CBN Adventure Correspondent, Chuck Holton, draws on his experience as an Army Ranger and a mission on the island of Coiba, off the coast of Panama for Island Inferno the second in the Task Force Valor Series.

Chombon, leader of a crew of pirates, Fernanda Lerida, and a party of biology grad students, all take center stage with Rip Rubio, and a team of CIA Special Forces operatives in this non stop adventure novel that is launched in the Gulf of Panama, and includes scenes from Washington DC, Los Angeles, Panama City, and the lush tropical rain forest on the Island of Coiba,

A search for a rare butterfly species that may have value in research for an AIDS cure, a search for a lost and mysterious undelivered shipment, and a search for a highly volatile substance all come together to create a powerfully explosive plot which includes intense situations that lead to an unexpected climax.

Holton uses his characters, dialog, and plot to move the story forward. A strong message of the power of prayer in concert with an underlying theme of purposelessness without God, a need and desire for God’s forgiveness, and the message of the love offered in the gospel of Christ provide the reader with an opportunity to examine their own spiritual status. However, Fernanda’s vulnerability, and inconsistencies made her character genuine but somewhat weakened the overall strength and plausibility within a plot which otherwise rings true.

I particularly appreciated the way Holton used conversation, journals, and the personal reflections and moments of contemplation of his characters to help the reader identify with them, as they felt pain, frustration, anger, and resolve. His characters were believable, whether motivated by fear, greed, power, ego or a genuine concern for others. Chuck’s brilliant word pictures and descriptions helped me visualize and feel the density and beauty of the rain forest.

Holton blends a creative imagination with a broad base of experience to give the reader a fast paced action story, filled with intrigue and romance. “Island Inferno” is compelling, thoroughly researched and enfolds a thought provoking spiritual message. I am eagerly looking forward to a sequel.

Reviewed by: Richard R. Blake, book store owner and Christian Education Consultant