TREE SWING READING

Becoming a Christian didn't automatically make Lester's life easy! His brother's family is extremely messed up and he feels responsible because of the messages he had conveyed in his "previous life" as a rock star. Everett seems to be desperately trying to pull his brother's family together, but everything keeps going wrong. Spiritual forces are at work against him and his wife Karen as they try to reach out to Eddie's family and launch a new music tour in which he will proclaim God's work in his life. Satan uses threats through some dangerous men, emotional turmoil, and doubts to try to thwart Everett's plans.

This novel takes an edgier look at life addicted to Meth and how it plays with Wesley's mind and emotions. Again Mapes does an excellent job of communicating the realness of spiritual battles while reminding the readers of God's conquering love. It is another powerful book by a wonderful author who has a great way of communicating truth. As I said in my review of Dark Star, the first book in this series, I love how Mapes boldly tackles this story and conveys the frightening truth of evil but leaves no doubt as to the hope we have in Jesus.

A sunny day rating!

CHRISTIAN BOOK PREVIEWS

Full Tilt is the sequel to Creston Mapes' Dark Star and the second installment of the Rock Star Chronicles. These novels chronicle the fictional life of converted rock star, Everett Lester. The sequel's storyline revolves around Everett's new marriage, his budding Christian music career, putting his old self to rest and a special focus on Everett's nephew's battle with crystal meth.

Full Tilt is a nice break from the typical Christian fiction universe of life on the prairie and the End Times. Mapes has a very fluid storytelling style that is very accessible and engaging. The characters that Mapes has created have a very authentic quality about them. His depiction of the rock culture and the drug culture ring true; it's obvious that Mapes has done his homework.

The intended audience of the novel, by the looks of the cover and the obvious subject matter, seems to be younger males. However, the style of the storytelling and the dialogue come across more like a soap opera, which would probably appeal more to a female audience. Thus, the marketing and the audience may miss each other along the way.

Overall, Mapes has done a nice job in his Rock Star Chronicles second installment, Full Tilt. The characters are likeable and believable. The story flows in such a way that keeps the reader's interest and the bold Christian message is very sincere and refreshing. If you are tired of reading about life on the prairie and the End Times and you want a slice of life with an overt redemptive quality, then Full Tilt just may be your ticket.

AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Likeable Character Must Handle Family Chaos

Authors often have trouble portraying Christians as characters in fiction. The born-again can appear sanctimonious, their only function to proselytize.

In Full Tilt, Creston Mapes, an alumnus of Revere High School, has created a credible, human Christian in Everett Lester, whom he introduced in 2005's Dark Star. After a successful but chaotic past as lead singer of headbanger band DeathStroke, Everett has been cleared of a sham murder charge, married a loving woman and started a music ministry.

Despite Everett's newfound faith, all is not well in the Lester family. Brother Eddie is a gambling addict and is heavily in debt, and nephew Wesley has developed a nasty methamphetamine habit and harbors a grudge against Everett, whom he now regards as a ``lyin' hypocrite... brainwashed.''

Everett wants to help his relatives, but he also wants to go on tour to spread his message. His wife, Karen, is trying to help Madison, their confused and neglected niece. The violent scenes of Eddie's creditors demanding payback are unsettling. Mapes works in some statistics about the horror of meth, but avoids being sanctimonious by showing it through Karen's eyes.

INFUZE MAGAZINE

Creston Mapes' first novel, Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol, was intense, gripping and made you want to tear from one page to the next. Full Tilt, the second entry in his "Rock Star Chronicles" series, has much the same effect--only the need to turn to the next page somehow seems infinitely more insatiable this time around.

When last we saw Everett Lester--former lead singer of the raucous rock group DeathStroke--he was being cleared of the murder of a renowned Los Angeles psychic and rescuing his new girlfriend, Karen Bayliss--the woman who had prayed for him to come to salvation for a number of years without even being a fan of his music--from the clutches of a maniacal prison escapee hell-bent on destroying Everett's life. Now, a year later, he is married to Karen, has moved to the Northeast to be close to family and is launching a solo career as well as making plans for an ambitious free concert tour.

But there is plenty going wrong in his life.

