Sunburst

A former Navy SEAL must rescue his brother and an aid worker from terrorist kidnappers in the uneven second installment to Warren’s Sky King Ranch series (after Sunrise). Ranger Kingston heads to Nigeria with a team of fellow former Navy SEALs to save a group of hostages, among whom are his brother Colt and Noemi Sutton, an aid worker he had met years earlier. The team rescues Colt, but Noemi refuses to leave after Blessing, a 15-year-old girl from their group, is recaptured. Determined to save everyone, Ranger stays with Noemi, dodging bullets and navigating rough terrain as they rescue Blessing and make their escape. They take refuge at a church, but the pastor there, fearing the terrorists will punish him, refuses to help the wounded Ranger until Noemi invokes the pastor’s sympathy by lying and saying Ranger is her husband. An herbalist treats Ranger and the three hide at Noemi’s uncle’s compound while Ranger recuperates, but the terrorists soon learn of their whereabouts and attack. The trio must place their trust in God if they are to survive. While Ranger makes for a charismatic hero, Warren sometimes neglects to develop the motivations of her characters, rendering their choices difficult to understand. Readers who enjoyed the first volume in the series will find this a serviceable diversion. (June)