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Marcus Ryker #4
Beirut Protocol, The
From the New York Times , USA Today , and Publishers Weekly bestselling author!
A game-changing peace treaty between Israel and the Saudis is nearly done.
The secretary of state is headed to the region to seal the deal.
And Special Agent Marcus Ryker is leading an advance trip along the Israeli-Lebanon border, ahead of the secretary’s arrival.
But when Ryker and his team are ambushed by Hezbollah forces, a nightmare scenario begins to unfold. The last thing the White House can afford is a new war in the Mideast that could derail the treaty and set the region ablaze. U.S. and Israeli forces are mobilizing to find the hostages and get them home, but Ryker knows the clock is ticking.
When Hezbollah realizes who they’ve captured, no amount of ransom will save them―they’ll be transferred to Beirut and then to Tehran to be executed on live television.
In the fourth installment of Rosenberg’s gripping new series, Marcus Ryker finds himself in the most dangerous situation he has ever faced―captured, brutalized, and dragged deep behind enemy lines.
Should he wait to be rescued? Or try to escape? How? And what if his colleagues are too wounded to run?
This is the CIA’s most valuable operative as you have never seen him before.
A game-changing peace treaty between Israel and the Saudis is nearly done.
The secretary of state is headed to the region to seal the deal.
And Special Agent Marcus Ryker is leading an advance trip along the Israeli-Lebanon border, ahead of the secretary’s arrival.
But when Ryker and his team are ambushed by Hezbollah forces, a nightmare scenario begins to unfold. The last thing the White House can afford is a new war in the Mideast that could derail the treaty and set the region ablaze. U.S. and Israeli forces are mobilizing to find the hostages and get them home, but Ryker knows the clock is ticking.
When Hezbollah realizes who they’ve captured, no amount of ransom will save them―they’ll be transferred to Beirut and then to Tehran to be executed on live television.
In the fourth installment of Rosenberg’s gripping new series, Marcus Ryker finds himself in the most dangerous situation he has ever faced―captured, brutalized, and dragged deep behind enemy lines.
Should he wait to be rescued? Or try to escape? How? And what if his colleagues are too wounded to run?
This is the CIA’s most valuable operative as you have never seen him before.
Paperback
First published March 9, 2021
About the author
Joel C. Rosenberg
68 books3,097 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
April 29, 2021
I haven’t read anything by Joel Rosenberg before, but if The Beirut Protocol is anything to go by, I’ve certainly missed out!
Israel and Saudi Arabia, are about to sign a peace treaty of enormous significance, and the US Secretary of State is to visit the region to ensure all goes according to plan.
To further ensure the success of this deal, Special Agent Marcus Ryker is leading an advance trip, when it all starts to go horribly wrong. He and his team are ambushed and taken hostage by Hezbollah, and that, in turn, could lead to war throughout the Middle East. The US and Israel have to prevent that from happening, so all the stops are pulled to find the hostages before it’s too late.
Gosh, this book certainly highlights the simmering political tension that surrounds the various factions in the Middle East, and the story could have been snatched straight from the news headlines. It gives a clear indication of what actually transpires behind those headlines too. There was action right from the word go, some powerful characters, and a gripping storyline. If you enjoy high octane political thrillers, then this is for you.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Israel and Saudi Arabia, are about to sign a peace treaty of enormous significance, and the US Secretary of State is to visit the region to ensure all goes according to plan.
To further ensure the success of this deal, Special Agent Marcus Ryker is leading an advance trip, when it all starts to go horribly wrong. He and his team are ambushed and taken hostage by Hezbollah, and that, in turn, could lead to war throughout the Middle East. The US and Israel have to prevent that from happening, so all the stops are pulled to find the hostages before it’s too late.
Gosh, this book certainly highlights the simmering political tension that surrounds the various factions in the Middle East, and the story could have been snatched straight from the news headlines. It gives a clear indication of what actually transpires behind those headlines too. There was action right from the word go, some powerful characters, and a gripping storyline. If you enjoy high octane political thrillers, then this is for you.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
April 10, 2021
Trigger warning: torture, claustrophobia
it was his job, his mission, his sworn duty to protect
4.5⭐
The Beirut Protocol is action packed and very intense. It's well written and I feel either Rosenberg did great research or he's very familiar with the region. It's the fourth book in Marcus Ryker series and in fact a delightful surprise as Rosenberg previous series wrapped as a trilogy.
During an advance trip for SecState near the Israel-Lebanon border, Marcus Ryker (CIA), Kailea Curtis (DSS), and a young Israel Defense Forces Yigal Mizrachi's convoy are hit by an anti-tank missile. Under fire, Curtis sends out a distress message, but the party is overrun by overwhelming enemy force.
Before reinforcement arrives, the three have been captured and taken through underground tunnels across the border to Hezbollah hideout in Lebanon. It didn't take long for a commander in Northern IDF to issue Hannibal Protocol, a highly controversial directive attempt to stop abductors even at the cost of abductees' lives to prevent prisoner exchange.
