Rosenberg is one of the best at writing fast-paced, near-realistic political thrillers, and The Beirut Protocol largely hits the mark as an addition to Rosenberg's lengthy canon of excellent novels. The book follows Marcus Ryker's experiences dealing with factions in Lebanon and Israel, and the story once again feels as if it predicted current events, as it was prior to the Gaza-Israel Conflict that occurred in 2021. As a character, Marcus Ryker is one of my favorites of the thriller novels - his backstory contains depth, and his thoughts and emotions also feel true to real life. When comparing this book to others in the series or in Rosenberg's collection of novels, The Beirut Protocol is fairly straight-forward and does not break a lot of new ground. It contains a few plot tropes that and relatively few twists. Nevertheless, the book is well worth reading for those interested in realistic political thrillers and previous Rosenberg books.

I don’t want to give away details in this review because I don’t want to spoil the intensity and suspense for anyone. This is yet another great book by Joel Rosenberg. His writing amazes me and I am always so completely drawn into the story that it’s hard for me to put the book down at any point in the story. This book is all of that and more, and the storyline certainly packs a punch. If you are a fan of suspenseful fiction, you will love this book. No one writes fiction about the Middle East like this author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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.

Once again Mr. Rosenberg has written a book that feels as if it has been ripped from the headlines of the newspaper. As I was reading about the bombings in the book, that very thing was happening in Israel. It almost frightens me what he imagines for his book. I realize that by living in Israel, he is very close to what is happening over there, probably with more insight that we Americans have. And then he goes on to create scenarios concerning how captives would act and builds the tension of whether they will survive the torture to which they are subjected. Since I live in Colorado, I want to go to Monument and spend time consoling Marcus's mother. I am not sure how one man can endure as much as he has in Mr. Rosenburg's books.

I wish to thank Netgalley for my copy of the book. The comments are my own.

I've read several books by this author and have always enjoyed everything I've read, so I was looking forward to reading this book. I must say it didn't disappoint. This book was easy to read and fast paced and kept me wanting to read more. I highly recommend this book.

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.

Book Review – The Beirut Protocol – Joel C. Rosenberg
The Marcus Ryker series by Joel C. Rosenberg is now one in my favorites action thriller series. Although The Beirut Protocol, the newest book in the series and my first to read, I have since purchased the three previous novels and will go back and read soon. 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 this book. 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. Thank you to #NetGalley and Tynedale House Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

The Beirut Protocol drops readers right into the action from the start and things just get more intense from there. Marcus Ryker is back, and he and his team get kidnapped on the border of Hezbollah territory. Marcus is a wanted man, and Hezbollah isn’t known for treating their hostages well. The problem is that no one can find the taken team. It’s only a matter of time before Ryker’s true identity is discovered (not to mention the giant bounty on his head.)

The story is basically a giant man hunt for Ryker and his team. Joel C. Rosenberg knows how to build suspense. I had no idea how Ryker would make it out of this situation alive. Marcus Ryker is hands down one of the best action heroes. He seems unstoppable despite the never-ending life or death situation he faces in the name of national security.

The Beirut Protocol is my new favorite in the series, but the entire line-up is fantastic for fans of non-stop action. I suggest that readers start with book one first (The Kremlin Conspiracy), but you probably could jump in with this one and not be totally lost.

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Intense Realism Drives this Authentic, Fast-Paced Thriller!

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.

I would describe Rosenberg's books as Political Action Thrillers. This one was full of action and danger. It would make an excellent movie. It had some aspects that were really interesting, like an operative that has gone rogue and left his superiors with serious questions of how to respond. It's a nightmarish situation.

This is book four in the Marcus Ryker series so there are many characters that are familiar. While there are a few different plot lines going that show things unfolding from their own perspectives, it all felt very cohesive to me. It was easy to see how each part was relevant to the main story. I liked that. There is an excellent pace to the book. Even though it's over 400 pages long, it felt like a fast read because I couldn't put it down and the story flowed so well.

If you enjoy political action thrillers, give this book a try. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

First off, I'm really proud of myself that i actually have read another book in the Marcus Ryker series--the first one! LOL. While I haven't read books 2 or 3, I didn't find that problematic with this foray into book 4. Some (presumable) events from those installments were referenced, but I never felt like I missed anything, which is awesome. I will, of course, go read them, but it was nice to know I wouldn't be hindered here, especially because it's classic Rosenberg--incredibly fast paced and hard to put down!

The Ryker series is definitely more violent than I recall other Rosenberg series being (i.e. The Last Jihad). I wouldn't recommend reading "The Beirut Protocol" before bed, both due to the violence and simply the strong urge to find out what happens!

