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The Ambition
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 bestselling 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.
New York Times bestselling 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.
9 pages, Audio CD
First published May 1, 2010
116 people are currently reading
1,305 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strobel
227Ìýbooks1,604ÌýfollowersLee Patrick Strobel is an American Christian author and a former investigative journalist. He has written several books, including four that received ECPA Christian Book Awards (1994, 1999, 2001, 2005)[2] and a series which addresses challenges to the veracity of Christianity. He also hosted a television program called Faith Under Fire on PAX TV and runs a video apologetics web site.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
July 31, 2024
Loved this one!
Content: Mentions of a character making up a story about being sexually taken advantage of a pastor to discredit him. Two characters try to decide if they want to spend the night together and end up choosing not to. Violence and contemporary suspense.
Content: Mentions of a character making up a story about being sexually taken advantage of a pastor to discredit him. Two characters try to decide if they want to spend the night together and end up choosing not to. Violence and contemporary suspense.
August 7, 2011
Filled with scandal, corruption, murder and a couple of miracles, The Ambition is definitely a page-turner. Author Lee Strobel puts everything he's got into this first novel that won't disappoint his fans. He has taken his experience in law, journalism and religion to produce quite an entertaining tale. Strobel is a best selling author of Christian non-ficion. His Case books are very popular, though I have not read or heard of them before reading The Ambition. It seems he has quite a big following in the Evangelical Christian community who have found his non-fiction books helpful in their lives.
His strong Christian beliefs make there way into this novel as well, which is understandable since it is considered Christian fiction. His characters' beliefs are always shared and there is some preaching (amongst the characters). Though prominent, it doesn't get in the way of the story. In fact, considering the subject matter- it fits. The Ambition is also a thriller. As mentioned previously, there are mob hits, corrupt judges and possible scandals within a large Church. Strobel does a good job of weaving together these two seemingly different genres.
I had a couple minor issues. One- there are many characters to keep track of- a pastor looking to leave his church to get into politics, a corrupt judge, a gambling addict who is a disbarred lawyer, and a journalist looking for a story to help keep his paper afloat. I managed to get confused with who was who quite a bit in the beginning. Once I got more into the story, and their importance to the story revealed itself, I no longer had any issues following along with each character.
[SPOILERS]
Second, I would have liked to seen a little more bad in the good. What I mean is the characters that are supposed to be good guys were and the bad were bad. There wasn't much in the way of surprises in the end. The agnostic becomes a believer, the pastor returns to his flock, the gambler turns to God and the bad guys get caught.
[END SPOILERS]
All in all, it was an enjoyable read even for someone who doesn't normally read Christian fiction.
His strong Christian beliefs make there way into this novel as well, which is understandable since it is considered Christian fiction. His characters' beliefs are always shared and there is some preaching (amongst the characters). Though prominent, it doesn't get in the way of the story. In fact, considering the subject matter- it fits. The Ambition is also a thriller. As mentioned previously, there are mob hits, corrupt judges and possible scandals within a large Church. Strobel does a good job of weaving together these two seemingly different genres.
I had a couple minor issues. One- there are many characters to keep track of- a pastor looking to leave his church to get into politics, a corrupt judge, a gambling addict who is a disbarred lawyer, and a journalist looking for a story to help keep his paper afloat. I managed to get confused with who was who quite a bit in the beginning. Once I got more into the story, and their importance to the story revealed itself, I no longer had any issues following along with each character.
[SPOILERS]
Second, I would have liked to seen a little more bad in the good. What I mean is the characters that are supposed to be good guys were and the bad were bad. There wasn't much in the way of surprises in the end. The agnostic becomes a believer, the pastor returns to his flock, the gambler turns to God and the bad guys get caught.
[END SPOILERS]
All in all, it was an enjoyable read even for someone who doesn't normally read Christian fiction.
October 2, 2022
I’ve devoured a number of Lee Strobel’s “The Case For…� books and was highly excited to read his first foray into the realm of fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed The Ambition but am sorry to see there hasn’t been another release to follow it. Although the main plot thread is tied up, there are a few that are left open ended and would be idea for a sequel, if not a series.
There’s a fairly large cast of characters in Strobel foray into what is a crime fiction novel at heart, but I had no problem keeping track of them. We get a corrupt judge with ties to the mob, the pastor of a mega church considering a senate race, an investigative reporter who isn’t afraid to dig for the truth, a gambling addict, and several others who filter in and out of various plot threads.
