Book 2), Vicious Cycle (Intervention

This incredible story begins with a bang and does not let up! Page one introduces us to Jordan, a 15 year old crystal meth addict who had not only ditched rehab, she JUST gave birth to a baby (also hooked on meth) on her dirty mattress. Immediately I was overwhelmed with emotions, good and bad. Knowing this was a fictional girl did not stop me from thinking some pretty harsh thoughts about her and her choices. Like I said- this book attacks all of your senses from page 1.

I should also point out this is book 2 of 3 in the "Intervention" series by Mrs.Blackstock. I had not known book 1 existed, but that is ok. This book stands well enough on it's own. It has a few passing mentions of a big event in book 1, not enough to spoil or throw the story off though. However I am going to read book 1 very shortly.

Jordan is a main character that shares the spotlight with another teenaged addict, Emily Covington. Same age, same rehab. That is where all of the characters lives intertwine. The rehab both girls attended together. Fortunately Emily stayed the entire year and got her life back on track. Shortly before her graduation, when an addict is at their most vulnerable, is when Jordan has her baby and drags Emily's family into a whirlwind ride, that challenges all of them to their very core.

While the storyline could be considered harsh and tragic the author did not tell it using graphic & obscene content. It gets the point across,loud and clear, tastefully. I know that may sound funny to some, but I feel it was important that she did that. This book is a phenomenal tale of the dangers of addiction and how it creeps into the hearts and souls of everyone around the addict. I believe many young people would benefit from it and the fact she told this story the way she did leaves it open for young people (16 on up, maybe 15. Parental discretion) to read.

Lance (Emily's 15 y.o. brother) may be a little too smart for his age. A year of learning about addiction via family groups at the rehab gives Lance the confidence he needs to rush out and save Jordan. While visiting his own sister he came to know Jordan and developed a friendship with the pregnant, fragile, young girl. Her running away from rehab hurt him as much as it hurt Jordan herself. Going to check on her at her home he discovers not only her baby had been born, but her Mother & Brother (also addicts, got Jordan hooked) have developed a truly evil plan for Jordan's baby.

Lance is trying to save Jordan & her drug addicted newborn against all odds, from addiction and the people who want to profit off of addictions pain and misery.

I loved how the author shows us addiction from both sides of the track, those who seek and struggle with sobriety and those who have yet to hit rock bottom. She teaches us how fragile an addict is, at any age, and how easy it is to get the "F it's" and go back to their drug of choice. Dealing with life on life's terms is not easy for anyone. When you have a little "helper" to help you along- why deal with it NOW?

Choices. All of the characters in this book have choices. Some easy, some not so. All of them, even the seemingly right ones often have consequences.
It seems 15 year old Jordan has all of the cards stacked against her. Even with people like Lance and Emily in her corner, it is still all too easy to turn back to drugs. Then there is Grace, the newborn born on Jordan's dirty mattress. What will become of her? Jordan wants her with a loving adoptive family, Jordan's family wants something different.

Along with the drama of the addiction issues, there is a lot of action in this story. I was highly impressed with how the author handles the subject matter. It would have been easy to fall into a preachy and judgmental tone, and she blessedly did not. She lays it all out there for us, pulls no punches. Has no need to exaggerate. It is then up to us to look into ourselves. How would we deal if a Jordan or Emily were in our lives?

I have to say if I wanted someone to read a book about what addiction does to people and their loved ones, I would have NO hesitation in handing them this very book to read. How she managed to blend that and the action,love,friendship,etc. into it and make it good is beyond me. Talent, pure and simple.

Time for me to post this review, get book 1, get some cold ice t (it is 95 degrees here, again), and get back to reading!
Let me know what you're reading now & how your summer is going so far.

Posted on my blog: [...]
Reviewed after I received an e copy via Edelweiss

Vicious Cycle is book two of the Intervention series by Terri Blackstock, centered on the lives of the members of the Covington family and how drugs impact their lives. While there are recurring characters from Intervention (book 1), it is possible to read Vicious Cycle without having read Intervention beforehand. References to past events are made in context and easy to understand. Honestly, I hadn't known there was a first book until I looked up Vicious Cycle.

Jordan is a fifteen-year-old meth addict who has given birth to a baby girl while under the influence of drugs. Seeking to give her baby a better life, Jordan leaves her in Lance Covington's car. Coerced by her mom, who wants to sell the baby to dealers, Jordan accuses Lance of kidnapping, and he is thrown into jail. The events of Vicious Cycle unfold from the alternating perspectives of Barbara Covington (Lance's mother), Kent Harlan (a detective with an interest in Barbara), Lance Covington, Jordan, and Emily Covington as necessary to further the plot as the Covingtons search for Jordan and try to get her to speak up for Lance, accept treatment, and put her baby up for adoption. It may seem overwhelming from the list; however, Terri Blackstone knows how to thread the multiple points of view together into a suspenseful novel.

