The World at War by Pam Funke

Title:  The World at War

Author:  Pam Funke

Series: The Apocalypse #2

Published:  2013 by CreateSpace

Page Count:  507

Genre:  Christian Fiction

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Join General Alexander Ludlow as he continues on his mission to save the world. At least that is what he thinks that Operation Dark Angel is all about. He is however starting to suspect that this mission is not all that it's cracked up to be. The world is in complete chaos as major nations wage war on each other and the world is on the brink of World War III.

The Group is secretly continuing Operation Dark Angel with much success. Unknown to the rest of the world they are the ones who are behind the strange and devastating attacks on Israel and around the world. What is it that they are really after when they are supposed to be bringing peace to an out of control world?

Italian President Nicolaitanes Balac is steadily gaining political power and recognition. The entire world is watching this one man and wondering if he will be the one to save them from the chaotic spiral that the world is headed towards. Is he really who he appears to be or is he something more sinister? Can he save the world? Do we even want him to? Is this who mankind should rely on for help or will this be the worst mistake that mankind has ever made?

My Review:

This novel is absolutely scary in its possibilities yet also enlightening in the same manner. Funke has taken the battle of good vs evil, of God vs Satan and put in in a modern day perspective with such realism that you can’t help but shudder at the consequences.

I noticed a marked change in the author’s writing style, as compared to the first novel in the series. Funke has a very clear and straightforward writing style that lays out everything for the audience’s perusal. This flows very well with the subject matter and storyline of the novel. The news articles that Funke works into the novel make everything seem all the more real. They also add a layer of clarity with respect to the things that occur both in the main storyline and behind the scenes. I also enjoy that the intertwining storylines are coming closer and closer together with this instalment. Although you could see the connections in the first novel of the series, with this one you can feel them.

Funke has created some extremely well developed characters. Those that were present in the first novel in the series become even further developed here and the new ones take on a life of their own, working their way into your heart and soul. As a reader you get to know the characters so well that you develop a real love/hate relationship with some of them. Through these remarkable characters Funke makes the weird and offbeat seem real and possible. It’s a thrilling ride.

Overall this is a very hard hitting story. It builds on the events of the first novel in the series and becomes even more superimposed on reality as we know it, so much so that even those without strong religious beliefs will enjoy this novel, and the series as a whole.

Buy your copy of this novel online here today!

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Interview with Pam Funke

Pam Funke is the grand-daughter of a Pastor and was brought up in the church. Her love of reading led her to write. She lives in Hinesville, Georgia with her son and daughter.

Lets take a few moments to get to know a bit more about Pam Funke!

Q: Can you tell us something unique about yourself?
I am a Christian Fiction author who enjoys reading, writing, painting, drawing, photography, scrapbooking and anything creative.

Q: What is your all-time favorite book?
My all-time favorite books would be the Harry Potter series.

Q: How did you begin writing professionally?
I just took the chance that someone would be interested in publishing my book and was thrilled to be accepted at each publisher that I had submitted it to.

Q: Why did you choose to write Christian fiction? Do you ever think about branching out into a new genre?
Why did I choose Christian novels?  Well, mainly because there are hardly any Christian novels out there anymore and the books that are filling the shelves and homes of adults, young adults, teens and children are not feeding their minds or souls with positive things. Now mind you there are some very good non-Christian novels out there that instill a positive message.There has to be something in a good book that not only feeds the mind with positive values and teaches the reader how to improve their life and give them some hope, then what's the point? A good book should have a lesson in it that someone can learn something valuable from it and not just an escape away from their problems in the real world~ because when the story is over the real world is still there and so are their problems. They should be able to come out of that story with something positive that they can use to help them in the real world. Yes, I will probably try out other genres as well but they will still be Christian based.

Q: What is your major influence while writing? Do you have a muse?
My family has been my biggest influence. I know that if I write something that even the pickiest reader enjoys then I’m doing pretty good.

Q: Where do you most enjoy writing and is there anything that you always need to have with you when you write?
I enjoy writing outside on a warm day. I always have to have my laptop and IPod with me when I write.

Q: Do you have a favorite character in any of your books?
Yes, Katie Farnsworth

Q: Out of all the books that you have published or will publish soon, is there one in particular which is closest to your heart?

I would probably say my Four Horsemen series.

Q: What should we expect from the Four Horsemen series as a whole?
You can expect 7 novels total in this exciting series. You can expect a fast-paced but exciting thrill ride from your favorite reading spot.