There’s a small bit of head hoping and occasional shifts in tense, but overall, Strobel delivered a compelling novel that kept me flipping pages. Scenes are punchy and short, constantly propelling the plot forward, and the diversity of the characters as well as their motivations make for an interesting melting pot.
Standouts for me included Art Bullock, assistant pastor of Diamond Point Fellowship, and investigative reporter, Garry Strider. Tasked with digging into the background of Eric Snow, Diamond Point’s lead pastor—now a candidate for a senate appointment by the governor—Strider’s assignment opens worm holes of power and corruption. There are plenty who don’t want to see Snow win the appointment, and even among those who do, his profession doesn’t suit. Snow goes through a metamorphosis as the novel progresses, and I found his final words—the final words of the book—to be the perfect ending. I would love, however, for Mr. Strobel to revisit these characters in a new story. I would be in line to pre-order!
There’s a fairly large cast of characters in Strobel foray into what is a crime fiction novel at heart, but I had no problem keeping track of them. We get a corrupt judge with ties to the mob, the pastor of a mega church considering a senate race, an investigative reporter who isn’t afraid to dig for the truth, a gambling addict, and several others who filter in and out of various plot threads.
There’s a small bit of head hoping and occasional shifts in tense, but overall, Strobel delivered a compelling novel that kept me flipping pages. Scenes are punchy and short, constantly propelling the plot forward, and the diversity of the characters as well as their motivations make for an interesting melting pot.
Standouts for me included Art Bullock, assistant pastor of Diamond Point Fellowship, and investigative reporter, Garry Strider. Tasked with digging into the background of Eric Snow, Diamond Point’s lead pastor—now a candidate for a senate appointment by the governor—Strider’s assignment opens worm holes of power and corruption. There are plenty who don’t want to see Snow win the appointment, and even among those who do, his profession doesn’t suit. Snow goes through a metamorphosis as the novel progresses, and I found his final words—the final words of the book—to be the perfect ending. I would love, however, for Mr. Strobel to revisit these characters in a new story. I would be in line to pre-order!
February 16, 2014
This is a very interesting novel. It's a legal thriller written by an ex atheist. There's corruption, faith, ambition, legal issues and the author is not afraid to explore or entertain ideas related to faith.
September 12, 2019
Fast paced book with well developed characters and plots. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that Lee Strobel arranged for the reader.
December 14, 2023
Current Day
Chicago, IL
Normally I would add many of the characters in a list here, but there were so many I will only add the four main characters referring to the title, and a few who just wanted to glorify God.
Garry Strider: Investigative newspaper journalist, striving for the Pulitzer
Tom O'Sullivan: Lawyer with a gambling habit and ties to the mob
Eric Snow: Lead pastor for a Chicago mega-church, losing sight of God
Reese McKelvie: Corrupt judge
Art Bullock: Eric Snow's associate pastor, Godly man
Phillip Taylor: Counselor for addicts of all kinds, Godly man
Dick Urban: Leader of the church's elder board, prays with his whole heart
This is another story I didn’t want to put down. I’ve read non-fiction apologetics books by Lee Strobel, which of course were good. I don’t know if he’s written other fiction books, but personally, I think he should. This was full of faith, struggles with faith, corruption, murder, healings, church issues and ambition.
I loved it.
Narrator: Scott Brick was exceptional.
Chicago, IL
Normally I would add many of the characters in a list here, but there were so many I will only add the four main characters referring to the title, and a few who just wanted to glorify God.
Garry Strider: Investigative newspaper journalist, striving for the Pulitzer
Tom O'Sullivan: Lawyer with a gambling habit and ties to the mob
Eric Snow: Lead pastor for a Chicago mega-church, losing sight of God
Reese McKelvie: Corrupt judge
Art Bullock: Eric Snow's associate pastor, Godly man
Phillip Taylor: Counselor for addicts of all kinds, Godly man
Dick Urban: Leader of the church's elder board, prays with his whole heart
This is another story I didn’t want to put down. I’ve read non-fiction apologetics books by Lee Strobel, which of course were good. I don’t know if he’s written other fiction books, but personally, I think he should. This was full of faith, struggles with faith, corruption, murder, healings, church issues and ambition.
I loved it.
Narrator: Scott Brick was exceptional.