Rosenberg always amazes me at how he can weave together a multitude of characters, history, current events, and countries' interactions that read just like they were taken out of today's newspaper. When I first started reading his fiction books, he was still based stateside; he's since moved to Israel and started a nonprofit. He's evidently kept up to date with worldwide goings-on, and incorporates that into his books; indeed, living and working in Israel lends an added depth to his work beyond what was already there. He sees so much of these events firsthand with "boots on the ground," as it were.

A solid installment in the Ryker series, and I look forward to going back and reading books 2 and 3.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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.

In The Beirut Protocol, Joel Rosenberg’s fourth novel in the Marcus Ryker series, the reader is thrown into the action within the first sentence! This was my first time reading a novel by Rosenberg, and he did not disappoint.

When we meet up with Marcus Ryker and his two colleagues, we are immediately immersed in a gun fight for our hero’s lives. All through this sequence, I found myself beyond worried if they were going to make it. I knew nothing of these characters, but I was invested from page one in their survival.

Marcus Ryker and his partner, Kailea Curtis, are both DSS special agents sent as an advance team to the Israel-Lebanon border prior to the Secretary of State’s arrival for a crucial Israeli and Saudi peace deal. As the team works with an Israeli liaison on this advance trip, they are caught in the cross hairs of a Hezbollah ambush. The team, after a viscous fire fight, are caught, and a joint US and Israeli response is immediately sent to get them back. The pressure is on to rescue them, for if this advance teams’ true identity comes to light, no amount of negotiations will get them back.

Marcus Ryker is portrayed in the novel as being a maverick and a person who does not toe the company line. He is an individual who in the past has taken impossible situations and turned them upside down. He has also made powerful enemies on the world stage who would love nothing more then to have Ryker as a prisoner.

Do to his lone wolf ways, many in his organization do not care for his tactics, however Ryker has made friends with individuals high in the government who hold some serious sway. A manhunt is unleashed to get Ryker and his team back, and they will be forced to think fast on their feet as they jet around Lebanon in search of these high value individuals.

The Beirut Protocol was a high stakes fast read with terrifying global implications. This novel has the “ripped from the headlines” plot that thriller fans have come to love in this genre. The reader roots for Ryker through the entire novel; celebrating victories and mourning failures. I have to say, I was nervous for the torture scenes, but it makes you cheer for the victories that Ryker has all the more. The Beirut Protocol was a well done geo-political read that I feel fans of the genre will enjoy!

Reviewed for Best Thriller Books

Good overall story, but a little different than what I expected.

Marcus Ryker has had his fair share of action and adventure coupled with loss and heartache. He’s been a marine, secret service agent, CIA liaison, and diplomatic security special agent who has traveled to Russia, Korea, Israel, and all parts of the middle east. He’s frustrated attacks on the president and Israeli prime minister, participated in an assassination of a global world lead, and thwarted terroristic agendas. So, when he and his partner Kailea are out making rounds to prepare for the Secretary of State’s arrival and are ambushed the last thing you expect to happen is that he is captured by Hezbollah agents. If they figure out who they’ve captured, there is no way they will be ransomed or returned. They will be taken to Beirut and sold to the highest bidder of Ryker’s enemies! Can he pull off yet another escape and save his team? Or is this the end of Marcus Ryker?

This series has been loaded with action since the first book and this one kicks it off in the same style. Until they are captured? What???? How did this happen? Marcus always gets out with a narrow miss, but not this time. What ensues is torture, deprivation, and a less than expected storyline dealing with Hezbollah, Iran, and the Kairos terrorist organization. It’s really not what I expected to for this series or these characters. Plus, none of the characters really progress in development in this book. Everybody pretty much stays the same with a fast pace and short chapters to keep the story line moving. Overall, it just didn’t have the same feel to it that the previous books did and the faith element that readers have seen with Marcus becomes stagnant as well. Had this been the first book, I would have had a different opinion and could have seen the characters grow from there, but this one just fell a little flat. I’m not sure if this is the last book in the series, but I hope that there is one more mission to really hit the nail on the head.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Another great book from Mr. Rosenberg; I have read each of his books and this one continues the tradition of a great storyline with plausible events that could happen that make each of his books so good

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.

Some of my favorite authors are Brad Thor and Vince Flynn. I have loved Mitch Rapp and Scot Harvath since my mother first exposed me to their “take crap from no one” personalities. They are the protagonists in a certain type of novel that I classify as “America is the best” or “go kill the terrorists” novels, because that’s exactly what the characters do. With the support of their networks across the world, they prove repeatedly that the United States will succeed against all odds. People may die along the way, but ultimately, more lives will be saved.