Q: And most importantly, what’s next for you after The World at War?
I am currently working on a book entitled A Valley Experience. It’s about a young woman’s trials and tribulations in her quest to find God.

Would you like to connect further with Pam Funke?
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5751293.Pam_Funke
Blog: http://thefourhorsemenseries.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.amazon.com/Pam-Funke/e/B00949V7KK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Four-Horsemen-Series-Fan-lCub/246913845377700
Twitter: https://twitter.com/4HorsemenSeries


Here's a bit more about The World at War by Pam Funke:

China is currently at war with Israel. They have launched numerous missiles at Israel due to their belief that Israel is responsible for the destruction of Beijing. Who really destroyed Beijing? Without verifying that the missiles showing up on their radar were real, Israel retaliated. For some strange reason, they didn't send return fire at China. Why?

The United States is at war with Canada and Iraq. England is at war with Israel and China. France is at war with the United States, England and Japan. There are rumors that this is the beginning of another World War. Has the world lost their minds? Is there no end to all of this madness? Why are they blaming each other for the strange missile attacks from earlier in the week? Who is behind all of this? The world still has no answers.

The Group is secretly continuing Operation Dark Angel with much success. Unknown to the rest of the world they are the ones who are behind the strange and devastating attacks on Israel. They are also responsible for other attacks around the world. What is it that they are really after when they are supposed to be bringing peace to an out of control world?

Pope Josef Bartola and Nicolaitatnes Balac are gaining political power throughout the entire world. Who are they really? What is Pope Bartola's agenda? Will Nicolaitanes Balac save the world as he claims that he can or does he have other hidden agendas? Is this the man that mankind truly wants to look to for help or will this be the worst mistake that mankind has ever made.

Also, check out the book trailer here!

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Operation Dark Angel by Pam Funke

Title:  Operation Dark Angel

Author:  Pam Funke

Series:  The Four Horsemen Series #1

Published:  February 6th 2012 by Publish America

Page Count:  304

Genre:  Christian Fiction

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:    ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The world is in complete and utter chaos. ""Operation Dark Angel"" is a military operation designed to bring about world peace...or is it? General Alexander Ludlow is the man in charge of bringing about peace and serenity for not only the United States, but the entire world. But will it really bring an end to the turmoil, violence, and hatred as he was told by the voice? Who is the voice? What is its true nature? Nicolaitanes Balac is quickly gaining political power; power that no single man should ever be given. Just who is Nicolaitanes Balac really? Why is the whole world looking to this man to solve all of their problems? How did one man become in charge of the entire world? What's to become of mankind?


My Review:

I am always somewhat nervous when I pick up a work classified as Christian Fiction. I find that many authors of the genre get very “preachy” throughout their novels. This story does not preach at its audience. It is full of God, the Devil, and biblical quotes, but they serve to progress a gripping story. She had me captivated from the first chapter.

Funke has an amazing grasp of the English language. She uses this to craft amazing descriptions and locales. Funke manages to jump from character to character and locale to locale without the story ever becoming confusing or difficult to follow. Based on the facts given, I found myself making assumptions only to realise that they did not mesh with the action of the story. This novel definitely kept me on my toes throughout. Everything seems so real that you feel like you are living an absolute nightmare. Ironically, this book also brought out a very selfish thought – I love being Canadian. Even the Devil won’t bother to blow us up.

 I love the fact that the historical and geographical facts contained in this novel are correct. The author bases this work of fiction in reality, and ensures that she does it correctly. Her grasp of bio-weaponry is also on par with reality. Funke does not just make up facts to fill her pages. That said, she also works some very unique concepts into this novel, such as the notion of a unified religion to end war.

In this story large scale warfare becomes personal. Because Funke’s characters are so well developed you know all of those involved. It is no longer just a news broadcast that you can turn off and this tears your heart to pieces. Not only are the characters well developed and memorable, each in his or her own way, but they also have names that you can remember so that you are not constantly wondering who did what and where. My only issue with any of the characters is that at times the speech of some of the characters becomes slightly forced, but it still flows well.

Miracles and catastrophes are at the forefront of this novel to an extent rarely seen. However, it is not a “fluffy” read that you just breeze through without thinking. This novel makes you think a lot and pulls you deep into the action. At the end, I was left wondering what symbol everyone kept seeing and when I could read the next installment to find out.

Buy your copy online here today!

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