By Brad Thor (New York: Pocket Books-Simon & Shuster, 2009, 516 pages)

Brad Thor’s latest ‘Scot Harvath’ action adventure. The book has been out for a while but I am featuring it here because the story is particularly useful in providing a better understanding of what our military is currently facing in Afghanistan.

The story begins with the kidnapping of an American Doctor on a relief mission by the Taliban. They are demanding the release of one of their major terrorist leaders who had recently been captured. It is an official American policy not to negotiate with terrorists.

Scot Harvath is sent over to Afghanistan privately on an ‘unofficial’ mission by the newly elected President. As usual in a Scot Harvath story nothing goes as it was planned but it turns out for the best anyway.

A real ‘page turner’ that I highly recommend.

<<Read the rest of the review on my Book Reviews page>>

Here are two more books that can give one a better understanding of Afghanistan:

-"The Kite Runner"

-"A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Also one movie:

-The Kite Runner Movie

Related Posts?:

1. -Book Review: "The Kite Runner"
2. Book Review: “The Blogging Church”

This is the second book in Robert Ferrigno’s fast paced ‘Assassin Trilogy’.  The first book: “Prayers for the Assassin” set a precedent that is hard to equal, yet “Sins of the Assassin” is a worthy successor that stands up well on its own.

Again the setting is circa 2043, The northern part of the former USA is now an ‘Islamic Republic’ with the capital in Seattle. The old South is a loose confederation called the ‘Bible Belt’. The Mormons have their own country in Utah and Southern Idaho with parts of Colorado; while Nevada is a ‘Free State’ all its own. America has become a ‘third-rate’ power that even Mexico (now- ‘Aztlan Empire) is picking on; and native Americans have claimed part of Wisconsin and Minnesota as their own. How far the mighty have fallen!

The current story revolves around a warlord/hero Colonel in the Bible Belt who is searching for a super-secret weapon hidden by agents of the old USA regime which could change the entire balance of power in America. Former ‘Shadow Warrior’ Rakkim Epps is sent by the ‘Islamic’ president and his wife Sarah (who is a counselor to the president) to spy on the Colonel and possibly steal or destroy the weapon. <Read the whole review>

 *Top

Related Posts?:

1. -Book Review: "The Kite Runner"
2. -Book Review: "WordPress For Dummies"

This series is a high energy fast moving adventure story, set primarily in first century Rome and Jerusalem (65 AD-70 AD). It is told from the perspective of Roman, Jewish, and Christian characters. Each one facing different problems and dilemmas.

Those in Jerusalem are living in chaotic times with the city divided up and in rebellion against the Romans, and Jewish leaders fighting one another. In Rome, even highly placed Roman citizens are being subjected to the lunacy and the whims of Nero. For Christians, theses are times of tribulation no matter where they live, and the possibility of being martyred for the faith is a reality that they live with everyday.

John ‘the last disciple’ of Jesus is touching the lives of all those he comes in contact with, including some of the major characters in this story. Nero is obsessed with trying to understand John’s letter written from the Isle of Patmos. Many Christians are also trying to gain insight from the writing; however, Roman soldiers are arresting everyone who has a copy.

Some Bible teachers are critical of this series because it puts the writing of the Book of Revelation in the reign of Nero, before the fall of Jerusalem (69/70 A.D.). Most scholars teach that the book was probably written around 95 A.D. Also, dispensationalist teachers oppose this book series because it seems to present a ‘preterist’ interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Tim LaHaye (“Left Behind’ series-author) has been particularly critical of the series for both of these reasons. However, there is considerable evidence which should not be ignored, that actually supports an earlier dating of the letter.

Putting aside the controversy, there is much to be gained from reading this series. It presents an accurate view of life in the first century. It gives you a feeling for what it might have been like to be living in Jerusalem during the chaos of 65-70 A.D. Also, what would it have been like living as a Christian under Nero, facing persecution, arrest, and death on the cross, or worse yet in the arenas. Yet, what it might have been like meeting John, ‘the last disciple’ of Jesus, and going on a long journey with the ‘beloved’ Apostle.

The stories are well written and the kind that you can’t put down until they’re done. Even if I don’t necessarily agree with the way they interpret the Book of Revelation; I whole heartedly recommend these books. They’re interesting, informative, and a good read.

*Top

Related Posts?:

1. “The Copper Scroll” -A Great Summer Read
2. -Book Review: "Getting Noticed on Google"

This is the fourth book in this series, following: The Ezekiel Option, The Last Days, & The Last Jihad.  Jon Bennett continues as the main character, along with Erin McCoy.  The first question answered in this book, do Jon and Erin finally get married?  It opens with preparations for their wedding, however new events over take them in the process.  I will leave it for the reader to discover whether the wedding actually takes place. 

This is an incredibly great summer read.  The action and adventure reminds one not only of the previous episodes in this series, but also it is a cross between Raiders of The Lost Ark and Da Vinci Code.  It is a ‘can’t put down tell it is finished’ adventure with Middle East terrorism as the backdrop, and Christian/Judaic Prophesy and Eschatology as the subject.  Unlike ‘Da Vinci’ or ‘Raiders’, this book is totally safe for Christian consumption.   …To Continue… 

*Top

Related Posts?:

1. Book Review- “On The Move”
2. Book Review: “The Blogging Church”