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J. B. Collins #1
The Third Target
When New York Times foreign correspondent J. B. Collins hears rumors that an al-Qaeda splinter cell--ISIS--has captured a cache of chemical weapons inside Syria, he knows this is a story he must pursue at all costs. Does the commander of the jihadist faction really have weapons of mass destruction? If so, who is the intended target? The U.S.? Israel? Or someone else? With tensions already high, the impending visit of the American president to the region could prove to be the spark that sets off an explosion of horrendous proportions. Knowing that terrorist forces are already trying to bring down two Arab governments in the region--Iraq and Syria--can Collins uncover the truth before it's too late? Or will the terrorists succeed in setting their sights on the third target and achieving genocide?
450 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2015
1095 people are currently reading
4306 people want to read
About the author
Joel C. Rosenberg
53 books2,968 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews
April 30, 2016
Just can't put it down. So awesome!
November 11, 2018
Although a bit wordy and predictable at times, this was an enjoyable thriller. I love that Rosenberg writes about such timely and relevant subjects.
February 5, 2015
After a somewhat slow start, this book took off in an almost prophetic way. I often had to remind myself that Mr Rosenberg was writing before the events in Jordan had taken place and not after. It is frightening how very close he has pegged the situation with ISIS and the strength and courage of Jordan's leader, King Abdullah ll. Perhaps it is not so hard to predict the coming crisis that ISIS is predicating and its role in the extreme wants of the Jihadists, that of Israel's destruction and the death to all infidels. If this book coupled with today's headlines doesn't scare us as Americans, then I guess nothing will.
Let's hope that Mr Rosenberg has not predicted what will happen in the ensuing crisis in the Middle East both to Christian, Jews, and moderate Muslims.
Let's hope that Mr Rosenberg has not predicted what will happen in the ensuing crisis in the Middle East both to Christian, Jews, and moderate Muslims.
June 8, 2022
A warning we should heed
Another fabulous book by Joel C. rosenberg. This time his insights on ISIS should give us a warning on this group and wake up our minds to the path this group is taking.
Another fabulous book by Joel C. rosenberg. This time his insights on ISIS should give us a warning on this group and wake up our minds to the path this group is taking.
April 12, 2015
C'mon, folks! How can this book garner 4 and 5 stars? Don't get me wrong. I like the author. I think Joel C. Rosenberg is a great guy who has a pulse on world affairs. I enjoyed Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future. When I read The Twelfth Imam, although I liked it, I suspected that he might be better at nonfiction than fiction. The Third Target confirmed my suspicions. Here we have a journalist who becomes so impassioned with the Jordanian king that he transforms himself into Jason Bourne, taking out dozens of trained ISIS soldiers. He's just seen people being beheaded and killed by sarin gas. Despite this, as he waits for the peace-signing ceremony to commence, he has the audacity to ask "What could go wrong?" The buildup to the action scenes made me roll my eyes. The police jargon coming from this seasoned reporter also grated on my nerves. This is about what it read like, for pages: "I emptied my mag and reloaded, emptying it into three terrorists who all dropped..." Ugh! And this will have a sequel?! I would read another of his nonfiction books but this will do for fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2015
The plot was a decent one, but the main character was just not very interesting, & he was downright egotistical & annoying to me. The way he seems to escape death so many times would never happen realistically. He has no concept of survivor skills & put people around him in danger for his own gain. ISIS would have killed him in Syria or taken him hostage & that would have been more realistic. He would neither be treated like royalty by foreign governments/monarchies, nor courted by spy agencies. This book could have been much better if it was more accurate, & I didn't realize it was going to be from a Christian fiction genre either. I will not be reading anymore of this author's books.
January 3, 2015
I don't know how Joel Rosenberg does it, but he has captured the headlines once again. My only question is ... When does the next one come out?!
April 18, 2015
Great idea. Fine writing. Exciting action and a generally likable and interesting protagonist. But. When I got to the altar call in the middle of the story, I quit. I also stop reading novels that rely too heavily on vulgar language, sex or polarizing political views. I would greatly enjoy a straight up thriller written by Mr. Rosenberg. This isn't.
February 1, 2015
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/
December 2, 2020
You really need to suspend disbelief for this for this book. Protagonist is like a comic book hero.
August 19, 2017
Joel C. Rosenberg proves himself to be "a modern Nostradamus" once again, by telling about the evil actions of terrorist group ISIS/ISIL...before most people had ever heard of them. A chilling read, but a great one, and very timely.
