Dark Rising by Andrews & Wilson plunges readers into a gripping narrative where the lines between military action and supernatural conflict blur. The novel intricately weaves two primary storylines: the harrowing kidnapping of young Sani Marcelin in the Dominican Republic and the unexpected entanglement of former Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson, leader of the Shepherds’ Special Missions Unit (SMU), in a burgeoning crisis. As these seemingly disparate events unfold, they reveal a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by Manbo Athaliah Guerrier, a powerful Voudou priestess, and her formidable lieutenant, Calypso.

This installment of The Shepherds series distinguishes itself by masterfully blending high-octane special operations with profound spiritual warfare. It explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle against malevolent forces, all while maintaining a relentless pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The central conflict escalates rapidly from localized child abductions to a global threat, culminating in a climactic confrontation that reshapes the landscape of the spiritual war. The narrative’s unique fusion of gritty tactical realism and unsettling supernatural elements creates a compelling and often chilling experience, solidifying its place as a standout in the action-thriller genre.

Dark Rising emerges as a compelling entry in a series celebrated for its distinctive approach to the action-thriller genre. The authors, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, have garnered significant acclaim, with #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney praising their ability to craft “grittier and more authentic action” than many of their contemporaries. This reputation for realism and intensity is deeply embedded in the narrative of Dark Rising, offering readers a visceral experience of combat and covert operations.

The book takes its place within a lineage of military thrillers, yet it carves out its own unique niche by integrating elements that transcend conventional genre boundaries. It introduces a world where the precision of special operations collides with the unsettling reality of supernatural conflict, a fusion that defines The Shepherds series. While the inclusion of overtly supernatural or religious themes might not typically align with every reader’s preference in genre fiction, Dark Rising integrates these elements in a manner that significantly amplifies the narrative’s intensity and unique atmosphere. This deliberate blend sets the stage for a story that is as thought-provoking as it is action-packed, inviting readers to explore a world where the battle between good and evil manifests in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Dark Rising unfolds with a compelling dual narrative that expertly builds tension and reveals a sprawling, insidious conspiracy. The story begins with the abduction of Sani Marcelin, a young Haitian girl, from her school bus in the Dominican Republic. Sani, possessing a unique spiritual gift, is taken to the seemingly benevolent Amour et Espoir Children’s Home in Port-de-Paix, Haiti. Her immediate unease and subsequent discoveries within the orphanage, including encounters with children who appear to be “zombies,” quickly establish a profound sense of dread and mystery.

Concurrently, Jedidiah Johnson, a former Navy SEAL and the newly designated leader of the Shepherds’ Special Missions Unit (SMU) known as Joshua Bravo, finds his mandatory vacation in the Dominican Republic abruptly interrupted. His intervention in an attempted child kidnapping, sparked by a desperate mother searching for her daughter, Emelin, leads him into a violent confrontation with Calypso, a powerful Dark One. This encounter, and Jed’s subsequent arrest and release by CIA liaison Gayle James, propel him into an investigation that quickly uncovers a disturbing pattern of child disappearances. The tragic murder of local Shepherd assets, Marcello and Kaprica, by Calypso provides Jed and Gayle with a direct, albeit horrifying, link to Amour et Espoir, compelling them to travel to Haiti to pursue the lead.

The narrative skillfully leverages the vivid and often unsettling backdrop of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The pervasive influence of Voudou, or Las 21 Divisiones as it is known in the Dominican Republic, is not merely a cultural detail but a central, sinister force within the plot. The authors delve into the complexities of Voudou, explaining its syncretic nature and how its practices, including the chilling concept of “zombies” (depicted as a paralytic and hallucinogenic process used for control), are perverted and exploited by the Dark Ones. This integration of local beliefs and dark magic deepens the threat, creating a unique and terrifying atmosphere that distinguishes the novel. The exploration of Voudou is presented not as a mere exotic backdrop but as an integral component of the antagonist’s power, highlighting how cultural nuances can be twisted for malevolent purposes.

The central conspiracy revolves around Manbo Athaliah Guerrier, a wealthy and influential Voudou priestess who operates the Amour et Espoir orphanages as a front. Her ultimate goal is to exploit gifted children and ascend to a position of supreme power within the Dark Ones’ hierarchy. The “Dark Rising” ceremony, initially believed to be taking place in the Paris catacombs to select a new leader to replace the defeated Victor, is revealed to be a calculated ruse. This deception underscores Athaliah’s cunning and strategic brilliance, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the spiritual war.