You can see the clear-cut differences between two families with drug-addicted daughters. Jordan turns to drugs because her family does drugs and goes so far as to abuse her, making her think that she's worthless. On the other hand, Emily, who has gotten into the wrong crowd, has family members supporting her. They get her treatment and stay beside her to keep her out of temptation's reach once she completes treatment.

Lance is an amiable, very likable, guy. As Jordan later confesses, he's the kind of guy that girls want in their life. His kindness to Jordan is often thwarted by her inability to accept that she has the potential to chance. However, he continuously reaches out to her and talks to her about God, and he'll breach the barriers she's placed around her heart. He'll teach her about faith and forgiveness. I also like Jordan. While she tries to reject help, you can see how mistreated she's been, how insecure she is, and you can't help reaching your heart to her. She's stubborn and independent--and despite all she's been through, she still yearns for love and acceptance.

The central characters of the novel are religious; however, the religion is skillfully woven into the novel so that it doesn't come off too strong for readers who aren't Christians. More than a Christian novel, Vicious Cycle is about choices. It is about trusting our friends, those who care about us. It is about learning from the consequences of our actions. Even if we take a wrong turn, there is someone there willing to support us and show us the right path. It is about forgiveness, learning how to forgive ourselves and give ourselves a chance.

VISIOUS CYCLE, the second in the Intervention series was face-paced and exciting.

Lance Covington is a caring guy. He’s only fifteen, but his concern for Jordan - a pregnant girl he met at his sister’s drug rehab center – is about to get him in more trouble than he thought imaginable. Wrongly accused of kidnapping Jordan’s newborn, he’s devastated to find out Jordan is the one who fingered him to the police. But with his Mom and Detective Kent Harlan helping him, he’s sure everything will eventually get ironed out. But when he gets out of jail, he and Jordan find themselves in even more danger.

VICIOUS CYCLE was a great follow-up to INTERVENTION. Though Lance was the focus of this installment, Emily, Barbara and Kent’s stories progressed as well. I can’t say much without giving away the story, but the action, suspense, and plotline was intense and riveting. So glad I already own Downfall-book three -so I can start right in.

Terri Blackstock's book Vicious Cycle is such an excellent book. She knows how to capture and hold your attention. I finished this 300 plus page book in a little over a day and a half. Which is great for me. It was so hard to put down.
In Vicious Cycle fifteen-year-old Lance just wants to help a friend who is really in a hurtful time in her life. Lance and Jordan know each other from school and he wants to help her get out of drug use especially now that she is carrying a baby.
Lance doesn't even have a driver's license, but drives a car and tries to help his friend Jordan with her baby, but she doesn't seem to want his help and her family tries to get him to leave quickly. Lance knows something bad is going on. He leaves, but part way home he hears a baby cry. What will he do? What is the right thing? Will he choose the sensible thing? One decision leads to another in this roller coaster ride.
Vicious Cycle isn't a light read and is a book to make you think. This book also has other stories in it. This is book 2 in the Intervention Series. The first book was about Lance's sister Emily who had a drug abuse problem and how they struggled with her and that book was also loaded with lots of adventure and suspense. Anyway in Vicious Cycle Emily is just getting out of the rehab program and I love what she goes through in this book. Another part of this book is the mother Barbara and her friend Kent who is a police officer.
You know if you read my book reviews I always look at the Book covers and titles in every book and see if they fit the book. In Vicious Cycle the title is very fitting and appropriate, and the cover is beautiful.
In this book you will read about drug abuse, teen pregnancy, baby trafficking, living for God, abuse programs, staying clean, temptations, love, family and joy. If you are looking for a fantastic book to read that is full of action and suspense this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

Thank you to Zondervan for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Vicious Cycle will have your attention from the first page! This is book number two in the Intervention series. I love reading a book that is hard to put down, and this book is just that! Blackstock writes this book from the perspective of Lance, the 15-year old brother of Emily from Intervention (Book 1).

Lance tries to help a pregnant, teenage meth addict and finds himself in a situation he never dreamed he would be in. He discovers a newborn baby in the back of his car and knows that it belongs to Jordyn. We follow the family through the snares of drug addiction and the harsh realities of crimes that go on in today's society such as baby trafficking.

