I know
that this blog is supposed to be about my adventure as a new writer, but part
of that journey includes doing a lot of reading and studying of incredibly
talented writers. Especially since my next project is a military one! SO, that being said, bear
with me while I tell you about an amazing new book I read today.
As most
of you know I am a sucker when it comes to three things: one, suspense, two:
animals, and three: the military, so it was completely logical I would find Trinity fascinating. Ronie Kendig is a military brat who has an
amazing gift for writing military suspense without dumbing down the danger and
tactics involved with active duty. I was
a touch skeptical beginning the series after my favorite character (I will
refrain from naming names so I won’t spoil) was killed in the conclusion of her
first series, but I was willing to give it a try. The new series is entitled A Breed Apart. It is all about the brave and loyal Military
War Dawgs and their amazing handlers.
The
first book is about a beautiful Belgian Malinois (not to be confused with a
German Shepard) named Trinity and her handler Heath. After a tragic ambush following bad Intel
Green Beret Heath is left with a TBI (tragic Brain Injury) and suddenly unfit
for duty. Suddenly left without purpose
and a job Heath is desperate to find meaning in his life and faith. Left only with his loyal best friend Trinity,
who was deemed excess after Heaths discharge, an old friend gives him what the
Army won’t; a second chance. Armed with
a new team Heath returns to Afghanistan to boost the morale of the troops he
left behind.
Don’t
be fooled, this is no safe tale and his new mission is far from boring. From the moment his boots hit the ground in
Bagram (which was interesting to see incorporated after all Daddy’s stories of
the base) nothing goes as planned. The TBI
causes dreadful headaches and occasional blackouts making Heath not only a
former soldier, but a liability to the men he fought alongside only a short
year ago. Heath and Trinity meet a
beautiful “surveyor” who steals their hearts.
Though the two have only known each other a couple of days this is where
the story hits full throttle.
What
began as a noncombatant tour quickly turns into a search and rescue mission
pushing Trinity and Heath to their limit to save the woman who has wormed her
way into his heart. This story is
nonstop action, adventure, and intrigue.
Armed with numerous plot twists of espionage and unclear loyalties
between nations (including evil Russians!), don’t expect to put this one down
until it is finished.
However, as thrilling as the tale
is and gripping as the action proves perhaps the most compelling aspect of the
book is the characters themselves, especially Heath. Everyone comes to a point
when they question their path. They
yearn to discover their purpose. Maybe
this hit a little close to home for me as I lay awake night after night praying
to find God’s purpose for me. While at
least Heath knew originally what his purpose was, when that is ripped away in a
moment, he’s stuck and searching. He
aches to find something fulfilling to accomplish. A new mission. However, at every step fear tightens its grip
and pride tangles his feet. Torn between
returning to the job he loves and putting the men he respects and considers
brothers at risk, he must choose to put his faith in creator who promises to
have his back. With Trinity in tow,
Heath must put his faith in action.
Kendig doesn’t sugar coat his struggle or water it down to a more manageable
dose, it is raw and relatable. His
journey is not an easy one or one paved with happiness, but then again God
never promised it would be. If anyone
tells you growing up and finding your way is easy they are lying and Kendig
masterfully inspires normal, average readers that with God all things are possible
through her story of a broken soldier and his loyal partner. She reminds us all just as Trinity saved
Heath, God always has a bead on us and always has our back.
Trinity
is a heartwarming story that reminds you that with God all things are possible
even if you don’t think you have the strength to carry on. In short, go out NOW and buy it, read it, and
take the lesson to heart. Kendig is an
amazing writer I can only hope one day to emulate.