September 1, 2015
Time and time again Rosenberg has written novels that have turned out to be things that have happened in reality, almost as if he were a prophet. How does he do this? He says it's simply from studying Old Testament prophecies which describe events to occur in the End Times. Then he uses his imagination to create a story of events that could logically happen. Once again he is spot on in realism, and he doesn’t disappoint with his latest book, tying the conflict inherent in the Middle East with the real-life potential of an extremist terrorist group obtaining weapons of mass destruction. At the heart of the story is ISIS, a fast-growing threat unheard of even just a couple of years ago. As we all know, ISIS is like a savage animal with no regard to human life. Rosenberg helps us to see that in a personal, sickening way.
Rosenberg has a way of writing that is reminiscent of Vince Flynn or Brad Thor, even Tom Clancy. The only problem with reading his book is that when you finish it, you know that it will be at least a year before the next part comes out!
The book, told from a Biblical Christian worldview, is action-packed, building in tension until the climatic cliff-hanger, which is likely page one of the next book. I can see this becoming a series of several more novels, all utilizing the author's prodigious knowledge of what is happening in the Middle East.
Rosenberg has a way of writing that is reminiscent of Vince Flynn or Brad Thor, even Tom Clancy. The only problem with reading his book is that when you finish it, you know that it will be at least a year before the next part comes out!
The book, told from a Biblical Christian worldview, is action-packed, building in tension until the climatic cliff-hanger, which is likely page one of the next book. I can see this becoming a series of several more novels, all utilizing the author's prodigious knowledge of what is happening in the Middle East.
February 16, 2015
What begins as a very improbable plot turns into a polemic about the "end times", replete with Bible verses.
March 7, 2015
If you're afraid of Middle East events or Bible prophecy you should probably avoid this book. Joel C Rosenberg is a CHRISTIAN author with his finger on the pulse of Middle Eastern events & politics. As such you should expect his novels to be flavoured that way. If I pick up a book by a secular author I can expect it may contain things I'm not comfortable reading and read it with that understanding.
The Third Target gives exactly what you'd expect from Rosenberg, a reasonably fast-paced political thriller with religious undertones. I've read secular books with far more religious content and enjoyed them less.
That said, I received this book as a gift for Christmas and finally had an opportunity to read it. It consumed my day & I had to finish the last few chapters before going to sleep. I've never read an entire book in one day. This one captivated me enough to propel me through in a day. Does it leave you hanging at the end? Yes. Will I be watching for the sequel? Absolutely.
Good Reading!
The Third Target gives exactly what you'd expect from Rosenberg, a reasonably fast-paced political thriller with religious undertones. I've read secular books with far more religious content and enjoyed them less.
That said, I received this book as a gift for Christmas and finally had an opportunity to read it. It consumed my day & I had to finish the last few chapters before going to sleep. I've never read an entire book in one day. This one captivated me enough to propel me through in a day. Does it leave you hanging at the end? Yes. Will I be watching for the sequel? Absolutely.
Good Reading!
March 13, 2015
Audiobook Review
As the resident apostate, this is a critical review. Rosenberg is a superb thriller writer, with excellent knowledge of the Middle East, and nails this story as current and timely with the feel of real-time reporting in the middle of world-wide ISIS terrorism. The story is non-stop action and tremendously well-founded in geopolitical facts. For all this superb writing, the non-Christian or secular consumer is subjected to proselytizing that actually does not deepen the novel, but just seems to be there because that is Rosenberg's belief. Regarding the actual writing and story, there are 'time outs' from action scenes that must happen in micro-seconds where J. B. Collins has major internal debates and contemplations about his past, alternate decisions, motivations, etc. It breaks the flow of the story and is destructive to the momentum.
This reader won't be coming back to this series or author's work. Prophecy is not my cup of tea.
As the resident apostate, this is a critical review. Rosenberg is a superb thriller writer, with excellent knowledge of the Middle East, and nails this story as current and timely with the feel of real-time reporting in the middle of world-wide ISIS terrorism. The story is non-stop action and tremendously well-founded in geopolitical facts. For all this superb writing, the non-Christian or secular consumer is subjected to proselytizing that actually does not deepen the novel, but just seems to be there because that is Rosenberg's belief. Regarding the actual writing and story, there are 'time outs' from action scenes that must happen in micro-seconds where J. B. Collins has major internal debates and contemplations about his past, alternate decisions, motivations, etc. It breaks the flow of the story and is destructive to the momentum.