It took me a while to finish, not because it wasn't good. But because it was so well written and "our guys" were captured, and tortured... it wasn't an easy read!
it was his job, his mission, his sworn duty to protect
4.5⭐
The Beirut Protocol is action packed and very intense. It's well written and I feel either Rosenberg did great research or he's very familiar with the region. It's the fourth book in Marcus Ryker series and in fact a delightful surprise as Rosenberg previous series wrapped as a trilogy.
During an advance trip for SecState near the Israel-Lebanon border, Marcus Ryker (CIA), Kailea Curtis (DSS), and a young Israel Defense Forces Yigal Mizrachi's convoy are hit by an anti-tank missile. Under fire, Curtis sends out a distress message, but the party is overrun by overwhelming enemy force.
Before reinforcement arrives, the three have been captured and taken through underground tunnels across the border to Hezbollah hideout in Lebanon. It didn't take long for a commander in Northern IDF to issue Hannibal Protocol, a highly controversial directive attempt to stop abductors even at the cost of abductees' lives to prevent prisoner exchange.
It took me a while to finish, not because it wasn't good. But because it was so well written and "our guys" were captured, and tortured... it wasn't an easy read!
February 11, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Joel C. Rosenberg, and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Joel C. Rosenberg is back with another of his nail-biting thrillers that pulls together many of the current goings-on in the Middle East and their delicate political interactions. Special Agent Marcus Ryker is in the region as an advance team with the Diplomatic Security Service, scouting things out before the signing of a major peace treaty. However, things go terribly wrong and he soon becomes a pawn of a ruthless regime seeking to flex its own muscle in the region. Rosenberg aptly covers all the perspectives with strong actors and leaves the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of the action in The Beirut Protocol. Recommended to those who have loved his work in the past, as well as the reader who cannot get enough of political thrillers.
It seemed like an easy mission for Marcus Ryker and his team, all part of the US Diplomatic Security Service, as they worked ahead of the upcoming peace treaty signing between America and the Saudis. However, along the Israel-Lebanon border, Ryker and his team are captured by Hezbollah and taken to a compound. It’s only later that Ryker’s identity is discovered after some brutal interrogating and torture techniques.
While no one in the White House is yet aware of what’s happened, the news travels to Tehran quickly. Iran is in the middle of its own political vacuum, with the Grand Ayatollah having died and a new man about to be chosen for the job. Whomever assumes the role, their support of Hezbollah is almost guaranteed and having Ryker will prove to be a gift no one could imagine.
While Ryker tries to get himself out of the clutches of Hezbollah, he musty act quickly. He’s a wanted man, having scuttled a number of plans by America’s most ardent enemies. It will require a great deal of planning and determination if Ryker hopes to make it out alive. Still, the rewards could be monumental, particularly if it means the Americans and Saudis can move ahead with their peace treaty, which is sure to open the door to more tranquility in the region.
Joel C. Rosenberg has long been a favourite author of mine, not only because of his political thrillers, but also since he knows just how to lay the groundwork for a plausible story. Many who are familiar with a number of his series will recall that he predicted some of the major events in the region in the late 1990s and into the 20th century, almost foreboding the events that would lead to clashes that pit countries and regions against one another today.
Marcus Ryker has been a great protagonist throughout the series. Rosenberg has been able to develop him effectively throughout the series, mixing a strong determination with some key personal backstory. The series has become more intense because of Ryker’s presence and one can only hope that Rosenberg is not entirely done with this man, who seems at ease no matter where he finds himself in the world, or which enemy awaits him.
Rosenberg’s creation of strong secondary characters is like few others I have seen before. Each actor plays a key role in the larger narrative and keeps the reader enthralled as they learn about how political and social situations are seen through a number of lenses. While it can be hard to keep the countries and their politics straight, Rosenberg has a great list at the start of the book to provide the reader just what they need to keep the plot flowing with each actor and the flavour brought to the narrative. While there are usually a large number of actors being used, Rosenberg is always spot-on about how he hopes to effectively utilise those who push the story forward.
The overall story was, as usual, amazing and well-paced. Rosenberg understands the nuances of the region to provide the reader with something to keep them on their toes. The writing is of high caliber and keeps the reader interested throughout the story, with key moments of dialogue to paint an even more intense picture of how the machinery of Middle East politics works. With short chapters that push the reader to keep the story going, Rosenberg jams much into his writing and does not let the reader rest on their laurels at any time. With a plot that is well-paced and full of twists, the reader is never left knowing what is to come, which helps to add new layers of thrills to an already stunning piece.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg, for another winner. I cannot wait to see what you have next for your fans and how the future of the region will shape your writing.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Joel C. Rosenberg is back with another of his nail-biting thrillers that pulls together many of the current goings-on in the Middle East and their delicate political interactions. Special Agent Marcus Ryker is in the region as an advance team with the Diplomatic Security Service, scouting things out before the signing of a major peace treaty. However, things go terribly wrong and he soon becomes a pawn of a ruthless regime seeking to flex its own muscle in the region. Rosenberg aptly covers all the perspectives with strong actors and leaves the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of the action in The Beirut Protocol. Recommended to those who have loved his work in the past, as well as the reader who cannot get enough of political thrillers.
