Book Review: Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

I am reviewing a work of fiction this month. Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel.  It was actually a pretty nice change of pace to read this genre during this season in my life, and overall I’d recommend the book for a light read. It was only a little over 300 pages and published by Bethany House Publishers this year.

The book starts out with a jungle artifact search reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie, but in this case Jack Hawthorne is searching for the bones of a prophet. Fast forward a few years, and  Jack and Epsy Hawthorne get a call that they have to get out of the house with their kids immediately. The drama that ensues is a result of Jack’s burying the prophet’s bones instead of giving them over to someone else. The problem is that someone has now dug them up, and he can’t find them. Jack and Epsy are distraught that their children are then kidnapped, but they are not dissuaded from their own intrigue in rummaging through secret mazes and figuring out ancient codes. What starts out as an Indiana Jones story turns into a National Treasure hunt with a little bit of the Da Vinci Code.
The book is a quick read, and for a book with no bad language or immoral scenes, it is a good addition to the Christian fiction genre. However, the characters are a little unbelievable and the plot is sometimes forced. How parents can be so at ease with terrorists kidnapping their children and thinking only of the adventure is somewhat offensive. Moreover, if you aren’t already familiar with the story from the prequels, it takes about one third of the book before you can fully appreciate the protagonist and his plight. With those faults, though, it is a good thriller and adventure book for Christians.

I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Bethany House to read and write a review. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. I was provided no money to read this book nor to write this review.  I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
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