Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In the third novel of the Cody Musket series, Knoxi's World by James Nathaniel Miller, Knoxi Musket enters the University of Texas as a promising athlete like her mother. She has also followed her parents' mission to end the suffering of human trafficking. Knoxi meets a music legend, Glorietta Zomata, on the run from a powerful trafficker from Nogales, Mexico, with ties and possible protection from South Texan law enforcement. Glorietta's enslavement produced a son, Zorro, now almost three years old. The child's father and owner of a slave factory have kidnapped the boy. Knoxi, with the support of her parents, heads an elite team to rescue the child while also protecting the mother from retaliation. As Knoxi goes undercover, she discovers not only that human slavery is still a profitable business in Central America but there are powerful forces that will do anything to stop her. Knoxi's faith is tested as she is witness to the horrors of humanity.

Knoxi's World by James Nathaniel Miller has the power and emotional pull of the previous novels. There are some old beloved characters such as the amazing Cody and Brandi, who play more of a supportive role in this novel but many new and exciting personalities too. I was so happy to see the character of Ryan Maxwell, who we met briefly in the previous novel, explored more. He had the charisma and strength of character of his father and I adored the relationship he formed with Knoxi; it was electrifying at times. The members of the team were fearless but were multi-layered with tragic experiences that formed their admirable values. I loved the spiritual side of the story too; it brought so much warmth to the storyline. There are some really explosive scenes as Knoxi's team plays a psychological cat and mouse game with the traffickers. The sub-plots were superbly written and added so much interest to the story. I enjoyed the exploration of different relationship dynamics. I have to say I read most of the novel with my heart in my mouth; the tension and action were compelling. The author has proven once more they are a master of taking the reader down one path only to surprise them with a fresh layer to the story. A flawless ending that will leave any reader emotionally touched.