Reviews

Dark Intercept by Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson

rellimreads's review against another edition

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4.0

1/15/2022 - Note: While the blurb/summary spells Sarah Beth without an “h”, it’s present throughout the actual text of the novel, so that’s what I’m using.

I consider myself a follower of Christ’s values and teachings. However, I don’t consume much Christian/faith-based media anymore – because they are too often contrived and mawkish.

Being a big fan of Andrews & Wilson’s other works, I felt cautiously optimistic about listening to Dark Intercept. While some characters were unabashedly overt in their Christian faith – I loved that the central character Jed was a former believer. While the newly retired SEAL was a disciple in his youth, a pivotal event in his teens destroyed his devotion.

I loved the mix of paranormal, action, thriller, suspense, and faith. Jed’s search for his friend’s missing child uncovers as much about him as it does about what happened to Sarah Beth. I enjoyed that this was told from multiple perspectives – the juxtaposition of Jed, an experienced operator, and Sarah Beth, a young child, lead an incredibly dynamic cast of characters. All are strong and weak in their own ways.

The paranormal aspect is beyond the often trite, “I had a feeling” or “because the Holy Spirit spoke to me”. There are powers, visions, and possessions – both Good & Evil. I did feel like these aspects were well thought out and while they led to surprising events, it was cohesive with the other themes.

This is a complete story and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but the authors are definitely launching a series with this foundational book. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Narration:
I enjoyed MacLeod Andrews narration. He used a different affect depending on whether the section was from Jed or Sarah Beth’s perspective which really helped immerse me in the story. He also has a wide range of speaking voices & emotions that are a great fit for Andrews & Wilson’s writing.

Content Warning (contains spoilers):
Attempted rape, possession, & psychological torture.

3/2021 - Please tell me there will be an audiobook!

5/2021 - Looks like it’s been corrected.... Also of note - I’m not sure this is the correct listing &/or it’s tagged to the wrong authors because none of their other thriller/military books are showing...

rusticreadingal's review

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4.0

This was a fast-paced thrill ride from start to finish. It starts right in the middle of a military operation, which was very exciting, but it took me just a minute to get my bearings. Once I did, though, I was fully invested and speeding through the pages as fast as I could.

This book deals with spiritual warfare, which I always find to be a fascinating subject to read about. There were quite a few intense and goosebump-inducing moments, but I found them to be a powerful reminder of the ultimate battle between good and evil.

I really enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to continuing the series. I think it would appeal to fans of Ronie Kendig's military thrillers and Rachel Dylan's Windy Ridge series.

Just a side note, there's a little bit of language here. Not too much, but if that bothers you, this is just a heads up.

reneesmith's review

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4.0

An action-packed combo of paranormal powers, inspirational messages, spiritual warfare & Navy Seals tactics as a team of faith-filled warriors fight evil with good. Tight writing & characters with depth. I really enjoyed it!

abibliofob's review

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4.0

Great book and concept. Dark Intercept by Jeffrey Wilson and Brian Andrews is a brand new series called The Shepherds. We get to follow ex Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson as he tries to deal with being retired. The story is mostly about the fight between good and evil forces and is a bit to much science fiction for me but the plot was as usual great and the action is plentiful, so is also the thrilling parts. At first I thought I will not continue reading this series but it is so damn well written and the characters are great so I will read the next one when it releases. Wilson and Andrews are growing on me. Well done sirs. I actually will recommend everyone to read this book and series.

sarahj1994's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

55_sallymander's review

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5.0

5 stars, Epic story of good vs evil

DARK INTERCEPT
by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson
Published by: Tyndale House Publishing

This is the kick-off novel for The Shepherds Series. The story is about a Navy Seal named Jedidiah Johnson who is rotating out of the Navy. He has an uncanny sense of self-preservation that usually worked pretty well to protect him and his Seal Team.

Jed is approached by his ex-best friend to help find the friend's teenaged daughter, who has been kidnapped. Due to his shared history with his ex-friend, he doesn't want to take the job but knows that he has to for the girl's sake.

Highly recommend it, this is an epic story of good vs evil, complete with high-action scenes without the non-stop offensive expletives that are so common in today's writing styles.

Many thanks for the complimentary copy of #DarkIntercept I received from @TyndaleHousePublishers #ChristianThriller #MustReadSeries #BestChristianThrillerBooks I was under no obligation to post a review.

texanoffer's review

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5.0

I was looking for a book that would grab me at the beginning and not let go until the end. This definitely did the trick! Written by two Navy officer veterans, it is full of action and good against evil. Spiritual evil that is! This book is not for the faint of heart, but definitely includes strong faith elements. I was so glad to find out the second in the series is available, and that the third is going to be out next month so that I don't have to wait to see how the story continues! (On a side note, my husband does not usually read CF, but wants to read this one!)

wrxtacy's review

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

My CAWPILE score: 4.43

Full review to come...

jfree1982's review

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challenging dark emotional slow-paced

1.5

iheartpuns's review

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medium-paced

4.0