December 2, 2011
For a first attempt at fiction writing, Lee Strobel did a fantastic job. The characters are well developed and his knowledge of Chicago politics shines through. He writes about something he is very familiar with as he weaves a tale of deceit and corruption. He is a former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune with a journalism degree from the University of Missouri, and he has even taught First Amendment Law. Many people live under the delusion that they can control everything and manipulate the facts, people, or evidence to make things turn out the way they want. Some even lie to themselves as blind ambition keeps them from seeing what's happening all around them.
Lee weaves a tale that reminds one of the Godfather saga. If you don't mind overlooking a few sentence fragments, as he sometime writes the way people speak or think, you will come away with a renewed hope and assurance that Good will ultimately triumph over evil. There is also the idea that not every opportunity is something to be pursued. God moves in mysterious ways, and at times in the story, you can almost hear him talking and see him working. Priorities change, and lives are affected. I've said enough. This is a "must read" if you enjoy Christian fiction.
Lee weaves a tale that reminds one of the Godfather saga. If you don't mind overlooking a few sentence fragments, as he sometime writes the way people speak or think, you will come away with a renewed hope and assurance that Good will ultimately triumph over evil. There is also the idea that not every opportunity is something to be pursued. God moves in mysterious ways, and at times in the story, you can almost hear him talking and see him working. Priorities change, and lives are affected. I've said enough. This is a "must read" if you enjoy Christian fiction.
August 23, 2013
If you know anything about Lee Strobel and his own testimony, then you are in for a treat. Not only is The Ambition loaded with suspense and mystery, but it is filled with spirituality. Everything from coming to Christ, to miracles of complete physical healing, to a Pastor moving to politics.
Knowing his background as a reporter, and how Lee sought the truth of Jesus and the Bible, having to have the Bible spelled out as factual for him to come to faith in Jesus, you see that through his characters and appreciate it all the more.
There were many leading, well rounded characters. It’s a story of a church that makes a huge difference in Chicago where there are corrupted judges and politicians that are bought by the mob. The struggles of the church, judges and politicians collide and there are explosions.
The Ambition is a page turner that will leave you with deep thoughts of your own. It was an amazing story that I found very compelling.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at .
Knowing his background as a reporter, and how Lee sought the truth of Jesus and the Bible, having to have the Bible spelled out as factual for him to come to faith in Jesus, you see that through his characters and appreciate it all the more.
There were many leading, well rounded characters. It’s a story of a church that makes a huge difference in Chicago where there are corrupted judges and politicians that are bought by the mob. The struggles of the church, judges and politicians collide and there are explosions.
The Ambition is a page turner that will leave you with deep thoughts of your own. It was an amazing story that I found very compelling.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at .
June 28, 2011
Eric Snow is pastor of a megachurch in Chicago. He and several followers have built up a good solid Christian church. In his former business, he has made millions of dollars and poured much of it into this church. One day he is approached to be a candidate for the US Senate and he is very interested. Soon, he is off the course and living his life with rising aspirations of being a senator than a man of God and what He wants for his life.
Amazing things start happening at the church. Miracles are happening and people are being healed. But his political advisors are recommending that he distance himself from the church. It's not good for his career.
There are other things going on in this book, also. Corrupt judges, a man in the grips of gambling,heavy duty mafia undercurrents...very well done story that will certainly keep your interest. Written by former atheist and newspaper reporter, Lee Strobel, it's a winner!
Amazing things start happening at the church. Miracles are happening and people are being healed. But his political advisors are recommending that he distance himself from the church. It's not good for his career.
There are other things going on in this book, also. Corrupt judges, a man in the grips of gambling,heavy duty mafia undercurrents...very well done story that will certainly keep your interest. Written by former atheist and newspaper reporter, Lee Strobel, it's a winner!
July 6, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was a fun, fast, tight read. It moves at a good pace, it had me guessing as to how it was going to be resolved, and I liked how Christianity was interwoven throughout the other elements of the story (a preacher wanting to leave his church to go into politics, a crooked judge, members of the mafia, a couple of hitmen, a cynical reporter or two, and some legal "stuff" as well). The character development was decent; I thought the various "internal conflicts" were believable, for the most part. I thought it would "evolve into a mystery" of sorts, but it never seemed to quite do that (turn into a full-blown mystery novel).
There was one line that really stood out to me in the book:
I enjoyed the book; I think I would enjoy reading another such book if he were to write one. In any case, it was a fast-and-fun read; I had a hard time putting it down. I am glad I took a chance on reading it.
There was one line that really stood out to me in the book:
I enjoyed the book; I think I would enjoy reading another such book if he were to write one. In any case, it was a fast-and-fun read; I had a hard time putting it down. I am glad I took a chance on reading it.