We also are able to rejoice as Emily completes her year of drug rehab and gets to come home. We see how hard it is for her to be released from her "safe place" and be back in society where drugs are so easy to come by. Drug addiction truly is a vicious cycle. It is only with God's help and putting 100% of our faith and trust in HIM that one can overcome the evils of today's world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan. All opinions expressed about Vicious Cycle are my own. I hope that you enjoy reading this book as much as I did! I highly recommend this book to you and look forward to reading book three in this series! :)

Jordan is fifteen-years-old, pregnant, and addicted to methamphetamine. The daughter of a long-time meth-addict, there isn't much hope for Jordan or her baby. Lance Covington, fifteen, knows the power of drugs. He watched his sister, Emily, succumb to their power and fight her way back to health. He knows first-hand the chaos and heartbreak drugs can wield within a family. Kent Harlan is a police detective drawn into the folds of the Covington family at their darkest hour, moved by their strength, faith, and family loyalty. Their lives are about to intersect in a thriller of mystery and suspense.

Set one-year after the last book in her Intervention Series, Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock, is the story of faith, persistence, and belief in the ability to overcome even the strong pull of drug addiction. It is the story of lives intertwined, of the fight against evil, and of the victories possible through faith! If you have ever watched as a loved one struggled with drug use and abuse, you will recognize the truth and knowledge with which Terri Blackstock writes on this subject: the heartache, the powerful pull, the will that never seems to be strong enough, and the innocent victims: the children, in this story both Jordan and her newborn.

Vicious Cycle is a well-written story that will keep you turning page after page. You'll find yourself cheering the characters on through extraordinarily difficult times. You'll cry, you'll cringe, and you'll wonder, 'why?,' but you'll keep on reading with hope. The second book in a series, it is not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one - although, if you, like me, haven't read the first book, you'll likely find yourself wanting to go back and read the story from the beginning as soon as possible. Ms. Blackstock's writing holds just that much of a draw.

I received this book free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Fifteen year old Lance Covington was just trying to help a school mate. Jordan is a pregnant junkie who ran away from a drug treatment center just before her baby was due. When Lance gets to Jordan's house, he discovers a wild house. Jordan has just delivered a newborn baby girl and learns that her mother `sold' the baby to a couple for $40,000. Jordan had planned to give the baby up for adoption, but through an agency, so she hides the baby in a car--the car Lance "borrowed" from his sister--hoping Lance will help.

Lance doesn't know what to do when he finds the baby in the car. He knows it needs help, but is afraid to tell his mother. When his mother gets home from work and learns his secret, she yells at him, but agrees to take the baby to the hospital. But they're barely out of the driveway when the police arrive and arrest Lance for kidnapping the baby.

Suddenly Lance and his mother, Barbara, find themselves in the midst of the criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse. As Barbara struggles to help her son, she must turn to Kent Harland, and they begin the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting the homeless baby, and helping a teenage mother hiding behind lies.

Terri Blackstock is a prolific, best selling author, and VICIOUS CYCLE is the latest spell-binding release by her. I love Ms. Blackstock's suspense novels and this one was no different.

Terrifyingly realistic, I felt for Lance, a clueless teenage boy, who didn't know how to handle what was thrown at him, an innocent by-stander. And for Barbara--a woman about my age, who was being asked to handle so much more than she bargained for. If you like suspense, you will love VICIOUS CYCLE. Pick up your copy today.

Vicious Cycle is another great Terri Blackstock story, a follow-up to a previous novel, Intervention. Both of these books deal with the very tough, but very real, issue of drug abuse and its impact on the users and their families. Terri wrote both these books not with just intellectual knowledge of the subject, but from the heart of a mother who has dealt with this very hurtful issue in the life of her own child. That "heart knowledge" comes through in the way Terri brings her characters to life and tells their story in a way that doesn't sugar coat the problems and pain that come with addiction.

Just as her daughter Emily is graduating from a year of rehab from her drug addiction, widowed mother Barbara Covington finds her family caught in the middle of things she never expected. Her teenage son Lance, in a misguided attempt to help a friend, ends up in jail on charges of kidnapping a baby. As Emily also gets involved in helping Jordan, she finds the old cravings tempting her and trying to pull her back into the traps of addiction. Meanwhile, Barbara has turned to Kent Harlan -- the Atlanta policeman who had earlier helped save Emily's life -- for help. Kent flies to Barbara in Missouri to offer his assistance, and they both realize their feelings for each other have grown. The plot becomes more complex and suspenseful as Kent leads an "every minute counts" rush to rescue Lance, Jordan, and Jordan's newborn daughter.

In her masterful writing style, Terri weaves into her story reminders of God's presence and strength and the blessings often taken for granted by families like the Covingtons -- and many others of us. I would definitely recommend this book to any Terri Blackstock fan -- or any soon-to-be Terri Blackstock fan!

