Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781936835126 |
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| Publisher: | D&D Books, LLC |
| Publication date: | 11/15/2012 |
| Pages: | 314 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d) |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
The Oldest Enemy
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
12 reviews.
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This is a really awesome story that captured me immediately and kept me reading! Further, as a Christian, I was pleased to finally find someone who could write from a biblical viewpoint on the spiritual warfare that currently is being waged around us. Finally, an exciting, intense story that all can enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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The battle between good and evil ensues! Who will prevail? I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. The characters were fully developed and you could like, love, dislike or hate them. The story was thoughtful, the conversations were impactful and scenery beautiful. This book contains Biblical and contemporary history, Bible verses, intrigue, drama, thrills and chills. I enjoyed it very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Oldest Enemy is a work of exciting thriller fiction penned by author Michael J Webb. Combining conspiracy with the supernatural and a little dash of historical and murder mystery, this engaging genre-bending book focuses on a man who has faced accusations of murder in his past. When former reporter David Lighthouse is once again accused of murder in his newfound career as an assistant pastor, the demons of his past rear their heads. But similarities between this new murder case and the one that haunts him begin to emerge too, and this time there is a trail to follow. A trail which will lead him to a much wider conspiratorial plot and the answers he’s been seeking for a long time.
Though the underlying conspiracy and supernatural elements may seem farfetched at first glance, author Michael J Webb imparts compelling realism and genuinely threatening and frightening moments into his narrative, bringing the most sublime of elements together with a gritty sense of here and now. David is a compelling hero with plenty of facets to explore, deeply woven into his own plot with high emotional quality. Lauren, whose sister is the second victim, develops in a similarly deep way when we meet her, and it is this powerful connection to character which keeps readers hooked when the mystery plot rockets into its action-packed solutions. The supernatural concepts are also very well described and atmospheric, making The Oldest Enemy a recommended read for both fantasy thriller fans and dark mystery or conspiracy fiction fans alike.
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Reviewed by Samantha Gregory for Readers' Favorite
The Oldest Enemy by Michael J Webb is the story of a man called David who is trying to put his life back together after being accused of murdering his fiancee. When someone else is murdered, he finds himself being accused once more. The story opens with a priest attempting to exorcise a demon. This ties in later in the story. There are themes of redemption and faith throughout the story. David makes a leap from a reporter to a pastor as he recovers from what happened. You can see how it has marked him and weighs on him, but he tries to do good and turn his life around. He is pulled into another mystery and risks everything again as he tries to solve it.
Michael J Webb has created an interesting story in The Oldest Enemy. I thought the characters were believable, it had a solid storyline, and it kept me reading. The dialogue was good. I think it reads well, but it would be competing with a lot of similar books on the market. I do think it would be better served in a supernatural or paranormal thriller genre. I love the cover; it really sells the story. There are a lot of different elements to the story and it spans several decades, so there are some historical moments mentioned, which I guess is why it was included in the historical thriller genre. I would definitely recommend the book to supernatural and even horror fans.
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Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Pastor David Lighthouse had to do something. The events he had seen unfold were too similar to those he had witnessed before, events which had surrounded his own fiancee and haunted him to this day. He was certain he could do something the police could not; find answers. Although they were answers not everyone would be willing to entertain. Using his skills as an investigative reporter he begins to dig, placing himself once more in the crosshairs as a prime suspect. The deeper he digs, the more harrowing the truth becomes, and the more it seems something wishes to prevent him from reaching the truth. Overcome vices tempt him like never before, testing his faith and discipline as he delves deeper into a battle that has waged for centuries. They say it is always darkest at the foot of a lighthouse, and there is definite darkness surrounding him, but so too is he a source of light, and perhaps even a means to drive back the darkness and prevent those who would unleash an ancient evil upon their world from succeeding.
If you were to take the first season of Supernatural and add more politics and a Christian twist, you would find yourself with Michael J Webb's The Oldest Enemy. With writing in a smooth and flowing style, you'll find yourself hooked, unable to put it down, unable to look away, and unable to shake that foreboding feeling you are no longer alone. There is some amazing tension building. From page one to the final climax is a steady and suspenseful escalation. The characters are perfectly flawed, each with a burdened past that forged them into who they are today, and the influence Lauren and David have on one another pushes them towards the people they must be. With antagonists you will despise, and protagonists you can really root for, you'll be whisked along on a journey filled with action, suspense, romance, danger, and a quest for survival.
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Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
David Lighthouse used to be an investigative reporter once upon a time, but something changed everything for him. Six years ago, his fiancée was brutally murdered and he was the prime suspect. Now he is living peacefully as an assistant pastor in Florida, hoping to live a life that will be free from bloodshed and accusation. However, his old wounds are resurrected when a young parishioner is murdered. His urge to investigate makes a reappearance and soon he realizes that things are far more complicated than what they seem. This murder might be linked to the murder of his fiancée and there seems to be something that connects to his father’s past. The enemy seems to be something far too dangerous and far too sinister to be human. What can David do to protect his name and the people he cares about?
