The Way of the Brave (Global Search and Rescue #1)

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

The Way of the Brave (Global Search and Rescue #1)

Author:

Susan May Warren

Publisher:

Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Publication Date:

January 2020

Format:

Paperback

Length:

352 pages

OVERVIEW

Orion Starr doesn’t want to get involved with people anymore. After an Afghanistan mission three years ago left him with an artificial knee and no idea what went wrong, he’s been happy to stay at his Alaska homestead and let civilization do its own thing. But then Jacie, the woman he met in Afghanistan, shows up in his town for a climbing trip with friends. Why does Jacie (now calling herself “Jenny”) pretend she doesn’t know him? Will she make it safely up the notorious Denali mountain pass and back? And even if he sees her again, will it change anything?

Warren presents readers with an interesting genre mix. The mountain climbing expedition and the characters’ backgrounds in espionage create plenty of action scenes, like something out of a Jack Reacher novel. On the other hand, she neatly pairs up the male and female characters (giving the male and female previous history) for a great deal of longing and romantic angst as they try to survive. Readers who aren’t familiar with Warren’s work (such as her Montana Rescue series) will probably enjoy either the thriller or the romantic moments, but regardless it’s quite entertaining.

A high-octane mix of love and adventure.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christian romance fans who enjoy novels with thriller elements.

Christian Impact

The main characters are each carrying difficult burdens form past traumas, and the plot pushes them to face what they believe about God’s goodness as they come to terms with those traumas. Warren doesn’t do anything particularly unique with this content, just creates a few conversations throughout about God, divine provision or help and the problem of evil, using language readers have probably heard before in Sunday school literature. However, this approach is par for the course in a Christian romance/Christian adventure novel, so readers who like this sort of book will find its exploration of faith helpful.