This reader won't be coming back to this series or author's work. Prophecy is not my cup of tea.
March 7, 2017
What a truly excellent book! This is my first Rosenberg novel and it definitely will not be my last. I have so enjoyed the way in which Rosenberg writes! His main character J.B. is such a relatable character! I love how he has been created with flaws in the midst of all of his good qualities. I quickly found myself rooting for him. I also love the journey that he's taken on in this book – at first it seems like there isn't much he could do as a journalist but that's completely proven wrong by the end of the book. Speaking of the end of the book… You're going to want to have book two handy once you finish this because you will NEED to move on to the second book immediately. Which is exactly what I'm going to do ;)
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It was an audiobook read for me.
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It was an audiobook read for me.
March 2, 2015
Joel Rosenberg is one of my most favorite authors. This thriller is so intense and timely that I just blasted through it in just a couple of days. I won't spoil anything about it, just read it, it was great.
September 14, 2018
Another great book by Joel Rosenberg, timely in its assessment of current events in the Middle East.
April 30, 2025
A very entertaining and gripping read all the way through.
January 15, 2022
3.5 stars
This was my fourth Joel C. Rosenberg book, and somehow I forget how heavy and depressing his books can be, and yet how fascinating they are at the same time!
I did have a hard time getting into this book, unlike his other books. It is the first book in a new series, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. While the aspect of a journalist in a war zone gave me a totally different perspective into the news and Middle East politics, I didn’t find myself empathizing with J.B. Collins, the main character.
The book is heavy with lots of characters dying, tangled politics, and terrorism, and I’m not sure I agree with all of the End Times theology. However, much of this book feels like events you would read out of a newspaper headline which adds to its realistic-ness. :) The ending was probably the best part - action packed and a total cliffhanger.
I’m not sure I’ll finish the trilogy as it didn’t hold my interest as much, but it was still an interesting read.
Content: mentions of drinking; kissing; character struggles with alcoholism and staying sober; mentions of terrorism, crucifixion, rape; several characters die
This was my fourth Joel C. Rosenberg book, and somehow I forget how heavy and depressing his books can be, and yet how fascinating they are at the same time!
I did have a hard time getting into this book, unlike his other books. It is the first book in a new series, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. While the aspect of a journalist in a war zone gave me a totally different perspective into the news and Middle East politics, I didn’t find myself empathizing with J.B. Collins, the main character.
The book is heavy with lots of characters dying, tangled politics, and terrorism, and I’m not sure I agree with all of the End Times theology. However, much of this book feels like events you would read out of a newspaper headline which adds to its realistic-ness. :) The ending was probably the best part - action packed and a total cliffhanger.
I’m not sure I’ll finish the trilogy as it didn’t hold my interest as much, but it was still an interesting read.
Content: mentions of drinking; kissing; character struggles with alcoholism and staying sober; mentions of terrorism, crucifixion, rape; several characters die
January 28, 2020
An exciting beginning of the 3 volume J. B. Collins series. Here is a story that can very well take place in the not too far future. It gives the present condition of the world and where it could lead to. The story starts out slow but picks up speed as you read further along. As a matter of fact, it is a wonder why J. B. Collins survived to the end. But I have a feeling it is not over yet. I am looking forward to the next volume. There are Scripture references used which is good. However, I was very disappointed that the Living Bible was used in Chapter 51. The LIving Bible is not a translation but a paraphrase. The writer of the Living Bible tells what he thinks what is meant by the verses and are not a direct translation.
September 10, 2018
First- Warning!!! This book ends in a cliffhanger!
Second- The narrator struggled with the foreign/ whispering voices which made it hard for the listeners to understand the dialogue.
Third- The book itself kept me interested most of the time, though the beginning was rather slow.
Note: There is mention of Faith, and belief in Jesus as the Savior, but it's not overpowering and takes up just a little of the plot.
Second- The narrator struggled with the foreign/ whispering voices which made it hard for the listeners to understand the dialogue.
Third- The book itself kept me interested most of the time, though the beginning was rather slow.
Note: There is mention of Faith, and belief in Jesus as the Savior, but it's not overpowering and takes up just a little of the plot.
August 13, 2025
Wow, that was a wild ride. This is the best-written "Christian fiction" I've read. It moves at the pace of an action movie. It is clean of language and sensual content, but contains some violence.
Be aware that it is not a standalone book, as the story continues in the next book. I was surprised when the book abruptly ended and left the story unfinished. Thankfully I have the next one lined up to read.