It seemed like an easy mission for Marcus Ryker and his team, all part of the US Diplomatic Security Service, as they worked ahead of the upcoming peace treaty signing between America and the Saudis. However, along the Israel-Lebanon border, Ryker and his team are captured by Hezbollah and taken to a compound. It’s only later that Ryker’s identity is discovered after some brutal interrogating and torture techniques.
While no one in the White House is yet aware of what’s happened, the news travels to Tehran quickly. Iran is in the middle of its own political vacuum, with the Grand Ayatollah having died and a new man about to be chosen for the job. Whomever assumes the role, their support of Hezbollah is almost guaranteed and having Ryker will prove to be a gift no one could imagine.
While Ryker tries to get himself out of the clutches of Hezbollah, he musty act quickly. He’s a wanted man, having scuttled a number of plans by America’s most ardent enemies. It will require a great deal of planning and determination if Ryker hopes to make it out alive. Still, the rewards could be monumental, particularly if it means the Americans and Saudis can move ahead with their peace treaty, which is sure to open the door to more tranquility in the region.
Joel C. Rosenberg has long been a favourite author of mine, not only because of his political thrillers, but also since he knows just how to lay the groundwork for a plausible story. Many who are familiar with a number of his series will recall that he predicted some of the major events in the region in the late 1990s and into the 20th century, almost foreboding the events that would lead to clashes that pit countries and regions against one another today.
Marcus Ryker has been a great protagonist throughout the series. Rosenberg has been able to develop him effectively throughout the series, mixing a strong determination with some key personal backstory. The series has become more intense because of Ryker’s presence and one can only hope that Rosenberg is not entirely done with this man, who seems at ease no matter where he finds himself in the world, or which enemy awaits him.
Rosenberg’s creation of strong secondary characters is like few others I have seen before. Each actor plays a key role in the larger narrative and keeps the reader enthralled as they learn about how political and social situations are seen through a number of lenses. While it can be hard to keep the countries and their politics straight, Rosenberg has a great list at the start of the book to provide the reader just what they need to keep the plot flowing with each actor and the flavour brought to the narrative. While there are usually a large number of actors being used, Rosenberg is always spot-on about how he hopes to effectively utilise those who push the story forward.
The overall story was, as usual, amazing and well-paced. Rosenberg understands the nuances of the region to provide the reader with something to keep them on their toes. The writing is of high caliber and keeps the reader interested throughout the story, with key moments of dialogue to paint an even more intense picture of how the machinery of Middle East politics works. With short chapters that push the reader to keep the story going, Rosenberg jams much into his writing and does not let the reader rest on their laurels at any time. With a plot that is well-paced and full of twists, the reader is never left knowing what is to come, which helps to add new layers of thrills to an already stunning piece.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg, for another winner. I cannot wait to see what you have next for your fans and how the future of the region will shape your writing.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 2, 2021
Rinse, wash, repeat. This Marcus Ryker story was not for me. Loved the first, "Kremlin Conspiracy." Ryker #2 & #3 - 4 star worthy. Ryker #4, not good. 1 of 10 stars
March 2, 2021
This is the fourth installment of the Marcus Ryker series and in this book Ryker faces his toughest challenge ever. I'm a big fan of Mr Rosenbergs work and no one writes better political thrillers than him. This book feels like I'm watching the news about the tense situation in the Middle East, it's so authentic and real. The characters in the book are well developed and Marcus Ryker is as good as any of the similar characters out there. This book is difficult to put down and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. If you are looking for a gripping, intense and action packed political thriller then this is a book for you. If you haven’t read the previous books about Ryker then I suggest you start with book one. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book and to share my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book and to share my honest review.
February 21, 2021
I have read The Beirut Protocol By Joel C. Rosenberg. It's the fourth and latest book about CIA officer Marcus Ryker. This time he's on an advance recon for a state visit to Israel when stuff happens that leads to him and two fellow officers being taken hostage. Then the race is on... Who is really behind the kidnapping and can they escape or maybe be rescued? Well read the book to find out, I will not tell you. I have been a fan of this series since I came across book one a while ago and I will hopefully find time to try some of Rosenbergs other work. I am grateful that #TynedaleHousePublishing and #Netgalley made this book available for me. I highly recommend that you read this one.
March 26, 2026
There was a lot of action and possible events that just seemed so real and Rosenberg was able to paint the picture so well that we could visualize what and where the action was. Now on to the next in the series.
March 8, 2021
This was my introduction to both Joel C. Rosenberg and Marcus Ryker, so I had no preconceived notions nor any expectations of the quality of the characters and the story. I found the cover intriguing and hoped that the inside matter would have a similar impact.