When I first discovered Rosenberg’s Marcus Ryker, I was thrilled. A Christian Mitch Rapp! No swearing, no inappropriate comments about women. I consumed the first three novels, and The Beirut Protocol is no different. Read it in under 24 hours. Like the others, it’s exciting, and I didn’t want to put it down. Ryker finds himself captured by terrorists. The U.S. and Israel are rushing to rescue him and two others, while the terrorists—not knowing who they have in their possession—want to use him.

The Beirut Protocol by Joel C. Rosenberg is fast-paced and very easy to read, despite the numerous characters in the novel. I’ve never been so glad to have a character reference list at the beginning of a book, because I kept having to remind myself who certain individuals were. I enjoyed the book; it was a good way for me to unplug from reality for several hours.

But I didn’t think it was as good as Rosenberg’s other Marcus Ryker novels. The whole plot is “Marcus and his buddies have been kidnapped; we must rescue them!” Rosenberg transported the reader to multiple different subplots: the terrorists, the terrorists’ bosses, the U.S. government, the Saudi government, the Israeli government…the list goes on. Rosenberg jumped around the world as though the reader were a ball in some sort of ball game. Place to place to place. It was like he needed to tell every angle of the story.

There were also aspects of the story that I found unbelievable/unconvincing. I know Rosenberg is an expert in his field, but I find it hard to believe that things could escalate so quickly...and then de-escalate with the same speed. “We’re going to bomb each other mercilessly!” to “Nope, withdraw everything! We’re sorry!” It doesn’t seem like it should be that simple.

The Beirut Protocol by Joel C. Rosenberg read like a middle book of a series. It exists to serve as a bridge between two more important plots, but it does not stand firmly on its own.

The Beirut Protocol, Joel Rosenberg
If you only have time to read one political thriller, let this be the one! It feels like it could have been taken from the pages of a current day newspaper describing exploding conditions in the Middle East. The author is known for his prophetic ability to put his hand on potential issues, and this non-stop action packed novel, from the first page until the last, has done just that!
Three people, a United States Special Agent, Marcus Ryker, with a bounty on his head because of his anti-terrorist work, a former cop, US Special Agent Kailea Curtis, who works with Marcus, and Yigal Mizrachi, an Israeli Intelligence Officer who speaks Arabic fluently and is the grandson of the Israeli Prime Minister, have been sent to the Lebanese/Israeli border, as an advance guard to prepare for a visit from the United States Secretary of State. (Yigal’s cover story is that he is an American, which is for his own safety. What a catch he would be for the haters of Israel!) They expect no trouble, since no one knows of their visit. There is a very real possibility of a peace treaty between Saudi Arabia and Israel and the hope is that nothing will interfere with this peace process. There are, however, forces that would like to derail the entire process, keep the Middle East in a state of unrest, and eventually destroy the “Big and Little Satan” America and Israel.
Instead of what is hoped to be a peaceful and uneventful scouting operation, the group falls into the hands of a rogue group of Hezbollah soldiers belonging to the Radwan Unit of Hezbollah. This is a unit of devoted, elite, trained killers known to use brutal methods of torture to extract information before they murder their victims. Their leader, Al Masri, known as The Egyptian, is secretly working to derail the peace process and cause greater conflict in the Middle East, arousing further distrust and hate for Israel and America. He has used an undiscovered tunnel, beginning in Lebanon, to enter Israeli territory with the hope of capturing an Israeli hostage. If successful, it would not only be a feather in his cap, if he could pull it off, it will also make him a very rich man. However, he will also have to get away with the powerful leaders he pledged allegiance to, as well. Although his men think his action is ordered by The Sheikh, and he is leading them under the guise of Hezbollah, there is a catch, Hezbollah knows nothing about it.
The Radwan Unit’s effort is unexpectedly wildly more successful than Al Masri ever could have dreamed. He captures no Israelis, but believes he has taken three Americans prisoner. When the Supreme Leader of Iran dies, coincidentally, as this hostage situation takes place, it plays right into the hands of America and Israel’s enemies. When the Israeli Defense Minister learns of the battle and capture of the advance team, he orders an abandoned policy of all out assault on the border and its environs to prevent the enemy from taking the hostages further into enemy territory in Lebanon. They cannot lose them. Rescuing them is vital. They are prizes that are too valuable for the enemy, and so the enemy must not find out who the three really are. It would probably lead to a high profile, televised, barbaric death for all of them which the enemies would use as a tool for propaganda and recruitment. The ensuing search for the three captives is tense and dangerous. The team of experts is prepared well and is chosen carefully. The rescue plan is diabolical and brilliant, but it is also thoroughly nerve wracking. The atmosphere created is very plausible. The activities of all sides seem authentic as each bends rules to accomplish their goals.
The short chapters make the constant tension, created by the author’s talented hand, very manageable, but this is a book that keeps on giving. Chapter after chapter the excitement builds, keeping the reader on the edge of the seat, wondering what will happen next? Both sides engage in nefarious behavior.
The unique aspect of this book is that the reader can actually picture it playing out in real life. There are enemies of the United States and Israel that are capable of carrying out the kinds of terrorist acts described in this novel. There are brutal and barbaric factions plotting to destroy America and Israel. Only diligent intelligence investigations and trained Special Agents keep them at bay and both countries safe.
The book ignites feelings of patriotism, coupled with respect for Israel and America, as it acknowledges the tremendous danger and effort that goes into attempting to establish peace in the Middle East. It is very dangerous work that keeps the only democracy there, safe and secure. As the book develops, the reader will wonder what drives the enemies of the free world to hate and instigate such unrest. What leaders of which countries would be most interested in derailing the peace process, and in causing chaos. Who could mastermind this diabolical plan? Which country would use the capture of Israelis as pawns in negotiations which never end well? Is it the usual cast of suspects? Was this plan hatched when the Supreme leader died, or was his death just coincidental, influencing and broadening the plan with the wider objective of all out war and the establishment of the Caliphate.
I loved reading about the expertise of the Israelis and the Americans as they mounted an effort to find and rescue the hostages. It gave me tremendous pride in, and gratitude for, those who work to keep us all safe at the risk of their own lives. This is a book for patriots! Although this is the fourth book in a series with Special Agent Marcus Ryker, it is not necessary to read the previous novels to enjoy this one. It easily stands successfully on its own. The excitement is visceral. The tension generated permeates the atmosphere around the reader as this writer gives life to what could very well be a real life situation, unfolding on any given day, in the fraught with danger Middle East.
***I received this book from Meryl Moss Media.

