A Chain of Flames

by Tony Cleaver
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

An old and haunted marauder… Tormented by demon voices, Eli Rathebohn is a wounded, lost soul. He’s not really living, he merely exists. Just one heartbeat away from ending his life, Eli decides that he’s not going alone. He’s determined to take an innocent man with him. In the midst of that encounter, God shows up… and Eli is transformed.

A simple man of faith… Johnny James is a civil servant—just a modest police Chaplain in a mid-sized southwestern town. He has no idea that he is about to be tossed so deeply into the fray. How can he possibly be expected to feed thousands, a virtual legion of wanting souls? Johnny has one outstanding qualification for the task—actually 3 in 1: He prays … he listens … he believes.

An auspicious Osage princess … Humiliated by an indiscretion, reporter Denise Grayhorn, daughter of an influential tribal leader, may have ended her own career. In an effort to redeem herself, she accepts a meager assignment. Little does she, or the world, know that this will turn out to be the most sensational news event of the year.

A searcher fallen from grace… Jared Suina has been raised on a Pueblo in New Mexico. Young and educated, he finds himself caught between his heritage and a yearning for something more. Will he find what he’s searching for? Does it even exist? In the center of two worlds, Jared finds more than he ever imagined.

Together these people will come to realize that life is not a single footpath, but a broad interchange. Where souls are linked and mingled, as in a chain of flames.

A Chain of Flames is a unique debut-novel by Tony Cleaver. Tony weaves together the lives of his characters in a meaningful way that illustrates the untapped power of faith, redemption, and love. A Chain of Flames shows us how the seemingly small things in life can become grand adventures. If not for ourselves, then for others.

My Review:

This novel made me realize that everyone has a story. No matter who you are, how much money you have, where you are born, or who your parents are; everyone has a past that demands to be heard. We come in contact with so many people over our lifetime, and too often we run through life thinking only of ourselves and our lives. I personally like to watch people and wonder about their lives and their stories. Cleaver's writing brings this premise to life and shows us that we are linked together like a chain of flames. 

The characters come across as vibrant and alive on the page, and they are not just words, but dynamic voices demanding to be heard. I was enthralled by the constant twists and turns, and it was so fascinating to see how their lives are intertwined and weaved together in the intersections of life. An exceptional first book from a new author, Tony Cleaver's book is a gripping work of fate, circumstance, and the true destiny of mankind.

This book was provided by Tony Cleaver for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Mr. Cleaver!