Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog

Lynn and I are so pleased to announce that our dear friend, Anne Graham Lotz — the daughter of the late Dr. Billy Graham and an internationally renowned Bible teacher in her own right — has just agreed to join us on The Joshua Fund cruise to Alaska from August 2 through 9. Wow, what a blessing that will be!

A VACATION WITH A PURPOSE: This is going to be a restful, refreshing and encouraging time of worship, Bible study, prayer, rich fellowship, and briefings on the ministry of The Joshua Fund in the Epicenter. You’ll hear updates on the exciting miracles that our Lord Jesus Christ is doing in Israel and the Arab/Muslim world amidst this terrible time of war and terror. Plus, you’ll have lots of time for you to ask Lynn me all the questions you ever wanted — and so much time just to enjoy the beautiful of God’s exquisite creation in Alaska! We would so love for you and your family, friends, and small group Bible study to join us — but cabins are filling up so please register today and secure your spot!

THE BEIJING BETRAYAL released on March 11th — order your copy, and one for a family member or friend!

Would you like to become a monthly donor to The Joshua Fund? Amidst war, terror and darkness in Israel and the Arab world, come help us invest in the local Church as we shine the light of Jesus the Messiah! Help us strengthen and equip believers in the Epicenter to preach the Word, shepherd the flock, care for the poor, and fulfill the Great Commission. And help us educate the Church around the world about God’s love and prophetic plan for the people of the Epicenter. Now more than ever, we need your help. May the Lord bless you and your family as you bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus!

The post NEW: Anne Graham Lotz agrees to teach on Joshua Fund Alaska cruise in August — please register today to join us! appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

Greetings from Washington. It’s been an exciting launch week. Here’s a quick update.

On Sunday, Shannon Bream interviewed me about President Trump, the State of the Union, the rising threat from Communist China to the U.S. and Israel, and my new novel on FOX NEWS SUNDAY.On Tuesday, THE BEIJING BETRAYAL released nationwide in hardcover — and worldwide in audio and e-book formats.Immediately, the novel became the #1 terrorism thriller on Amazon where it has stayed all week. Throughout the week, I’ve been doing almost non-stop interviews, including on Fox News Radio, Newsmax, TBN, CBN News, Merit Street Media, and many others.This morning, I’m flying to California so that on Sunday I can speak at Pastor Greg Laurie Harvest Church, on both campuses. Have you gotten your copy yet? I hope you’ll order one for yourself and one as a gift for a friend or family member! Thanks so much to everyone who is reading it and enjoying THE BEIJING BETRAYAL! I’m so grateful to all of you who have made it a national best-seller already! God bless you.

I also want to remind you that Lynn and I are leading a Joshua Fund cruise to Alaska in the first week of August — it’s going to be a great time of worship, Bible study, a careful look at Bible prophecy, fellowship, briefings on the work of The Joshua Fund, updates on the exciting miracles that Christ is doing in Israel and the Arab/Muslim world even amidst a time of war and terror, and lots of time for you to ask Lynn me all the questions you ever wanted! We would so love for you and your family and friends to join us but cabins are filling up so please register today and secure your spot.

If China invades Taiwan, it’s World War III – that’s why Trump spent more time on China than Israel during State of the Union (ALL ISRAEL NEWS) Author Joel Rosenberg Believes a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Could Trigger WW3 (CBN News) Would you like to learn more about The Joshua Fund become a monthly prayer and financial supporter of $25, $50, $100, or more to bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus? Please click here to learn more and get involved!

The post ‘Beijing Betrayal’ becomes #1 terrorism thriller on Amazon in 1st week — plus an update on our Alaska cruise appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

Have you ever been to Alaska? We’ve always wanted to go and this summer The Joshua Fund is hosting an “Epicenter Briefing” at sea. Come with us! It’ll be an amazing time of refreshment, rest, and renewal. A time to study the Scriptures together — including Bible prophecy — pray every day for Israel and her Arab/Muslim neighbors, worship the Lord together, make new friends, and rekindle our marriages. It will also be a time for us to share with the latest spiritual and geopolitical developments and trends in the Epicenter, answer your questions, and introduce you to some of our ministry partners from Israel and the region. You’ll hear powerful testimonies of God’s love and mercy, of lives changed, and of exciting new ministry doors that the Lord is opening for The Joshua Fund team. We’ll also share more about the media ministry of ALL ISRAEL NEWS and ALL ARAB NEWS, a major strategic partner of The Joshua Fund. Please click here to get all the details and be sure to sign up soon. It’s going to be the adventure of a lifetime and we would so love to have you with us!