Barbara Covington couldn't wait for her daughter Emily to finally graduate from rehab and life to get back to `normal.' Deep down she knew things would never be exactly as they had been over a year ago, but she never expected her fifteen-year-old son Lance to end up in prison.

When Lance heard that his pregnant friend Jordan had left rehab, he drives to her house to find out why. Upon arriving, he finds that not only has Jordan just given birth at home, but she is about to reluctantly hand her baby over to a couple of shady looking strangers. Forced by Jordan's mother and brother to leave, Lance heads home disheartened and worried about what will become of his friend and her baby. A cry of a newborn emitted from the backseat soon spins Lance's life into the path of the law when he is later accused by Jordan of kidnapping her baby.

Desperate to get her son out of jail in time for Emily's graduation, Barbara calls on Detective Kent Harlan, an officer she met a year previously when Emily went missing amid accusations of murder. Kent flies to Jefferson City to help the woman he has grown to love over the past year and soon finds himself caught up in a case involving drug abuse and child trafficking.

Vicious Cycle is the second Intervention novel by Terri Blackstock and is as well written and fast paced as the first.

Blackstock depicts a very real criminal underworld in both books which left me cringing each time Emily and Lance were thrust into it. Vicious Cycle realistically portrays the dangers of drug addiction and its long term effects. I was completely drawn into the lives of the Covington's once again and found myself rooting for this family struggling to overcome the effects of Emily's drug addiction.

You don't need to read Intervention to follow Vicious Cycle as Blackstock has done a fabulous job of providing just enough information to make this a standalone story. But to get the most out of both stories and really immerse yourself in the Covington family's trials, I strongly suggest you read both.

My first adult mystery novel was written by Mary Higgins Clark, she was the master of the twist and turns and "you didn't see it coming" endings. I've since moved past her novels into books written by other women I consider Masters at the mystery/suspense novel. And one of those women, is Terri Blackstock.

In Terri's latest novel, Vicious Cycle, we are brought back into the lives of Barbara Covington and her two children, Emily and Lance, and Homicide Detective Kent Harlan, characters from her previous novel, Intervention. Emily is about to graduate out of her rehab center from drug addiction. When Lance learns that a girl he tried to help has left the center, he goes looking for her, and in turn finds himself swept into a kidnapping charge. The baby he finds in the back seat of his sister's car belongs to the girl he's been helping, but the girl's mother has big plans for the baby, and Lance wasn't part of them.

Her son jailed on false charges, and about to lose her mind, Barbara contacts Kent, hoping he can give her some advice. Instead he makes fast tracks to Missouri. As the two search for the baby's mother, they begin to find that more than drugs were involved in this, and Lance might have just put himself into a more serious predicament than they bargained on.

Terri takes us deep into the drug houses, and horrifying lives of addicts. She shows us how those who love the addicts are torn between wanting to help them and letting them come to this reality on their own. A fast paced story and whip crack writing. This is what all Terri Blackstock fans love about her books.

Vicious Cycle is the 2nd book in the Intervention Novel series by Terri Blackstock. I have not read the first bok in the series purposely to see if this book would be able to stand alone. There were a few references to the first novel, Intervention, but it didn't confuse this story, only made me want to read Intervention next.
Emily has been in a Christian rehab for one year, on the verge of graduating and coming back into the world. She has befriended a 15 year old pregnant girl Jordan in rehab who runs away from the center in search of her next 'hit'. She returns home and has her baby under the crazed eye of her druggie mother and stepbrother. Wanting money for their next drug high they unknown to Jordan are selling her baby for top dollar. When Jordan hears of this she hides the baby and points a finger at Emily's brother Lance, and saying he kidnapped the child.
The novel works through the repercussions of Jordan's lie, and the addiction to Meth and it's evil pull.
It was interesting that Terri Blackstock was able to present the life of a drug addict, the physical and emotional turmoil that comes with it in a way that the reader is able to understand. She showed Emily on the recovery end and her struggles and then was also able to show addicts who refused help, and where it led them. She was able to show how the difference between the two was one was willing to let God be in charge, where the other let the drugs rule.
Great Christian suspense novel.

Vicious Cycle was more than just a story about addiction. It was a story about faith, and learning to trust God. It was about overcoming temptation and believing that God can restore what the locusts have eaten. It showed how God can create beauty from the ashes of our lives. I've worked in a rehab before and on a variety of levels with drug addicted parents and teens. This story was an accurate reflection of some of the horrors I've seen working with people in similar situations.