Dark Rising stands as a compelling and intensely satisfying addition to the Shepherds series, masterfully blending high-octane military action with a deeply spiritual and often unsettling narrative. The authors’ expertise is evident in every meticulously detailed tactical sequence and every nuanced character arc, creating a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience that resonates with readers.

The novel significantly advances the overarching conflict within The Shepherds’ universe. It introduces formidable new antagonists in Manbo Athaliah and her lieutenant Calypso, who represent a cunning and powerful new facet of the Dark Ones’ operations. Simultaneously, the book showcases the evolution of The Shepherds’ operational structure, particularly with Joshua Bravo’s redesignation as an SMU, implying enhanced autonomy and strategic importance. The spiritual gifts of key members, especially the Watchers, are also shown to be growing and adapting to new threats, indicating a dynamic and evolving conflict. The “Dark Rising” ceremony, initially a deceptive maneuver, ultimately sets the stage for a new era of spiritual warfare, with Athaliah poised to become a dominant force, ensuring that the battle against evil is far from concluded.

The conclusion of Dark Rising leaves readers with a sense of both hard-won victory and lingering threat, fostering high anticipation for future installments. The personal journeys of Jedidiah Johnson, David Yarnell, and Gayle James, coupled with the expanding capabilities of the Watchers, promise even more complex and thrilling adventures ahead. This continuous character development and escalating global conflict solidify the series’ prominent place in the genre.

For fans of military thrillers who are open to, or even embrace, a significant supernatural and faith-based dimension, Dark Rising is an unequivocal must-read. It is a testament to Andrews & Wilson’s ability to craft a story that is both “action-packed” and deeply thought-provoking, appealing to those who enjoy exploring themes of “sacrifice and temptation” within a “pulse-pounding” framework. While the overt spiritual elements might not appeal to every reader, such as myself, the sheer quality of the writing, the relentless pace, and the compelling character development make it a standout narrative for a broad audience.

Wow. Just wow. I did not know anything about this series going into it, but I love the authors. This was very well done. Intriguing story that bridges several different genres. Action, thriller, just great. Well done.

Book #4 in The Shepherds series. Each book can be read as a stand alone but together they make a compelling story of the struggles between good and evil that is hidden from most people. The Shepherds are a dedicated group of individuals joined in the battle against the devil's disciples.

In DARK RISING, the dark forces are coming together to select a new leader after Victor is killed in DARK FALL. Jed has been directed to take a vacation after the battles in book #3 left his crew bruised and exhausted. Soon after he arrives at the beach resort in the Dominican Republic, Jed stumbles across evidence of multiple kidnappings of the street orphans. With no one to notice they are missing, these children are easy prey. The team will come together to rescue the children and joined by CIA agent Gayle James, stop the criminals before any more harm is done. There are several new story threads plotted here that will arc into the coming books, guaranteeing loyal fans the next excellent story in this series full of hope for the world.

Andrews & Wilson are great. The story telling is always excellent and compelling. The writing is always tight, the pacing driven, and the characters well developed and deepening with every installment. Dark Rising is no exception.

Having said all that, I will not be following the Shepherds Series any further. I find stories that dip "far" into evil and the occult disturbing and many decades ago made a decision to stay far away from these genres. Dark Rising has crossed that threshold for me, and I only got this far because I love these guys. I also find the concept of Christian warriors physically battling occult and supernatural forces to the death disturbing. My understanding of the Bible does not accommodate that storyline. Thanks, gents, for so many exciting hours of reading. I look forward to continuing to follow your work closely in your other series.

Ben knew “that God led you where you needed to be and that the fulfillment of being on God’s path was better than anything he could seek for himself” (location 317). It seems that Ben’s mission or role is changing a bit as Jed takes over more and more leadership and autonomy. This book feels a little like “This Present Darkness” but with a twist. Real soldiers are fighting demon possessed “dark ones.” The spiritual battles take place in the physical realm but with lots of supernatural events taking place as well. It’s a very unique series that reminds us that demons are real and are in the fight. There’s no better setting than Haiti where they “don’t view Voudou and Christianity as mutually exclusive” (location 1508).

