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Tox Files #.5

The Warrior's Seal

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A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin.

Special Forces operative Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue--the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Ronie Kendig

64 books1,211 followers
Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for E.A..
Author 10 books135 followers
March 17, 2017
What do you get when you cross James Rollins-like writing with the excitement and history of Indiana Jones? Ronie Kendig's new and thrilling series: The Tox Files! Introductory novella, The Warrior's Seal, is just a taste of what's to come.

The Warrior's Seal is the perfect introduction to Cole "Tox" Russell and his Special Forces team. If you've read anything by Ronie Kendig, you'll know to expect fast-paced action, complex characters, and a plot that will leave you reeling from its complexity. The Warrior's Seal is all of these things and more!

Introducing Tox and his team, this novella sets the scene for great things to come, like book 1 in the series: Conspiracy of Silence (coming out December 6th). The novella is just enough to whet your appetite and provide familiarity with the team. As usual, Ronie does an excellent job depicting the dynamics of a Special Forces team. Her male characters always stand out on the page because of their authenticity and realness. No sissy men here!

I also absolutely loved the historical element that Ronie brought to the novella and how it is all comingled and weighted with importance to the present. It adds a very "Indiana Jones" like quality to the story--something I LOVE--as well as a depth that takes the story beyond the natural realm.

Given that this is just a novella, you expect the story to be slightly abbreviated, but that in no way made it less action-packed or exciting. By the end of the novella I was clinging to my Kindle and swiping pages like a mad woman (and staying up way past my bedtime...).

I highly recommend The Warrior's Seal to a wide range of readers. If you've read anything by Ronie Kendig, you'll love this. If you haven't, it's the perfect introduction to her writing! It will appeal to lovers of suspense, military fiction, thrillers, romantic suspense, and lovers of amazing fiction in general.

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/10...
_______
I received a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,563 reviews1,401 followers
October 28, 2016
At first I didn't like it, and found the writing about the Middle Ages to be choppy and not atmospheric enough for the time period. But as I met Tox and his team, and Tzivia and her archaology/ancient history team, I warmed to the story pretty quickly and now have decided to buy the book when it comes out. It does have a hint of sci-fi to it, but in an interesting way. I definitely want to know what happens next...

It's free on most ebook platforms, so give it a try!
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,140 reviews588 followers
April 22, 2018
Warrior's Seal was very good! I now know that I definitely made a mistake by not reading this before the first book -- I would have been so less confused! This book answered a lot of questions I had and I'm so glad I read it.

I liked seeing what actually happened which caused him to "not exist". I liked how he did it because he felt bad for his team and wanted to do anything to help them. Because I've already read the first book, I know what happens next...so now I'm all ready to read the second book.

I highly recommend reading this one before book one.

Profile Image for Brittany .
2,545 reviews179 followers
October 13, 2016
This was such an action packed novella and a great introduction to a new series! The characters were interesting, the situation dire, and the twists and turns kept me guessing the entire time. I am so excited to read the first book in this series now! The author did a great job of setting up “Tox” to be a strong leading character, who definitely seems to have some regrets about events in the past. I’m looking forward to learning more about him and seeing where this series goes.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,622 reviews549 followers
December 29, 2016
Intense, action-packed, and mysterious. The perfect prequel to Conspiracy of Silence! It left me intrigued and concerned for the future of the team members- I picked up Conspiracy of Silence immediately and it's been hard to put down since...
Profile Image for Staci.
2,041 reviews601 followers
December 19, 2021
Good intro to the Tox Files Series. If I would have read this prior to reading book one, that probably would have been ideal...
Profile Image for Gloria.
961 reviews134 followers
July 5, 2019
The Warrior's Seal novella is a good start to what I feel is going to be an interesting and page turning suspenseful series. With a little bit of a cliffhanger, I am glad that I already have the whole series to read. Included is a hint of the personalities of the Green Beret team that is headed up by Cole "Tox" Russell as well as team member, Ram's, sister Tzi, who works with antiquities. As other military stories written by Ronie Kendig, this looks to have danger, suspense and great characters with an element of faith interspersed throughout.
Profile Image for C.M..
Author 2 books8 followers
February 22, 2017
I loved this novella! It's a great intro into the world of the Tox files. Great characters, strong plot, and tons of action and twists. This one will leave you breathless. If you've been on the fence about buying Ronie Kendig's books, do yourself a favor and get this one! You won't regret it! I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Olivia M..
6 reviews2 followers
Read
May 1, 2017
WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT????? HOW COULD IT END LIKE THIS??? NEED MORE. NOW.