His brother, Eddie, is racking up an impressive gambling debt to a powerful mafia family and having struggles in his marriage as he continues to alienate his wife and children; Everett's nephew, Wesley, is spiraling into darkness as his addiction to methamphetamines grows and his hatred for Everett deepens, thinking him responsible for his brother's death, and he is now keeping company with Tony Badino, the drug-dealing son of the mafia boss; Karen wants to have children, but Everett's mission to rock around the world and yet keep his family safe raises some red flags; and someone has begun to case Everett's home, killing one of his and Karen's dogs as well as defacing a statue of baby Jesus in the manger.

Everett continues to be the primary focus as he tries to prepare himself and his new band for the Living Water Tour, a free concert that will be open to anyone who wants to come in. Still new to his faith he wrestles with his ability to effectively be the witness he knows God wants him to be. His own previous addiction to alcohol tempts him when he hits a rough patch, he still wears his emotions on his sleeve--a fact which nearly gets him killed, maimed and otherwise pummeled by members of the Badino crime family--and he is unsure of how to be the spiritual leader of his family.

Much like Dark Star, the pace of Full Tilt is relentless a good chunk of the time, barely stopping for a breather in between chase sequences, explosions and run-ins with the mob. And whereas Dark Star was written from the first person perspective, Full Tilt is entirely done in the third person, which is refreshing considering how easy it would have been to make this sequel a rehash of the formula and style that worked so well in the first book.

Mapes delivers a well-crafted story with this second novel and really dives into some unsavory business, particularly methamphetamine addiction. Wesley and his struggle are the focus of this theme, as we learn about the voice that encourages him to seek vengeance against Everett in addition to the horrible physical and emotional suffering Wesley goes through as this demon consumes him. Anyone who has ever struggled with a deep addiction to something will relate to this part of the story very well because it comes through as clear as the crystal Wesley and other individuals in this book are smoking.

The reader is challenged to think about a number of things in this novel: could you reach out to a loved one who was so entrenched in an addiction that they would lie to you repeatedly? Would you remain stock still in the face of danger and be rendered helpless, or would you take the risk no one thinks you're capable of taking in order to live? Could you forgive yourself or someone else for a decision from the past that still scars you today?

There is plenty to like about Full Tilt. It is infused with passion, energy, action, drama and suspense as various characters careen down paths toward either redemption or destruction.

Full Tilt is one heck of a ride. Jump on board this train and hang on!

1340MAG.COM

Drug addiction, selfish ambition, dead psychic...that is all now firmly in the past for Everett Lester, former lead singer of DeathStroke. In Full Tilt, Creston Mapes' stunning sequel to Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol, Everett has turned his back on his scandalous former life.

The prayers of Karen Bayliss have paid off, and one year on, Everett and Karen are now married and wanting to start a family. Everett has a new ambition; to spread his faith to new fans via a series of free Living Water Tour concerts.

But life is far from perfect. Everett struggles with his new faith and position as spiritual head in the home. His desire to witness to his brother's family also hits unexpected snags. His brother, Eddie, and nephew, Wesley, have both become involved with the Badino crime family. Eddie is heavily in debt to the Badino boss, racked up by bad gambling decisions, while Wesley hangs out with the drug dealing son, Tony Badino.

Wesley's methamphetamine addiction intensifies as he struggles with voices in his head and his irrational belief that Everett was the cause of his brother's death. Spurred on by Tony Badino, Wesley takes vengeance on Everett, resulting in the death of one of Karen and Everett's dogs and the ruin of their nativity scene. As the lives of his family are placed in danger, Everett must learn to lean on his fledging faith and trust God's will.

Creston Mapes delivers another fast paced thrill ride that will be sure to leave readers breathless and keep them on the edge of their seats with chases, exploding buildings, and psychotic characters.

Mapes turned away from the first person formula, which made Dark Star so popular, to present Full Tilt in third person. I found this to be highly effective in drawing me into Wesley's struggle with meth from the very first chapter, and I was soon empathizing with the problems each character faced. Touching on themes of forgiveness, redemption, love, hope, and God's healing, Full Tilt is a powerful read that shouldn't be missed.

THE BOOKSHELF REVIEWS
4 STARS!

Once the lead singer of the popular rock band Deathstroke, Everett Lester was a tarnished soul lost in a haze of fame, money, drugs and alcohol. Now he's a creature saved by God's grace, rescued from hell by the dedicated, loving ministry of his new wife Karen and the miraculous workings of the Holy Spirit.

Everett has a new lease on life. He's free from jail, exonerated from wrongful murder charges, and preparing to embark on his new calling: a nationwide musical tour to use his talents to spread the gospel of salvation.

However, the legacy of Deathstroke and his old life still exists, and not only does Everett face ridicule from old fans and immediate family members, but he struggles with the birthing pains all new Christians face: how to reconcile the callings of Christ with old temptations and fears, as well as figuring out how to serve the Lord and be true to your personality and individuality?

He feels fear and doubt; experiences temptation, is wracked by guilt, makes mistakes, and despairs of ever fulfilling his new calling: taking the message of Christ and meeting people where they are; impacting people like him.

Though Everett stands firm in the grip of his new faith with Karen's loving affirmation, Satan despises the work of the good, and will do anything to stop it, resorting to weapons that are close up and personal.

When his brother Eddie comes to Everett to help pay off his gambling bets, Everett initially thinks he's paying his brother a one-time favor, however, it becomes much, much worse as he and his whole family are pulled unwillingly into the seedy crime underworld. Suddenly, the Lesters face worse things than public ridicule over his salvation: they face intimidation, violence, perhaps even death.

Meanwhile, Eddie's family is falling apart, threatening to pull Everett and Karen into a dark whirlpool of bitterness, pride, and greed, on the brink of their Living Waters tour. Eddie and his alcoholic wife Shelia teeter on the brink of divorce, their daughter Madison may never go to college to pursue her love of art because of the upheaval tearing her family apart, and Wesley - hooked on methamphetamines - blames the old Everett for dismissing two of his greatest fans, he and his younger brother David - as well as blames Everett for David's death.

Full Tilt is Creston Mapes's second novel, the follow-up to his first novel, Dark Star, which first introduces readers to Everett Lester and chronicles his rocky, often dangerous road to salvation. In Full Tilt, Mapes presents the life of a new Christian without a rose-colored lens; though saved and aware of a new truth, new Christians make mistakes, feel doubt, and struggle to square their new outlook on life with who they really are.

Mapes shows a very accurate, no-nonsense portrayal of this struggle: not all Christians have been raised in Christian homes, always attended church three times a week, made the right decisions, and gone to Bible College. Striking out as a new Christian is often a messy, gut-wrenching, soul-searching journey that is not for the timid, and Creston shows us what it is like on the other side of the tracks, where people still love the Lord as much as we do.

He writes with authority concerning the rock and roll scene and its pitfalls, dangers, and finds the right "milieu". He also highlights an important need, especially in a rapidly changing world: the need for Christians to take Christ and meet people where they are, rather than badgering them to climb a lofty pedestal of legalism they are ill-equipped to scale. Also, Mapes remembers why he's writing in the first place: to impact lives for God, and he includes a very helpful devotional reader's guide at the end of the novel.

The climax of the novel wraps up a little quickly and a few loose-ends are left untied, but those could easily be used as jumping off points for another sequel. All in all, Full Tilt is an exciting, heartening novel perfect for everybody, but perhaps also especially for that "hard rocker" in your life that is searching for something more.

Full Tilt can be purchased in any local bookstore, as well as at Amazon.com. Visit Creston Mapes's website at: www.crestonmapes.com, and also read the first chapter of Full Tilt, as well as a recent Q & A with the author.

CCM'S CHRIS WELL
AUTHOR OF DELIVER US FROM EVELYN

Following the events of Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is a new creature in Christ -- and eager to share what he has found with the world. But before he can kick off the "Living Water" tour, Everett has to deal with disgruntled ex-fans, a distrustful family, a gambler brother now in deep with the mob, and psychotic meth users who blame Everett for his nephew's death. Through it all, author Creston Mapes does an excellent job of ratcheting up the tension in every scene. He creates a compelling dillema for ex-rock star Everett Lester -- in the middle of building his new life, plagued by doubts, and learning to lean on God as the world around him keeps trying to drag him back down.

FAITHFULREADER.COM
5 STARS!

This is the 2nd book in his Rock Star Chronicles and it was an awesome read! I couldn't put it down. Now, I'm back to waiting for the next one to come out.

NEW YORK'S WOLFE MOFFAT

There are lots of times when an author comes out with an awaited sequel, and he delivers. But the author doesn't deliver with the intensity you were expecting! Creston Mapes goes above and beyond! He takes "Full Tilt", and pushes it to complete full throttle!! Slow down you say? Creston Mapes was just getting ready to punch the gas harder!