Mr. Rosenberg wasted no time, and the book begins with Marcus and his team on the Israel-Lebanon border, under attack and soon overwhelmed. Hezbollah Deputy Commander Amin al-Masri had only hoped to capture a couple Israelis, and he was elated to discover his good fortune in capturing three Americans. His ultimate plan? Torturing the prisoners until they revealed information and then executing them. What he did not know was that not only did he have Marcus and his partner Kailea Curtis, the third captive was Yigal Mizrachi, the nephew of Israeli Prime Minister Reuvan Eitan.
The Prime Minister had other issues to deal with, including dealing with the fallout of an IDF officer initiating an old protocol used whenever there is a kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. This action caused an invasion into Lebanon, something not needed on the eve of a peace treaty between the Saudis and America.
Readers are confronted with a number of questions. Will al-Marsi discover the truth about his captives? Will he execute one or all of them, and what will the Americans do if that happens? Will war break out between Israel and Lebanon? And what happens to the peace treaty if it does? Chapters are short, and this propels a pace that is always moving, sometimes at a blistering speed.
Besides the main characters, there are others affected in different ways and they also have their effect on the tale. Mr. Rosenberg included a Cast of Characters in the beginning, and at first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep track of them all. However, the author’s excellent descriptions and engaging dialogue helped define the characters and I never had an issue keeping them all straight.
The five-star element of the book is Mr. Rosenberg’s knowledge of the Middle East, and he generously injects it into the story. This careful crafting of the people and places involved creates a realism that never caused me to question the plot nor the motives of the people. Although the book comes in around 440 pages long, I was so caught up in the action that I finished it in two days. It’s been along time since I read a novel this involved, and it was a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a healthy mix of espionage, politics, and continuous action. Five stars.
My thanks to Meryl Moss Media for an advance reading copy of this book.
Mr. Rosenberg wasted no time, and the book begins with Marcus and his team on the Israel-Lebanon border, under attack and soon overwhelmed. Hezbollah Deputy Commander Amin al-Masri had only hoped to capture a couple Israelis, and he was elated to discover his good fortune in capturing three Americans. His ultimate plan? Torturing the prisoners until they revealed information and then executing them. What he did not know was that not only did he have Marcus and his partner Kailea Curtis, the third captive was Yigal Mizrachi, the nephew of Israeli Prime Minister Reuvan Eitan.
The Prime Minister had other issues to deal with, including dealing with the fallout of an IDF officer initiating an old protocol used whenever there is a kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. This action caused an invasion into Lebanon, something not needed on the eve of a peace treaty between the Saudis and America.
Readers are confronted with a number of questions. Will al-Marsi discover the truth about his captives? Will he execute one or all of them, and what will the Americans do if that happens? Will war break out between Israel and Lebanon? And what happens to the peace treaty if it does? Chapters are short, and this propels a pace that is always moving, sometimes at a blistering speed.
Besides the main characters, there are others affected in different ways and they also have their effect on the tale. Mr. Rosenberg included a Cast of Characters in the beginning, and at first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep track of them all. However, the author’s excellent descriptions and engaging dialogue helped define the characters and I never had an issue keeping them all straight.
The five-star element of the book is Mr. Rosenberg’s knowledge of the Middle East, and he generously injects it into the story. This careful crafting of the people and places involved creates a realism that never caused me to question the plot nor the motives of the people. Although the book comes in around 440 pages long, I was so caught up in the action that I finished it in two days. It’s been along time since I read a novel this involved, and it was a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a healthy mix of espionage, politics, and continuous action. Five stars.
My thanks to Meryl Moss Media for an advance reading copy of this book.
March 17, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Joel C. Rosenberg's books, especially the Marcus Ryker Series. Being a Marine myself (at one time) I can relate to a lot of the reasons in the character of Marcus Ryker. Every book in the series connects to the book following in series order. It took me only three days to read the entire book because of the interest, and excitement that keeps the reader wanting to see what happens next.
January 3, 2021
I’ve been a fan of the Marcus Ryker series from the beginning. It’s one of the best characters that Joel Rosenberg has created and the events—like much of his writing—has been eerily accurate. Joel’s grasp of Middle Eastern socio-politics and ability to turn that into an entertaining story is like no one else. Joel’s taken Ryker through Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Israel, heightening the stakes each time. This has been a hugely entertaining series and this one…I may end up in the minority, but this one falls flat.
The Beirut Protocol just doesn’t seem like the same type of novel as the previous books in the series. While the previous books dealt with end-of-the-world or at least huge-international-incident type of problems, The Beirut Protocol is mostly a straightforward story of capture and escape. Seriously, that’s the plot of the book. Ryker, Kailea, and a relative of the Israeli PM are captured by terrorists. Eventually, through a convoluted and unimpressive means, Ryker escapes. I mean, if I was captured by terrorists, I’d take an uneventful and unimpressive escape as well, but this is fiction and Rosenberg has set certain expectations. The scope and drama of the book just doesn’t hold up.
