PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 1, 2012

“I prided myself for years on being an activist, a humanitarian.  I see what men like you [Nightshade] have done and are doing…and realize you are the biggest humanitarians out there, helping people.  Fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves.”—Firethorn

riffin ‘Legend’ Riddell was serving 40 year at a Supermax prison for the murder of a congressman.  Though he was obviously framed, not even the powerful General Lambert can legally secure Legend’s release.  However, the general is accustom to working outside the legal system and when the remaining members of the Nightshade team are captured he hires the highly-skilled operative Kazi Faron to break Legend out of prison.  With both Legend and Kazi reluctant to trust each other, they must somehow find a way to work together to rescue the six missing members of Nightshade.  With non-stop action and jaw-dropping twists, Firethorn is everything I could ask for in this final book of the Discarded Heroes series.

It’s 12:30 a.m. and I just finished Firethorn.  Normally I’d write my review in the morning, but in this case, I’m not going to be falling asleep anytime soon.  So, I might as well make good use of the time I’d spend lying in bed dissecting this book in my mind by spilling those thoughts onto paper.

I’ve made no secret about the fact I LOVE the Discarded Heroes series.  I cannot believe how good these books are.  When I read Nightshade 18 months ago, I knew Kendig had started a special series on a topic waiting to be brought to life.  Her passion is evident from the opening pages of Nightshade and she carries that intensity all the way through to the end of this final book.  I have fallen in love with these characters and through their actions have gained a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by our men and women in the military.

Firethorn brought together a larger story I didn’t even know was there.  By dividing the team into five different locations and then working to bring them all back together, the suspense remains intense and the pacing relentless.  There is virtually no down time from the first word to the last.  Each group is trying to reunite with the rest of the team, but with their cover blown and some seriously wounded it leaves them with few options.  Add to that, those that tried to eliminate the team, also went after the families of Nightshade.  Then there is what looks like a rather innocuous storyline involving a mine in Uganda and a missionary, which suddenly turns into a pivotal event.  I have no idea how Kendig kept all these plots moving and working towards a central climax, but she does and does so beautifully.  Each storyline is so intriguing that I couldn’t pick the one I wanted to most follow because I wanted to know what was happening with all of them.

This book overflows with spiritual themes, but as always they’re not shoved on the reader.  While trust is a central issue for Griffin and Kazi, that’s really just the easy topic to pick out.  Underneath are themes of hope, redemption, love, belonging, family, honor, rejection, and shame.  Firethorn can easily be praised for simply being fun entertainment, but within this story are spiritual elements that should be equally praised and considered.  I enjoyed reading about Griffin, Kazi, Range, and Marshall’s almost subconscious seeking of redemption.  The family dynamics of these same characters also highlight the bonds that are hard to break because they are worth fighting for and sustaining.  Stripped of its action and relentless pacing is still a fantastic story that offers healing, restoration, and hope.

I’m shocked at how Kendig chose to end this book.  My jaw is still on the floor.  It is the perfect ending though.  While I’d love to go into details, let’s just say it’s totally unexpected and definitely one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

I absolutely cannot recommend this series enough.  I’m not a romance reader, but I have fallen in love with these books.  Firethorn is the perfect conclusion to the Discarded Heroes series.  However, I do hope we have not seen the end of the Nightshade team.  Please, please, please bring them back for another few tours!