Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011), Edition: Reprint, 490 pages
Description
As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war. A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn't be better prepared for the mission. But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next. An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spreads like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Muscogulus
This is a Mideast thriller that teaches readers to associate Muslims with the Antichrist. That is to say, it’s a malicious book that aims to mess with readers’ minds for the sake of an extremist agenda. Joel C. Rosenberg is a political organizer, filmmaker, and fiction writer who associates
Rosenberg’s 2002 novel The Last Jihad included (among its many baroque plot devices) a kamikaze mission involving a jet airliner. Rosenberg claims to have written that episode nine months before the actual attacks on the United States in September 2001. Ever since, he has been touted as a kind of prophet whose fiction anticipates current events.
Rosenberg, like a good Christian, humbly disclaims any such powers. His website, meanwhile, makes him out to be “a modern Nostradamus.”
Some of Rosenberg’s fans seem to be willing to take his fiction as “inspired.” Judging from online reviews, quite a few readers are willing to take The Twelfth Imam as a reliable guide to Islamic beliefs. It is anything but that.
As I said, this book distorts Muslim beliefs in a way that encourages readers to see Muslims as allies of Satan. The distortions appear deliberate and skillfully expressed, intended to mislead readers who crave reliable information about Islam. I can’t believe that the author just made honest mistakes, or intended it as “just a novel.” Since it appeared, Fox News commentator Glenn Beck has echoed the book’s thesis.
The “Twelfth Imam” is the villain of this tale — an evil Iranian who wins the unquestioning obedience of Iran’s leaders. He is also called the Mahdi. Muslims are supposed to have prayed for him to appear and bring about the Last Days. To this end, the fanatical rulers of Iran are cooking up nuclear weapons with which to attack Israel and the U.S. (Israel’s nuclear arsenal is invisible in this story.)
The Mahdi, it turns out, is the Antichrist of the Bible. Threfore, devout Muslims are all either dupes or willing servants of Hell. Judging from online reviews, this neat formula strikes many Christian readers with the force of revelation. The book even has quotes aplenty from the Bible and the Quran.
But here are the relevant facts:
1. About 1 in 10 Muslims believe in the Twelfth Imam. (They are called “Twelver” Shia.)
2. Most of the remaining 9 out of 10 Muslims accept the Mahdi, but don’t believe in the Twelfth Imam.
3. A greater number of Muslims (including all the “Twelver” Shias) believe in the Antichrist, whom they call al-Masih ad-Dajjal, “the False Messiah.”
4. Neither the False Messiah, the Mahdi, nor the Twelfth Imam is mentioned in the Quran. Not once. Muslims do not have to believe in any of them, just as Christians do not have to venerate saints or icons (although many do).
The Mahdi, you will notice, is not a stand-in for the Antichrist of the Book of Revelation. The Mahdi is an enemy of the False Messiah and a servant of the true Messiah, Jesus. Muslims’ core belief about the end of the world is that Jesus (not Muhammad) will return to earth to defeat the False Messiah.
Rosenberg manages to deflect his readers’ attention from all that. Instead, he susbstitutes a perverse, made-up caricature of Muslim belief — apparently because the real Muslim belief is too much like Christian belief. And we can’t have that, can we? Conservative Christians may have made room in their world for “righteous Jews,” but this book makes clear that there is no such space for “righteous Muslims.”
I don’t expect to change the minds of convinced readers with this short review. Anyway, Rosenberg is too slick for me. In lieu of actual facts, Rosenberg gives us a smart, sympathetic protagonist who devotes years of his young life to “research” about Islam. For readers immersed in the story, this fictitious research gives the feeling of having been personally convinced by proof. This feeling is not susceptible to rational argument.
