Review: Sky Zone by Creston Mapes

Sky Zone: A Novel by Creston Mapes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fair warning...if you plan on reading this book, clear your schedule!! From the first page to the last, Creston Mapes keeps you on the edge of your seat in his newest release, Sky Zone: A Novel!!

Jack and Pamela Crittendon are back again and have hit some major breaking points in their lives. Jack is no longer working for the paper since he exposed the plant in town causing a lot of problems (read Poison Town if you haven't yet!!). Instead he is working part-time for EventPros as an usher. Pamela has had to find work to supplement what Jack wasn't bringing in while being very pregnant with their third child.

The big event coming up is a speech by upcoming Presidential candidate Martin Sterling. Senator Sterling is a controversial candidate as his platform is dealing with terrorism. He will go to any length to get rid of it entirely. While he has a hearty group of supporters, as with any candidate, he also has his enemies. He pairs up with singer Everett Lester for this event. A few hours before the event, a threat is issued that there will be a possible terrorist attack. Jack is working alongside his "Doomsday Prepper" friend Brian Shakespeare.

When Jack gets a surprise text message from Pamela, the night becomes more intense and things begin to get out of hand. Can they save those attending the event? Will they survive the Sky Zone?


As I read this book, I found myself reflecting back to a time when I was asked to accompany an usher during a concert. It was the year of American Idol with Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington and they came to tour in Atlanta. About 5 songs into the concert, an usher got my husband and I's attention and asked us to come with him. Not really sure what to do, we followed the guy. At first, it seemed like we may be getting an upgrade and going backstage to meet the stars. I was so excited!! Before we knew it though, we were in an elevator with men in black suits and dark sunglasses (Men in Black moment!)The elevator opened to the parking lot and it was then that I realized why we were escorted out. My van was parked in the parking lot and had caught fire!! We didn't see the rest of the concert but we were given complimentary tickets to return for their encore show. It was a very scary night of my life. It's not quite the same the as what the participants went through in this book but I do have a concern of something like that happening to me again at a concert. These event goers had no idea what would happen to them and it was a night they will never forget, much like mine was. Have you ever been evacuated from a large venue? If not evacuated, were you told you couldn't leave? What are your thoughts on that?

Many thanks to David C. Cook publishing and Creston Mapes for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts on this book!

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CFBA: Sky Zone by Creston Mapes

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Sky Zone David C. Cook (June 1, 2014) by Creston Mapes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions. 

Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier. With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives--and the lives of thousands of innocent people.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sky Zone, go HERE.

CFBA: Poison Town by Creston Mapes

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Poison Town David C. Cook (February 1, 2014) by Creston Mapes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

There's More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town

People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss.

  The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal.

The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable--he knows too much.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Poison Town, go HERE.

This was my first read by Creston Mapes but since reading this, I have downloaded all of his books!! Talk about gripping, edge of your seat drama!! This is one incredible book that has several meanings to the title, "Poison Town". What would you do to save the lives of those around you facing the poisons of the world? That's what the residents of Trenton City, Ohio are facing. This is the second book in a series about Jack Crittendon but I don't feel like I totally missed any information to have this one flow. I've downloaded the prequel to this book though and can't wait to dive in! I love how this story plays out and it's a reminder to watch out for the toxins this world can bring in, physically, emotionally, and spiritually! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.