"Mixing Romeo and Juliet and The Cross and the Switchblade, with some Pulp Fiction thrown in the mix, Avenging Sword continues the story began in Ms. Raverts first book Shadow of Death, as Marlene comes to grips with how being a Christian affects her life and forcing her to ask tough questions-but is she prepared for the tougher answers?" "Avenging Sword" Synopsis Book two in a trilogy which takes place in West Chicago where hatred and bigotry still exist in the present day. Here on the streets, semi-automatics now replace the chains and switchblades that terrorized the civilians in days past. Two predominant rival gangs demonstrate how their actions not only devour and destroy each other, but everyone who comes into their path. Margarita Sanchez knows Carlos "Bandido" Velasco is a member of "Los Primos." As much as she tries to keep her distance, the inevitable happens; she falls in love. To make matters worse, her fourteen year old brother, Manuelo thinks it is cool to be a gangbanger and ignores his sister's warnings of possible risks. A couple of familiar faces return from the first book, "Shadow of Death." Marlene, a new believer faces the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people." Paul Wilmington, III along with his wife, Barbara is still dealing with the pain from the traumatic loss of their daughter, each in their own way. Paul's mentally challenged brother, David comes to visit and causes the family added stress. Old friends and new are affected in one way or another by the prejudice that plaques our society. Only through God's love can they rid themselves of this cancer that has destroyed mankind for centuries.

Professional Reviews
Avenging Sword
"Avenging Sword"

Carla Flemings

Apply The Word Ministries

www.applythewordministries.com



Another successful novel! This book was great, very entertaining, definitely a page turner and an easy read. Mrs. Ravert book included many scriptural references that provided hope and refuge from some of the inner struggles of her characters. A consistent theme that I took from the book was that it did not matter about your sorted past, your race or ethnic background or your gender, God’s Word provides hope to the hopeless, comfort to those who grieve, deliverance to those who are in bondage, forgiveness to those needing forgiving and love to those who need love and lastly a fresh start to those needing new beginnings.



Whether it’s a states attorney relying on his religion to keep him faithful to his wife, an ex-employee of an escort service trying to escape her past or a member in a ruthless gang seeking more to life, Mrs. Ravert demonstrates how God’s Word is like a two-edged sword able to cut through the deepest, darkest struggles in her characters’ lives.



The theme centered around a vicious gang called Los Primos and their pursuit to dominate all who passed their way. Killing, fighting and mutilating was of no consequence to them. Yet one member, Carlos did not share the same feelings about Life. He wanted more. He rescued a victim of his gang and that relationship introduced him to God. Now he finds himself having to choose between his Los Primos family, the woman he loves, and the God he wishes to serve. He promises his love that he would always protect her and her family, but Carlos soon discovers that not even he can protect them from his gang family. A murder and a brutal rape causes Carlos to takes matters into his own hands and now he’s on the run. Does God come to his rescue? You got to read the book to find out!



Avenging Sword
Avenging Sword

By Melody Ravert

Publish America

ISBN # 1-4137-1144-8



Reviewer-April Shores Murphy

Inspired By Faith Reviews

www.inspiredbyfaith.tk

Contemporary Christian Fiction

Author of Grace and Searching Hearts

www.aprilsmurphy.com



Author Melody Ravert takes us on an insightful journey filled with many short chapters, each one telling another part of a different story line.



Avenging Sword, a sequel to Shadow of Death, and the second book of a three book series, is a quick read that swiftly takes you into various parts of Ms. Ravert’s character’s lives, keeping you intrigued and turning each page in anticipation!



The characters are all very different, ranging from gang members and the lifestyle they possess, to a teacher, a waitress, lawyers, nurses, and even pastors. This author’s display of so many different life styles is amazing. She takes you into the character’s hearts and makes you feel sympathy for them and the problems they are facing in life.



Avenging Sword
Review for

“Avenging Sword”

Melody Ravert



Ravert’s “Avenging Sword”, a new adult suspense novel, is a realistic view of both gang life and the people who suffer within that life. In addition, this book is a poignant journey of several people discovering the Bible and becoming part of the body of Christ through it. Ravert uniquely shows the importance of the Bible and its impact on people’s lives through the majority of the characters.



Ravert shows her skills as an “idea” person and a creative storyteller to boot. Her facts are believable, her research strong and her creativity abundant. The suspense keeps the pages moving and the short chapters hold reader interest.



She is skilled in drawing a multitude of characters and then tying them together in a journey of creativity and compassion. Each reader is sure to find one or two characters that they identify with and cheer for throughout the story.



It’s not everyday that you can find suspense that is both believable and interesting, much less from a Christian perspective. The combination of these things and great storytelling skills make it a book well worth reading.

-Julie Bonn Heath

www.juliebonnheath.com

Reader Reviews for "Avenging Sword"

Reviewed by Scott	8/6/2003
Melody Ravert's writing is fantastic. She really knows how to build suspense, and carry a story with characters that you grow to love and care about. Her writing style is fun to read, and the dialogue is great! She definitely knows how to create an exciting story!
Reviewed by Lorraine Greene	7/24/2003
This story has been written to capture all of the challenges and poignancy that surrounds us in today's world, while keeping alive the eternal spark of hope that is so necessary for survival. It is a wonderfully well written story with a real feel for the freshness that readers are looking for. A great read!
Reviewed by C.Flemings	7/24/2003
Mrs. Ravert captures the struggle of today’s youth and their need for acceptance even at the expense of joining gangs known for their brutality and sensless killings. Yet God’s word can meet you where you are and his forgiveness is available to us all. He can also provide a way out of no way. One can always seek refuge in the Word especially in times of crisis.
Reviewed by William Zenoniani	7/22/2003
The story is very gripping. Emergency room scenes are very good. I like your first sentence -a qoute from Bible
Reviewed by John Guibord	7/21/2003
This Story has a little of something for anyone. A little mystery, a little reflection on and of ourselves as people making it through life,which is not always as sweet a smelling rose as we wish it could be. Ms. Ravert has done it again..

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