Rosenberg knows what he’s doing, and he’s good at it. He’s too wily to turn out a book of unrelieved hatred, which might backfire by awakening readers’ consciences. Instead of asserting his doctrine, he makes masterful use of literary description to score propaganda points. He never says that Muslims are brainwashed, robotic fanatics for whom life has no meaning. He just arranges his Muslim characters in a frenzied mob, or sets up a vicious shooting, or a beheading, or a bizarre oath-taking scene in which the most powerful men in Iran cut their own palms and sign their names in blood. (To me, that last scene missed the mark: I couldn’t help thinking of Tom Sawyer playing pirate.)
The Twelfth Imam will be welcome to sunshine patriots, who want to confirm a childlike faith in (first) their country and (second) their own righteousness. The book is full of handy answers to nagging questions about the War on Terror™. For example:
Wondering why Osama bin Laden is still on the loose? It’s because the CIA has a Very Clever Plan to infiltrate al-Qaida with a super-smart Iranian-American Christian agent. This agent will win Bin Laden’s trust, then destroy him. But the mission takes years of specialized training, which is going on even as we speak.
Worried about your loss of privacy to a high-tech Homeland Security bureaucracy? Relax and feel reassured. Just like the hero, David Shirazi, you can welcome the feeling of being watched by the CIA. It just shows how prepared our great country is to grapple with satanic terrorists.
Worried about the spread of Islam in the U.S., and convinced that your president is really an African Muslim? Muslims may be exploiting our freedoms in their sinister plot to shove sharia down our throats. But have no fear, brethren. As this inspired book shows, Jesus Christ is appearing to people in visions, and people in the Middle East are risking their lives to escape Islam. So rest assured that you’re backing the right team.
Under the guise of Christian faith and “love for Israel,” The Twelfth Imam uses pulp fiction to sell a vicious stereotype. It would be naive not to see it as part of the juggernaut against “political Islam.” As we keep being reminded, there’s too much tolerance in America today. So we should choose what to believe about Muslims, not according to what’s true, but according to what makes Muslims appear mad, bad, and dangerous. Fiction like The Twelfth Imam is a great help to this effort.
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current events with End Times prophesy in the Bible. His core political principle is that the State of Israel can do no wrong.Rosenberg’s 2002 novel The Last Jihad included (among its many baroque plot devices) a kamikaze mission involving a jet airliner. Rosenberg claims to have written that episode nine months before the actual attacks on the United States in September 2001. Ever since, he has been touted as a kind of prophet whose fiction anticipates current events.
Rosenberg, like a good Christian, humbly disclaims any such powers. His website, meanwhile, makes him out to be “a modern Nostradamus.”
Some of Rosenberg’s fans seem to be willing to take his fiction as “inspired.” Judging from online reviews, quite a few readers are willing to take The Twelfth Imam as a reliable guide to Islamic beliefs. It is anything but that.
As I said, this book distorts Muslim beliefs in a way that encourages readers to see Muslims as allies of Satan. The distortions appear deliberate and skillfully expressed, intended to mislead readers who crave reliable information about Islam. I can’t believe that the author just made honest mistakes, or intended it as “just a novel.” Since it appeared, Fox News commentator Glenn Beck has echoed the book’s thesis.
The “Twelfth Imam” is the villain of this tale — an evil Iranian who wins the unquestioning obedience of Iran’s leaders. He is also called the Mahdi. Muslims are supposed to have prayed for him to appear and bring about the Last Days. To this end, the fanatical rulers of Iran are cooking up nuclear weapons with which to attack Israel and the U.S. (Israel’s nuclear arsenal is invisible in this story.)
The Mahdi, it turns out, is the Antichrist of the Bible. Threfore, devout Muslims are all either dupes or willing servants of Hell. Judging from online reviews, this neat formula strikes many Christian readers with the force of revelation. The book even has quotes aplenty from the Bible and the Quran.
But here are the relevant facts:
1. About 1 in 10 Muslims believe in the Twelfth Imam. (They are called “Twelver” Shia.)
2. Most of the remaining 9 out of 10 Muslims accept the Mahdi, but don’t believe in the Twelfth Imam.
3. A greater number of Muslims (including all the “Twelver” Shias) believe in the Antichrist, whom they call al-Masih ad-Dajjal, “the False Messiah.”