Be aware that it is not a standalone book, as the story continues in the next book. I was surprised when the book abruptly ended and left the story unfinished. Thankfully I have the next one lined up to read.
September 19, 2019
This is the first in a 3 book series.... Mr. Rosenberg wastes no time. The action packed ride starts immediately.
If you enjoy tons of action, along with very plausible plot lines..... Then this is the series for you. He does not disappoint.
If you enjoy tons of action, along with very plausible plot lines..... Then this is the series for you. He does not disappoint.
March 21, 2015
Saved $14 because I Snagged @ The Library!
WOW. Rosenberg does it again! Not since the Left Behind series have I felt so smack-in-the-middle of events happening in a country with which I'm completely unfamiliar. And yet I could not put it down.
About the concept: I'll admit it--I'm not as knowledgeable about matters in the Middle East as an informed citizen should be. I probably don't know as much as I should about the arguments pro & con regarding a fully realized Palestinian state and how it affects Israel (and the rest of the world). So I was a little concerned when this book started out. Would I understand enough for it to keep my interest? Well, this is Rosenberg, after all. He assumes nothing, but yet he doesn't treat the reader as an idiot. He'll fill you in on all you need to know, and you'll learn a lot in the process.
About the story: This is a story about ISIS, and it is absolutely un-put-downable. There are (I think) two spots where the plot exposition seems a bit long. But bear with the process--it is important. Other than that, the info is completely accessible and scarily plausible. The main character is thrust into the middle of the action and it never lets up. Many twists and turns along the way, but you'll think you know where it's going...and you'll be wrong. And no matter what you think is going to happen or where you think it is going, you will not be prepared for the last few pages. I guarantee it.
If you're interested in better understanding the conflict in the Middle East and how the threat of ISIS applies around the globe....but you don't want to read a dry, boring book written by a historian....then I highly recommend this book.
It's clean, it's conservative, and there is a clear presentation of the Gospel. But also, it's thrilling, it's riveting, it's action-filled and overall a great story filled with interesting characters. I really look forward to Book 2.
WOW. Rosenberg does it again! Not since the Left Behind series have I felt so smack-in-the-middle of events happening in a country with which I'm completely unfamiliar. And yet I could not put it down.
About the concept: I'll admit it--I'm not as knowledgeable about matters in the Middle East as an informed citizen should be. I probably don't know as much as I should about the arguments pro & con regarding a fully realized Palestinian state and how it affects Israel (and the rest of the world). So I was a little concerned when this book started out. Would I understand enough for it to keep my interest? Well, this is Rosenberg, after all. He assumes nothing, but yet he doesn't treat the reader as an idiot. He'll fill you in on all you need to know, and you'll learn a lot in the process.
About the story: This is a story about ISIS, and it is absolutely un-put-downable. There are (I think) two spots where the plot exposition seems a bit long. But bear with the process--it is important. Other than that, the info is completely accessible and scarily plausible. The main character is thrust into the middle of the action and it never lets up. Many twists and turns along the way, but you'll think you know where it's going...and you'll be wrong. And no matter what you think is going to happen or where you think it is going, you will not be prepared for the last few pages. I guarantee it.
If you're interested in better understanding the conflict in the Middle East and how the threat of ISIS applies around the globe....but you don't want to read a dry, boring book written by a historian....then I highly recommend this book.
It's clean, it's conservative, and there is a clear presentation of the Gospel. But also, it's thrilling, it's riveting, it's action-filled and overall a great story filled with interesting characters. I really look forward to Book 2.
March 5, 2020
The first 60% of The Third Target provided what I believed to be an incredibly vivid and accurate account of the life of a top quality international newspaper correspondent in the Middle East. The pace was staggering, the events depicted seemed to be quite possible, the characters real. I truly enjoyed this portion of the book and believed that Joel Rosenberg would become a favorite author.
Then, a couple of things happened. Firstly, the correspondent and protagonist, J.B. Collins turned into James Bond. Secondly, his brother, a Christian Pastor of some kind, who was doing research in Jordan became a primary character as he and his zealotry engaged in a seemingly interminable conversation about the danger of J B's immortal soul.
These developments completely took the book off track, from my perspective. I'll not get into the "soul wrenching" discussion as I do not wish to offend others but, suffice it to say, it was, in my view, unexpected, faaaaar tooooo loooong and a huge sidetrack that added no value to the story, as all nearly thoughts of JB's soul were abandoned afterward.