What I loved about this story was that it also showed how hard it is to deal with drug addiction for everyone involved. Not just the addict, but the family, the friends, even innocent bystanders. Loving people who are addicted (especially to meth) can be such a catch 22. You want to help but the addicted person needs to want to be helped for it to make a difference. There is a fine line that often blurs between tough love and enabling.

Addiction is a complex issue. There is hope and anger, and an overabundance of fear that families deal with as they try to support their recovering family member. Blackstock did a fantastic job of showing that. And talk about awesome pacing. This was a page turner from the beginning. The story kept building. The plot kept thickening. The danger kept increasing. And I kept reading. I had to know what would happen. This author pulled no punches, making this one riveting story with a lot of substance to it. Wonderful read! I highly recommend it.

Vicious Cycle

Written by: Terri Blackstock
Published by: Zondervan

I used to love reading Terri Blackstock's books, but hadn't read any for awhile before I chose to read and review this one... her writing is as good as I remembered!

Vicious Cycle is the story of the Covington family, which consists of a teenage girl about to "graduate" from rehab, a teenage boy who gets caught with an abandoned baby in his backseat, and a single mom who is struggling to be all she needs to be for both of them.

Who the book is for:

Adults and mature teens who love some excitement in their book!

What I liked:

The story was both touching and exciting and very engaging, perfect in so many ways.

Not only is Vicious Cycle a good story, but is also quite intense in the last quarter of the book or so, which I found really refreshing, because a lot of times when I am reading a book by the time I get towards the end I will be hoping for it to just end, that wasn't the case with this book.

What I didn't like:

I loved this book!

My conclusion:

Vicious Cycle is a great book! I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book free to review from Zondervan. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

From the publisher: "When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse. His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan--the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies."

I'm a fan of Terri Blackstock's books and always look forward to the next novel as she deals with real issues, and always with the hope that faith in God can give in the midst of them. The topic of human trafficking is a difficult one but Blackstock handles it in a way that is effective in the story line and seems to give a realistic account of what goes on in this underworld without being too graphic. It also deals with the subject of drug addiction and the difficulties that someone coming out of rehab faces when faced with the temptation of going back to the old lifestyle, as well as how it all affects an entire family. I was drawn into the story early on and it held my interest to the end, which included a surprise I wasn't expecting.

Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock is an amazing sequel to Intervention, the first book in the intervention series. Sequels aren't always as good as the first, but this book is an exception!
I was immersed in the world of Barbara, Lance, and Emily Covington once again. I was reminded of my love for the characters, and who they were as people.
Blackstock is extremely good at character development. She created character's that weren't boring at all. Usually, after a first novel, character development goes down the drain. Not with this novel. Blackstock continued developing characters that stick in your mind for a long time after you close the book. Lance Covington, for example, is one of those characters that was continually being added to.
The book overall was amazing! I was not letdown in my expectations. I had very high expectations for this book, and Terri Blackstock delivered it with a smack down.
This book opened my eyes even more to the world we all live in. Again, I didn't want to accept our world but sadly, I had to. I had to realize our world is not so perfect and it is filled with evils that most of us can't even imagine.
Blackstock unveiled a wolf in sheep clothing with Vicious Cycle. I admire her work as an author, and as a Christian.

**This book was provided by Zondervan Publishing in exchange for an honest review**

4.5 stars

Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock is book 2 in the Intervention Series and while it is great to know what happened in the first book you can easily read this book on its own. Like the first book, Intervention, this book reads fast and is hard to put down once you start. I really enjoyed this story and Terri Blackstock had me guessing all the way to the end.

I enjoyed following Lance, Barbara and Emily's life and enjoyed the different case that took place in this book. The over arching theme of addictions is still there but this time there is more than just that going on in this book. The only thing I didn't like about the book is it is heart wrenching watching the characters struggle so much with their addictions...it is just so sad how many people out there that are trapped in that vicious cycle of addictions.

I would recommend this book to anyone who like a a good suspense story but is not afraid of the tough issues presented in the book.

* I received this book through Zondervan for the purpose of this review.

Terri has been my favorite author for some time. She is a great inspiration to me as I want to write in the mystery/suspense category like her. With her latest release, Vicious Cycle, she gives me more reason to keep her on the top of my list.
Vicious Cycle takes place a year or so after the first book in the series, Intervention. Of course, there are returning characters such as Barbara, Lance and Emily Covington and Kent Harlan. If a person who hasn't read Intervention, these characters may seem a little less 3-D, so to speak, than they would like. But that is why it is a series. We are, however, introduced to a knew protagonist named Jordan. Terri puts everything that is needed into Jordan to make her feel real.
The plot was definitely intriguing and the end had me almost falling out of my bed, wanting to know what happens.
As usual, Terri deals with present-day issues in this book. The issues dealt with in Vicious Cycle are crystal meth addiction and baby trafficking. I believe that these things need to be talked about and realized more in our world and I am glad that Terri does it in this book.
All in all, I recommend this book very highly! If you love great suspense and characters, read this book and all other books by Terri!

Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock was a very good book. The book deals with drugs and how it affects the whole family. Drugs are a vicious cycle which is hard to break within the family from generation to generation. If we keep in mind that God cares about us and that "He will not tempt us with more than we can handle" then we can begin to break the cycle.

It also deals with the issue of unwed mothers and the decision they have to make about being a single parent or adopting. If you are concerned about either of these topics, this book is for you.

The book centers around the character Jordan, who is the friend of Emily. They meet in the rehabilitation unit. Jordan learns that she needs to make choices in her life such as to use drugs or not. She also has to make the choice of being a single parent or adopting.

I could relate to this book because I did have a son that used drugs. I know that definitely affects the family but it is possible to break this vicious cycle.

This unbiased review was based on an electronic copy of the book provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.

Vicious Cycle by Terry Blackstock is book two in her Intervention series (Intervention was book one). Lance Covington is a teen-ager who suddenly finds he's incarcerated for kidnapping a baby. The newborn was put into the back of his car when he tried to help his friend Jordan who suddenly left rehab for meth addiction just before she gave birth. Come to find out she gave birth at home because her drug addicted mother wanted to sell the baby for $40,000 to traffickers. Afraid of the consequences, Jordan tells law enforcement that Lance kidnapped the baby. Lance's mother Barbara whose daughter Emily had her issues in book one, enlists the help of Kent Harlan to help get Lance out of jail. Barbara visits Jordan's home with their attorney is hopes that Jordan would tell the truth. Vicious Cycle was full of twists and turns involving the world of drugs and human trafficking that are both so prevalent in the world today. Even though I did not read book one (which I definitely will now), it read like a standalone. Received courtesy of Net Galley.

Unfortunately, these days it's hard to find someone who has not been directly affected in some way by drug addictions. I have a lot of respect and admiration for a Christian author who is willing tackle this difficult topic that affects Christians and non-Christians alike. Books like this can open up conversations and they can even help people minister to those dealing with drug addictions. It also brings awareness of this issue of human trafficking, something I have never really given much thought to before reading this book. I think Terri Blackstock has done a superb job with Vicious Cycle. I didn't read the first book in this series, Intervention, but I can imagine that it must have been excellent as well.

Vicious Cycle was very difficult to read at times. There was a lot of reality that was tough to take, but if Terri had sugar-coated it, the book would not have been as effective. There are characters that I just wanted to see with a better life and the powerful, emotional Christian message made this a book a remarkable read - one I highly recommend.

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible"
-Ephesians 5:11-13

In "Intervention", Terri Blackstock introduced us to Barbara, Emily, and Lance Covington. After the death of Barbara's husband and the father of her two children, Emily and Lance, Emily turned to drugs to mask her pain. Her downhill spiral tore the family apart until Barbara decided that it may be her last chance to save her daughter. If you want to read more about "Intervention", you can read my review for that as well!
"Vicious Cycle", the second book in the Intervention series puts the reader back into the Covington family just in time to see Lance in trouble. A good kid who has made it his mission to help people who were addicts like his sister, Lance ends up in jail and in the middle of a human trafficking deal after trying to help a pregnant teenage drug addict. Desperate to save her son, Barbara calls in Kent, the man who saved her daughter a year earlier, and had won her heart along the way. Will Barbara, Kent, and Emily be able to save Lance from the consequences of a crime he didn't commit, while also saving a teenage drug addict and her newborn baby?
"Intervention" introduced me to the unbelievable, fast-paced fiction by Terri Blackstock! Fiction that takes your breath away while keeping you up all night just to finish the race! That's what I feel like when I pick up one of Terri Blackstock's books! "Vicious Cycle" was my second of her books, and the stories that she likes to call "up-all-night fiction" definitely live up to their name for me! I read both books in under 24 hours each! When I pick one up, everything else gets pushed aside as I start a new adventure that I can not back away from until I see it to completion! Terri's writing style couldn't be better! She provides enough detail to make the reader feel like he or she is in the story, without adding excess detail that the reader just wants to skip over! This definitely contributes to my inability to put her books down!
Terri Blackstock is exceptional when it comes to building believable characters that touch the reader's heart. Through both "Intervention" and "Vicious Cycle", I felt like I had stepped out of reality and into the world of the Covingtons. I felt as if I was trying to solve their dilemma with them rather than just sitting on my bed, propped against some pillows, and drinking a cup of coffee. I enjoyed reading a novel that focused on Lance, since I absolutely love his character! Lance is sure to touch every reader's heart with his strong faith, fun personality, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help someone in need.
From the first words of "Intervention", I have felt a strong connection to this story; but never in my wildest dreams did I expect what "Vicious Cycle" would bring! Terri Blackstock unveiled the horrible and evil reality of human trafficking--a subject that is often considered taboo; and a subject that is very significant to my life. I am a firm believer that we must live by Ephesians 5:11-13 and expose the evil of the world by casting light on it; and I expect to see that in my writing and the stories I read.
In case you can't tell, I believe that Terri Blackstock has written an exceptional story with this series. This is a story that is perfect for readers of various ages--teenagers to grandparents; and is sure to touch the hearts of Christian, grandparent, mother, father, daughter, or son everywhere! The next installment of the series, Downfall, is scheduled for release in February of 2012, and I couldn't be anticipating it more!