4. Neither the False Messiah, the Mahdi, nor the Twelfth Imam is mentioned in the Quran. Not once. Muslims do not have to believe in any of them, just as Christians do not have to venerate saints or icons (although many do).
The Mahdi, you will notice, is not a stand-in for the Antichrist of the Book of Revelation. The Mahdi is an enemy of the False Messiah and a servant of the true Messiah, Jesus. Muslims’ core belief about the end of the world is that Jesus (not Muhammad) will return to earth to defeat the False Messiah.
Rosenberg manages to deflect his readers’ attention from all that. Instead, he susbstitutes a perverse, made-up caricature of Muslim belief — apparently because the real Muslim belief is too much like Christian belief. And we can’t have that, can we? Conservative Christians may have made room in their world for “righteous Jews,” but this book makes clear that there is no such space for “righteous Muslims.”
I don’t expect to change the minds of convinced readers with this short review. Anyway, Rosenberg is too slick for me. In lieu of actual facts, Rosenberg gives us a smart, sympathetic protagonist who devotes years of his young life to “research” about Islam. For readers immersed in the story, this fictitious research gives the feeling of having been personally convinced by proof. This feeling is not susceptible to rational argument.
Rosenberg knows what he’s doing, and he’s good at it. He’s too wily to turn out a book of unrelieved hatred, which might backfire by awakening readers’ consciences. Instead of asserting his doctrine, he makes masterful use of literary description to score propaganda points. He never says that Muslims are brainwashed, robotic fanatics for whom life has no meaning. He just arranges his Muslim characters in a frenzied mob, or sets up a vicious shooting, or a beheading, or a bizarre oath-taking scene in which the most powerful men in Iran cut their own palms and sign their names in blood. (To me, that last scene missed the mark: I couldn’t help thinking of Tom Sawyer playing pirate.)
The Twelfth Imam will be welcome to sunshine patriots, who want to confirm a childlike faith in (first) their country and (second) their own righteousness. The book is full of handy answers to nagging questions about the War on Terror™. For example:
Wondering why Osama bin Laden is still on the loose? It’s because the CIA has a Very Clever Plan to infiltrate al-Qaida with a super-smart Iranian-American Christian agent. This agent will win Bin Laden’s trust, then destroy him. But the mission takes years of specialized training, which is going on even as we speak.
Worried about your loss of privacy to a high-tech Homeland Security bureaucracy? Relax and feel reassured. Just like the hero, David Shirazi, you can welcome the feeling of being watched by the CIA. It just shows how prepared our great country is to grapple with satanic terrorists.
Worried about the spread of Islam in the U.S., and convinced that your president is really an African Muslim? Muslims may be exploiting our freedoms in their sinister plot to shove sharia down our throats. But have no fear, brethren. As this inspired book shows, Jesus Christ is appearing to people in visions, and people in the Middle East are risking their lives to escape Islam. So rest assured that you’re backing the right team.
Under the guise of Christian faith and “love for Israel,” The Twelfth Imam uses pulp fiction to sell a vicious stereotype. It would be naive not to see it as part of the juggernaut against “political Islam.” As we keep being reminded, there’s too much tolerance in America today. So we should choose what to believe about Muslims, not according to what’s true, but according to what makes Muslims appear mad, bad, and dangerous. Fiction like The Twelfth Imam is a great help to this effort.
Show Less
LibraryThing member HenriMoreaux
I picked up this book because the blurb made it sound like an interesting thriller coming from a unique aspect.
This impression was correct for the first half of the book; it was well written, good plot line, mix of mystery, questions and answers to keep the pages turning then all of a sudden it's
I might have been able to look over that if somewhat if it redeemed itself with a good ending but alas the book doesn't even end it just stops. Literally stops. There's no resolution of anything you read the last line, turn the page to begin the next chapter and realise there is no next chapter and that was it.
First half: 4 stars, last half: 2 stars, ending: 0.1 stars.
