Wiser Than Serpents, Bringing Social Issues To Light In A Thriller!

I read a book last month that drew me into the world of modern day slavery and into the main character's (Yanna) world. She's out to rescue her sister, as you'll read more on below. When the chance to review this book came about, I jumped right away, I knew I'd want to read it.

I hadn't given any thought to human slavery and the world of sex-trafficking until this year. My son, Cody, has been involved with a group aimed at bringing awareness to this very issue and even gave a presentation about it at our church this past Winter. And, as life sometimes does, God further placed this issue on my heart last month, even after I had this book in my hands. When I went to the CBF in Memphis, one of the most dynamic speakers I've ever heard in my lifetime spoke about the sex-trafficking issues through Lauren Bethell. She knocked my socks off with her message of hope, acceptance, and her ability to be Jesus to the women who have fallen pray to this horrendous trade. So in my mind, it was providential that I get the opportunity to read and post information about this book.

A Note From Susan:

Did you know that there are 27 million people around the globe held as slaves today – more than 80% of them women and children, and up to 50% minors. In fact, there are MORE slaves today than were in the time of William Wilberforce. That leaves me horrified, and it was those stats that compelled me to write a story with a human trafficking plotline.

Wiser than Serpents (buy here)is a continuation of the Mission:Russia series, a thriller about Yanna, whose sister is snatched through a Russian dating service, and disappears. Yanna enlists the help of Delta Force Captain, David Curtiss to find and rescue her. Readers who’ve read, In Sheep’s Clothing and Sands of Time will recognize Yanna as the tech expert, and David as the solid Christian of the group. (Read the 5-Rose Review here!)

The book is written from the point of views of the rescuers, not the victims, and offers hope and empowerment, instead of feelings of helplessness. It raises awareness without lowering the standards of Christian fiction. (Our reliance on God and how he can bring us through is woven throughout this book.)

Susan is giving away 15% of the royalties from this book to International Justice Mission, check out their site when you get the chance. I like knowing part of my purchase, combined with everyone else's, will make a great difference in lives.

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

About Wiser Than Serpents:

When her sister vanishes into a human slave ring, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka is determined to rescue her. Unfortunately, she's in over her head, with no way out, especially after destroying the undercover operation of Delta Force Operative David Curtiss, who is deep undercover in the Twin Serpents crime syndicate. David has his hands full trying to save Yana, and his operation--on that could rescue hundreds of women from the Serpent, or cost he and Yana their lives. The thrilling next chapter of the Mission: Russia series!

Susan is giving away three sets of this Mission:Russia series, so if you're like me and want to dive into a great series this summer, head over to Susan's blog and leave a comment. Not just any comment, but tel her about the mission organizations you currently support and why it is you support them. I'm headed over now to do just that! Good luck, and happy reading.