Customer Reviews

The Missionary

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When asked to read an advance copy of "The Missionary," I balked. Not only am I a fan of thrillers, but I've served on the mission field in a number of countries. What were the chances this story would satisfy my expectations on both levels? Reluctantly, I agreed to give it a read--and, boy, am I glad!

Carmichael and Lambert make a formidable team, introducing us quickly to missionary David Eller as he helps children on the streets of Caracas, Venezuela. What seems like an honorable but mostly tame existence changes when Eller agrees to a questionable scheme aimed at toppling a dictatorship. Against his wife's wishes, he becomes entangled to the point that he cannot get free. Even as commandos make a bold attempt on the dictator's life, Eller is framed as a co-conspirator, and he must go on the run. How can he save his family and his own skin, without further damaging his reputation in his wife's eyes and in God's?

The dilemmas in this story are believable and not always easy to answer. At what point does one take a stand against corruption? When should prayer turn into action? How should one respond when his or her spouse is less enthusiastic? The questions here range from small to large, personal to far-reaching. And best of all, they're all woven seamlessly into a fast-paced thriller.

I'm glad I gave "The Missionary" a chance.

This is the best novel I have read in years. Several times I had to remind myself that I was in fact reading a novel not a real life story. The writer captured my imagination completely. I have never been to the setting for this book, yet I could almost see the sites and even smell the smells.

The story line kept you thinking you knew what was about to happen, only to find yourself saying, I didn't see that coming, but it still all made so much since, you once again had to remind yourself that this was only a novel.

This is one you have to read. Great job and I hope there is more to come.

Jim Bennett - Portland, Oregon

This is probably one of the best novels I've read in a while. The missionary is soul-stirring, heart-pounding journey thru the messy mix of mission work, espionage, and third-world politics.

David Eller is a flawed missionary whose tireless work in Venezuela has him itching to do more to bring justice to the country's poor. His impulsive actions lead him into more trouble than he bargained for, jeaopardizing his marriage and his mission.

Will Carmichael and David Lambert really deliver with tight writing, believable plot lines, complex characters, and nonstop drama. They take you inside the sad and sorid world of Venezuela's politics and policies, bleeding out a concern for the forgotten poor in a troubled part of the world.

From the opening pages until the ending chapter, this book will capture your attention and your heart. It is not only a gripping story of intrigue but you will be drawn in by the characters who aren't in any way white-washed but rather are shown as flawed human beings who sometimes make wrong decisions with right motives. I only hope that there will be a sequel!

(i received a free copy of this book to review.)

overall, i would have to give this novel a "b." i thought that the plot had the right amount of twists and surprises (although i was able to foresee a number of them). i don't like a plot that is so complex and complicated that you feel like you have to take notes while you are reading. this definitely meets that criteria. i thought that the storyline was intriguing and engaging, with maybe only a minor lag here and there.

my criticism mainly was that at times it was really hard to like the main character, david. as he struggles to make a decision, he is influenced by his desire to please his father and live up to heroic status of his older brother. but it is hard to believe that david could really find a way to justify the decision he made. when his father and brother discover his choice and have to help him resolve the problems that result, they are so condescending of david and his "foolish" choices that it is hard to feel sympathy for david at all. he really was foolish and continues to act foolishly. i would have appreciated a little more opportunity to feel connected to and sympathetic to david and his decisions. even though david manages to regain the trust of his wife (more through her recognition of her own weaknesses than because of his ability to earn her trust), he doesn't regain my trust or that of his family by the end of the book.

if you like a fairly straightforward and relatively simple espionage/thriller story, without a lot of blood and gore, this might just be the book for you

The Missionary is an adult fiction novel, co-written by William Carmichael and David Lambert.

American missionary David, his wife Christie, and four-year-old boy Davy are living in Caracas, Venezuela, helping to rescue homeless, sick, and starving orphans on the streets - of which there are many. The only problem is that David begins to find his work to be almost pointless - for every child they take in at Hope Village, there are dozens more still out there. He desperately wants to do more. And when an opportunity presents itself, David finds himself participating in a dangerous attempt to change the Venezuelan government - an attempt that puts his life, as well as his wife's and son's, at risk and causes him to become an international fugitive.

So, I thought the premise sounded pretty good - and it is. Plus, the cover is nice and eye-catching. There's a slow build in momentum, and the action does pick up. At times I felt like the narrative was being stalled by the characters, whom I never really came to be all that attached to. Not that they are not likable, they are... I just didn't feel there was enough character development... Something just seemed to be missing as far as their personalities go. Parts of the novel seemed repetitive at times - and I kept expecting the plot to pick up more speed.