*Zondervan provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review at Truth Be Told: The Art of Story - [...]*

Drugs, addiction, child trafficing, and that is just the first chapter.

The Covington family has had its share of tragedy and sorrow, but they find themselves in the middle of another heartache as they try heal from their own pain. Emily is one year sober (read about her struggles in Intervention (Intervention Series, Book 1)), and is excited to live a new life. But how do you live a new life when the old life keeps dragging you down?

This was one of those can't-put-it-down kind of books. I enjoyed reading it and would keep reading to find out what happens next. I was not happy when the book was over only because I like how Terri Blackstock writes and want to know more about what happens next. The book does leave a small open door so I hope that means there is another book to be written???

Zondervan has provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my review which I freely give.

Another real and honest look into the life involving drugs and the path of destruction they leave. Terri Blackstock knows just how to tell the worst stories in the best way. She is real; yet entertaining. Vicious Cycle is suspenseful in a “can’t put it down” way! I highly recommend this book, as well as the rest of this series. This is an easy 5 Boundless Star book. 

Terri Blackstock is a master of the craft. One of the main characters, Jordan, is trapped in addiction because her family (mother and half-brother) is as well. They are abusive and exploitative as they make arrangements to sell her baby, whom they consider nothing more than an "it." Lance, whom Jordan knows from visiting his sister (Emily) in rehab, risks arrest and ultimately, his own life.

It is absolutely heart-wrenching. The lure of meth and sex as a means to support the habit... Abuse coupled with addiction... and the risk of relapse or worse. Do you save the person who's drowing or chance drowning yourself? Terri navigates these delicate issues in this suspenseful novel that will keep you turning the page until the very end. If you're looking for a clean thriller, this is probably it!

Disclosure: Huge thanks to Zondervan for providing me with a FREE copy of this book to review.

Whew! I've just finished reading this terrific book, and now I can breathe! (I found that as I flipped the pages, I was actually holding my breath.) The author had me at the first sentence and kept my attention all the way through until the satisfying end.

Written in third person by each of the characters helps make this an easy-to-read thriller. Each character has a voice, and the reader is able to understand his/her thinking process. I feel as if I got inside the minds of meth addicts--not a good place. I certainly learned a good deal about the addiction.

I enjoyed watching the solutions to the various crimes, as well as the romance blooming. Some of the characters realistically struggle with the questions: "Why does God allow this?" and "Does He even know I exist?" Sound biblical answers are given.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Zondervan for my copy.

Following the story of Barbara, Lance, Emily, and Kent, all met in Terri Blackstock's first book Intervention, the second book in the series, Vicious Cycle, leads the reader on another story of heartbreak and redemption. It's written realistically, portraying the havoc that drugs, specifically meth, has on individuals and family units. Terri doesn't sugar coat it when she wraps her story line around a baby girl who is for sale by her meth-using grandmother to traffickers in an effort to obtain drug money. Some may find that too heartbreaking to read about. It almost was for me, at this stage of life. But it's written well and ends with victorious redemption in the end, as can only be found through God's power.

I give Vicious Cycle a 5 out of 5 rating. Yet again, Terry has written another powerful novel that I can highly recommend.

Drugs can create a vicious cycle of use and abuse. This book will have your head spinning as you jump into the lives of Jordan, Lance, Emily, Barbara, and Kent!

While this is the second book in the series, I do not think you will find yourself missing out on the backstory. The author did a great job of weaving that into the story so you never feel like pieces aren't coming together. I do want to go back and read Intervention though!

