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tanyarobinson's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the suspense in this book -- there was constant action, constant intrigue in foreign policy, and so much of it mirrored what's actually happening in the world. Though ISIS has taken a different road in reality than when Rosenberg was writing this book a year ago, his vision feels very true-to-life. I loved that amidst the fictional characters he placed the actual King of Jordan, Abdullah II, and through him taught a lot about the political importance of Jordan in the Middle Eastern balance. The other characters were well-written, even though the American president comes off looking like a naive coward.
Rosenberg's books are published by Tyndale house, which automatically identifies them as Christian. Some of his titles have felt overly preachy, and some are a bit too focused on end-days prophecies for my tastes, but this one had a great balance of modern war and politics and spiritual soul-searching.
And talk about a cliff-hanger! I will be reading the next book in this series shortly!
Rosenberg's books are published by Tyndale house, which automatically identifies them as Christian. Some of his titles have felt overly preachy, and some are a bit too focused on end-days prophecies for my tastes, but this one had a great balance of modern war and politics and spiritual soul-searching.
And talk about a cliff-hanger! I will be reading the next book in this series shortly!
booksnhistory's review against another edition
5.0
I seriously need more stars for this. I loved the suspense and action of this book. I can't wait to read the next one. I placed the hold for this from my library and now I'm going to buy the books so I can reread it!
jessy_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
3lea's review against another edition
1.75
it's rare for a book to give me goosebumps, but this one just made fun of that.
Me throughout reading this book:
F------,
Me throughout reading this book:
F------,
cjbookjunkie's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! That was some finish to the first book in his new series. Once again, Joel C. Rosenberg writes a provides us a novel that is full of timely and accurate information in regards to the geopolitical climate of the Middle East and USA, and he does it in this fast-paced and riveting story. I'm ready for the next installment. It is critical that we as U.S. citizens understand the religion-based politics that guide the actions of all those in the Middle East so that we understand how our own decision as individuals and as a country effect not only our country, but the world. Mr. Rosenberg does a great job educating us on this subject in his book.
netherfield72's review against another edition
5.0
If you want to read a political thriller based on current event's Joel C Rosenberg is you guy. He has a way of predicting events without trying. He writes fiction but sometimes events or his story ideas of what can happen comes true. He just bases it on biblical truth and current events. It's scary how real this story could be. But for those who are in Christ have nothing to fear.
canada_matt's review against another edition
5.0
Rosenberg presents yet another political thriller with aspects pulled from the headlines, sure to interest a large cross-section of readers. New York Times foreign correspondent J. B. Collins is given a once in a lifetime opportunity, to interview a high-ranking official of ISIS. Collins can use this exclusive as a means to learn much about the organisation and its structure. While the governments of Iraq and Syria have both been targets, Collins learns of a third target, one in which terror will precede complete territorial and government take over. After learning that ISIS might have captured a collection of chemical weapons from the Syrians, Collins seeks to confirm the story and share it with the world in a second and more dangerous interview. Attacked on US soil and captured when he makes it to the Middle East, Collins is shown just how deeply rooted ISIS has become and what it has in store for a secret peace announcement in the region. Pulling clues from his interviews and end-times biblical passages, Collins may have revealed the largest coup ISIS has in store for the world. Powerfully written, with a cliffhanger that will have readers begging for a sequel, Rosenberg pulls the reader in with his typical political writing, peppered with biblical foundations. Well worth the investment of those seeking to understand this new terror group emerging around the world.
After reading an academic book on ISIS last summer and being highly disappointed, I was unsure if Rosenberg would try to decorate this novel with the same superficial set of facts. Rosenberg defies these expectations, spinning a masterful tale, telling not only of the fluctuations in Middle East politics, but also presents ISIS history and future goals in a comprehensive manner. Pulling on many sources, as well as biblical predictions, Rosenberg debunks the lone image known to the general public, that ISIS is solely interested in kidnappings and public executions. Readers looking for a great piece of fiction while also learning a great deal should certainly give this book a chance, provided their curiosity comes with a tolerance for Christian semonising in a lukewarm form.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg for this wonderful novel. You know your stuff and tell things in such a credible way that I often wonder how much is simply fiction.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After reading an academic book on ISIS last summer and being highly disappointed, I was unsure if Rosenberg would try to decorate this novel with the same superficial set of facts. Rosenberg defies these expectations, spinning a masterful tale, telling not only of the fluctuations in Middle East politics, but also presents ISIS history and future goals in a comprehensive manner. Pulling on many sources, as well as biblical predictions, Rosenberg debunks the lone image known to the general public, that ISIS is solely interested in kidnappings and public executions. Readers looking for a great piece of fiction while also learning a great deal should certainly give this book a chance, provided their curiosity comes with a tolerance for Christian semonising in a lukewarm form.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg for this wonderful novel. You know your stuff and tell things in such a credible way that I often wonder how much is simply fiction.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
175's review against another edition
4.0
It was a compelling page turner, though the way the protagonist interacted with one of the political leaders seemed improbable. And a journalist repeatedly avoiding near certain death wasn't believable...at least without divine intervention playing a part - and I'll be unsurprised if the protagonist comes to believe it did in the next book in the series.
brazilianmelody's review against another edition
3.0
The message is good. I'm glad Rosenberg is trying to raise awareness of current events from a biblical standpoint. Seems like everyone has an opinion on what is happening or what is going to happen. I trust rosenberg's understanding of the Middle East and eschitology.
That said, as a novel, this one wasn't as good as his previous works. I've read some of his previous novels, and he is good at writing fiction, but this one didn't quite grab me.
I still recommend it for people interested in rosenberg's insights, but if you're looking for a really good story with complex plot and character development, this book probably won't cut it.
I highly respect the author and will check out other books of his. Maybe the next in this series will be closer to his usual standard.
That said, as a novel, this one wasn't as good as his previous works. I've read some of his previous novels, and he is good at writing fiction, but this one didn't quite grab me.
I still recommend it for people interested in rosenberg's insights, but if you're looking for a really good story with complex plot and character development, this book probably won't cut it.
I highly respect the author and will check out other books of his. Maybe the next in this series will be closer to his usual standard.