Everett Lester was unforgettable in "Dark Star", and now he's back. Oh, and just so nobody is disappointed since he gave his life to Christ, he's still ready to rock! He's just waiting to kick off his Living Water tour. But he's got an older brother who has some trouble, and on top of that, a nephew who has troubles of his own. His nephew, Wesley, blames Everett for his brother, David's death. And as things threaten to really mess things up and spiral out of control, he still has his wife, Karen on his side. Oh yeah, and they still have God. You've gotta have God when the mob's after you!

So, you can be sure that there will be drugs involved. This is a true testing of the faith. I appreciate the fact that Creston Mapes can get for real with his writing. There are a few out there who seem to hold back just a bit so others won't get offended. You won't see this with Mapes. You see real situations, real people, and real pain. You see the real desire for a real Risen Lord!! This is about having faith in YOUR faith, and having hope in YOUR hope, which should be Jesus Christ. So, was this worth it? You can bet on it! Will you be able to put it down? Don't bet on it.

CHRISTIAN FICTION REVIEW
Recommended!

Who would have guessed that a novel about a rock star converting to Christianity would spawn a sequel? More than that, who would have guessed that it would most likely begin a series, the Rock Star Chronicles?

While Dark Star told the story of rocker Everett Lester's conversion and his escape from the lifestyle (and the murder accusation), author Creston Mapes realized an important truth about those kind of stories: actions have consequences. In Everett's case, he realizes the thousands of lives that he impacted for evil during his life before Christ. Even more personally, he realizes how he impacted the lives of those closest to him: his family.

Everett's brother Eddie has a serious gambling problem, which is not helping his family, especially since his youngest son committed suicide - while leaving behind notes implying that it was Uncle Everett's song lyrics that led the way. Remaining son Wesley is a meth addict and dealer, who is hearing voices urging him to get revenge on his uncle. With his new wife by his side, Everett Lester is hoping to correct the mess he helped make of everyone's lives before it's too late.

Once again, Mapes has defied expectations here. When one novel revolving around the conversion of a rock star seemed a stretch, he pulled it off expertly. Two novels? Continuing the same story? Surprisingly, it really works, and it's because of what I said above: actions have consequences. When someone becomes a Christian, everything they did before isn't miraculously erased. Previous sins, though forgiven, can still cause problems for the new Christian and for everyone around him.

The story is primarily focused on Everett's nephew, Wesley, and his meth addiction. Mapes has done his homework and portrays the seduction and twisted motivations of that lifestyle with gruesome ease.

It's amazing to me how this story has progressed so far from such a simple premise, and I can easily see how it will be able to continue into further volumes. Recommended.

NOVEL JOURNEY
Still Rocking! 5 STARS!

In this sequel to Dark Star, Creston takes us on a thrill ride. Everett is still rocking but the born again believer is now doing it for the Lord and not everyone is happy that the wildly popular group, Death Stroke has disbanded. Everett wants to begin a new life with wife, Karen, but they are plunged into danger again and again, first by their Meth addicted nephew, then by Everett's gambling addicted brother who is in deep with the mob.

Murder, drugs, rock n roll and redemption. This book has it all. It also includes a fair amount of prayer, ministering, and scripture quoting as well. You do not have to have read book one to fully understand and enjoy Full Tilt.

Creston's writing is even better in this novel. He doesn't shy away from tough issues and once again proves that no one is beyond redemption. I recommend Full Tilt to anyone who has suffered from addiction or knows someone who has and to those who have sowed some wild seeds before coming to Christ.

HM MAGAZINE

Being actively experienced in a tough-guy macho world (rock and roll, football, motocross, etc), I have to admit I have a soft spot and tear up just about every time I come across a "coming to Jesus" salvation story. There are plenty of episodes of this in FULL TILT, as well as murder, fights, car chases, mystery, mafia, and suspense. It's a real page turner that's steeped in the real-world of songwriting and touring rock and roll.

Imagine, if you will, that one of your many prayers for a specific secular rock and roll star to get saved were to happen. What would this star's life be like? What challenges would they face? What might happen if they started performing "Jesus rock" to their old fans? These scenerios are just what FULL TILT bases its story on.

The main character (Everett Lester) goes from the selfish jerk behavior from the prequel (DARK STAR) to a believable, vulnerable and even likable Christian rock star and family man. Creston Mapes has written an exciting story that promises to continue on as an enjoyable series. I'll be along for the ride.

