Today I am reviewing the second book in The Rock Star Chronicles, Full Tilt, by Creston Mapes. This book has been touring with MediaGuests, who provided the e-book copy for review.
About the Book
What Good Can Become of Psychotics, Meth Users, or the Mob?
In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ’s love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett’s attempts with disdain and hatred. When the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames Everett for his brother’s death—hooks up with psychotic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down and secure his demise!
About the Author
Talented storyteller Creston Mapes graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1983 with a BA in magazine journalism. Since then, he has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries. He has written for Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Focus on the Family, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and The Urban Alternative. His stories have been featured in magazines including Private Colleges and Universities, In Touch, Leaders for Today, and The Hockey News. Creston makes his home in Georgia.
Visit the Author’s Website
My Review
I was eager to start reading this second book from author Creston Mapes. Full Tilt is an apt title for this book as it describes so many of the characters and their drive to accomplish their desires, starting with rock star Everett Lester and his desire to share his new faith with his earlier fans. It doesn’t end there, but also describes his gambling brother’s family as they each seem driven FULL TILT on their individual paths of destruction.
How is it that we can’t seem to see the light in front of our eyes when we are in a destructive lifestyle or a negative thought pattern? Why do we allow doubts and fears drive our faith in God and good to the further recesses of our minds? We can’t allow these things to rule our lives and actions! Anger, blame and fear are tools of destruction that only keep us from living to our fullest potential for good. This is the message that touched me as I read this book.
My heart hurt for Everett and Karen as they faced trial upon trial. It’s a daunting task to keep your faith in God and belief in yourself strong in hard times, but that’s when you need it most! Wesley Lester touched my heart as well as he realized he was hurting and feeling the way his brother did just before he died in book one. But the one who really got to me was Madison, Everett’s seventeen year old niece who felt she had to hold her family together. I loved that she accepted Karen’s friendship.
This book was well written and explores the dangers of drugs, especially meth. The destructive addictions to gambling and alcohol are also shown. This is a timely message of love and faith that is well worth exploring. I was proud of Everett and Karen and how they didn’t give up on their family. The biblical alignment within the story was well used without hitting you over the head. I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who likes Christian stories.