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.

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.

The Beirut Protocol is the 4th book in the Marcus Ryker series by Joel C. Rosenberg, which is noteworthy since he’s known for writing several trilogies in the past. Departing from this successful formula represents a risk, but one in which we need to give Mr. Rosenberg the benefit of the doubt given his tremendous track record for churning out hit after hit.

The Beirut Protocol kicks of with a massive firefight on the Israeli border with Lebanon, resulting in US State Department Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Agents Marcus Ryker and Kailea Curtis, along with Yigal Mizrachi of IDF Intelligence, being taken hostage by an elite unit of Hezbollah militants. The story then revolves around the trio’s harsh captivity and fight for survival, the US and Israel’s desperate attempt to rescue them, and a global terrorism organization’s plot to destabilize the Middle Eastern peace process. It’s violent, raw and brutal, but all in the name of advancing the plot and in no way gratuitous. All of this adds to a story that’s about Marcus trying to save himself and his colleagues more so than about saving the world, although there’s a healthy dose of that as well. But the focus on Marcus is the compelling part of this book, giving the reader a deeper look into Marcus’ character and spirituality which adds to the overall development of this series.

I’m a big fan of Joel C. Rosenberg’s work. He’s a fantastic writer and master storyteller. His deep expertise of Middle Eastern politics leads to incredibly realistic and frightening storylines that we all hope and pray don’t come true. However, in all honesty The Beirut Protocol isn’t one of his best books. It’s an entertaining and worthy thriller, but it had potential to be more and didn’t quite get there for two reasons. First, while we see Ryker’s vulnerability throughout his hostage situation, he seems to bounce back rather quickly once he’s rescued. While I’m all for the bad-assery of agents and operators, I didn’t buy that he would recover that quickly physically or emotionally. I’d rather see his continued vulnerability and letting others finish the fight against the bad guys. Second, while Ryker’s progression as a character is well done, it’s almost the singular focus of character development in the novel. I would have loved to go deeper into Kailea Curtis’s mentality throughout the ordeal to build a stronger emotional connection with her. I also wanted to learn more about Yigal Mizrachi. He’s a pivotal person in the plot, but we don’t learn that much about him. Not exploring these characters more represents missed opportuniteis that would have enhanced the story and taken it to the next level.

Despite my concerns and possible unrealistically high expectations for every Joel C. Rosenberg book, The Beirut Protocol is still a solid entry into the Marcus Ryker series. I’ll be interested to see if the series continues or if the author goes back to writing trilogies. The ending of this book was clean and events were nicely wrapped up, offering up unlimited possibilities going forward. Which is exciting as a thriller fan. No matter what, count me in for the next book by Mr. Rosenberg. He’s a tremendous writer that I will automatically read whenever he releases a new book.