The Ambition

A Novel

By: Lee Strobel

Narrated by: Scott Brick

A corrupt judge in a mob murder case. A disillusioned pastor, hungry for power. A cynical reporter, sniffing for a scandal. A gambling addict whose secret tape threatens the lives of everyone who hears it. New York Times best-selling author, Lee Strobel, weaves these edgy characters into an intricate thriller set in a gleaming, suburban megachurch, a big-city newspaper struggling for survival, and the shadowy corridors of political intrigue. The unexpected climax is as gripping as the contract killing that punctuates the opening scene.

©2011 Lee Strobel (P)2011 Zondervan

The Ambition .... Church vs Faith

When a popular minister is asked to bid for the governors seat, nothing but questions and chaos ensue. An excellent book written by Lee Strobel. As usual Scott Brick is spot on the best narrator for this story. Very believable and interesting legal thriller.

loved the way the story was delivered

I loved the way the content was delivered. wish there was more people involved with the voices making it more of a story.

Such a "Chicago" Book

I have listened to this book 3 times, and I enjoy it more each time. It is exactly how I imagine corrupt Chicago to function. Fortunately, the protagonists give me hope!

This is a riveting story

It is full of suspence. I appreciate the story being around a large Christian Church and follows people's struggles with Christianity and also represents people who truly have had real change through Jesus Christ. plus I love listening to narrator, Scott Brick.

Good drama, legal thriller, and romance

I was really impressed with this book. Lee Strobel is best known for his works dealing with the topic of apologetics (the study of the proof of the existence of God). There is some of that in this book, of course, but I didn't find it preachy in the slightest. What I did find was action, romance, realistic discussions about church vs. state issues, and a really good legal/political thriller.

The book centers on a pastor of an evangelical megachurch that is considering pursuing an appointment for the remainder of a senatorial term. Throw in a nonreligious reporter covering a dangerous political story, a romance that connects the reporter with the megachurch, mob connections, and legal intrigue that explores the church vs. state issue, and you have a really interesting read.

The narrator could have been better, but Scott Brick's performance wasn't bad by any means.

If you want a good drama, thriller, this is a good choice. At the risk of a spoiler alert, you should know that the ending is not entirely happy. I found it satisfying, but there are sad parts.

This was Strobel's first fiction work, and I'm looking forward to more from him.

Caught up in the story from the very beginning!

Lee Strobel’s non fiction is excellent, his fiction is too. Loved the characters in the book. Hated for the book to end, hope he does a sequel. Narrator did a good job with the fast paced story that was hard to turn off!

Quite surprised

What did you love best about The Ambition?

The overall story was very well written. Easily kept my attention. I was pleasantly surprised to find a book with no foul language.

What did you like best about this story?

All the characters were very appealing and loved the basis of faith.

Which scene was your favorite?

Art Bullock facing down the corrupt judge

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Faith trumps evil

Any additional comments?

Will be anxious to read other fiction from this author.

An Easy & Intriguing Read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because ... see below.

What did you like best about this story?

The storyline is a nice easy mystery that I could enjoy without having to think too hard - it kept me interested in the unfolding of the plot. I like how he presents and explores the themes of cynicism, pride and redemption. I was also pleasantly surprised at his subtle sense of humor, I wasn't expecting this from a writer who usually explores apologetics.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

I've listened to other Scott Brick narrated titles and I just like his clear voice. I suppose his lower-register voice perfectly keeps my attention and I never have to rewind because I can't make out what he read.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Strobel is a good storyteller - I would love to see him write more fiction.

First Order Questions in the Thick of Life

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Believable characters in real world circumstances asking first-order questions about life and living (Is this all there is? Why are we here? Is there a God? Is God loving? If yes, why is there so much suffering/evil?) These questions aren't asked in the midst of sorta-bad or almost-bad circumstances. They are asked in the midst of murder, political corruption, investigative reporting, serious illness, and a bomb blowing up an innocent.The settings and circumstances are real. The characters are believable. The narrative is suspenseful and held my interest. I wanted to punch some of the characters and cry with others. The questions are asked in the midst of all of the above; possible answers are given, but in the end, the reader is left to decide for themselves.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ambition?

There are several, but I don't want to give any spoilers. In one, I dropped my jaw and wanted to yell at the offensive character, the pastor's political assistant, and cheer the offended character's reaction, the pastor's wife.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Strider - the investigative reporter. He's the total skeptic interested in truth and reality. He gets to ask the tough questions and stuff a few things in the pastor's face.

I really enjoyed the book!

I was very entertained by this story. I am Hoping to see more fiction from Lee in the near future.