THE BEIJING BETRAYAL releases on March 11th — don’t forget to pre-order your copy, and one for a family member or friend!

Would you like to become a monthly donor to The Joshua Fund? Amidst war, terror and darkness in Israel and the Arab world, come help us invest in the local Church as we shine the light of Jesus the Messiah! Help us strengthen and equip believers in the Epicenter to preach the Word, shepherd the flock, care for the poor, and fulfill the Great Commission. Now more than ever, we need your help. May the Lord bless you and your family as you bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus!

The post Join Lynn & me on The Joshua Fund’s Alaska cruise August 2-9, 2025 appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

In the pulse-pounding final installment of the Marcus Ryker series, The Beijing Betrayal, the leaders of Communist China are secretly plotting to invade Taiwan and challenge American supremacy in the Pacific.

And no one in Washington has any idea what’s coming.

Marcus Ryker has been tasked with hunting down Abu Nakba, the most wanted terrorist in the world. The latest intel sends him and his team to Pakistan. There, they discover a horrifying secret inside a state-of-the-art lab to create new biological weapons. Marcus orders the lab rigged with explosives, but the plan goes bad, and a massive explosion rocks the city.

News of the blast breaks in Washington just as President Carlos Hernandez is engaged in tense trade negotiations to forge a landmark agreement with China on trade and counterterrorism.

Little does the president realize that Beijing is almost finished preparing its imminent invasion of Taiwan.

Or that a terrifying new virus is about to be released inside the U.S. to kill millions and thwart Washington’s capacity to defend its ally.

In the riveting conclusion to the bestselling series, Ryker and his team must race to stop Beijing and the Kairos terror network before they unleash a catastrophe that brings the superpowers to the brink of nuclear war.

A thrilling, fast-paced suspense novel for fans of Jack Carr, Ryan Steck, and Kyle MillsPerfect for fans of high-stakes geopolitical thrillers full of heart-racing actionThe last book in the Marcus Ryker series by New York Times bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg

To pre-order, please click here

To read a sneak preview of the 1st chapter, please click here

The post New year, new novel: The Beijing Betrayal releases March 11th — pre-order now! appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

Love these two new reviews and wanted to pass them along:

Review of The Libyan Diversion — by Steve Netter, The Best Thriller Books websiteThe Libyan Diversion: Another Rosenberg Smash Hit of Truth Forecast in Fiction — by Arlene Samuels, CBN Israel

Be sure to pre-order copies for yourself, as well as for family and friends — click here for options

One more thing: With Israel celebrating the 75th anniversary since our miraculous and prophetic rebirth in 1948, I’m jazzed to announce that Lynn and I will be leading The Joshua Fund’s next Prayer & Vision Tour to Israel this Fall. The dates are November 28 through December 8th. Click here for more information and prices and be sure to sign up right away!

The post As 5/16 launch approaches, two great new reviews of THE LIBYAN DIVERSION — plus, join my next Israel tour! appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

Here are excerpts from this amazing first review of the novel:

“New York Times bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg, one of the best headline-beating novelist in fiction today, is back with his most thrilling and shocking novel to date.”“After taking a year off between releases, Rosenberg is back and better than ever. After penning numerous trilogies and smaller series previously in his career, Rosenberg finally has his true series guy in Markus Ryker, who has quickly established himself as the man to call in a bad situation. A hero on par with Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath, Ryker anchors what might just be Rosenberg’s best work so far….”“One thing that’s indisputable is that The Libyan Diversion is Rosenberg’s most timely novel to date.”“Rosenberg hits on several relevant issues, including the speed at which the media can spin a story and how public opinion can drive a narrative, dominating airwaves and talk shows as public outcry rages on….What Rosenberg does so well, though, is take you into the room with those characters who, for better or worse, are at the center of such unjust outcry.”“[T]here are few people better at plotting than Rosenberg, who puts on a masterclass here, weaving his way through various adrenalin-pumping action sequences and moments of nerve-wracking suspense while still taking time to flesh out Ryker and the rest of his cast.”“Perfect for fans of Brad Thor and Daniel Silva, Joel C. Rosenberg’s The Libyan Diversion is just the kind of blistering, unflinching, ripped-straight-from-tomorrow’s-headlines thriller that his readers have come to expect.”