(P.S. Possible real review coming... XD)
Profile Image for Ruth.
589 reviews37 followers
February 6, 2017
Cole "Tox" Russell and his Special Forces team were sent to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. But when the US Ambassador contacts them with the news that VIPs have gone missing in country, the team's mission takes a drastic turn. The VIPs in question are none other than the President and First Lady of the United States, who Cole's brother just happens to be running against in a hotly contested election campaign. When the team arrives at the site of the abduction, they discover that a deadly toxin has been unleashed on the villagers, a trail of destruction that follows the terrorists' use of an ancient artifact known as the Mace of Subjugation.

Archaeologist Tzivia Khalon knows all about the mace's bloody history, but she's more concerned with assisting her mentor in getting the artifact safely loaned to Syria for the swearing-in of the new president -- and safely returned to their university. When the weapon (and her mentor) go missing, Tzivia finds herself drawn into Tox's investigation as her antiquities expertise makes her a valuable asset as Tox's team faces a foe that believes in the legendary powers of the priceless artifact. Everything Tzivia and Tox thought they knew is called into question as the mace's influence ripples through their mission to save a president -- a mission rapidly spiralling out of control.

The Warrior's Seal is my first introduction to Ronie Kendig's writing (yes, finally!). I've long been familiar with her work as I've heard friends rave about her fast-paced novels, but my gigantic to-be-read pile always got in the way -- until her first release through one of my favorite publishing houses downloaded to my Kindle. I expected action and suspense, and on that score Kendig delivers in spades. But what I didn't expect was  the historical/supernatural twist with the introduction of the mace and its impact on current geo-political events. The thirteenth-century prologue starring Tox's Templar Knight predecessor felt forced -- while an interesting concept the Crusades-era action felt rushed and detached when compared to the meticulously constructed Special Forces operation play-by-plays to come.

While some may find the combination of heart-stopping action with a dash of the supernatural to strain credulity, I have high hopes that in a full-length novel the blending of these two disparate genres will come to feel even more seamless. This is a thoroughly entertaining introduction to Kendig's writing and one of the better series intro novellas that I've read, featuring well-developed characters, high-stakes action, and a series set up that calls to mind 24 in its heyday. I cannot wait to see how Kendig develops Tox and his team, and particularly how Tzivia's archaeological endeavors are woven into the narrative. This is an entertaining way to lose an hour or two,  and as the novella is free on most e-book platforms, the risk is little while the payoff of being introduced to one who promises to fast become a favorite suspense author is priceless.
Profile Image for Madison.
1,084 reviews68 followers
October 28, 2016
The Warrior's Seal is a novella that starts the explosive new series, The Tox Files. Action, history, ancient artefacts, the President's life in danger, and a mysterious toxin killing hundreds.

Cole 'Tox' Russell is a Special Forces operator. When the President is kidnapped, Tox and his team are tasked with his retrieval. But a deadly toxin is spreading and killing everyone in its path. Tox will have to determine if the two events are connected and how to stop the terrorist, keep from becoming infected, and save the President.

I enjoyed this novella. It is fast-pasted and has instantly likeable characters. I recommend reading this novella before starting Consipracy of Silence as it explains the lead-up events that set the scene and backstory for the first book in the series. But it might help to have Conspiracy of Silence on hand because you are going to want to drive straight in after reading this book.

I'm really looking forward to reading Conspiracy of Silence now, can't wait to see what happens next for Tox and Tzivia, and see how this series develops.

The Tox Files promise to be an exciting mix of adrenaline-filed action, ancient history and a touch of the fantastical.

Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
October 4, 2016
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Wait. Scrap that. HOOAH! This novella gives you a whole lot of bang for absolutely zero bucks (at the moment, anyway)!

The Warrior's Seal is the prequel novella to Ronie Kendig's Tox Files series, which I have been waiting f-o-r-e-v-e-r for, and it does not disappoint. Tox and his team are called in when the President and his wife, along with three secret service men, go missing on a humanitarian trip to Nigeria.

At John Hopkins University in Maryland, Tzivia Khalon receives a mysterious phone call warning her that the Mace of Death - an ancient artefact that she recently shipped to her mentor, Dr. Cathey, in Syria, has gone missing. For that matter, so has Dr. Cathey...

I'm not going to tell you any more than that, but be prepared for action, tension, explosions, and jaw-dropping (your own, that is)! If you weren't already chafing at the bit for Conspiracy of Silence, you certainly will be by the time you're finished with this novella!
Profile Image for Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo.
420 reviews46 followers
October 14, 2016
A deadly plague ravages villages, an ancient artifact vanishes, and a power-thirsty group has kidnapped the president of the United States. As a special forces operative, Cole “Tox” Russell knows danger. He has come face-to-face with it on more than one occasion. For that reason, his team is sent to find and rescue the president. However, the mission quickly goes awry when they are sidelined due to the mysterious toxin and the people who might know how to stop it disappear or are taken hostage.

The Warrior’s Seal is the fast-paced prequel novella that introduces the elite team in Ronie Kendig’s new series The Tox Files. Combining history and modern day, archeology and military, it reminds me of Indiana Jones with a special forces twist. True to her style, Kendig delivers plenty of action, along with the chance to travel the globe without leaving your chair. Intense from beginning to end, the novella closes in a way that has me fervently begging for more.
Profile Image for Rachael.
Author 4 books17 followers
October 4, 2016

The A-Team meets Indiana Jones in this short archeological/military thriller.

I really love Indiana Jones.

And the guys of the A-Team are pretty cool too.

If this novella is any indication of how the series is going to go, I'm all in.

The military camaraderie is great, as the guys work together as a cohesive unit to do whatever needs to be done, if that's saving the president or stopping terrorists. There are potential hints of what may come in future books--Ram was pretty protective of his sister around Tox. Mayhap her archeological expertise will be needed again? It's a great introduction to Tox, and I can't wait to see how the events of this novella will affect him in the future. I wish the first book was already out so I could find out!
Profile Image for Marian Baay.
Author 4 books67 followers
October 8, 2016
A fast-paced novella that you won't want to put down until you have finished it . . . and then you will want to continue reading 'Conspiracy of Silence'. Yes, it is THAT good.
Tox is my new hero! – and his team mates are amazing guys as well. I loved the blending of a SAR mission with ancient history. The mysterious poison and an old artifact, together with the professor and his assistant really grabbed my interest. Can't wait to see what's next in Tox's life and career!
Profile Image for Emilee.
532 reviews109 followers
Read
January 25, 2018
I tried. I really did. I wanted to love this and the rest of the series but I just couldn’t get into it. I read forty percent but did not finish.
Profile Image for Natalie Walters.
Author 16 books1,119 followers
December 1, 2016
Whoo-get ready for a ride!! It's been awhile since author, Ronie Kendig, plunged us neck deep in a fast-paced military adventure but the wait will be worth it if this novella is any indication of what's to come...

The Warrior's Seal introduces Cole "Tox" Russell-a soldier with the unfortunate moniker-Toxic-because he seems to bring death and destruction to those around him. When the President of the United States and his entourage are kidnapped it's up to Tox and his team to find them before it's too late.

An ancient artifact with a deadly history goes missing ...

A lethal contagion is spreading ...

And time is running out!

I finished this novella in 3 hours! It was like Robert Langdon of The DaVinci Code and Indiana Jones joined forces in this epic adventure. I couldn't stop turning the pages!! A unique plot of historical proportions jump starts this story and made me feel like I was watching a movie rather than reading. The perfect cast of characters explodes off the page with witty banter, emotional draw, and authenticity that only Ronie Kendig can pull off.