It was crazy to learn that a part of the book, the making of zombies in Haiti, that I suspected to be completely made up, was in fact real. After reading the book, you can check out an article put out in the Harvard Magazine. Strange stuff…

I love the relationships between the watchers and the shepherds. It’s fascinating seeing them work together. This is a great, thoughtful read. I’d highly recommend it but start at book one and work your way through the whole shepherd series for it to make the most sense.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Dark Rising is book four in The Shepherds series, and it does not disappoint. While this is a complete story on its own, you need to read the first three books to understand this universe and what’s happening with the characters. The story picks up shortly after the end of Dark Fall. Victor is dead, and while the Dark Ones are in disarray, the Shepherds are recovering from injuries. Jed is ordered to take a vacation, and he heads to Dominican Republic and right into the heart of evil.

This book might be creepier than the others. There is Voudou and zombies and lots of mind games. The characters are established now, and the relationships continue to deepen. Tons of action keeps the pace flying along. This is Christian fiction about spiritual warfare and features serious prayer and discussions of faith.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to lovers of military action thrillers and spiritual warfare.

Not family friendly due to mild profanity, violence that can be graphic, and dark themes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book.Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

DARK RISING - The fourth book of The Shepherds series and my first read. I was peeved that I selected this book when I first started reading it; I must have the previous books read. But I knuckled down and was soon lost in the characters and story lines. Yes, there was a lot of history before this book, but it didn't matter. This book held it's own. The story is Good verses Evil with good characters, interesting story lines with plenty of faith, family and love. The action is face paced and continuous. Source: Netgalley. 5*

TOM CLANCY DEFENSE PROTOCOL - Another enjoyable, entertaining, fast paced military novel. Several of the characters were outstanding in their roles and personalities, which increased my enjoyment. Good story lines, good saves, good characters, etc., making it difficult to put the book down for any reason. Source: Netgalley. 5*

TOM CLANCY ACT OF DEFIANCE - I read The Hunt For Red October by Tom Clancy when it first was released and later, enjoyed the movie. Serendipitously, I discovered TC AoD. I stopped reading Clancy's books a few years after Red October and was not aware of this series with TC AoD being 24th book. There is no difference between these two books in terms of writing style, story lines, characters, dialog, intrigue, suspense, etc. There is a link and parallels between the two books that makes for an immersing read. I will be starting with the first book of this series to see if the rest of the series holds a candle to TC AoD. Source: Netgalley. 5*

Ember - I selected this book because I was impressed with the authors' book Tom Clancy Act of Defiance. This time, I was not happy. I had a hard time getting into this story and it never grabbed and took me for a ride. This may just be me or maybe, as it appeared to me, a difference in the writing style. This is the eighth book in the Tier One series. Three stars is not a negative review, it means I found the book to be average. Source: Netgalley. 3*

I've recently had the opportunity to read Dark Rising in return for the opportunity to provide an honest opinion about this book. Much thanks to the authors (Brian Wilson and Jeffrey Andrews), Blackstone Publishing, and the fine folks at Net Galley.

First and foremost, I believe that this book, which was the fourth book of the series, cannot be read as a standalone as it makes a lot of references to the previous books in the series.

The synopsis is that the saga follows former Navy SEAL Jedidiah “Jed” Johnson, who, in the first book, takes a “leap of faith,” literally and figuratively, to embrace a set of gifts he was born with, in order to fight a dark and evil enemy.

The story follows that of the third novel where the Shepherds, led by Johnson, proceed to live their lives after defeating their arch-nemesis Victor in an epic showdown at Saint George’s Academy, Jedidiah and the Shepherds have the Dark Ones on their heels. During the respite, Jed decides to take a much-needed vacation to the Dominican Republic to rest, heal, and recuperate. But all is not as it seems in the Caribbean paradise. There are whispers of a growing darkness in Haiti—children disappearing on both sides of the border. When Jed personally intervenes to stop a kidnapping on the streets of Santo Domingo, he finds himself drawn into conflict with a secret order intent on bringing forth the Dark Rising. Voodoo, zombies, and the history of the Dark Ones all factor into this fourth installment of the Shepherds series.

The faith-based series, which was originally published by Tyndale House Publishers, is now being published by Blackstone Publishing. The Shepherds Series is about spiritual warfare; about good versus evil. The hierarchy of The Shepherds loosely mirrors the military structure. You know who is calling the shots when the rubber meets the road. There is a lot of prayer, guidance, sacrifice, and scripture on these pages. It should make you think. Everything that happens in this series happens behind the scenes.