I have never been so intimately close with someone who is actively doing drugs so I couldn't always readily identify with the thoughts going through the characters. However, I can see the pain and anguish that one goes through when dealing with someone who is an addict. This book could potentially give hope to someone who is an addict (even though this is a work of fiction!).

Terri Blackstock pens a compelling novel depicting the epidemic young people are faced with today. I was thankful to receive a review copy of this dramatic, suspenseful story that could be taken from headlines today.

Crystal meth devastates more than the addicts' body it also destroys everything the addict touches. Edith appreciated her mom and her brother Lance's support this year as she tried to get off a drug that controlled everything about her and learn how to make it in the world clean and sober. Her demons had laid low at New Hope regeneration center. She could be fooled to think they were gone for good; she knew better. Biggest thing she learned was that she needed God's help more than ever. Graduation day was near and returning to familiar stomping grounds terrified her.

Edith prayed for a girl she met at New Hope named Jill. She was pregnant, 15 years old, and addicted to Crystal Meth. She left the center one day and never came back. Edith liked Jill and could see how she was distracted by her addict brother and mom who didn't want her to get well.

Jill got high the day she got home. Her mom gave her some drugs to relieve the pain. She was in so much pain and there were blood on her sheets. What was happening to her? She focuses on the bed and sees a little baby. Her baby! She wraps it up on a town and calls for her mom who used to be a nurse. She begs to be brought to the hospital! Her mom refuses and tells her not to worry!

As soon as Jill looks into the eyes of this beautiful baby her heart wells up with love and she desires to do more for her than her own mother. She thought of New Hope and the help she would need to break the vicious cycle her family has been on. She hoped for a way to save her baby from the horrific life she's lived.

Terri Blackstock reveals the realistic side of being an addict, and what it takes to break free of the addicted life. Shattering the cycle of addiction takes a supporting family, support group and most of all a personal relationship with Jesus. Terri Blackstock does a brilliant job of getting into the heart and mind of a user and how the drug controls them in every way. I like how this author doesn't leave the reader there in despair but shows there is hope in the middle of what seems an impossible situation. The addict and their family can celebrate recovery one day at a time with God's help. This is a powerful book. I highly recommend reading this series! I'm looking forward to reading Terri's next book.

[...]

Sometimes I wonder just how long Terri Blackstock can keep this up. She continues to write gripping stories that deal with problems in life today. Predator opens people's eyes to some of the dangers of the internet and the Intervention series shows us the despair in a life of drugs. My heart was gripped by this story even more because I know that the addictions portrayed are real in the lives of so many young people today. I really want to reach out to them.

Aside from how relevant this book is to today's society, the characters are amazing and the plot itself keeps you turning pages to the end. I was up until the wee hours of the morning once again to finish Vicious Cycle. I can't wait to read the next Intervention novel!

I was hooked into "Vicious Cycle" by Terri Blackstock from beginning to end! It is actually about two families, one Christian family with a teenage daughter (Emily) who is just getting out of rehab after being in for a year and the other who is addicted to meth and wants to sell the teenage daughter's baby for $45,000. The only glitch is that the girl, Jordan, does not want to sell her baby but wants to give it up for adoption instead, and gets Emily's brother (Lance) to help her get it away from her mother and brother.

"Vicious Cycle" is a good Christian fiction suspense novel that I couldn't put down. I cared about the characters and was anxious to see how things would turn out. It shows how drugs can ruin lives and how hard it is to get off them, but that it is possible. I especially liked Lance because he's a good teen who really cares about others which got him into some dangerous situations. I liked how the author shows the contrast between the two different families and yet the fact that anyone could get hooked on drugs. Every day we need to do the next right thing.

I recommend Vicious Cycle to anyone who likes stories about family, suspense or teens. This book is about the same Christian family that is in "Intervention (Intervention Series, Book 1)," the story of the mother getting Emily into rehab for her drug addiction. It's very good too!

Ah, yes. Suspense at its finest. Terri Blackstock has brought back Barbara and Lance from Intervention and Lance is front and center this time as he gets into a load of trouble when a meth baby shows up in his backseat and he is arrested for kidnapping. This pulls him and his mother into a dangerous world of drugs and human trafficking as they try to save the baby and clear Lance at the same time.

Terri knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the very end and she does not disappoint in Vicious Cycle. I loved it!

Forgiveness is priceless! Having people who support you with the power of love & forgiveness is immeasurable. Living life the right way requires you to freely give & receive both...sometimes at the same time. I love the characters of this story! I pray that I have these type of friends in my life, if the need ever rises to this occasion.

This is another AWESOME book by Terri Blackstock! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down! There's suspense, romance, and a whole lot more!
Passing it on to a friend to read tomorrow. Everyone should read!