Rating:  Summary: The Last Days leaves you praying for one more chance! Review: A thoroughly engrossing political, military, and terrorist novel about what would happen in the Middle East in the event of the murder of Arafat, by one of his own henchmen. The ensuing power struggle, and civil war for leadership of the terrorist organization, not unlike a Mafia power struggle, leaves you stunned, and gasping for breath.( In my opinion, I would have let them kill each other off, then we be done with them, once and for all!) A Peace Plan between Isreal, and Palastine to drill for oil, making citizens of both parties wealthy? Sorry, it wouldn't happen. Terrorist are too hate driven to allow any peace plan to work. Arafat has been offered land more than once, and he refused it, because his, and most of militant Islam's whole purpose isn't to get their own land, but the deaths, and destruction of Isrealis, Christians, and everyone else they consider "Infidels". The book gives you insight into the Isreali Palastinian(Philistine) problems, and is a lot of fun to read! Better in many ways than the first book "The Last Jihad".
Rating:  Summary: BREATHTAKING in its stupidity Review: If this is what the CIA, FBI and Secret Service are like, then heaven help us. Obvious things nearly knocked me over. When looking for Jon's mom (she decided to take a week off to be by herself), did they bother to check w/ the post office to see that she'd stopped her mail? Of course not. And would any agent (especially Erin, who is supposed to be top notch all the way) let Jon and the others (herself included) roam freely, shopping and dining and paying w/ credit cards on the very rock that hides the peace talks? No agent worth his/her credentials would allow such a breach. Such blatant stupdity is, indeed, breathtaking!
Rating:  Summary: A superb follow-up. Review: Joel Rosenberg burst onto the fiction scene with the New York Times bestseller "THE LAST JIHAD", and did not disappoint with this followup "THE LAST DAYS".
'DAYS' picks up where 'JIHAD' left off, with Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden both dead and Baghdad in ruins. All the main characters of the first installment are back, and the action doesn't let up.
The underlying direction of the storyline is one that should have special meaning to any Christian that reads either of the two books. While neither the title or the synopsis of either book specifically states as much, the entire story takes place leading up to the Last Days prior to the Seven Year Tribulation and the return of Christ. I won't reveal any story elements, but there are several occurances in the plot of the book that are intricate in God's final timeline, things like the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount and the rebuilding of Babylon (in Iraq).
One thing I did notice is that each chapter and each scene change is started with a one sentence paragraph. I don't know if that is just the author's trademark or what, but it almost seems like a slight lack of confidence in his writing...something that is not well founded. I've found Rosenberg's writing to be very full and entertaining, without being over the top like some authors who seem to be trying to impress the reader with their vocabulary skills.
As was the case with 'JIHAD', again this one ends somewhat unresolved. I can only hope that that means a third book is on the way soon.
Rating:  Summary: 3 1/2 Stars...Tricks Aside Review: On the recommendation of a friend, I picked up Rosenberg's first novel, "The Last Jihad." Fast-paced and timely, the book kept me hooked till the last page.Once again, Rosenberg starts off with a bang. This time, Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy are under intense fire in Palestine. The casualties mount as they try to escape a brewing civil war. Even as violence escalates, the opportunity for a widesweeping peace agreeement arrives from an unexpected source. As the title suggests, "The Last Days" provides a story that many Christians could enjoy, while also showing some understanding toward the Palestinian situation. With a plot that could fit nicely into an apocalyptic thriller, Rosenberg takes us on a rollercoaster through the Middle East and its conflicts. He also cheats us at a few points. He leads us through an extended dream sequence, convincing us that it's reality until another chapter. Then, he adds a minor plot thread that is useless to the story and nothing more than an improbable wild goose chase. He does not need this to keep the tension ratcheted. I should've suspected such tactics when I noted that every single chapter starts with a one-line paragraph; this smacks of a writer who doesn't trust his own pacing. These issues aside, I enjoyed the book. Unfortunately, they left me feeling ambivalent by the end. Perhaps in a third novel, Rosenberg will trust his own storytelling and leave the tricks aside.
