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Review: Rise of the Falcon - Refuge #2

Rise of the Falcon book cover on blue background

I have been awaiting Gaacó's story ever since we first got to meet him in The Call of Living Water, the first book in the Refuge series by Alexis M. Melvin.

In Rise of the Falcon, we also get to know Mar, the doctor who has played a pivotal role in helping her people. This unique series is worth binging, especially if you're looking to be transported to a different continent and setting.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

A jungle chief.

A village doctor.

A threat to the tribes they both love.

Finding a connection built on past friendship, Gaacó and Mar work together to protect their people. Gaacó's new faith demands he trust the God of Living Water above his own strength. But trusting God in the midst of heartache and danger proves more difficult than he ever imagined. Meanwhile, Mar finds herself being drawn back to the jungle and tribal life - but her return threatens to uncover secrets she's not ready to face.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I am completely enamored by this story of Mar and Gaacó! In many ways, Gaacó reminds me of the Apostle Paul in that his life is transformed just as completely in once being against God and His people to now winning others to Him. Getting to see him learn how to apply Christian truths to his calling and relationships is a delight and a growth-filled journey that demonstrates how God cares for every single detail in our lives. There is no struggle that is beyond His sovereignty and concern. I also love that Mar is heading down a similar path as a more established believer, showing us what continual surrender looks like. Seeing her plans and thinking upended reminds us that we are not in control of our destinies.

With the Refuge series, Alexis M. Melvin richly portrays tribal life and all of its sights and senses without glamourizing some of the evil and superstitious practices that people have taken on. Portraying them in a compassionate light, she shows why the need for the God of Living Water is so strong and how only He can break people from the chains of oppression and hopelessness. Avid fans of missionary fiction will love these books and how well they communicate the contextualization of the Gospel in cultural settings different than our own, along with the need to protect vulnerable persons from needless sacrifice and exploitation.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

"That's not how Jesus loves. He doesn’t love you because of what you can do for Him. He doesn't need you to do anything. He created everything around us. What could you offer him that He doesn't already have?" His lips smoothed out, a small smile pulling them towards the edges of his wide face. "Other than yourself, of course. He just wants you, Mar.”
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