Predator

I've read lots of Terri Blackstock books and besides the If I Run series, this is probably my favorite! Very fast paced, I read it in 2 days!

A suspenseful thriller that would make a great movie. Predator tackles a dark subject but is at the same time an inspirational read. The well-drawn characters are engaging and make you concerned about their fate and desperate for a happy ending. The idea of using 'GrapeVyne' (an online social networking site) in the story was a great one, as it's something familiar to so many and brings the possible dangers to the fore. I'd recommend reading Terri Blackstock's other books as well as 'Godstone - The Kairos Boxes' and 'The Screwtape Letters' which are also really good Christian books. Godstone - The Kairos Boxes The Screwtape Letters: With Screwtape Proposes a Toast

Terri Blacktock has done it again! I read the book in a day. This is probably one of favorites of Blackstock. A definite must read.

Predator is a story that could be ripped from today's headlines. I'm so glad that I received a review copy of this informative, chilling tale. Terri Blackstock talks about today's technology and how it's quickly changing our world. We need wisdom in navigating through the world-wide web and what we tell our peeps. It's a shocker to realize teens are up-dating their status many times a day, giving people detailed information. For example, posting from their phones up-dating their status in every class period, texting what teachers say, what their friends are doing, where they were going after school, what stores they are in, where they are sitting at a ball game and what time they go to bed. All of these things are helpful information for predators. After reading this book I sat down with my kids and talked to them again about being safe on the web. Terri has a scene in her story that gave me chills. A young woman has just gotten off a plane and is try's to get a cab. She is texting on her blackberry as she waits. A man in a town car tells her he is just as expensive as a cab and his car is nicer to ride in. So, the girl gets in the car, not paying attention to much because she's texting her current activities to her peeps. When the car takes a wrong turn, the girl realizes she's in trouble and tells the man to let her out, she knows karate and has let everyone know what he looks like via her blackberry. The predator says to her, "Car's not registered in my name. You didn't tell them what I look like. I'm one of your followers, Megan; I get all of your Thought Bubbles. I saw what you posted; right here on my own phone. You're not into Karate. I'd know if you were. I know when you wake up in the morning, what you got for Christmas, ...I've been tracking you for the last six weeks." My heart raced and I fully experienced this chilling story as Terri Blackstock made me completely conscious of how giving out too much information, all in the name of fun, is dangerous. The Web can be a wonderful place but just like anything else there are dangers you need to be aware of to be safe. I just couldn't stop reading this nail-biting suspenseful story that took me through a full range of emotions. This story is oh so real and so are Terri's characters. This is a stand alone story that will definitely pull at your heart strings and make you look at social networking in a whole new light. Nora St. Laurent ACFW Book Club Coordinator

I really, really enjoyed reading PREDATOR. Written by a wonderfully talented Christian suspense author, the message in this book is one that is great for both adults and teenagers alike, in understanding online social sites and predators amongst them. Definitely a must know subject in today's society. Terri Blackstock has written lots of great suspense novels over the years, but I totally enjoyed this one the most. Not knowing what was happening from page to page and trying to help figure out the who-dun-it, was thrilling! Krista and Megan really tugged at my heart the most. I wanted to reach out and hug them so many times and tell them it would be okay. I felt like I had known them both for years. I enjoyed Ryan's character as well. He really added depth to the story. And I don't want to forget David! My heart, as a parent, went out to him more often than not. I can't imagine being in his shoes!!! Blackstock really blends page-turning twists with gripping characters to create an incredible story with an ending sure to shock you (it did me!). Please don't delay in reading PREDATOR, especially if you have a teen. The message in this story is one that is so important in the world today. A perfect 5 star combination of riveting suspense, true-to-life events, God's love and spiritual struggles. PREDATOR leaves you hungry for more unforgettable suspense!