October 9, 2015
Picked at random from the library shelf as I work my way upwards from Updike to ... well, whatever starts with "A." Corruption and murder in real time with a dose of evangelical Christianity, and a little confusion as to how, or whether, to mix religion and politics. Reinforces my squeamishness about religionists.
November 15, 2014
This book is about decisions, politics and relationship with God. It's a funny novel and easy to read. There are a lot of stuffs that make you think about your own life and I think that it's a kind of book of reflexions more than a novel.
January 26, 2021
I have enjoyed Lee Strobel's non-fiction books regarding "proving" Christianity. This is the first fiction book I have read by him and it is pretty good. It all evolves around things Strobel is familiar with-Chicago, newspapers, lawyers, and mega-churches. He does a good job tying them all together in a quick, intense read with twists and turns.
I have attended a couple of different mega-churches on a regular basis during my lifetime so I could help but picture the leader of those churches in the Eric Snow role. Snow is the leader of Diamond Point. With the Illinois Senator having to stepdown from his position due to scandal, Snow, along with a Judge, is the leading candidate for the position to be appointed by the Governor. Both Snow and the Judge have ambition and the reader will need to determine if each candidate has the right motivation.
Throw in the mob who is determined to get their way using whatever force is necessary and you have an enjoyable tale. Strobel throws in a Christian message which goes well with the mega-church being a dominant force in the book. Any story with twists and God is likely to get high marks from me.
I have attended a couple of different mega-churches on a regular basis during my lifetime so I could help but picture the leader of those churches in the Eric Snow role. Snow is the leader of Diamond Point. With the Illinois Senator having to stepdown from his position due to scandal, Snow, along with a Judge, is the leading candidate for the position to be appointed by the Governor. Both Snow and the Judge have ambition and the reader will need to determine if each candidate has the right motivation.
Throw in the mob who is determined to get their way using whatever force is necessary and you have an enjoyable tale. Strobel throws in a Christian message which goes well with the mega-church being a dominant force in the book. Any story with twists and God is likely to get high marks from me.
February 13, 2019
Set in Chicago, this story includes mafia, lawyers, reporters, politics and scandal. There's also a church, pastors, miracles and changed lives. Gary Strider one of the top investigative reporters for the second biggest newspaper in Chicago is looking for a story, something that will discredit a mega church. His once live-in girlfriend now attends there, and because of this church she felt convicted about them living together and moved out. He's out to prove they're phony. At the same time the head pastor, Eric Snow, feels lead to pursue politics, and is a possible nomination for a vacant senate seat. His competitor is a long time judge, Reece McKelvey, with questionable connections.
Plenty interesting though nothing too impressive about the story. Except maybe the fact that I'm a Chicago girl, so this kind of story intrigues me. Overall, I was drawn to see where the choices each person made lead them, and how this all played out.
Plenty interesting though nothing too impressive about the story. Except maybe the fact that I'm a Chicago girl, so this kind of story intrigues me. Overall, I was drawn to see where the choices each person made lead them, and how this all played out.
March 9, 2021
The ambition is probably the best Christian fiction I have read in a very long time, it is also one of the best political fiction I have read in general. The complicated characters and their ambitions are so believable and make you feel related to a certain point. I think everyone who has had a certain position in a church will feel identified with Snow, and for everyone who has an Athiest friend or family member, Strider is very well written and not exaggerated. I was afraid that this would only be another Christian only novel, that can only be read if you ignore that any other book that is not Christian is doing better than this book, but no, this is a well rounded, well written, and easy to read novel that I'm sure anyone can read and enjoy, despite if you are a Christian or not.
December 21, 2021
I tripped over this in my library search for new mysteries/thrillers in audio books. I never heard of the author but love the reader (Scott Brick) so I gave it a whirl. And I enjoyed it enormously. Good characters, good story - what more do I need. An evangelist and a judge are contenders to fill a Senate term abandoned by the guy elected. A reporter is thrown into the mix. The story hangs together with all the needed credibility.
I'm sorry Strobel does no have more mystery/thrillers in his list o' books. I'd read 'em all.
I'm sorry Strobel does no have more mystery/thrillers in his list o' books. I'd read 'em all.
April 3, 2022
Good, not great book that feels like a lower end John Grisham novel. Strobel is best known for writing the "Case For Christ" series and is a lawyer by trade (similar to Grisham). The writing in "The Ambition" is good, but I've long said the strength of books like this are character development. The great books in this genre ("The Firm, The Client," and the entire Jake Brigance series) all have first rate characters. Unfortunately, "The Ambition" lacks high quality characters.