The James Bondishness the JB adopted was beyond silly. During an attack by ISIS and the resulting battle, JB virtually, single handedly defeated hundreds and hundreds of well-trained, battle hardened insurgents. It was tantamount to a 45 year-old accountant with no basketball experience, coming out of the stands to single handedly defeat a top NBA team.
The book plummeted from a potential five to a somewhat generous two. And I must say, I am staggered by the many, many high ratings and excellent reviews that it received.
The End
Then, a couple of things happened. Firstly, the correspondent and protagonist, J.B. Collins turned into James Bond. Secondly, his brother, a Christian Pastor of some kind, who was doing research in Jordan became a primary character as he and his zealotry engaged in a seemingly interminable conversation about the danger of J B's immortal soul.
These developments completely took the book off track, from my perspective. I'll not get into the "soul wrenching" discussion as I do not wish to offend others but, suffice it to say, it was, in my view, unexpected, faaaaar tooooo loooong and a huge sidetrack that added no value to the story, as all nearly thoughts of JB's soul were abandoned afterward.
The James Bondishness the JB adopted was beyond silly. During an attack by ISIS and the resulting battle, JB virtually, single handedly defeated hundreds and hundreds of well-trained, battle hardened insurgents. It was tantamount to a 45 year-old accountant with no basketball experience, coming out of the stands to single handedly defeat a top NBA team.
The book plummeted from a potential five to a somewhat generous two. And I must say, I am staggered by the many, many high ratings and excellent reviews that it received.
The End
February 17, 2015
This book was amazing and well written. The beginning was a little slow, but it picked up the pace. And my goodness. I finished this book in about 12-15 hours. I read the last 15 chapters in one setting; I just couldn't put the book down!
The way Mr. Collins goes into dangerous countries over and over again knowing that he almost died yesterday just... I don't know. When you reach the part in the book when the peace process is about to be final and over with, you will not put that book down until you know what happens. Most of the time I could somewhat predict what is going to happen next, but I couldn't with this book. There are so many plot twist and events you wouldn't even think would happen that happen.. (If that makes any sense) What I really hated about this book is that it ends in a huge cliffhanger. One that will probably never be answered or will be answered in a year or two since this book was just published in January of 2015.
What the heck, I can't leave this part out.. The last sentence of the book: "The president of the United States... is missing." Just... Ugggggh. Only if the book didn't end there! It was not the ending I suspected! I was thinking that the PM or Your Majesty was going to be assassinated by ISIS.
Overall, I will rate this an easy 20/10. Let's hope there's a Sequel!
The way Mr. Collins goes into dangerous countries over and over again knowing that he almost died yesterday just... I don't know. When you reach the part in the book when the peace process is about to be final and over with, you will not put that book down until you know what happens. Most of the time I could somewhat predict what is going to happen next, but I couldn't with this book. There are so many plot twist and events you wouldn't even think would happen that happen.. (If that makes any sense) What I really hated about this book is that it ends in a huge cliffhanger. One that will probably never be answered or will be answered in a year or two since this book was just published in January of 2015.
What the heck, I can't leave this part out.. The last sentence of the book: "The president of the United States... is missing." Just... Ugggggh. Only if the book didn't end there! It was not the ending I suspected! I was thinking that the PM or Your Majesty was going to be assassinated by ISIS.
Overall, I will rate this an easy 20/10. Let's hope there's a Sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2015
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.
February 9, 2015
I normally enjoy Joel C. Rosenberg and The Third Target was no different. The "ripped from tomorrow's headlines" quality of this book elevates it beyond its competitors. The author did his research and it shows. The ideology behind the recent Jordanian response to ISIS is forecast in this book. The author obviously is an expert in Middle East affairs and the way he weaves that expertise into his narrative is eminently powerful. The protagonist is engaging and dynamic, plus his internal conflict brilliantly places him at odds with his drive be at the center of history. Also the book ends on a great cliffhanger, making me desperate the next installment.
April 19, 2015
If you like Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Clive Cussler, this book is in the same genre and is as good or better. What is particularly amazing is the author started this in 2010-2011 before ISIS was recognized! The parallels to what is geopolitical reality now is scary.
What is the premise, ISIS gains WMD while the creation of a Palestinian State is all but a done deal. A page turner that I could not put down but again, the reader must like thrillers. I would strongly recommend this for a beach read or a nice exciting summer read.
What is the premise, ISIS gains WMD while the creation of a Palestinian State is all but a done deal. A page turner that I could not put down but again, the reader must like thrillers. I would strongly recommend this for a beach read or a nice exciting summer read.
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