This novella is a scrumptious teaser of what's to come in her full length novel, Conspiracy of Silence, and gives you just enough taste of the action that you'll be hooked!!
Profile Image for Donna.
849 reviews43 followers
January 7, 2017
Since I read Conspiracy of Silence before The Warrior’s Seal, I was aware of some of the things that would happen. I'm still very glad I read it. Tox (Cole) is a Special Forces warrior with a special team. They are sent to rescue the president. From the angst within The Conspiracy of Silence story, I thought the scene in the tunnel was going to be a lot worse than it actually was. I was also trying to figure out what was going to happen to the president and I like the fact that his wife played a role in the book too. Definitely well worth the read however I think even without reading it Ronie sets up Conspiracy of Silence so well that you don't have to read it. But it's free, why wouldn't you :-)

You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Profile Image for Ian.
Author 4 books48 followers
October 14, 2016
Ronie Kendig does it again. Wow, her stories are getting faster with more action and more suspense.

This prequel was longer than the average one and was a lot of fun to read. We don't just meet Tox, the hero of the new series, but see him thrown into all sorts of trouble. There's also a really interesting historical connection to it all that adds depth to the story line.

If you've never read any of Ronie's works grab this one as it gives you a great sense of her style and the quality of her story telling and character building. And it's FREE!

Can't wait for the first novel in the series to land in December.
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 54 books1,529 followers
October 8, 2016
Everything I come to expect from Ms. Kendig's 'Rapid-fire fiction' was in ​The Warrior's Seal.  ​However, that doesn't clearly explain how awesome this story is.

​Y'all this may be Ms. Kendig's best book yet! I know I probably say that with ever book, but seriously her writing gets better every. single. time. The prologue blew me out of the water. She brings the reader to the past with the Knights of Templar. Hello, intrigue!!

Read the rest of the review at: http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/blog/rev...
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,057 reviews40 followers
October 6, 2016
The Warrior's Seal had a very intriguing start, taking readers back to the Byzantine Empire 1230 AD and then jumping to present day Nigeria where we meet 'the man' Tox Russell. Featuring an action-packed thrill ride and a race against time, I couldn't put this novella down... And that ending? Oh my goodness! This was an excellent intro to Kendig's brand new series! The release date for Conspiracy of Silence, book one of the Tox Files, cannot come quickly enough! I can't wait!
Profile Image for John.
Author 3 books16 followers
March 9, 2019
Read this as research. Was overall pretty good, though this isn't a sub genre I tend to read in, so I can't compare it to similar works.

One thing that made my suspension of disbelief waver though was travel time. I could have just read it wrong, but overall of you knew nothing about geography you'd believe that Nigeria, Niger and Syria laid next to each other and weren't five to six hours flights away. Its not a major problem, but it bugged me.
Profile Image for AlegnaB †.
808 reviews
May 14, 2019
2.5 -- There were at least two instances of offensive phrases cut off or having a word substituted, causing the brain to fill in the normal words. That defeats the purpose of omitting the offensive words. Things were left hanging at the end. If you aren't already planning to read book 1, you should skip this.
Profile Image for Sarah Monzon.
Author 25 books541 followers
February 5, 2017
Wow! Just wow! So good. I think this is going to be my favorite series by Ronie Kendig to date...and acts saying a lot. I feel like it's a bit of torture that I don't have the next book right here in my hands NOW!
Profile Image for Kelly Coaty.
38 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but there was just too many historical references that if you don’t understand the book mostly falls flat. Also, there are lots of characters and it was hard for me to keep them straight.
Profile Image for Amy.
297 reviews42 followers
October 11, 2016
Okay, now that that's read, here's hoping "Conspiracy of Silence" will make more sense!
Profile Image for Holly.
674 reviews22 followers
December 21, 2016
Great introduction to the characters of this series and the series itself. Can't wait to see where she takes us in this one!

18 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2018
In my opinion, it moved too quickly from one person or situation to the next. Did not enjoy as well as I have other books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews

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