I enjoy reading suspense or thriller fiction. I have recently been checking out just what is out there in the Christian thriller or suspense genre. When this title became available from Tyndale for review, I knew I wanted to read it. Wow! I have not been disappointed. This was truly one of those books you just cannot put down. I would pick it up to read during middle-of-the-night feedings. I would tuck the baby back in bed, and continue reading–at 2 am. The characters were well developed. The story line was detailed, but not so many details you needed to take notes to keep up. The plot is very timely and scarily possible. Just after I finished reading this, I heard this very topic being discussed on talk radio, on two different occasions. The back of the book has a quote from the Washington Times about novels by Joel C. Rosenberg being “ripped from the headlines”. This certainly holds true for this one. Like with most fiction, there are some predictable revelations and ways in which things occur. We expect CIA operatives to have the latest technology and toys to be just right for that particular part of the job. What was a joy to read, were the scenes detailing various Muslim characters coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus. As someone only vaguely familiar with Islam, it was interesting to learn of their messiah and prophecies concerning him. I am, perhaps, child-like in my belief that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. It seems so plain and obvious to me, that I am startled to realize that others are just as fervent in their faith (mistaken as it may be) in anything else. Mr. Rosenberg writes of this in a way that is not preachy, nor too weak. I am now adding his other novels to my ‘want to read’ list. For fear of sharing too much, let me share with you what the back of my review copy says:
As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the United States, CIA operative David Shirazi ships into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program-without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war.
As David begins to infiltrate Iranian government circles, news spreads throughout the region of a mysterious cleric claiming to be the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spread like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares a final strike that will bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
I have been provided with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this title by Tyndale for review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.