The result is that while the book is over four hundred pages, nothing really happens. There’s a lot of filler, including a bullet pointed page listing elements of Shiite eschatology. I’m used to Rosenberg pulling together multiple plot threads and perspectives, giving readers a thrill a minute, and having his finger on the pulse of Middle Eastern socio-politics. While the latter hasn’t changed, the first two are lacking. And it makes that latter point rather dry and uninteresting.
Rosenberg is four books into the series. He has a wealth of well-developed characters to draw from to complete his story, but none of them—Ryker included—advance forward in any meaningful way. As the bigger picture storyline begins to rely more on Shiite End Times theology—a subject of Rosenberg’s increasing fascination that he explores to tepid results in the 12th Imam trilogy—Rosenberg shifts to more ham-handed propaganda and outright lecture and exposition to tell his story.
In my review of The Jerusalem Assassin, I wrote that Rosenberg’s portrayal of radical Islam remains his weakest point. It comes across as a caricature—whether Rosenberg believes it to be so or not. It’s even more true in The Beirut Protocol. It comes across as thinly-veiled American/Israeli military propaganda. You can write from a certain viewpoint or conviction without it being propaganda. Rosenberg has made a career of it. But he falls short here with an unconvincing stereotype of Islam, a two-dimensional main character, and a shoestring plot.
It just doesn’t match up with even the other books in the series. The lack of internal cohesiveness in terms of characterization and plot really threw me out of the story. I’m probably being more critical of this book because I’ve had three books and over 1,200 pages to get to know the characters and cadence of the storyline. The Beirut Protocol just doesn’t align stylistically with the previous books in the series. Marcus Ryker deserves better.
The Beirut Protocol just doesn’t seem like the same type of novel as the previous books in the series. While the previous books dealt with end-of-the-world or at least huge-international-incident type of problems, The Beirut Protocol is mostly a straightforward story of capture and escape. Seriously, that’s the plot of the book. Ryker, Kailea, and a relative of the Israeli PM are captured by terrorists. Eventually, through a convoluted and unimpressive means, Ryker escapes. I mean, if I was captured by terrorists, I’d take an uneventful and unimpressive escape as well, but this is fiction and Rosenberg has set certain expectations. The scope and drama of the book just doesn’t hold up.
The result is that while the book is over four hundred pages, nothing really happens. There’s a lot of filler, including a bullet pointed page listing elements of Shiite eschatology. I’m used to Rosenberg pulling together multiple plot threads and perspectives, giving readers a thrill a minute, and having his finger on the pulse of Middle Eastern socio-politics. While the latter hasn’t changed, the first two are lacking. And it makes that latter point rather dry and uninteresting.
Rosenberg is four books into the series. He has a wealth of well-developed characters to draw from to complete his story, but none of them—Ryker included—advance forward in any meaningful way. As the bigger picture storyline begins to rely more on Shiite End Times theology—a subject of Rosenberg’s increasing fascination that he explores to tepid results in the 12th Imam trilogy—Rosenberg shifts to more ham-handed propaganda and outright lecture and exposition to tell his story.
In my review of The Jerusalem Assassin, I wrote that Rosenberg’s portrayal of radical Islam remains his weakest point. It comes across as a caricature—whether Rosenberg believes it to be so or not. It’s even more true in The Beirut Protocol. It comes across as thinly-veiled American/Israeli military propaganda. You can write from a certain viewpoint or conviction without it being propaganda. Rosenberg has made a career of it. But he falls short here with an unconvincing stereotype of Islam, a two-dimensional main character, and a shoestring plot.
It just doesn’t match up with even the other books in the series. The lack of internal cohesiveness in terms of characterization and plot really threw me out of the story. I’m probably being more critical of this book because I’ve had three books and over 1,200 pages to get to know the characters and cadence of the storyline. The Beirut Protocol just doesn’t align stylistically with the previous books in the series. Marcus Ryker deserves better.
March 4, 2021
I love that this political thriller series serves to educate a bit about current events as well as keeping readers engaged in the activities of Marcus Ryker.
April 6, 2021
This is the 4th book in Joel C. Rosenberg's Marcus Ryker series and another winner for me.
The story picks up 2 years after book 3. Ryker and 1 other member of his CIA team are sent on an advance trip for the Sec. of States upcoming visit. Before they can tend to their business they are snatched off the Israel/Lebanon border by what appears to be Hezbollah forces. But is it?
Rosenberg has a tight grip on all that happens in the Middle East, making his stories true to life. His writing is spot on. He has become one of my favorite "thriller" authors. If you like Vince Flynn and Daniel Silva there is no reason for you not to try Rosenberg. I have said it before, don't let the MPG Christian turn you away-Marcus is a man of faith but Rosenberg never throws that in your face.