This impression was correct for the first half of the book; it was well written, good plot line, mix of mystery, questions and answers to keep the pages turning then all of a sudden it's
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like the author is trying to convert you to Christianity and combing this with a thesis on Islam being a false religion & the product of satan. Add in numerous excerpts of scripture and the book goes from a winning recipe to quite frankly pretty crap, suddenly you have Jesus appearing in the flesh to guide people and a whole bunch of other nonsense.I might have been able to look over that if somewhat if it redeemed itself with a good ending but alas the book doesn't even end it just stops. Literally stops. There's no resolution of anything you read the last line, turn the page to begin the next chapter and realise there is no next chapter and that was it.
First half: 4 stars, last half: 2 stars, ending: 0.1 stars.
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LibraryThing member debs4jc
Rosenberg creates an exciting thriller based on his understanding of the current state of religious fervor among certain sects in the leadership of Iran. The main character is a young man named David whose back story uniquely qualifies him to work for the CIA. He does so hoping that he can help
I greatly enjoyed the way Rosenberg set the story story up, giving David an emotionally charged backstory--with a nice romantic twist--before he took us into Iran and all of the visions and supernatural stuff started happening. By that time the characteres were real to me and I was invested enough in their stories to follow them through the strange things that were happening. If you like fiction that grabs you this one certainly fits the bill--and I can't wait to see where this wild ride will end up for David and the other characters.
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hunt down Osama Bin Laden--but instead finds himself assigned as a field operator in Iran. There he discovers a plot to bring down the United States with Nuclear weapons--but he also discovers religious fanatics, people having visions, and a mysterious figure called the twelfth Imam.I greatly enjoyed the way Rosenberg set the story story up, giving David an emotionally charged backstory--with a nice romantic twist--before he took us into Iran and all of the visions and supernatural stuff started happening. By that time the characteres were real to me and I was invested enough in their stories to follow them through the strange things that were happening. If you like fiction that grabs you this one certainly fits the bill--and I can't wait to see where this wild ride will end up for David and the other characters.
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LibraryThing member DomingoSantos
Unfortunately, the dialogue of each character, including the "Americanization" dialogue of the Middle Eastern characters, was much the same syntax and cadence, failing to give each character their own unique "voice." In addition, there were a several verbal cliches that stood out as amateurish and
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unexpected from an author of Rosenberg's caliber. Nevertheless, the pace of the book was very good, and the thread of the story was compelling, as was (and is!) the premise. I was disappointed with the ending but do understand that it was a hook for a future book in a series. Overall, a good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jarratt
I enjoyed “The Twelfth Imam.” I’d read the first couple of Rosenburg novels and liked their political themes and fast-paced action.
“The Twelfth Imam” starts out with an American State department member who gets caught in country during the onset of the Iranian revolution in 1979. A Muslim
This is a pretty action-packed thriller with some pretty cool technology that doesn’t seem too far fetched until… Let’s just say a famous religious leader (and that’s Leader with a capital L) shows up and starts converting the unconvertible. I know Rosenburg is a Jew who’s converted to Christianity but he gets a little preachy towards the end. I don’t recall his first two books being quite so overtly religious, but then, it’s been a while since I read them.
But the intriguing politics and spy technology and techniques far outweigh any complaints I have.
“The Twelfth Imam” starts out with an American State department member who gets caught in country during the onset of the Iranian revolution in 1979. A Muslim
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friend helps he and his wife escape Iran. Fast forward a number of years later and the two families go on a Canadian retreat together. Two of the kids fall in love with each other, but are soon torn apart by the events of 9/11. Fast forward yet again, and the son has grown up to be a CIA agent working in Iran. He discovers the country now has nuclear weapons and, with the help of the Twelfth Imam, a direct descendent of Mohammed, is preparing to convert the world to Islam.This is a pretty action-packed thriller with some pretty cool technology that doesn’t seem too far fetched until… Let’s just say a famous religious leader (and that’s Leader with a capital L) shows up and starts converting the unconvertible. I know Rosenburg is a Jew who’s converted to Christianity but he gets a little preachy towards the end. I don’t recall his first two books being quite so overtly religious, but then, it’s been a while since I read them.
