! I'll spread the word so others can learn about this novel, too.
ReplyDeletei love reading fiction that teaches about other cultures, and it seems like this one is all around us, pretty well no matter where we live. i hope you get your kindle fire!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of the book or author but after reading your review, I will see if the library has a copy. Good review.
ReplyDeletehope you win!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, but save the giveaway copy for someone else. Wishing you success on winning the Kindle. :)
ReplyDeleteCurious why you didn't like the appearance in the dream or hearing God's voice. Did you not believe either? Or do you prefer spirituality expressed differently in a novel?
ReplyDeleteI find books where the writing is so clever that I 'learn' how to like a character. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck and I hope you win.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! Thanks for the review! I recommend a similar book by Ted Dekker called Blink of an Eye. It's an older one of his, and really good!
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway and great review. Good luck on winning the kindle. Gale
ReplyDeletepgan427@yahoo.com
Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Melanie. I will have to look into reading this :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Definitely does sound really suspenseful and intense! Glad you liked it. :-)
ReplyDeletexoxo~ Renee C.
Sounds like a really interesting book.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the Kindle Fire win!
Lily
http://bookluvrshaven.blogspot.ca
Great review, fingers crossed that you win the kindle fire.
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ReplyDeleteGood luck! I hope you win! :)
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Sounds like a good book! Hope you win!
ReplyDeleteAbigail
I have this title on my to read list! Thanks for the insight.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book. I love suspense and don't read enough of them. Thanks for hosting the giveaway and hope you win the Kindle.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting! I <3 the cover! :)
ReplyDeleteEnter Me!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
Sarah
I hope you win the kindle--they are great! I am not entering the contest as I already have a review copy of this book, but I just wanted to wish you well in your effort to win~
ReplyDeleteLooks Great!
ReplyDeleteSounds really good! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
ReplyDeleteI'm just commenting to help you win the Kindle Fire! I hope you win, Hun!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Ohh, I like the cover! I also agree with a little bit of a romance being enjoyable... too much tension or relationship issues can get really annoying. And learning about the Muslim community seems like a great reason to read this... learning something new about a culture/religion I hadn't known before is always nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this giveaway!
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love the cover too! I hope you win the Kindle Fire!
ReplyDeleteI hope you win the Kindle Fire! :) Currently working on those banners you messaged me about. Will be sending them out to you shortly! ;)
ReplyDeleteeve @ essence of eve
Thanks, Eve!! Will be looking for your message. :)
DeleteSounds like an interesting read, and, like someone else mentioned, it reminds me of "Blink of an Eye" by Ted Dekker, which I loved. Definite recommendation! I hope you win the Kindle! :-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read "Blink of an Eye", yet... I really should, though. :) Thanks for commenting! :)
DeleteLooks like an interesting book, to me...
ReplyDeletethanks for another great book giveaway
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ReplyDeleteInteresting book. :)
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ReplyDeleteShaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com
I love suspense books! Thanks for the giveaway and hope you win!
ReplyDeleteandrea2russia@hotmail.com
Hope you win the Kindle Fire! I'm seriously considering getting one this summer but haven't made the plunge yet. :-)
ReplyDeleteEnter me this book sounds and looks great!!
ReplyDeleteThis is not my kind of book but good luck on the win for you.
ReplyDeletedon't enter me, but good luck on your kindle! :)
ReplyDeleteJessie Taylor Goodwin, and thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the give-away. Hope you win your Kindle. I have tried and to win one. I love the Kittens on your web-site. Thinking this might be an interesting book. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
ReplyDeleteCommenting for your Kindle. You wouldn't want to plug my book here! Good luck. Visit my blog sometime?
ReplyDeleteNice Review!! Good Luck!!
ReplyDeleteCommenting to support your efforts only. Hope you win!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read it but I'm not from US or Canada :|
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Kindle :)
Looks like a great book! Looking forward to reading it... :)
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ReplyDeleteLove your side panels.
Great giveaway and sounds like an interesting book. :O)
ReplyDeleteNice review. I'm glad I found your site. It's great to find blogs that review Christian books (and the books they review)!
ReplyDeleteI love suspense so this one sounds like a great one for my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Looks good!
ReplyDeletelove the blog!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog and all the giveaways you host, Melanie. Thank you so much for your dedication to Christian fiction. :)
ReplyDeletebiblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Looks great! (Hope you win)! :)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really good. After reading your review I would like to read it.
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ReplyDeleteGood review. Liked that you were honest about the book. Good luck with your contest.
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ReplyDeleteChrystina
Sounds very intriguing...would love to win it:)
ReplyDeletecool blog/reveiw site sounds like a good book will put it on my to read list, thanks
ReplyDeleteHere is another comment. Actually I have a dear one who might like to read this as she actually knows Muslims and could totally relate to the story. ;)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intriguing story!
ReplyDeletewe would love to win! thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book and good luck with winning the Kindle Fire!
ReplyDeleteheathercim.wordpress.com
The Next Target sounds quite intriguing. Best of luck winning the Kindle Fire!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an intriguing story and of great interest for me to read. Thanks for this great giveaway and the chance to win. I hope you win the Kindle Fire.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Barb Shelton
Thanks for the review. I've seen this book around and need to read it.
ReplyDeleteI know some people who have a secret outreach in a Muslim community! This sounds like an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time seeing this book. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteWell thank you for such a fantastic review! I think it is great that you spent the time to write it for the author! :)
ReplyDeleteI think all these great comments are folks showing they love what you do with books and book reviews, Melanie. Here's another "bump" in the count-a-long. Also, also expect to be contacted by Colleen re Vegan/vegetarian blog. She's a book lover, too.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great. Maybe I'll win it. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteNice review. The book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with winning the Kindle. Crossing my fingers for you. :)
sounds like a good book.thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like my kinda book, but I hope you win the Kindle Fire!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Hope you win! http://pgshriver.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteP.G.
I'd love to read this one. Thanks for hosting this giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you win the Kindle Fire!
Heaps of counts in the count-a-long - hope your numbers are good and that you win your prize. Good reivew, too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intriguing story. I had not heard of this one.
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ReplyDeletesonflower277 at gmai dot com
Great review. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteawhartness@yahoo.com
Sounds like it's a good book, I know that my daughter would like it. And thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds great. Would love to win this! Going to add it to my wishlist right now.
ReplyDeletebattles2001@hotmail.com
Hi, Melanie...somehow life got hectic, and i didn't continue on with the contest. However, i'm back now, with a comment to help you win your Kindle! i also love your reviews. This one sounds great. Thanks for your post, and chance to win. I hope you win, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marianne! I did win! Thanks so much for commenting! :)
DeleteI love book giveaways and this sounds like a very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
I love the book, I want the series. I'm so happy for you. I love your blog.Where did you get that background. It is stunning.
ReplyDeleteHi MELANIE,
ReplyDeleteHAPPY FOR YOU - Enjoy your new Kindle Fire!
Michael Phelps
Author
David Janssen-My Fugitive (With Ellie Janssen)
The Execution of Justice (Hardcover & Kindle)
The Jockey's Justice (All E-Book Readers)
David Janssen-Our Conversations (Coming 2012)
Great review! This book sounds amazing! I like that you said it taught you about the Muslim religion and customs! The suspense and great story just make me want to read it even more! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteInteresting review, would like to read it.
ReplyDeleteNB: Enjoy the Kindle
Looks like interesting reading. I'd like to get hold of this book. But I'd also like to get my book reviewed. How do I go about getting my book reviewed?
ReplyDelete