The story picks up 2 years after book 3. Ryker and 1 other member of his CIA team are sent on an advance trip for the Sec. of States upcoming visit. Before they can tend to their business they are snatched off the Israel/Lebanon border by what appears to be Hezbollah forces. But is it?
Rosenberg has a tight grip on all that happens in the Middle East, making his stories true to life. His writing is spot on. He has become one of my favorite "thriller" authors. If you like Vince Flynn and Daniel Silva there is no reason for you not to try Rosenberg. I have said it before, don't let the MPG Christian turn you away-Marcus is a man of faith but Rosenberg never throws that in your face.
April 6, 2021
Book Review – The Beirut Protocol – Joel C. Rosenberg
The Marcus Ryker series by Joel C. Rosenberg is now one in my favorite action thriller series. “The Beirut Protocol” was my first to read in the series, but I have since read all the others. I love the Marcus Ryker character, a federal agent with the US Diplomatic Security Service, and I can't say enough good things about the book, a political action thriller that leaves the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of all the action and on the edge of their seat the entire time reading it. The most enjoyable aspect of this novel is its timeliness and relevance to today’s events. I personally enjoy learning about the history and the mindsets of the Jews and the Muslims in the Middle East – particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border. Rosenberg did an outstanding job in incorporating these proponents into this book. It read as if the storylines were ripped straight from the news headlines. The story plots were well-thought-out, well-developed characters, an intriguing climax, and a great cliffhanger at the end. This book was an exciting read for me and difficult to put down. Some may find it boring because of the Middle East political stuff, but I enjoyed it for a number of reasons, mostly because of Rosenberg’s writing but mainly because of the realism of the story. Well written, well researched and well presented, I recommend The Beirut Protocol.
The Marcus Ryker series by Joel C. Rosenberg is now one in my favorite action thriller series. “The Beirut Protocol” was my first to read in the series, but I have since read all the others. I love the Marcus Ryker character, a federal agent with the US Diplomatic Security Service, and I can't say enough good things about the book, a political action thriller that leaves the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of all the action and on the edge of their seat the entire time reading it. The most enjoyable aspect of this novel is its timeliness and relevance to today’s events. I personally enjoy learning about the history and the mindsets of the Jews and the Muslims in the Middle East – particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border. Rosenberg did an outstanding job in incorporating these proponents into this book. It read as if the storylines were ripped straight from the news headlines. The story plots were well-thought-out, well-developed characters, an intriguing climax, and a great cliffhanger at the end. This book was an exciting read for me and difficult to put down. Some may find it boring because of the Middle East political stuff, but I enjoyed it for a number of reasons, mostly because of Rosenberg’s writing but mainly because of the realism of the story. Well written, well researched and well presented, I recommend The Beirut Protocol.
March 11, 2021
If you are looking for an edge of your seat, I don't need to sleep tonight, political thriller then look no farther than Joel Rosenberg's The Beirut Protocol, book 4 in his Marcus Ryker series. This book is not for the squeamish as it does deal with terrorism. As Mr. Rosenberg lives in Israel his books have an authentic feel to them. The plot is fast-moving with several twists that keep you guessing as to what is to come. I like Marcus Ryker as a character and for the most part, he is very realistic, but in this book, some of his actions make him come across as a superhero. When all is said and done I found this to be a most satisfying book.
So grab a glass of mint tea and a plate of falafel to enjoy while reading The Beirut Protocol.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no obligations. All thoughts are my own.
So grab a glass of mint tea and a plate of falafel to enjoy while reading The Beirut Protocol.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no obligations. All thoughts are my own.
March 23, 2021
What an amazing adventure
May 22, 2021
I've read the entire Marcus Ryker series. Not my usual subgenre at all, but I've enjoyed every book :) Definitely fast-paced!
March 19, 2026
This is the fourth book in the Marcus Ryker series which my parents, siblings (ages 13 to 23), and I have been enjoying together as a read-aloud. Even though this series is different from what I normally read, I like it, and I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. The first half of the book is… well, the main character is captured by Hezbollah terrorists. Then the various terrorist leaders all have to talk about it. And the American leaders have to talk about it. And the Israeli leaders have to talk about it. And talk about it some more. And I’m thinking, can we stop talking about it and DO something? But then we got to the escape and rescue, which was awesome! I loved it, and I was very impressed.
Note: I think each book in this series has had more violence and gore than the previous one. Personally, I don’t have a problem with the violence, because it’s realistic. The books are telling what Islamist terrorists are really like; it’s not just violence for no reason. But just be aware that these books are written for adults, and that this book in particular includes three characters (two men and a woman) being captured by terrorists and tortured, some fighting between American agents and terrorists, and multiple mentions of mutilated bodies after an air strike.
Note: I think each book in this series has had more violence and gore than the previous one. Personally, I don’t have a problem with the violence, because it’s realistic. The books are telling what Islamist terrorists are really like; it’s not just violence for no reason. But just be aware that these books are written for adults, and that this book in particular includes three characters (two men and a woman) being captured by terrorists and tortured, some fighting between American agents and terrorists, and multiple mentions of mutilated bodies after an air strike.