The Oldest Enemy by Michael J Webb is a paranormal thriller that dishes up some pretty amazing action. Saying that I loved this novel would be an understatement. I read this in one go, stayed up way too late (was a little jumpy, to be honest) and I loved every second of it. David is the perfect protagonist for this story. He is determined, reliable, thirsty for answers and not afraid to take steps to get them. His back story is a great setup for the plot; it got me interested and soon I was too invested in the story to even consider backing out. The pace was fast, the flow was great and the character development was just impressive. There is nothing that I would want the author to change about this novel; even the scary parts gave me an adrenaline rush to keep reading on and wanting more.
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Reviewed by Dan M. Kalin for Readers' Favorite
The Oldest Enemy is set in the mid-1990s, based on the geopolitical details Michael J. Webb sprinkles liberally throughout this fast-paced horror/thriller hybrid. David Lighthouse is a lapsed investigative reporter turned preacher who finds himself in an epic struggle between good and evil on a global scale. Lauren Barkley, the sister of one of the victims, agrees to help him get to the bottom of her sister's death. Further investigation reveals the evil plot transcends and predates David's involvement, pulling together his father, a concentration camp survivor, and a reclusive Colorado billionaire with a murky past. As people around David have died in horrible ways, the police naturally consider him to be a suspect. Will he be able to convince them of his innocence and obtain the necessary assistance to fight the evil one on his own terms?
The Oldest Enemy is a page-turner with a very strong second half. I found myself carving off extra reading time from my normal routine, just to see what developments were next in the story. As things progressed, the book didn't get set down. Webb's plot involves spinning many parallel threads, none of which are left untended by the end of the story. Michael J. Webb creates compelling characters, each working towards their own spiritual salvation while battling rampant forces of evil. Forces which strive to corrupt the very souls of the protagonists. If you like thrillers giving equal time to both the spiritual and material realms, this is an excellent choice!
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"The Oldest Enemy" by Michael J. Webb is NOT for the faint of heart, or for the chicken-hearted! Exorcism, spiritual warfare, Israel and the supernatural are all tackled in this very ambitious and well-written novel.
Investigative reporter turned pastor, David Lighthouse attends the funeral for a member of his congregation, certain that he should have done more, been more, and sheltered her more than he did. Memories of his past are stirred, and they are not of the pleasant nature. Will he ever truly be forgiven, or forever carry the burden? Lauren Barkley, the deceased's sister, isn't certain she likes, much less trusts David. After all, according to him, he allowed her sister to die. But she wants answers, and she's going to need help in order to find them. A reluctant partnership is formed...but will it lead to more...or will it lead to trouble?
Michael transitions from scenes involving Lauren and David to some mysterious gathering centered around a rather unlikable fellow named Eric Reinhardt. He seeks to stop David and Lauren at all costs, and he has the power to do so at his disposal. What--or who--gives him that power? The reader will find out as the book progresses. Also thrown into the mix are scenes from Israel as Moshe and his companions battle both a visible and invisible enemy. Be warned: this isn't like any 'end-time' novel you've ever read. Twists and turns abound, but Michael succeeds in demonstrating just who our read enemy truly is. The two stories come together in an explosive and ending that I did not see coming. An ending that, while unexpected, is very satisfying. Truthfully, I almost didn't read this one. Some of the scenes had the hair on the back of my neck at attention...I didn't dare read at night. Nope, this was a 'daytime only' novel!
Because of that, I don't feel comfortable recommending it to all readers. The supernatural scenes are powerful, and very vivid. If you are a fan of stories that can make you jump and think, pick this one up. But if your taste runs to lighter fare...you are advised to give this one a pass.
(The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.)
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"The Oldest Enemy" by Michael Webb is rich in historical content, presents a complex plot, raises significant spiritual questions, and covers several continents with many characters. In today's world of fluff and shallowness, I found it refreshing to read a well-researched book that presented a thought-provoking concept.
The best books, in my opinion, are those that stretch you mentally and philosophically while telling a great story. I had no idea how all the pieces would fit together until the end, which kept me turning the pages. The integration of the plot was fascinating with the spiritual undertones. I hope that Michael Webb plans to write a sequel to this story as I could see the possibility of another book.
As a Christian, I also found the world events as presented in "The Oldest Enemy" to line up with Scripture, presenting a plethora of insights for those who like to entertain prophecy. "The Oldest Enemy" is a great read and a spellbinding thriller.
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My Thoughts On This Book
The Oldest Enemy is a perfect title for this book because it is just that, about the oldest and absolute worst enemy we all face every day, and that enemy is satan and his demons. And in his new book, author Michael Webb pens a story that will grip your heart and mind in unique way and not let go until long after you finish reading.
I usually don’t read books that deal with supernatural events, but this one was really awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The cast of characters are well created and developed, and really make you feel as though you are living the story with them. As I read the story, and the different characters and situations were introduced, I kept wondering how all of the event would work out in the end, but the author weaves everything together beautifully and awesome and creates and ending that is sure thrilling and will stick with you.
It is clear the knowledge Michael Webb has for WW II, Hitler and the Nazis, and the Bible because it is all woven together throughout this story in vivid details. I appreciate the way Michael weaves the characters together with living the Christian life in everyday situations, just as it should be.
I highly recommend The Oldest Enemy for another to read. If you are a Christian thriller buff, then you MUST read this book! And if the reviews of this book has peaked your interest, pick up a copy and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
A copy of this book was provided by the author, Michael J. Webb for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
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