Normally, I have been a huge fan of some of the other series that have been written by the tandem of Andrews & Wilson and would rate this book a lot higher. Having accidentally started the series with book 4, being surprised with the subject matter (more religious-based, voodoo, magic, perhaps?), and not having a good base on the story, I would probably have to give this book a solid three stars. I believe that anyone who has read some of the previous books in the series would likely enjoy this novel. This is a definite Mea Culpa.

As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

My favorite co-authors, Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson; are back with the fourth book in the Shepherds series. I'd have to say this is not my favorite series in their library, but it's still very good...Good vs Evil. Great cast of characters, good plot line, and enough action to keep you reading till the end.
Could be read as a stand alone, but start at the beginning to enjoy the rise of the Shepherds and of course the Dark Ones.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Publication date on April 8!!

Dark Rising by Andrews & Wilson is the fourth book in the Shepherds series and it is a great one; builds off the past three books really well. I enjoy anything by Andrews & Wilson, but I can honestly say this might be my favorite series from the writing duo. I really enjoy the spiritual warfare background of the series.

Dark Rising follows the fall of the Dark One Victor in the third book and has a great plot evolving around the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Jed is on a much needed vacation/time away and things build from there. You won't want to miss this book!

Jedidiah Johnson, ex Navy Seal has bested the evil Victor and his boss, Ben Morvant, demands that he take a vacation. So it is off to the Dominican Republic for some R&R. Soon he finds that children are being snatched of the streets towards untold horrors. After almost being killed by the Dark Ones he teams up with his CIA Liaison , Gayle James. The tension is rising and all hands on deck are needed to save the world from this horrible new threat. Are the Dark Ones rising again.

Dark Rising
Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson
The Shepherds Series I Book 4
04/08/2025
Blackstone Publishing

Ben, Jed, David, Rachel, Corbin, Sarah Beth, Paster Dee and others are back! Book 3, Dark Fall, leaves a little breathing room for the Shepherds with Victor being defeated. However, there is no rest for the wicked. During the Dark Rising, the Dark Ones are to select the new General on Earth to do the devil’s will. Jed finds a new ally in CIA liaison Gayle James. This group of men, women and children from all over the world and different backgrounds are brought together for this epic battle.

The Shepherds Series is about spiritual warfare; about good versus evil. The hierarchy of The Shepherds loosely mirrors the military structure. You know who is calling the shots when the rubber meets the road. There is a lot of prayer, guidance, sacrifice and scripture on these pages. It should make you think. Everything that happens in this series happens behind the scenes. Temptation is happening around us all day, every day even to the Shepherds.

This battle is unlike anything they have encountered. The Dark Force continually gets stronger. The divide on the dark side is that women cannot be in charge. The Shepherds are facing a new battle, and they must come together and face the unexpected. Manboo, an evil woman, brings a lot of magic, power and voodoo to the table causing a rift. She moves the men who are in power within the Dark Ones organization with ease – like players on a chess board. Wonderfully complicated layers of characters, growing story lines, themes of sacrifice and temptation fill each page perfectly. Evil never stops. It will always try to beat the light. Join the Shepherds on this continuing journey to fight until the end.

I probably should preface this by saying that I am a huge fan of this writing duo. They have several active series out right now and I honestly do not care when I see a new book. I don't even need to know which series it is for because I am already pretty sure that I'm going to love the book. They haven't let me down yet.

This series, though, it IS a little different. I've said to my husband many times that books in the horror genre really do not scare me. The only thing that makes the hair on my arm stand up is when there are books on spiritual warfare - because there really IS a "good" side and a "bad/evil" one. Scary stuff.

So, this series is probably not for everyone (though it should be). Why? Well, because this series is actually about the war between good and evil, between God and Satan and it uses scripture sometimes to make points. It uses the same systems as in their Tier One series - but this time the good guys are called the Shepards, and the bad guys are the Dark Ones.

This is not the first book in the series. I think it is the third book and we are building on the world that has been previously built. Can it be read as a stand alone? Probably. But, the first two books are exceptional so why would you intentionally miss out?

This book starts a new story/plot line in the series, and it also has some real character growth occurring for some of the main characters - specifically Jed, Sarah Beth, Corbin, David and Ben.

Another great book. Truly. Can't wait for the next one in the series, because we have some bad people still out there.......

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on Apr 08, 2025.

This was a strong fourth book in the Shepherd’s series, it had that element that I was looking for from the previous three books. It uses the overall feel of this and had that feel that I wanted. The characters had that element that worked with the previous book and enjoyed how they were used in this universe. Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson wrote a strong story and has been great each book, I hope there is more in this series and can’t wait for more.