March 28, 2025
Special Agent Marcus Ryker is leading an advance trip along the Israel-Lebanon border, ahead of the secretary’s arrival.
But when Ryker and his team are ambushed by Hezbollah forces, a nightmare scenario begins to unfold. The last thing the White House can afford is a new war in the Mideast that could derail the treaty and set the region ablaze. U.S. and Israeli forces are mobilizing to find the hostages and get them home, but Ryker knows the clock is ticking.
But when Ryker and his team are ambushed by Hezbollah forces, a nightmare scenario begins to unfold. The last thing the White House can afford is a new war in the Mideast that could derail the treaty and set the region ablaze. U.S. and Israeli forces are mobilizing to find the hostages and get them home, but Ryker knows the clock is ticking.
April 20, 2021
This is a great intense read. I would have given it 5 stars but I had a few religious or spiritual issues if you prefer with the book that would be interesting to discuss with a book club. I also felt that Marcus had to be Superman to have survived all of this. It was over the top. The book was indeed entertaining enough to overcome my qualms!
June 12, 2021
In the 4th book in the thrilling and intriguing Marcus Ryker series, “ The Beirut Protocol” Special Agent Marcus Ryker, his partner Kailea Curtis, and Israeli Officer Yigal Mizrachi are captured in an IDF convoy ambush by Hezbollah forces on the eve of an imminent visit by the US Ambassador. Tortured brutally with little possibility of escape and facing execution in Tehran on live television the plot thickens with the subterfuge of Amin Al-Masri, leader of the Radwan Unit and the capture of his younger brother Tanzel as the Israelis unleash a firestorm in Lebanon in their attempt to find the hostages.
Fast-paced, the action never stops in this political thriller with its strong thread of Christian faith as tension and suspense mount when the Americans send in their team to locate the hostages only to discover one of them has escaped and is hiding out in a local church. A plot that seems ripped from today’s headlines, and filled with twists and turns that keep you glued to every page, Joel C. Rosenberg creates another high-powered thriller.
Breathing life into the story are familiar characters like astute, sharp-witted and intelligent Special Agent Marcus Ryker; his feisty and tough partner Special Agent Kailea Curtis; and young Israeli officer Yigal Misrachi, borderline genius fluent in Arabic, French, Hebrew and English. Yet it’s the devious, cold-blooded cruelty of Amin Al-Masri leading the elite Hezbollah Radwan Unit that adds a dark chill to the story.
Like all of Joel C. Rosenberg’s novels I thoroughly enjoyed “The Beirut Protocol” and look forward to his next political thrill-ride.
Fast-paced, the action never stops in this political thriller with its strong thread of Christian faith as tension and suspense mount when the Americans send in their team to locate the hostages only to discover one of them has escaped and is hiding out in a local church. A plot that seems ripped from today’s headlines, and filled with twists and turns that keep you glued to every page, Joel C. Rosenberg creates another high-powered thriller.
Breathing life into the story are familiar characters like astute, sharp-witted and intelligent Special Agent Marcus Ryker; his feisty and tough partner Special Agent Kailea Curtis; and young Israeli officer Yigal Misrachi, borderline genius fluent in Arabic, French, Hebrew and English. Yet it’s the devious, cold-blooded cruelty of Amin Al-Masri leading the elite Hezbollah Radwan Unit that adds a dark chill to the story.
Like all of Joel C. Rosenberg’s novels I thoroughly enjoyed “The Beirut Protocol” and look forward to his next political thrill-ride.
January 30, 2021
This fourth installment of the Marcus Ryker series has Ryker and his team on an advance security detail at the Israeli-Lebanese border ahead of the Secretary of State's trip to sign a historic treaty between Israel and the Saudis. He and his team find themselves taken by Hezbollah forces. This story has a different feel than the first three books in the series. It's focus is on Ryker and his team's captivity. How will the U.S. get them back? Will they survive? Will they break? It's an interesting look at the complicated and volatile relationships among both the Middle-eastern countries and their various factions' quest for power. Rosenberg always has well-developed characters and this holds true with our protagonist, Kairos, in this book. It has some interesting twists that serve to highlight how volatile the geo-political environment of the Middle East. Some of the plot elements left open in the earlier books are resolved in The Beirut Protocol. It will be interesting to see if the focus of the series, or at least of Ryker, shifts a bit given the teaser at the end.
Thank you to Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
January 25, 2021
I've read and enjoyed all the books in this series. While I liked this installment, it wasn't my favorite in the series. I believe it would benefit the reader to read the books in order.
Ryker is a well-developed character. There were some unresolved elements in the prior book, and they're adequately resolved with this installment. The pace isn't quite as fast as in prior books, but it is appropriate to keep the reader engaged, as do the chapter-ending hooks.