The novel releases on May 16th — you can pre-order from your favorite book retailer by clicking here.

The post The Libyan Diversion is Rosenberg’s “most thrilling and shocking novel to date,” says The Real Book Spy website. appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

From New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg comes the fifth military and international political thriller in the Marcus Ryker series.

The world’s most wanted terrorist is dead. Marcus Ryker recommended the drone strike himself. The intelligence was rock-solid. But what if it was wrong?

Abu Nakba―the man responsible for lethal attacks in Washington, D.C., London, and Jerusalem―is finally dead. Marcus Ryker has been tasked with hunting down and destroying what’s left of the terror group Kairos.

But before Ryker can mobilize his team of CIA operatives with their new assignment, a disturbing report from Libya suggests all may not be as it seems. The U.S. bombing that should have taken out Nakba’s headquarters now appears to have been a disastrous mistake―and Ryker himself may be responsible.

With Kairos gearing up for a major retaliatory strike against the U.S., time is short, and terror cells may already be inside American borders. But Ryker won’t be able to stop this threat until he clears his own name, and his closest ally inside the White House can no longer help him.

The Libyan diversion threatens to leave Ryker on the sidelines just when his country needs him most.

Pre-order from Amazon Pre-order from Barnes & Noble Pre-order from other wonderful retailers

The post Next Marcus Ryker thriller — “The Libyan Diversion” — releases on May 16th. Pre-order today! appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

On September 18, I’m excited to speak via video about my new book, ENEMIES AND ALLIES, as part of a virtual fundraiser for the ministry founded and led by my parents. Please register today and join us! https://www.ministryarchitecture.com

The post Register now for special online event to discuss ENEMIES AND ALLIES and the future of Israel and the Middle East! appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — Here’s the latest interview I did as part of the book tour. It was published on April 5th by BookTrib, “the leading source for book news and reviews.” Enjoy!

THE REALITY BEHIND FICTION THRILLERS

“The top priority of a thriller writer is to thrill — to make your heart rate spike.”

So says author Joel C. Rosenberg, and when it comes to his latest work, The Beirut Protocol, mission accomplished. “I want you to be able to look over the shoulders of bad guys plotting their next moves.”

In the fourth installment of Rosenberg’s gripping new series with plenty of political intrigue, agent Marcus Ryker finds himself in the most dangerous situation he has ever faced; he is captured, brutalized and dragged deep behind enemy lines. (Learn more about the novel in our review.)

Rosenberg’s background and ties to political leaders around the world add a layer of unique credibility to his writing. He recently discussed The Beirut Protocol with BookTrib, going into detail on how and why it came about. 

Q: In your novels,  The Beirut Protocol  included, you take people to places they may not want to go and advance real-life theories they may not want to hear. Is that part of being a thriller writer?

A: Absolutely. I need to draw you into a fictional world that fascinates and frightens you. I love to take my readers into places I’ve always wanted to go: the Oval Office, the White House Situation Room, the Kremlin, the palaces of Arab kings and crown princes, the inner sanctum of the Supreme Leader of Iran, the underground bunkers of radical Islamist terror masters, and so forth. And I want to put you inside the world of one of the CIA’s top operatives, Marcus Ryker, as he tries to decipher and defuse the plots against the U.S. and our allies.

Q: Are you trying to send any subtle or not-so-subtle messages to your readers, or is this just an entertaining ride?

A: Above all, I’m trying to entertain my readers. But I do have other objectives, one of which is to warn of threats I believe could blindside America and our allies if our leaders misunderstand or ignore them. Americans have been fighting the forces of radical Islamism for two decades, and I’m concerned that they are tired of the fight. They feel they have invested enough blood, toil, tears and sweat to protect their country and way of life. That’s understandable — indeed, I completely sympathize — but the problem is that the forces of radical Islamism are angrier and more dangerous than ever before, and there are other threats rising, too, in Russia, in North Korea and in Communist China. I’m trying to educate and warn my readers about these threats and why we must not let down our guard, even for a moment. 

Q: You have had the chance to meet world leaders at the very highest levels. What kind of influence or impact has that had on your writing?