But the intriguing politics and spy technology and techniques far outweigh any complaints I have.
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LibraryThing member Jeani1512
The Twelfth Imam is a great book. I couldn't put it down. Joel has a way of writing about what is going on at the moment and make it into a story that is very interesting. I have read most of his books and while I love them all, this one is better to me.
LibraryThing member meroof30
This novel sounds like what many of us assume is happening now in Iran. They are most certainly attempting to develop nuclear weapons and mean to deliver same to the Israel, the US and other Great Satans. Hopefully, there Christianity is finding fertile ground there as well.
LibraryThing member Venqat65
Amazing book. I did not know that it was a "part 1", so I was pretty sad to see that I now have to wait for the sequel!
I thought that the book explained a lot about the whole Twelfth Imam topic, something that I had only heard a small bit about in the past. It really helped me to see the end of
The descriptions concerning the Muslim world were pretty accurate, in my opinion. We lived in the Middle East for 3 years, so I have a bit of reference on that.
I'm excited to read the next book....hurry, Joel, hurry!
I thought that the book explained a lot about the whole Twelfth Imam topic, something that I had only heard a small bit about in the past. It really helped me to see the end of
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times concept of the Muslims in conjunction with the end of times concept of Christianity. The descriptions concerning the Muslim world were pretty accurate, in my opinion. We lived in the Middle East for 3 years, so I have a bit of reference on that.
I'm excited to read the next book....hurry, Joel, hurry!
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LibraryThing member murphy430
Have enjoyed other books from Rosenberg, so when I saw this was coming out, I rushed to get it. Enjoyed it very much, similar writing as his other materials. Looking forward to next installment.
LibraryThing member rob80ert
I thought this book had it all: CIA, terrorist plots and spies. Unfortunately, when Jesus Christ made an appearance, I lost interest in the book. Don't get me wrong, I like Jesus. I have my master's degree in theology. However, I wanted to just have fun reading and not have to think about the
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theological significance of passages. This is also the reason I stopped reading The DaVinci Code. Therefore, while it did have some exciting moments, the Jesus appearance (and Rush Limbaugh's endorsement) made me not want to read the sequel. Show Less
LibraryThing member DaleCogdell
Christian perspective on the Muslim's twelfth imam that they are awaiting like the Christians are awaiting the return of Jesus.Very pertinent to the present time.
LibraryThing member caroljels
Great book! Learned a lot about Muslims. Set in Iran. There are 2 other books, but I doubt I will read them, unless free, because of the many details that aren't personal but are military and political. Highly recommend this book.
LibraryThing member fredamans
I knew by the title this would be an interesting read, but I had no idea as to what capacity my attention would be grabbed. I was pulled in so deep to this story I found myself reading it every chance I could get.
I loved reading this author's style of writing. His fluid language kept it easy to
With that said, any political junkies, mystery lovers, or people who have a keen interest in Jihad, should check this out.
I really enjoyed it.
I loved reading this author's style of writing. His fluid language kept it easy to
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keep up with what was going on at all times. When you deal with subject and places foreign to you, sometimes it can be harder to digest, but not this story. I have to admit though, I am glad this is just fiction and not actually happening.With that said, any political junkies, mystery lovers, or people who have a keen interest in Jihad, should check this out.
I really enjoyed it.