I've read Rosenberg's books for years, and he always has a way of bringing his stories to life and incorporating real-life events, and this book is no exception.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Ryker is a well-developed character. There were some unresolved elements in the prior book, and they're adequately resolved with this installment. The pace isn't quite as fast as in prior books, but it is appropriate to keep the reader engaged, as do the chapter-ending hooks.
I've read Rosenberg's books for years, and he always has a way of bringing his stories to life and incorporating real-life events, and this book is no exception.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
April 7, 2021
This is entertaining book as per usual.
Early on in the story, the flow was not as smooth, the story moved a little too slowly. However that was resolved.
Do not expect realism, Because we have a character who can be attacked, beaten, drugged, abused, and tortured; Yet he's able to escape from a moving car, jump across roofs, and call for help.
After all that said and done, without being seen by a doctor, He can participate in anti-terrorism raids.
But don't let that stop you.
Overall it's a fun story, You will be entertained, there will be good guys and there will be bad guys.
One thing about these stories, The author shows us that you can have a good action-packed spy story without foul language and sexual scenes.
Early on in the story, the flow was not as smooth, the story moved a little too slowly. However that was resolved.
Do not expect realism, Because we have a character who can be attacked, beaten, drugged, abused, and tortured; Yet he's able to escape from a moving car, jump across roofs, and call for help.
After all that said and done, without being seen by a doctor, He can participate in anti-terrorism raids.
But don't let that stop you.
Overall it's a fun story, You will be entertained, there will be good guys and there will be bad guys.
One thing about these stories, The author shows us that you can have a good action-packed spy story without foul language and sexual scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
The problem with many of these special ops, covert security group novels is that many of the stories are exciting but then they become unbelievable due to the way things always work, and it all seems implausible. I enjoyed the book but it was obvious that Marcus would get his team members back alive and exact revenge on the renegade terror group that conducted this raid. 3/5 stars is all I could give it.
July 3, 2022
3.5 stars
May 20, 2021
Joel's books have always been very prescient and timely. It's a wee bit freaky though when you start reading this one, and it starts out with Lebanon starting a war (Israel's wars with her Islamist neighbors are usually quick, less than a month in real life) Israel and it's May of 2o21 and there is a war with Hamas, from the West Bank firing rockets into Israel and Israel fighting back. The situation was ongoing the entire week it took me to read the book. So that's eerie. This is the 4th book in the series that surrounds the character Marcus Ryker.
This is a very fast moving, fascinating political thriller as are most of Joel's books, and it's very hard to put down. As usual, it gives you terrific insight into what's really going on in the middle East, as Joel and his family now live in Jerusalem and he's friends with many moderate muslim leaders in the area, such as the current King of Jordan and many others. Joel has friends in high places, to put it mildly. Joel's books are always fiction based on facts and situations that are happening in the area.
This is a very fast moving, fascinating political thriller as are most of Joel's books, and it's very hard to put down. As usual, it gives you terrific insight into what's really going on in the middle East, as Joel and his family now live in Jerusalem and he's friends with many moderate muslim leaders in the area, such as the current King of Jordan and many others. Joel has friends in high places, to put it mildly. Joel's books are always fiction based on facts and situations that are happening in the area.
Read
March 9, 2021THE BEIRUT PROTOCOL is a great next read for any lover of military and political thrillers and fans of authors like Steve Berry. Its tension and suspense will have readers on the edge of their seats, immersed in the action and turning pages to keep up with the plot’s swift unfolding. And when they’ve finished Marcus Ryker’s latest adventure, they may find themselves reaching for another Rosenberg thriller.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/03/09/trapp...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/03/09/trapp...
April 26, 2021
Nobody can create sense, for the average American, of Middle Eastern socio-politics of today, and the delicate balances of these forces like Joel C. Rosenberg while, at the same time, providing the reader a page-turning, gripping, intense and action packed political thriller..."The Beirut Protocol" is the fourth in the Mathew Stryker series and Stryker and his fellow operatives, on advance security detail, are kidnapped by rogue Hezbollah terrorists and their struggle to survive and escape the experience...plenty of twists with this great read!!!
June 1, 2021
4.5 stars
This one was the hardest one for me to read yet. I found it a little on the heavy side with violence; at the same time I realize that this was written to be realistic fiction, and Rosenberg could have been far more graphic than he was. So I appreciate his discretion in telling a heavy story well.
This one was the hardest one for me to read yet. I found it a little on the heavy side with violence; at the same time I realize that this was written to be realistic fiction, and Rosenberg could have been far more graphic than he was. So I appreciate his discretion in telling a heavy story well.
June 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this installment of the Marcus Ryker series, as I have all of them. Very fresh and timely plot … even includes reality of Covid pandemic, not a significant part of plot at all.
Story moves quickly, characters are believable … for the most part. Marcus seems to always overcome overwhelming odds, but he is the hero …
Story moves quickly, characters are believable … for the most part. Marcus seems to always overcome overwhelming odds, but he is the hero …
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