The second book in the series Two Images of God is titled Discontent and follows on from the first book, Quest. It leaves the original characters and situations, however, taking the central theme from a different viewpoint involving top level protagonists in the armed forces of the USA, China, Russia and other leading economies - experienced military men who find themselves facing the leaders of the world's Islamic Jihadist militias in a terrifying global confrontation. As with the previous volume, author Brian P. Sheets takes the trouble to introduce the main players who will participate in his narrative so they are clearly defined, which is helpful in a plot involving many characters and locations around the world - from California to the Yemen, from Moscow to Tahiti and many more. Once the characters are established, the narrative moves briskly forward in the style of a high-octane thriller following the efforts of Abbas, an Islamic leader, in his attempts to create a united Sunni/Shia army, and Arthur, commander of the Western forces, whose task it is to thwart that ambition. Riddled with plots and counter-plots, the narrative moves seamlessly through a complex maze where the central characters can never be sure of the loyalties of those around them or even if they can survive the mission they have undertaken. Men of peace struggle with men of war on both sides – in a world where violence and naked ambition hold sway, can the doves possibly prevail?

Two Images of God: Discontent is a carefully structured, well researched thriller in a style that reminded me, at times, of the immaculately crafted novels of Frederick Forsyth. It continues the theme of Sheets’ earlier book, Quest, asking the question ‘why can’t we get along?’ but written in a quite different style and pace. It would not be necessary to read Quest in order to enjoy the current volume, but as the books are designed to form a series it would probably be best to read them in order. Discontent again displays the author’s understanding and depth of knowledge of his subject matter, along with his undoubted ability to engage the reader. This second book brings another viewpoint to the ongoing discussion about a troubled region – a region that has seen bloodshed throughout its history, wars chronicled in the Bible and the Koran, tribal and religious conflicts that endure to this day. Mr Sheets’ question is pertinent and his book a worthy contribution to the discussion. It presents some surprising, thought provoking, sometimes frightening viewpoints - but does he have an answer?

Two Images of God: Discontent by Brian P. Sheets is a suspense novel, but the realistic perspective of the narrative is stunning. It is unusual to discover writing that is purpose-driven and intentionally crafted to arouse the reader’s consciousness, but here is one such novel. While it is interesting and hugely entertaining, this novel asks powerful religious and philosophical questions that compel the reader to compose their own answers to the religious divide that has punctuated the course of history. Why is it so hard for people of different faith traditions be tolerant and why can’t they live together harmoniously?

The reader is introduced to a group of people who finally come to believe that we can put aside our religious differences and live together in peace, but while they embark on making this utopia a reality, a dangerous enemy hits. The reader is left with the question: For how long can anything that enriches humanity endure? The answers are disturbing, intriguing and suspenseful, and once you’re done finding out what they are, you’ll feel the need to do something.

Brian P. Sheets is a brilliant writer and his work shows great understanding of one of the conflicts that have determined the course of history — the conflict between Christianity and Islam. I loved his prose and the skill with which he handles the themes, exploring issues that affect the lives of millions of people such as fanaticism, religious tolerance, the pursuit of the common good. Two Images of God: Discontent is crafted to keep the reader turning the page nonstop. While it is very entertaining, it is the message of the book that caught my attention — there is a lot that divides us, but what unites us is what makes life meaningful.

Two Images of God: Discontent by Brian P Sheets is a blend of political thriller and intrigue that explores the theme of religious conflict and what ideologies can do to a world where what divides people could have been an opportunity for growth. The story starts with a blast, a moment of crisis, a terrorist attack that leaves many people hurt and others wounded. From this moment on, the reader is introduced to an array of characters, militants who are willing to die for what they believe, those who understand that it is just normal to have a different faith tradition from them, and those who think that dialogue can be the only way to establish a world of peaceful co-existence. But how can peace be possible when the idea of God is already being used as an instrument of terror?

Original, fresh, and exciting, this second book in the Two Images of God series is as powerful as it is entertaining, as realistic as it is intriguing. Brian P Sheets succeeds in demonstrating the nefarious power of ideologies and how far-reaching its consequences can be. Readers are pulled into a political landscape where sects and geopolitical factions hold sway. The conflict is well-developed and readers will love the characters who are given depth and flesh, imagined with unique and powerful backgrounds. Starting with Abbas, we meet characters that surprise us in many ways. Two Images of God: Discontent doesn’t feel like fiction and, as one reads, there are images of activities of groups like Isis, Boko Haram, and many others. Sheets puts a lot of life into the narrative and compels readers to relive the tragedy that is current in our religious and political landscape. A great read with a timely message!