This is a fast-paced read that is enjoyable and recommended for those that enjoy this genre.
This is a fast-paced read that is enjoyable and recommended for those that enjoy this genre.
April 28, 2018
I not a huge fan of lawyer and/or reporter based books. But this one did keep me interested. You have a reporter looking for dirt on a church pastor who is in the running for an appointment to a political seat. Though the reason the reporter is looking for dirt isn't because of the possible appointment. Then there is the dirty lawyer who is also a possible for the political appointment. Of course, paths start crossing, people start dying and the story gets interesting.
December 19, 2018
A complex thriller featuring the mob, a corrupt judge, a disillusioned megachurch pastor, and a cynical reporter. The story features political intrigue and ruthless killing and unfolds in what is mostly a predictable read. This narrative of faith and miracles, of greed and power, will not disappoint. Edgy characters, strong situations, and a twisty plot all combine to create this page-turner.
Recommended.
Recommended.
May 11, 2020
Esta novela fue bastante buena, sin embargo solo le puedo dar 3 estrellas por dos razones principales. La primera es que muchas de las historias de los distintos personajes parecen acabar de manera abrupta, sin una clara resolución del conflicto. La segunda razón, es que, lamentablemente, la traducción al español deja bastante que desear en algunas secciones de la historia. A pesar de esto, sà recomendarÃa este libro y continuaré leyendo lo que escribe Lee Strobel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was not hard to follow, which is perfect for a novice political crime reader like me, and there was a good amount of relationships and growth. I wish the ending had been less vague. It left the characters growth a little too much to the imagination. It seemed to end very abruptly and without much closure for the reader. This works well in some books, but I expected more from this one.
August 19, 2017
This is an excellent novel. It has suspense, intrigue, and intertwined story lines. Lee Strobel's gift of writing makes it easy to read and follow but leaves the outcome in doubt as a good novel should. The descriptions and characters make it easy to form good mental images of what is taking place. It is hard to put down. I highly recommend it.
May 17, 2018
I read this after reading Case For Christ. I grew up in the church so LOVE reading church-themed novels. This was a quick-paced, short read that tickles that “what goes on in the polictical-mega Church dark side� itch. The narrator feels “film noir� to me, which kind of cheapens the story, although doesn’t ruin it. This was an entertaining read that Strobel has a knack for writing. Wouldn’t mind a recommendation for another mega-church themed read.
October 15, 2018
It is a story of corruption of power, lost of direction, addiction, and many characters. In fact there really is no main character, was it the pastor, the reporter, who knows since many characters had major input. I enjoyed the way that the book integrated the multiple lives to tell the story.
January 22, 2020
An interesting and somewhat enjoyable read. The introduction was a little too long, and the conclusion a little too short. Also, it shifted from past tense to present tense a few times, which was jarring. The characters were interesting and well-developed.
May 12, 2020
A very good book
I was intrigued with the story and it really made me think about the moral questions the author presents. It is a well written book with the right amount of thriller in it.
I was intrigued with the story and it really made me think about the moral questions the author presents. It is a well written book with the right amount of thriller in it.
November 15, 2020
I LIKED LEE STROBEL'S FIRST ATTEMPT AT A NOVEL. PLOT WAS ENTERTAINING. IT CAME FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE AND HAD A SURPRISE ENDING. I WAS DRAWN TO IT SINCE IT TOOK PLACE IN CHICAGO AND DELVED INTO THE MOB AND THE DIRTY SIDE OF POLITICS AND HOW JUDGES CAN BE BOUGHT.
December 20, 2020
This was surprisingly good. Not because the author does not have skill but because it’s ratings were not great. I enjoyed it and like the intrigue and the fact I could not see how it was going to resolve itself.
Recommended
Recommended
December 22, 2023
I'm always leary of Christian authors, even being a Christian myself. I took a chance with this book because Im a fan of Lee Strobel's non-fiction books. I'm so glad I did! Plus, having Scott Brick as the narrator is always a plus!
January 10, 2024
Excellent explanations in layman terms
This is a story for young and old alike. Exciting and thrilling story line that makes a theoretical explanations easy and enjoyable to read. I hope Mr Strobel will write more stories in the future.
This is a story for young and old alike. Exciting and thrilling story line that makes a theoretical explanations easy and enjoyable to read. I hope Mr Strobel will write more stories in the future.
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