Willow, the sequel to Stone in The Metcalfes series by Ronie Kendig, just released! Here’s what it’s all about:
Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obioma Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.
A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.
The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.
For a pacificist, Willow really packs a punch – and Chiji is even stronger. I don’t know which leading character I like more, but together they’re dynamite. Kendig created the perfect scenario in Willow to showcase their skills.
Because these two have mad skills. Chiji is specially trained – an American military elite from Africa – with a heart of gold and a deep faith. The danger he puts himself in is rivaled only by that intended for the people he’s trying to save, and that contrast only highlights his moral character. You can’t help but fall for a guy who’s willing to go to such lengths to save others!
Willow, on the other hand, hates violence but believes in the value of people. She works hard to help others and sees beyond the superficial differences that divide so many. Her determination and strength of character are powerful forces against the evil and violence she faces.
I love these character types and would be a fan of Willow for these two alone – but this book is so much more than just the two of them. The action sequences in this book are unbelieveable – which is actually really tough, because the story is based on the too-real problem of human trafficking. Kendig balances perfectly the horrific reality of trafficking and a clean, God-honoring story. She doesn’t shy away from the hard things that this evil includes – but neither does she glorify or even describe it. This balance ratchets up the suspense and engagement while keeping the story clean enough for even older teens – and I look forward to discussing these issues with mine.
But back to that suspense? Kendig is a master – and she makes the most of her skills in Willow. She’s crafting one big, deep story that encompasses the entire series – and each book is only a small look, a single installment. Kendig is weaving each book together by including pieces of each story into the books both before and after – and it’s working. I can’t wait for the next one!
Willow is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Between the exciting characters, the real issues, and the sky-high tension, I’m off to pencil in the sequel release date on my calendar now. I suggest you do the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
