The Last Jihad

Rating:
Summary: Spell-Binding Political Thriller!
Review: I don't normally read fiction, but this book has been getting so much press that I decided to explore it for myself. After the first few pages I was spell-bound -- I could hardly put the thing down! Rosenberg has a smash hit on his hands, and I, like many other readers, am eager to read a sequel.

This work could be described as a combination of a Tom Clancy novel and a Jenkins/LaHaye "Left Behind" volume. Global crises, military action, political intrigue, compelling characters, and a conservative, Christian mindset are all present in this book. The Christian aspect by no means dominates, but as a Baptist minister I quickly noticed the two or three times it surfaced and was pleasantly surprised.

Perhaps the most appealing characteristic of this fictional, future tale is its closeness to present-day reality. With the current war on terrorism, the escalation of tension between the United States and Iraq, and the development of military and communications technology, the scenario described here could very well happen.

I recommend this book very highly to anyone enjoying a good fictional read. The narrative consistently moves along at a rapid pace, never once dragging. Order it, read it, and see for yourself!

Rating:
Summary: Great Concept - Poor Execution and Research
Review: I was so excited when I read the concept behind this book only to be disappointed by writing defects (the author should have read The Elements of Style) and the apparent lack of an editor (or friend) to check even the simplest facts for accuracy and plausibility.
The actions of world leaders are ridiculous, the action sequences are silly, and sub-plots had no relation to the main story line.
This is truly one of the most disappointing books out there. I won't even go into detail about the advertising and supposed right wing views espoused. I shudder to think that people believe all conservatives have such a radically limited concept of how our world works.
Save your money and time - try a Cussler, Clancy, or Matt Reilly instead.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Put It Down
Review: Let me start by saying, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good action and "ripped from the headlines" (I hate that phrase) plots. I don't read alot of fiction but when I do, I love a good political thriller. Rush Limbaugh turned me on to Vince Flynn and I love his books. So when Rush so vehemently praised "The Last Jihad", I thought I'd give it a try. I was a little turned off because A) I thought this guy was trying to capitalize on 9/11 and B) I'm used to Mitch Rapp, Vince Flynn's hero; a real macho terrorist-killing machine. Rosenberg's hero is a...Wall Street strategist?!! Oy Vey!

But I have to admit, I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I couldn't put it down and read it in 11 days, a major feat for me. The action is non stop and there is not a wasted scene in the entire book. Rosenberg doesn't bog you down with minute details, and I noted one inaccuracy in a shoot out, but otherwise this book was amazing. I don't read these books for thorough character development and intellectual dialogue. But I enjoyed the characters and the dialogue seemed real to me, but it won't win any literary awards.

I just got "The Last Days" and attended a book signing last night. I can't wait to see where this leads.

Rating:
Summary: A nightmare scenario
Review: One of the most timely books published recently concerns an assassination attempt on the US President by Middle Eastern terrorists sent by Saddam Hussein. The fear is that Saddam has the bomb and, in a last desperate move, wants to use it against either the US or Israel. The result could be a nuclear holocaust. The President tags his friend, Wall Street wonder, Jon Bennett to be part of a negotiating team sent to Israel to get them to hold off on attacking Iraq after a provocative incident. Much is at stake including millions of lives.
Joel C. Rosenberg's debut novel sets into motion a nightmare scenario which is, unfortunately, all too probable. It is the realism of the situation that is the major strength of this work. In the initial part of the book, the author shows himself to be a skilled novelist in terms of setting up a deadly situation and pacing the reader through it in such a way as to maximize suspense and virtually keep the pages flying. However, in the second half, the plot, the characters and the situation are a bit too over the top requiring some major suspension of belief in reality. It, overall, paints a bleak picture of the Iraq crisis. Let's hope this remains only a part of the fertile imagination of this political strategist and debut author.

Rating:
Summary: Marginally Gripping
Review: Sadly, I bought this book based on Rush Limbaugh's glowing remarks. He obviously didn't read it very closely: I found numerous typographical/grammatical/editing errors. Even though the author shows a lot of knowledge about some of his details, and he makes every effort to put the story in a modern-day context, he is not aware that (for instance) the Strategic Air Command was disbanded and re-named the US Strategic Command in 1992. I was disappointed in his use of EXTREME unrelated detail (i.e. the construction and content of sandwiches). His understanding of how leaders in high places function in crisis mode was disappointing. I've been there and no one gets "cutesy" in times of stress such as the F-15 pilots striking their target near the end of the story. The reports on the book led me to think we had a new Tom Clancy on the horizon. I'm sorry, but Mr. Rosenberg is no Tom Clancy. His treatment of the story line was totally "B"-grade and predictable.

Rating:
Summary: Non-stop action!
Review: This was a really good book. It starts out with an attack on POTUS, which is almost successful. What follows is a book full of mystery and intrigue. The assasins had help from the inside, but who? The plot is traced to Iraq, which threatens the world with a nuclear weapon, and it's up to the United States to take care of the problem before Israel does.

If I say much more about the plot it would ruin it for those who haven't yet read it. However, it was obviously written before the current war against Iraq, and before U.S. soldiers dispatched Saddam's evil sons to meet their Maker. Therefore, some of the events mentioned in the book won't match recent history.

Initially, I was going to only give the book 4 stars because of the somewhat abrupt ending. My comment was going to be: "There had BETTER be a sequel," because there were so many things left unresolved. BUT, I heard an advertisement last night for, yes, the sequel! I'm looking forward to starting it.

This book is definately written from a conservative slant--a hard-core liberal might not enjoy it as much as us conservatives.

Rating:
Summary: A Page Turner!
Review: This was a very good book. The American President has declared war on terrorism with spectacular results.He has destroyed terrorist training camps and killed Osama Bin Ladin.An assassination attempt is made on the life of the President.Iraqui hit men also strike in London,France,and Saudi Arabia. In the background oil and gas have been discovered off the coast of Gaza.Throught the efforts of Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy they are trying to use this find to achieve peace.In the meantime Israeli commandos stop the Iraquis from launching a scud
missile armed with a nuclear warhead.You also have four deadly Iraqui terrorists named the four horsemen who are on a dealy mission for Saddam. The United States goes to war with Iraq with Israel anxiously waiting in the wings.All of this is leading to a nuclear confrontation in the Middle East. This is an exciting book that you will really enjoy.The ending will leave you shocked.Buy this book and read it.