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LibraryThing member skstiles612
The CIA knows a lot that’s going on. Israel faces threats every day from Iran and other nations who want to destroy them because they are God’s chosen people. I enjoyed the way the story got the point across in narrative that Russia and Iran is working together to accomplish their goal even
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though they neither like, or trust each other. The idea that the story so closely follows current events was wonderful. I especially like it because it’s based on prophesy that we can see happening every day on the news. Even though we know that Iran hates Israel and America, we find as in the book that many Muslims can still be reached for Christ. I would recommend this book to any one who claims Christ as Savior. Show Less
LibraryThing member mirrani
When I started this book, I wondered to myself how it could be the "thriller" that so many were calling it. I wasn't at all sure that I was riveted to the story, though I enjoyed how things were written and thought the characters were well developed. When it came down to the main action of the
I was somewhat disappointed in the typical post September 11th portrayal of Muslims in general and the Muslim nation in particular. For example, the main CIA agent's family is supposed to be Muslim, yet he eats bacon one morning for breakfast as a kid, without any mention to the fact that he shouldn't or why it's normal for him. I also wasn't pleased with where the story went when it came to the Twelfth Imam. You start out reading and thinking that this will be a person bringing good change, and it turns out to be a story about Jesus the good against the Imam the evil, with mortal characters caught in between. The addition of Jesus and the Imam into the modern world was practically genius, however. I honestly enjoyed their introduction to the population of today's world.
I went through this book from cover to cover, taking it for what it was and enjoying it all the same. Not sure that I will pick up any more in the series, but that is more a personal choice based on the one feeling that I came away with at the end: The point of this book is mostly to tell you that the only "good" Muslim is one who has converted to Christianity.
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book, however, I realized how right the word "thriller" was. I literally couldn't get enough and was honestly holding my breath as I went along.I was somewhat disappointed in the typical post September 11th portrayal of Muslims in general and the Muslim nation in particular. For example, the main CIA agent's family is supposed to be Muslim, yet he eats bacon one morning for breakfast as a kid, without any mention to the fact that he shouldn't or why it's normal for him. I also wasn't pleased with where the story went when it came to the Twelfth Imam. You start out reading and thinking that this will be a person bringing good change, and it turns out to be a story about Jesus the good against the Imam the evil, with mortal characters caught in between. The addition of Jesus and the Imam into the modern world was practically genius, however. I honestly enjoyed their introduction to the population of today's world.
I went through this book from cover to cover, taking it for what it was and enjoying it all the same. Not sure that I will pick up any more in the series, but that is more a personal choice based on the one feeling that I came away with at the end: The point of this book is mostly to tell you that the only "good" Muslim is one who has converted to Christianity.
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LibraryThing member autumnturner76
This was a great read. I think it could have been better without the preachy overtones. I thought I was getting a thriller, but it had that Left Behind aspect. That wasn't apparent at the beginning though and it seemed to be slightly disconcerting. Could have been better, even with the
David Shirazi is an interesting character though and I'll check out more of Rosenberg's books.
I recommend to folks who enjoy political dramas whether they are Christian or not.
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preaching.David Shirazi is an interesting character though and I'll check out more of Rosenberg's books.
I recommend to folks who enjoy political dramas whether they are Christian or not.
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LibraryThing member utbw42
This was a fascinating work of fiction, because one could actually see these events taking place. A couple of liberties taken here and there, but this book kept me plastered to the pages. Tense!! Sequels are to follow, and I can't wait to get them. I think this book is extremely relevant due to the
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current state of the Middle East. Show Less
LibraryThing member SherylHendrix
This book was recommended to me by a friend and it took me nearly two years before I broke down and bought a copy to read, but I'm very glad I did. I'm hoping that Mr. Rosenberg did his homework and is portraying a fairly accurate view of Islamic messianic prophecy, and I realize from the book that
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not all Muslims follow this particular view; however, I found it extremely helpful in understanding the motivation underlying the jihadist movement. It gave me a look at the extremist Islamic movements that belies all our state department attempts to "make nice" with certain elements of Islamic countries. I would be interested in reading other books written by Rosenberg after reading this volume. Show Less
LibraryThing member Foghorn-Leghorn
This book reminds me of Tim LaHaye's 'Left Behind' series, which I didn't finish.
