Unseen Layered Threats

Now or Never

Written by Lisa Phillips

Series: Brand of Justice, Book 14

Independently Published

Release Date: 11.19.25

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

5 Stars!

Now or Never seized my breath with that trembling awareness that danger is close… closer than anyone can measure… moving in shadows, waiting, circling. Every page felt like stepping across cracked ice; quiet underfoot yet groaning with something deadly beneath. Lisa Phillips writes suspense with a clarity that captures fear pressing in from every direction, known and unknown.

The spine-tightening pace made me whisper prayers between chapters, the kind that reminds you how real courage is shaped. There is danger in the alleys of Boston, danger in the political undercurrent of DC, danger in every unknown, and the most powerful tension rises from the spiritual battle pursuing Kenna’s heart. That is where this story becomes extraordinary. The kiss of perfection.

When Jax quietly says, “… we need to pray.” He bowed his head and spoke aloud, giving all their fear to the Lord. Asking for wisdom on how to fight this evil, and protection for every member of their family.

I felt that. It is the kind of prayer that resonates through the chest because it names exactly what the story is doing… placing every fear in God’s hands.

Kenna’s inner journey moved me deeply. Her fear. Her hesitation. Her desire to step back from the weight of faith in the line of fire. Phillips captures this beautifully with one of the most piercing truths in the book:

“She needed a firm foundation in the Lord… because God already filled her to the brim with everything she needed spiritually.” This is the kind of line that makes you pause and breathe.

Jax carries a steady, biblical clarity: “… let’s find it. Together. Rediscover what you believe and why and start to put that armor back on one piece at a time. When the next attack comes, you’ll be better protected.” A needed reminder for every believer.

Then Jesse’s gentle wisdom shifts everything: “But we drift. We forget. Or we mess up… Returning to the Lord can be a daily thing… or every minute… nearly constantly… to keep Him close.”

This is discipleship. This is spiritual warfare. This is grace in motion.

And when Kenna prays … She closed her eyes… determined to cling to the Lord in every situation. Even ones that didn’t seem scary. I whispered: Yes!

Explosions, political traps, layered threats, spiritual tension… every page carries weight, danger, and holy intensity. Yet faith stands strong and steady, rising with every chapter.

Five stars. Without hesitation. Without caveat. A masterful addition to an amazing series.

I received a digital ARC from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.