Don't get me wrong - it was by no means a bad book! There's a lot for anyone who is into espionage, government thrillers, and missionary suspense to enjoy. I just felt that compared to other books I've read of a similar nature, that The Missionary didn't quite have the oomph to really power me through the pages. But once David was on the run, I did become more invested in his escape - I was nervous for him. The Missionary definitely offers up a scary situation - one that is not all that hard to believe either!

Some of the religious questions posed were a bit too obvious to me, personally... I like a bit more subtlety in my novels. But I recommend The Missionary to any of you bibliophiles who like Christian fiction! It had some fun surprises and twists that I didn't see coming, which is always good. ;)

I was never bored, but I admit to skimming.

Though I wouldn't actively seek out another book by William Carmichael and David Lambert, if I came across one I would certainly give it a chance.

Just like you should read The Missionary for yourself if it sounds interesting to you, and not just take my word for it!!! Never, ever do that! That's advice from me, your Bibliophile Support Group leader, to you. :)

***To comment on this review, or read more - visit my book addict blog, the Bibliophile Support Group ([...].)

The Missionary novel--a riveting thriller--opens with a man fighting to save children trapped in the slums of Caracas, Venezuela. Good intentions go awry, however, as missionary David Eller struggles with an explosive decision that may change lives forever. Is this of God? Others are watching from the shadows to see which path Eller chooses. At stake is the survival of family, friends, and the children he desperately hopes to save. He must make the right choice.

Writers David Lambert and William Carmichael take readers on a ride that never seems to end. This tightly written, expertly-crafted novel of espionage and intrigue forces The Missionary to fight for his life as he strives to protect those he loves. Can a caring God stand by while innocent children suffer? Can one man's choice to save these children be wrong? Only time and circumstances will tell.

Like in the spy trade, this novel is a sleeper coming at you from directions one never expects. Eller becomes trapped in a nightmare that may mark the end. Who can he trust? Where can he turn? As he races from one scene to the next, he ponders if God will ever make Himself known? Spies, assassins, and greed are the staples that make this novel twist and turn. This thought-provoking novel will not disappoint.

Great book! It was like "watching a movie" with a non-stop action. I don't remember book that took my attention as "The Missionary", it reminded me a modern days "Bruchko" (by Bruce Olson). I've enjoy reading it and still have vivid memories as watching a movie. My son is next in line to read and next my co-worker. Hope there will be a sequel and would be awesome to watch it on a Big Screen...

WOW! A fiction lover or not (I usually am not) you will LOVE this book! I couldn't put it down-not even during my favorite show (24). Sorry, Jack Bauer, you didn't have a prayer against this book! This book, about 10 years in the making was worth every moment of creation, travel, investigation and sacrifice! The characters are each very well thought out, reach your heart and are surprising! Just when you think you have a character or scenario figured out-you don't, and never do! You'll be surprised at the turn of every page.

My husband anxiously awaited, and I wouldn't let him near this book-every free moment I found myself being transported inside this exciting journey of faith, family and the fight for freedom! If you ever wonder if doing the wrong thing for the right reason ever pays off in the end-well, read on and be ready to visit other countries, other lives and others hearts! I'd find myself thinking of the characters coming to life as I'd drift off to sleep, and awaking with the wonder of what would happen next?

One of the many great things about this book, is that you can totally see yourself in the many different characters (okay, maybe not all the mercenaries) personalities, the good, bad and the ugly. Yes, even the Missionary!

It really makes you look in depth at your own life, wondering, "What would I have done?" You realize the importance of EVERY choice in your life making an impact for someone, somewhere, sometime! It also has an underlying theme that hit home, "The importance of love and family, and the need to rely upon God in whatever is going on in your life!" Buy this book, and a few for friends-you'll be glad you did! Congrats to my publisher, Bill and his friend David-fabulous, just fabulous!
Blessings on your book! Tammy
40 Day Journey to the Heart of God
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David Eller has served street children of Venezuela for years. In that time living among those with extreme need, he's become a bit careless publicly criticizing the presidential regime. That criticism has the attention of an important businessman with power to greatly fund Eller's important work, but also to bring change to the national leadership. The question is how badly does Eller want to help these children and to what lengths is he willing to go?

The Missionary is an exciting thriller-adventure story in the tradition of Tom Clancy or John Grisham. Carmichael writes a new novel chronicling the inner struggle of the men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to accomplish their mission in spite of personal weaknesses and internal demons.

Reading The Missionary I was pleased to see the story unfold in a way I never expected. It is well written and seems to cry out for a sequel after taking special time and care to establish an exciting cadre of characters.

I strongly recommend The Missionary!