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Book Review of Digitalis (Discarded Heroes, Bk 2)

Digitalis (Discarded Heroes, Bk 2)
reviewed on + 82 more book reviews


One shot. One kill. This is the snipers motto that Colton Cowboy Neeley considers when hes working on a mission. Digitalis is Coltons story. The book opens with Colton enjoying himself at a family barbeque when hes overwhelmed with a powerful flashback that puts himself and his family in danger. Thats when he gets the invitation to get the help he needs and to join Nightshade. Colton is a believer and hes desperate to be whole again, time and prayer so far have not eased his instability. Nightshade gives him the chance he needs to overcome his demons.

For months, Colton has been visiting a store called Hastings on the way home from missions. He has a valid reason to shop there each time, but the main reason he goes is to have an interaction with a certain saleswoman, Piper. One day Colton brings his daughter McKenna Mickey to the store and they get separated from one another. Thats the opportunity needed for Piper to be properly introduced to Colton and McKenna instantly becomes attached to her. However, Pipers secretive identity gets mixed in with Nightshade and a tragedy occurs. Coltons devastation and response to this tragedy changes his attitude towards Piper completely. Will he ever be able to forgive Piper?
General Lambert has now ordered the team to get monthly mandatory counseling (yes sir, I completely concur with this decision) and hes trying to find a replacement for the team with caution and precision. Dr. Katherine Avery is the appointed shrink and she is brilliant dealing with Colton. Its also discovered that General Lambert has access to information in each members personal life. On the one hand, its good to know theyre being looked after and protected. On the other hand, it can also feel like an invasion of privacy and their lives are no longer their own.

I soooo enjoyed the romance between Colton and Piper in this book, but for some reason I didnt feel as broken up over death in this story even though it is sad. MOST of the story takes place around Coltons home and he gets a great opportunity to learn more about Piper. However, he is unable to get the answers he needs in time and this brings more trouble to the team. The other part of this story takes place in Israel and another mission goes badly.

There are still missions in this book, but not as detailed as the main part of the plot revolves around Piper and the secrets she protects. There is also not as many scenes with Nightshade. Colton starts out as the easygoing fella hes known as in book 1, but his personality drastically changes at one point and he becomes the hothead that Max was known for in book 1. This demeanor doesnt fit with Colton and brings a different kind of tension to the story. There is one scene where he deliberately aims a gun at Piper intent on shooting, that stunned me. However, Im now learning that Kendig writes in tough females for these men and Piper is NO DOUBT Coltons equal in every way.

Digitalis illustrates more heroic action from the Nightshade team, but it also illustrates what brokenness will do to a person no matter what their training and skills are. The character journey in this story is learning to let go, learning to trust God on His terms, and learning to forgive. As human beings, we were designed and destined to be connected with a sovereign and holy God, but the choice is ours whether we follow Him with our hearts or do things our own way. This book in no way preaches its messages, its lived out and reflected tangibly within its characters. You will feel the pain, confusion, and frustration that Colton goes through, but you will also draw strength and inspiration from the redemption and forgiveness he discovers (for himself and for others). There is healing and freedom to be had from traumatic flashbacks and PTSD, but the journey is different for everyone. I really enjoyed book 2 of this incredible series and Im so happy Colton found his happy ending.