this was such a unique scifi and mystery genre, I had a lot of fun reading this and this book was so thought provoking. The characters were great and I enjoyed going on this journey.

This simply was not the book for me. Try as I might, I simply could not become involved in this one. It is a well written book with an interesting story. But simply not what I was looking for at the time.

First things first, The concept of this book is intriguing and pricked my interest. So I was looking forward to reading it. However, it is so long, I mean its so very loooooong! I had to check that I hadn't suddenly developed a reading style that took me ages to get through. I took every and each opportunity to read it, and almost became disheartened to see that I still had 40% to go. Its a mixture of historical, fictional, and sci-fi plots, with various storylines happening throughout, but most unbelievable amongst them, was the character Elie, who just so happened to be a Fashion journalist, that seamlessly moved to becoming a spy, all with stereo typical British stiff upper lip, and superiority. It was if she was made for the world of espionage, and I have to say along with her idiotic musings was completely unbelievable. I found myself, saying wait, what, really far too often. It could have been a cleverly written great book, but because of its length, and ludicrous character framing it was passable at best.

Having just completed my reading of an ARC of R.K. Syrus' "Apocalypse Israel: The 96-Hour War," published by Books Go Social, I am still somewhat at a loss for words to describe it. Don't misunderstand me, I enjoyed it thoroughly, but this book is so complex, fitting to its subject, that it is exceedingly difficult to summarize succinctly. I like to conceptualize it as part high concept suspense novel, part science fiction, part alternate history and, even, on some level, techno-thriller! The story of a catastrophic war engulfing Israel and the Middle East is, of course, quite timely, but the author, quite deliberately, eschews a simplistic happy ending. By the time the reader finishes the book, he or she will likely be emotionally drained, somewhat frightened and, perhaps, a great deal better informed on the complexity of the modern state of Israel and the position it occupies in the cauldron of the Middle East. There is no single dominant narrator; instead the narrative point of view shifts, often jarringly (but appropriately given the fast pace of the action) between a number of interested individuals providing very different perspectives on the action (which is both plentiful and often graphic). For me, it resonates with the best of science fiction and alternate history in that it promotes an understanding of a real world threat through the prism of a fictional catastrophe. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in this book, much of the disaster that occurs and is described in harrowing detail is directly and deliberately a result of Israeli policies (fictional ones to be sure, but they do highlight real world issues). The central conceit, without giving too much away, is that the fictional Israel presented adopts the policies of its worst enemies in the world but turns them on their heads. The book is well worth the read, but some will find it profoundly disquieting.

An amazing modern-day speculative fiction thriller! I highly recommend this to readers interested in possible future scenarios.

"Apocalypse Israel: The 96-Hour War" by R.K. Syrus is a fine example of combined sci-fi and politics. The book depicts the possible - and unfortunately, very realistic - scenario of war actions in the Middle East in 2029. The lives of ordinary people and high officials and soldiers are brutally destroyed, and the only option they have is to survive at any cost. The scale of the destruction is unthinkable. It includes Israel and all neighboring countries as far as Turkey, and the scheming behind the war is played out by all countries that have a say in politics. The author employs spy books' tactics when every situation is looked upon through the eyes of multiple characters, and every chapter presents a new plot twist. The battles take place underground, in sea waters, in the air, and even in the Earth's orbit. The sci-fi elements look natural and do not violate any laws of physics, in my amateur opinion.

The book could be converted into an action movie (or even series) if not for the brutality of scenes and profanity. Violence, sexual abuse, verbal abuse of all religions possible; I don't think the author wanted to offend anybody intentionally, yet, the language his characters use is highly offensive and inappropriate for the big screen. Words 'scums' and 'thugs' are the least a reader can encounter during reading. I wanted to stop few times when the scenes became unbearably graphic and detailed. Because of its offensive nature and sensitive subject, the book can't be recommended for Orthodox believers of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam.

The second obstacle in comprehending the narrative was the book's length. The author tried to squeeze into the book all imaginable twists and plot developments. That definitely turned the read into a roller-coaster; simultaneously, a reader feels overwhelmed and confused by the number of events and characters, main and supportive. If the book could be halved in two, the reading would go much more smoothly.

It should be separately mentioned that the book can be read both as a standalone and part of the series. In the future continuations of 'Apocalypse Israel', the author intends to destroy not only the Middle East but also Europe and America. Good luck with that!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read #apocalypesIsrael (The 96-Hour War) by #rksyrus in return for a fair and honest review.

This was a book that I had no idea what to expect from when I started reading, and by the time I finished I wished it had gone on to a sequel. But, beware - it's a lengthy and complex book with a number of major and secondary characters that pop up in chapter after chapter.

Israel is under attack - both from without and, apparently, from within. Those without want to decimate the country, and have been planning for decades - and now the time has come. Those within want to decimate their enemies, and are willing to stop at nothing - including nuclear and biological warfare - to accomplish their objectives.

Throughout the book we follow the exploits of David and Lia Baumann, citizens of Israel (he's Jewish and the son of one of Israel's two Chief Rabbis, and an unwitting assassin for the government, she's Arab and an elite programmer), Ellie Sato, a lifestyle reporter who's about to go into newly independent Kurdistan and is recruited to the world of international expionage, Temir, fanatic and leader of the Grey Wolves, and a number of other characters both good, bad and just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The author has explored all of the conflicts that exist inside and outside of Israel, and has crafted a unique future-world where Artificial Intelligence is rampant and no one is quite who they seem.

It's a roller-coaster of a book, and massive in scope. There is violence galore - some of it not for the squeamish - and even a modicum of humor.