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THE SECT: THE WINDGATE (Book 1 of the School of Ministry Series)
AUTHOR: BRAXTON A. COSBY
Genre: Fiction/Young Adult/New Adult/Inspirational
Publisher: Tate Publishing/Cosby Media Production
Date of Publication: April 21st, 2015
ISBN: 978-1681182032
Number of pages:290
Word Count: 99k
rating 3stars (2.6)
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When Ziv is recruited by the secret society known as The Sect, he finds himself cast into a perilous journey of identity, love, and hope. As a Conduit, Ziv possess the ability to see creatures of the night: demons. The Sect trains him along with two other trainees to be warriors of light and confront the challenges of the treacherous Quad, in order to control their fear and hone their abilities. As an untimely love triangle emerges, Ziv must control his emotions and chase down the evil Akabod before he can destroy The Windgate and banish the entire planet into enslavement by the underworld.
My Review:
Okay, so here's the deal. I was blinded by the opportunity to read a book written by a member of Bill Cosby's family. Don't get me wrong the summary and prologue was interesting but it was the Cosby name that pulled me in. Hey! Don't y'all be giving me the side eye. I did it and I would do it again. *Hint hint Stephen King and J.K. Rowling! Anyway, why am I making this confession? Because this is a book that I wouldn't have read otherwise. So let's get to it.
The pace of this book for me was slow. The first 30 pages or so was such a bore. Sorry but it was. I was like when is something going to happen already. As Ziv gets deeper into The Sect the story picks up and become more interesting. Thank goodness!
I never connected with any of the characters. One of the characters turned out to be a traitor. This was suppose to be a twist in the story but I knew there wasn't something right with him almost from the beginning. The ending was in my open the best part of the book. And not because it was the ending but because it was the most action packed.
There were things that were left unanswered. Why is Akabod so familiar with the higher ups in The Sect? Why was he wearing clothing that was similar? What is The Sect hiding? What's going to go on with the new female member of the group? So obviously, there is a book two.
Does it sound like I didn't like the book? That is not the case. I actually did. It just to a really long time for the story to grow on me. It took to the characters started their training. More action and longer action would have made this book better. I know the author had to spend time introducing the characters and giving context to this new world he's describing but this is also a book about a battle against evil. That means when a summary mentions demons, and destroying a planet the reader is going to expect rapid fire action.
Overall, a okay story. Needed more work on the love triangle which really a love triangle in my opinion. Fail short on initiating the enslavement of the planet. That description should have been saved for book two since this book was all about getting to The Windgate. Book 1 - okay read with a slower pace that picks up a bit halfway through. Book 2 - may read but honestly it won't be any time soon.
Quotes:
"Second, there are two distinct phase in life, development or deterioration. You're either doing one or the other."
"You are not a human being a spiritual experience. You are a spirit, having a human experience."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Multi-Award Winning and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Braxton A. Cosby creates vivid, original stories that focus on relationships and world building that brings characters to life. Braxton received a lot of his inspiration from watching the accomplishments and exploits of his famous uncle, comedic legend Bill Cosby. Braxton is the CEO of Cosby Media Productions, a fullservice entertainment studio that focuses on producing content in the areas of television, film, music, radio and print media. Braxton is also an actor and radio show host. As a writer, Braxton’s novels explore the psychology of human connection, concerning themes of trust, faith and selflessness. He resides in Lawrenceville with his wife and three daughters.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR PROTOSTAR:
"a story of hope, courage, and perseverance...a fun and entertaining read"- Examiner.com
"A fast-paced adventure...even a touch of romantic intrigue. Gripping, actionpacked." - Kirkus Review
"The Cosby gift of storytelling lives on in this page turning adventure." - Bill Cosby
"a thrill ride of suspense, fantasy, drama and fun...An unrequieted love story beats at the center of Ziv's journey" - Adriana Trigiani, New York Times Bestselling
Author of THE SHOEMAKER'S WIFE
"action-packed supernatural thriller...highly engaging...plot twists and creative spins...compelling novel." - Literary Classics 5/5 STARS
"...action-packed supernatural world full of vivid imagery...contains some of the most enjoyable and memorable action settings available in young adult fiction...will keep you guessing until the last page." - Carey Corp, Co-author of
DOON
"...a tantalizing tale of the ongoing battle of Good versus Evil in the supernatural realm...fascinating…Superbly enthralling, captivating, mesmerizing, tantalizing and downright good story!" - Readers' Favorite 5/5 STARS
"...kept me turning pages throughout...Cosby is able to render his themes with a steady hand."
-- Sam A. Patel, Author of DATA RUNNER
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
READERS FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK GOLD MEDAL BOOK OF THE YEAR
AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT
WINNER OF THE CLC SEAL OF APPROVAL
#1 AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR
WINNER of LITERARY CLASSICS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR FAITH-
BASED FICTION, YOUNG ADULT
PROLOGUE
Five years ago, one night changed everything. I was out horse playing with a bunch of friends, in the streets, acting crazy. We came to an old abandoned building and decided to play a game of hide and seek. But I played hide and seek a little too well, easily ducking away from the others, making my way to the lower levels undetected. As they scouted around looking for me, I lost myself, trapped in a maze of empty rooms. Trying to find my way back, I came across another group of other teens, making such a ruckus that I couldn't help but spy on them from a distance. But their horse playing was nothing like what we were doing. Boys. A pack of them and a lone girl, engaged in disturbing behavior.
The boys were harassing her, hands everywhere. She cried out in screams that rattled my eardrums. My hands found their way over my ears, trying their best to block out the screeches. The more hands she batted away, twice as many appeared. They pressed in, grasping and groping. One of the boys pressed harder, adding slaps and kicks, until finally ripping a few layers of clothing from her body.
That's when the others joined in. Her screams echoed through the rooms, breaking through my hands, making it hard for me to look away. I hid in the shadows, too afraid to help, too scared to make them stop. She tried to fight back, but there were too many.
Finally I emerged from the darkness and bucked up the nerve to yell out, "Stop!" But they ignored me. Eventually, things got really heated, the girl screaming at the top of her lungs, and the boys pushing her down. That's when something broke free inside me. It started with a quiver, then a strong tremble, until my legs shook so hard I fell backward. My head slammed the floor. I winced and closed my eyes. What I saw terrified me. It was dark but I could see everything clearly. Horrible images shrouded me in a sheath of fear. Circling each one of the boys were hideous, great and fearful beasts. They had eyes that burned like embers, claws the length of fingers, and skin like that of dragons with patches of blazing red hair all over that seemed to stand on end. Grey smoke puffed from their mouths as they spoke. Some whispered obscenities, while others screamed deplorable things, encouraging the boys to continue. I opened my eyes and gasped. My heart fluttered and I looked around the room. The beasts were gone. Only the boys and the girl remained. Taking a deep breath, I shuddered at the thought of closing them again, but I had to.
I had to know the truth.
I did. It was true. I closed my eyes again and there they were. Within the dark recesses of my eyelids, I was able to see creatures from the other side. But what were they? Ghosts?
I mustered the strength to run out of the building, screaming for help. People stared at me like I was crazy. Finally, an adult took my accusations seriously and the police arrived, but it was too late. The damage was done. The girl's family tried to press charges, but she was high on drugs and was not able to identify the suspects. I lacked the heart to come forward and testify against them, left town for good. From then on, I knew I was different. I had a path. But how it would all play out one day was beyond me.
*This is an ARC review
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