if you are one of the few people who have read this book when it was first released under the title "The Initiation" then you know you are in for a good who done in mystery.

The pace of the story does go at a good clip and does lag in some parts but it quickly picks up pace again so you don't lose interest in the story.

The surprising ending is a shocker but as a 'who's the bad guy' type mystery it is well written and keeps the reader guessing.

If you have read any of William W. Johnstone's books, you know he has a keen sense of humor and a sharp wit. In Blood Oath be prepared for his humor to be slimmed down to just one character: Detective Lieutenant Joe Davis. Johnson uses Joe Davis to take his readers on a fast pace, wild, and at times gut retching, ride through the brutal murder investigations.

Without giving away the major plot, Blood Oath is a super charged runaway train - packed with sexual tension, over tones and graphic detail of rape, murder and multination; all in the name of revenge.

If/when you read past the graphic details the true art of writing can be seen. Johnstone not only has a way of making words paint full color pictures, but he is a true master of "hook 'em - play 'em & keep 'em reading."

I have read every book of the series at least twice. I think the
series is one of the best. I have also read some of his other books.
I would like to know if the author ever comes to Portland,OR.

"Chaos in the Ashes" is an action-filled novel in the continuing saga of the dynamic "Ashes" series and Ben Raines is the quintessential hero representative of the kind of leader we would all hope to have in the event of government breakdown

Smoke Jensen the fastest, toughest gun around decides to hang it up to get married and start a family. Now if you had lived in the same era as smoke would you even think of doing harm to Smokes wife or any off-spring? No!! But then you are not as dumb as Slater.

Outlaw Lee Slater is asking for trouble when he challenges Smoke Jensen's retired mentor, but when he shoots Smoke's wife, he gets more than he can handle.

An other stellar performance for Johnstone, the pages come alive and you are there with the rebels as they take the fight to the bad guys.

I have marched through every state in the nation with Ben Raines and his team and although, I have never been to most of them William makes me fell that I have.

The book is full action and adventure and once yuou start ,you can't stop he keeps you commming back for more. Before you finish the last page in the book you are searching for the next book in the series.

I would highly recommend to everyone if you have never read any of Johnstones' stuff order the fisrt book "Out of the Ashes" and get hooked like the rest of us you'll soon be a memeber of the Rebels

I love reading any book by William Johston. I still feel that he needs to get away from the civil wars in the US, and start dealing with countries such as China, Russia, and India. I started reading his books in Desrt Storm and have been a loyal reader ever since. I would like for him to take his Rebles into China and see if there are any more of the Flesh eaters living there or Russia.

Really enjoyed this book. After reading all the Preacher books and almost all the Mountain Man Series, I felt that the author was repeating many sections in some of the books. Not this one! It tells the story of Preacher when he started out. So it was all new material. It was hard to put down!

Good Book Would like to read more. Please send a list of others

This is one of Johnstone's best books in the "Ashes" series. In this one the Rebels take on California and all of its residents. The book has great action and has great re-read value. A keeper.

Ben Raines is at it again this time he is going against west coast creepies aka the night people.

Mr Johnstone out did himself again. His trueism of the "Ashes" series is without a doubt the best that an author can write. He is an inpsiration to me and look forward to the next book!

I have been a fan of "Raines/Johnstone" from book one and I find this story to be a great set up for the next one in the series. As with all of the 'Ashes' books some of the political/social commentary is disturbingly familar to todays headlines, yet the story is strong enough to stand on its own. For the "Ashes" fans out there I say enjoy!

In a story line that grabs your attention and holds it is a hero that exemplifies the tough and proud western man. Action and drama packed with more gun play than seems possible and a touch of humor that makes for an interesting read. A true western.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge

Once again Mr Johnstone has given us a true american hero. A no holds barred man who knows what is right and goes about making things right. Not a dainty fellow Frank Morgan (the hero)is a real person with real problems. His life has been turned upside down and now he has to deal with the consequences of a long lost son and a former wife who is killed as the reconciliation was just begining. His son doesn't respect him but, his fatherly love makes Frank stick with the boy. Wrap this story in action and historical tidbits and you have a fine story to enjoy over and over again. Johnstone's thoughts society and the lack of responsibility for one's actions comes through. An excellent edition to any Western Library...Any library for that matter. Get it today.

The continuing saga of Preacher Smoke Jensen's mentor and his adventures becoming a legend. Yet another winning novel for Johnstone.

This is the second book that describes the beginnings of the legend. It begins to show his adventurous spirit and the morals that make him a rough but honest man. It shows that he is a man of peace until pushed. He also shows his love for Jenny but knows they can't be together because of different lives. This book also tells of how "Art" the Mountain Man becomes "Preacher" the legendary Mountain Man.

I finally picked up my battered copy of this book after it was sitting on a shelf, collecting dust for about a year. I picked it up because I was just beginning to go through a Johnstone phase. At first I really didn't know what to expect. The cover was cheezey and the synopsis on the back made the book sound like a B-grade horror movie about a killer rocking horse. Boy was I in for a suprise!
Lucus Bowers and his wife and two kids head down to his dead aunt's old plantaton home in the Georga wilderness. What seems to be a nice start to a long summer vacation soon turns into terror as the Bowers' discover the grisly secrets of the house, the woods and the whole town. This eventually leads them to the discovery of an old rocking horse, which seems to be the center of all the bad luck...
Since this book is by Johnstone, you get MUCH more than what you bargained for. It all comes in a neatly wrapped package of devil worshipers, ghostly children in the woods, a haunted house and rocking horse, a run-in with the Devil and LOTS of blood and guts! While reading, there were times that I was so increadibly petrified, I couldn't turn the page! There were numerous scenes that made me jump! And I NEVER do that while reading a horror novel.
Altogether, this book is a good beach read, and would reccomend it to anyone who likes a good, bold and horrifying story packed with alot of blood, guts and other bodily fluids! Try to get your hands on a copy of this rare book. You won't be dissapointed!

Set in south georgia in an old rural manse, the story of the ghost children in the wood will sadden you and the action at the end will excite you. I have loved this book since the sixth grade(I read it when it first came out in 86).