Rating:  Summary: Sins of omission Review: One of the most blatant omissions in TLD was any reference to the US nuclear strike. NOTHING AT ALL is mentioned...as if it didn't even happen. And the funny part is the suggestion that meetings/press conferences take place in Sadaam's palace. Now, first of all, the city was nuked. Secondly, concern for radioactive fallout isn't even mentioned (either regarding the targets of the nukes or the neighboring countries). Nothing along these lines is addressed. If this is a follow-up to "The Last Jihad", then please refer to the very last page of that book...TWO nuclear bombs are dropped by the US (TLD starts up two weeks later...the Prez is still in a wheelchair from the attack on him in Denver). If we mere citizens can ask these questions, why oh why can't Mr. Rosenberg who is a supposed expert? And why should the US come across as being blatantly cavalier about nuclear devestation?
Rating:  Summary: One thing's obviouls Review: Publishers Weekly's review doesn't leave much doubt that they don't like Mr. Rosenberg. Rosenberg worked as a communications strategist with Steve Forbes, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Bennett, and Benjamin Netanyahu. He's advised some of the world's most influential leaders in business, politics and media. I think the review has more to do with Mr. R's politics than it does his writing skills.
Rating:  Summary: Not what I expected Review: The book was very slow, only really keeping my attention the last few chapters. The description sounded like it would be action packed, but just moved very slow. Should have put as much effort into the entire book as he did the final chapters.
Rating:  Summary: Fiction That is Almost Real Review: The Last Days is the sequel to The Last Jihad. In the previous volume, an alternate timeline unfolds where Saddam Hussein has bought nuclear weapons from Russia and other sources. When his various plots against the US and Israel have been frustrated, he unveiled his nuclear tipped ICBM, which was hidden within a children's hospital building. As the Iraqis prep the missile for firing on New York City, the US President reluctantly authorized use of tactical nukes against Baghdad to prevent the missile launch. The center of the city disappeared in fire and smoke. In this novel, Jon Bennett returns to the Holy Land with a US diplomatic team headed by Tucker Paine, the Secretary of State. As they arrive at the Palestinian Authority compound, Yasser Arafat is rolled out in a wheelchair to meet them. The man pushing the chair is the head of Arafat's security, but he detonates an explosive vest that kills Arafat and others around him, including Tucker Paine. Immediately after the explosion, someone starts firing on the diplomatic convey from across the road. Others start firing from the PA building. Bennett keeps his head down, but it soon becomes obvious that they have to get out of the compound and back to Israeli territory. He climbs behind the wheel of the armored limo, gets everybody left alive back inside, and drives furiously out of the compound and down the road, with Palestinian vehicles chasing him. Bennett and the other survivors are cut off from the Israelis, but find shelter is a top secret safehouse in an old gutted-out hotel in the Gaza Strip. From there, they contact other US forces in the area and plan an escape. However, severe weather has grounded all aircraft in the area, precluding any rescue until the storm abates. This story continues the mission to unite the Palestinians and Israelis in a venture to develop trillions of dollars worth of gas and oil into a joint treasure. The death of Yasser Arafat was intended as a setback to this plan, but the self-immolation of the Palestinians militants after his death convinces Palestinian moderates to try another approach. The Palestinian Council selects Ibrahim Sa'id as prime minister. Since Ibrahim is the partner with Dmitri Galishnikov in the Palestinian Petroleum Group that is promoting the gas and oil venture, this is good news to the US. Unfortunately, Ibrahim is also hidden away in the Gaza safehouse with Bennett's party and surrounded by hostile mobs. Meanwhile, the terrorist organization that has been trying to kill Bennett, and has successfully assassinated Arafat, is searching for the whereabouts of Bennett's party. Contacts throughout the Mediterranean have been alerted to watch for them. Airplanes and boats have been obtained and some special arrangements have been made with Libya. When Bennett and company are found, they are going to find themselves in a small war. Highly recommended for Rosenberg fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of desperate ventures to defeat evil men in order to solve world problems.
Rating:  Summary: Very Good, but not as good as Last Jihad Review: This book starts out explosive, but seems to get somewhat intrenched in backstory and tends to go on with long periods of time between action sequences. An excellent library read, but maybe not a purchase for those saving money. Joel Rosenberg is an excellent writer, but this novel seems to leave you wanting more.
Rating:  Summary: Very Good, but not as good as Last Jihad Review: This book starts out explosive, but seems to get somewhat intrenched in backstory and tends to go on with long periods of time between action sequences. An excellent library read, but maybe not a purchase for those saving money. Joel Rosenberg is an excellent writer, but this novel seems to leave you wanting more.
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