Messages: Book 1 in the David Chance Series (Suspense, Mystery, Thriller) [Kindle Edition]

John Michael Hileman (Author)

Book Description

David Chance can see messages in the sea of words around him, messages that warn him of future events.

Words are everywhere-- on labels, magazines, sign posts, t-shirts-- everywhere. And as much as David Chance would like to hide from them, he can't. Words keep leaping off objects around him, forming messages in his mind. But how is this possible? Has his brain suddenly taken an evolutionary leap forward, or are the mysterious messages proof of divine intervention?

Driven to answer a question he'd long ago abandoned, and stalked by the killer he's trying to stop, David risks everything to follow the messages to a dirty bomb set to go off in the heart of Boston. But can he trust the author of the messages to protect him from a terrorist who seems to know his every move.

Product Details

• File Size: 3282 KB
• Print Length: 326 pages
• Publisher: Amlin Publishing (July 23, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005ECT8DO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,722 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #78 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Political

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars John Michael Hileman's Messages August 1, 2011

By Crickett Berner

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

John Michael Hileman's latest novel will not disappoint his fans--and is sure to increase his fan base exponentially, as the buzz spreads about this talented Maine writer's second work. The story line leaps to a quick start from the very first sentence and doesn't slow its pace once.

Hileman has the gift of creating intricate, tightly woven subplots for a cast of characters who come to life with each paragraph. Protagonist David Chance is a likeable everyman. There is nothing special about him, nothing to set him apart from people we encounter every day...except for the sudden onset of an inexplicable ability--a super power of sorts--his ability to foresee the future through randomly strung-together words that form messages only he sees.

Stir into the mix the fact that Chance is a devoted family man with a typically complicated, somewhat dysfunctional family dynamic , and you have a character line up ready-made to provide richness and depth under Hileman's skilled pen.

David struggles to understand the messages he receives. How is this happening? What exactly is happening? Is he simply and unabashedly crazy, or is there a rational explanation for what is occurring?

As the plot twists and turns, the reader develops a bond with David, his family, and friends, and tries to second guess the outcome. Messages has all the hallmarks of a true political suspense bestseller. There is just the right degree of suspense, mixed in with a few hints to encourage the reader to "solve" the mystery.

Hileman is unapologetic in the use of faith-based dialogue to move the plot forward. At the same time, his inclusion of a faith message subplot enriches the novel with interesting questions many of us wrestle to answer. Messages can hold its own against the work of David Baldacci, John Grisham and other skilled storytellers. Hileman makes the list of my top 100 favorite authors with this new release.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing suspense August 10, 2011

By Karen B

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

It's been awhile since I picked up a suspense book. But, when I discovered this book and read the description, I couldn't click "buy now" fast enough. The opening chapter hooked me right away.

When David Chance--his name is PERFECT for this book--starts seeing messages from some supernatural source, his life turns upside down. He's just an intern at a news channel who edits tapes. He's not equipped for the dangerous situations he's thrown into.

Yet, he feels a strong pulling to do what the messages tell him, while trying to figure out if they might be coming from God AND while trying to keep his family safe.

This book has many great twists and turns. It is a very well written suspense. For once, I did NOT have it totally figured out until the author wanted me to. To me, that's the great suspense. I also liked that the author didn't wrap up all the lose ends, but gave me enough to be satisfied with the conclusion of the story.

The characters were interesting. I got enough insight into their personalities to understand their motivation for what they did. Having Karen's point of view also added insight into the drama unfolding, but it still left David the start of the novel.

There are strong Christian themes in the book, but they don't overpower the story line. I think if I were in David's shoes, I might ask many of the same questions.

If you like Christian Suspense, then I recommend picking up this book. You won't be disappointed.

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Story Lacks But The Messages Are Good March 12, 2012

By Steve Taylor TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Messages was a very enjoyable book. The writing was what I would call an easy read. Smooth and easy to follow, which made reading very nice. Although the storyline was message-driven it was very entertaining and had enough of the unexpected to keep me wanting to read more. Although marketed to adults I think this could easily be enjoyed by teenagers and young adults since the violence is not graphic. The Kindle version is a good price so for the value I give it a good rating.

Good things said, if you are looking for a book that will go down as a classic this is not it. The story needed to be tightened up and fine-tuned.The plot-line has some things in it that should have been corrected by the proof-readers. (Maybe John needs a new editor.) For instance - why would a ten year old boy be allowed play outside alone when terrorists are looking to kill him? Why, when one finds out their family is in mortal danger, would he not call them immediately to warm them? Why when your cell phone is your lifeline do you leave it in the car? Why did the news crew have to give obvious GPS coordinates to a "geek" to find out what the numbers meant? Why did the FBI and Homeland Security disappear from the storyline? What intelligent person thinks the President of the USA is the one responsible for starting wars and sending troops over seas? Are they not aware on how our government works? But even with the story problems the book was enjoyable.

Overall I enjoyed the book. The biblical worldview was obvious to the reader and the conversations between David and Frank were interesting. There's a fine line sometimes between a contrived message and the message being part of the story. This book was walking that line. I would have liked the ending of the book not stop so suddenly. The plot-line was mostly complete but the characters needed to have closure. Seemed like it needed an extra chapter.

A Kindle Note: Chapter 22 shows up twice. Not a big deal but it should be corrected.

1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing

For those who give me a negative vote on my review please comment and let me know why. I'd like to improve my reviews so they can be helpful to those who read them. Please understand I choose not to give a synopsis of the book because it's already given at the top of the books page. In doing so too many reviewers give away too much of the plot. Thank you.

More About the Author

Regarding Suspense Mystery and Supernatural Thriller author John Michael Hileman: After serving in the U.S. Army, John Michael Hileman started a small 3D animation company. From there he was hired as production director for a television station, where he oversaw the production of three semi-national television programs. In his spare time, while being a faithful husband and father, he authored his first book, VRIN: ten mortal gods, which later placed in the top four of a national writing competition. Encouraged by this, John went on to write the #1 best selling supernatural thriller MESSAGES, and his latest release UNSEEN. The rest is yet to be written.