LibraryThing member catscritch
This felt a bit preachy. Although Parker uses information and technology available today to create Armageddon, the “bad guys” felt one dimensional. I understand his message and his intentions to help good Christians find their way and many will find this vastly rewarding. There was enough
An advanced copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
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cultural information to make me want to do my own research and that can’t ever be a bad thing. Some dialog was repetitive of their paragraph setups. But all in all, Parker had a message and has made it clear. That’s what a good book should do. An advanced copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member HGButchWalker
Feels like a cross between Jack Ryan and Left Behind - it is a great page-turner that feels right out of the headlines. Looking forward to the ones to follow.
LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: The Twelfth Imam (David Shirazi #1)
Author: Joel Rosenberg
Pages: 512
Year: 2010
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
As this is the first book in the series, readers will spend time learning about past events that shape the future. Readers are taken back to the Iran
As the nuclear threat increases, rumors begin to circulate that the Twelfth Imam has returned to lead Muslims to victory in battle against the Little Satan (Israel) and the Great Satan (United States). Muslim nations who were once at odds begin to unite under the directive of the Twelfth Imam. War against Israel becomes a very real threat. David must discover exactly what Iran’s nuclear capabilities are, as well as keep Israel from making an offensive, preemptive strike. Meanwhile, in his personal life, his first love has contacted him after ten years and wants to meet, and his mother has been diagnosed with cancer. He wants to spend time with her before it’s too late, but his boss says the President of the U.S. is calling on him to complete his mission immediately. What can he do?
There is plenty of tension that builds throughout the story and ends with an abrupt conclusion. A lot of characters are included in the story, which was difficult for me to keep track of sometimes. There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the novel to use as an aid. However, there is more than just the race to have nuclear capability. A spiritual battle is also being fought for the souls of many. At this point, David is not a believer in anything. Will that change as the series continues?
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: Joel Rosenberg
Pages: 512
Year: 2010
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
As this is the first book in the series, readers will spend time learning about past events that shape the future. Readers are taken back to the Iran
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hostage crisis of 1979. Then, the story begins in the present day. David Shirazi is an intelligent, young man who works in a non-official capacity for the CIA. He has been working undercover, building his alias’ cover story, working in Germany. As more information is gathered on the growing certainty of a nuclear-capable Iran, David is called in to action.As the nuclear threat increases, rumors begin to circulate that the Twelfth Imam has returned to lead Muslims to victory in battle against the Little Satan (Israel) and the Great Satan (United States). Muslim nations who were once at odds begin to unite under the directive of the Twelfth Imam. War against Israel becomes a very real threat. David must discover exactly what Iran’s nuclear capabilities are, as well as keep Israel from making an offensive, preemptive strike. Meanwhile, in his personal life, his first love has contacted him after ten years and wants to meet, and his mother has been diagnosed with cancer. He wants to spend time with her before it’s too late, but his boss says the President of the U.S. is calling on him to complete his mission immediately. What can he do?
There is plenty of tension that builds throughout the story and ends with an abrupt conclusion. A lot of characters are included in the story, which was difficult for me to keep track of sometimes. There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the novel to use as an aid. However, there is more than just the race to have nuclear capability. A spiritual battle is also being fought for the souls of many. At this point, David is not a believer in anything. Will that change as the series continues?
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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LibraryThing member AutumnTurner
This was a great read. I think it could have been better without the preachy overtones. I thought I was getting a thriller, but it had that Left Behind aspect. That wasn't apparent at the beginning though and it seemed to be slightly disconcerting. Could have been better, even with the
David Shirazi is an interesting character though and I'll check out more of Rosenberg's books.
I recommend to folks who enjoy political dramas whether they are Christian or not.
Show More
preaching.David Shirazi is an interesting character though and I'll check out more of Rosenberg's books.
I recommend to folks who enjoy political dramas whether they are Christian or not.
Show Less
LibraryThing member cbcmedia
As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
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At extreme personal risk, Shirazi executes his plan. A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn’t be better prepared for the mission. But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next. An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spreads like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
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Original language
English
ISBN
1414311648 / 9781414311647