BLETHER - THE BOOK REVIEW SITE
Recommended!!!

Thirty five year old Everett Lester has become a rock and roll legend with his band DeathStroke. However, he went FULL TILT with the help of Karen, now his wife for a year, who prayed he would find salvation. He has, and now he uses his God-given talent to help others find what he has found.

Everett feels strongly that he must bring God's word to help his brother Eddie, addicted to gambling, as well his nephew Wesley, heavy into meth, as a user and a vendor for the mob. However, Wesley blames Uncle Everett and his former music for the death of his brother David; choosing to blithely ignore that his drug trafficking is the prime reason David is dead. Wesley sees an opportunity to destroy his born again uncle with the help of insane meth user Tony Badino.

FULL TILT is a strong inspirational character study, that in spite of Everett finding Jesus as his righteous soul and inspiration and has the love of a good woman, he still has unresolved issues. For instance he wants a child, yet his prayers remain unanswered, as so far Karen has not conceived. His desire to bring salvation to his family is looked upon by his intended recipients as a pain in the rear, and he is viewed as a nagging born-again Christian who should leave them alone. Though Wesley is too blind to see the truth and Tony too psychotic, fans will appreciate Creston Mapes' latest powerhouse that carries the healing significance of love and faith in God.

THE ROAD TO ROMANCE

Former stoner hard core rock star, Everett Lester is still rockin'; but now he does so as a new Believer. Everett knows what is to be spiritually dead and wants to share with the world his new found faith. The faith that changed him and his life forever - and will do the same for anyone willing to give their life to the Lord. However, Everett's life is now filled with angst and danger. As he prepares for his Living Water tour, his first tour with praise music and a message of hope, he faces angry former fans who want their heavy rocker back, a brother who needs rescuing from the mob and a life that is turning OUT to be more difficult than he imagined.

I think the line off the cover says it best: "Satan once used me for evil-only through God's power can I be used for good."

Creston Mapes writes a second novel that is compelling and hope-filled. Where other authors might hold back on the Christian stuff for one reason or another, Mapes shows the transformed life through the power of Christ, with Everett turning to scripture when he needed growth, strength, hope, love. Sometimes, as believers, we can tend to shut ourselves in our own little worlds keeping our hope and love close to our hearts. To be fair our culture sure doesn't make it easy for a person of faith to share what she believes without fear of ridicule, accusations and even punishment. Mr. Mapes writing reminded this reader what is most important in this life. And a sobering reminder too of the drugs that infest our society. All the while, he keeps it real.

If you want a book about a fantasy life (rock star) grounded in Christ-filled reality, you need to read FULL TILT. It's a suspense filled sometimes heart catching read.

ARMCHAIR INTERVIEWS

Full Tilt by Creston Mapes is the sequel to his compelling novel Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol. Full Tilt continues with the life of thirty-five-year old Everett Lester who rose to the level of legendary rock idol with his band DeathStroke.

Everett used to play rock music for the personal glory it brought to him. Now, with the support and encouragement of his wife Karen (who had prayed for his salvation since she was a teenager), he plays for the glory of God and the salvation of others.

Married a year, Everett and Karen long for a child to parent. But God's plans are not what Everett and Karen initially thought they would be, and learning to live with God's will and a change of course in their lives is a challenge.

Everett also longs to share his faith with his dysfunctional family. His brother Eddie has succumbed to the addiction of gambling, and his nephew Wesley is involved with drugs and the mob.

Wesley Lester blames his Uncle Everett's music for his brother David's death. It's easier that way. The more difficult truth that he was responsible, through drugs, was not a story he was willing to accept. Everett would have to pay. Vengeance is on Wesley's mind as he joins forces with the evil psychotic, Tony, in his determination to bring down his uncle. Will evil prevail or can God, with the help of a faithful follower win?

Like Dark Star, Full Tilt is a powerful story of good vs. evil. Mapes writing style is compelling, sparse and daring. He writes a gritty novel that grapples with evil while delivering a message of hope, love, faith, and the healing power of God.

Armchair Interviews says: Full Tilt is a must read novel for every age. But we believe that young adults will be the greatest benefactors of Mapes talent.

BOOKREVIEW.COM
Very Good!

"...Fans will appreciate Creston Mapes' latest powerhouse."