A: One of the most unexpected developments in recent years has been the wide range of world leaders who have read my novels and invited me to meet with them. Among them have been Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State (and former CIA Director) Mike Pompeo, back when they were both serving in Congress. Jordan’s King Abdullah II read The First Hostage, which was about ISIS trying to assassinate him, and rather than banning me from Jordan, the king invited my wife and me to visit him in Amman. President George W. Bush has become a reader of my novels, and the king and crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and the prime minister of Canada. Leaders in Europe and here in my home country of Israel have as well. I have been very fortunate, and I think these meetings and relationships have made my novels much richer and more interesting. 

Q: Here are a few things we’ve heard about Marcus Ryker: He is your favorite character, he does not fit the typical superhero mold, and in  The Beirut Protocol,  we see him as we’ve never seen him before. Please explain all!

A: There is no question that Marcus Ryker is my favorite character I’ve written. Marcus is one of the most effective agents employed by the CIA. He is highly trained, incredibly smart and brave beyond belief. At the same time, Marcus has been wounded in combat as a Marine and in the line of fire as a Secret Service agent. He has also been wounded by the murder of his wife and son, by failing to protect the two people closest to him. He is free to take enormous risks to keep his country safe, but he struggles to know how to rebuild his private world. Is he wired to lead a quiet life and raise a family? Or is he called to a life of danger for which he should remain single and alone? It’s this tension between his professional skills and calling, and his private desires and questions, that intrigues me.

Q: How do you go about doing the research for your books?

A: I certainly do a great deal of nonfiction reading when I’m not writing novels, mostly autobiographies, biographies and history. I’ve also been very fortunate over the years to have built a wonderful network of current and former spies, CIA directors, special forces operatives, ambassadors, political strategists and others who have become great resources. I carve out time to meet with these sources, asking them questions and getting their advice and suggestions. There’s no question that I do a lot of googling, too. But I find that having coffee and tea and breaking bread with real people who are currently engaged in confronting our worst enemies — or spent their lives doing so, even if they are now retired — is the best form of research. 

Q: What did you find to be the most difficult scene in the book to write?

A: My hero is captured by the enemy in the opening chapters of The Beirut Protocol. It’s hard to write about people being tortured. You try to imagine yourself in that situation and it’s stomach-turning. How does your protagonist handle it? At what point does he break? And how in the world is he going to be rescued or escape? I’ve written 15 previous novels, and I’ve never put any of my heroes in a situation quite like this. Plus, while Marcus is being held and tortured, a massive missile war is erupting between Israel and Hezbollah. That was hard to write because my family and I live in Israel and could one day, maybe soon, have to go through Hezbollah firing 4,000 missiles a day at us. That’s terrifying, I have to tell you.

Q: What’s your next project?

A: Even as I work on my next Marcus Ryker novel, I’m finishing up the final edits on a nonfiction book called Enemies & Allies: An Unforgettable Journey Inside the Fast-Moving & Immensely Turbulent Modern Middle East. Twenty years after 9/11, the book looks at where the region is headed, how attitudes toward the U.S. and Israel are changing, and how events in the Middle East will affect our futures. This book gives me an opportunity to take you inside meetings I’ve had with the president of the United States, the vice president, the secretary of state, multiple CIA directors, the prime minister and president of Israel, Arab kings and crown princes, and so many others, about the most important and sensitive issues of our time. This is the first nonfiction book I’ve written in almost a decade, and I’m very pleased with how it turned out. 

The post “The top priority of a thriller writer is to thrill — to make your heart rate spike.” My latest interview on #TheBeirutProtocol. appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.

Novelists are not prophets or psychics, clairvoyants or descendants of Nostradamus.

They are not supposed to be, at least.

But over the years, some  have seemed pretty close.

Dean Koontz once wrote a thriller called, The Eyes of Darkness, which predicted a global pandemic started by a lethal virus called the “Wuhan-400,”  originating in Wuhan, China.

True, in the original edition published in 1981, the virus was produced in the Soviet Union and it was called the “Gorki-400.” In 1989, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Koontz put out a new edition in which he changed the villain to the Communist Chinese government.

Plenty of naysayers say Koontz didn’t get it exactly right—but….

[To read my full article, please click here.]

[To get your copy of THE BEIRUT PROTCOL — in hardcover, e-book, or audio formats — please click here.]

The post Can novelists predict the future? Here’s a column I wrote for “Crime Reads” magazine. appeared first on Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog.