The Third Target: J. B. Collins, Book 1

A very good thriller written by Joel Rosenberg who is very well versed in the politics of the Middle East. This was written during the pinnacle of ISIS, and its insurgency in Syria and Iraq.The story is about a NYT reported who is out to get an exclusive with the head of ISIS, then finds himself immersed in danger, and trying to figure out who to trust, and escaping death.It is mainly told through the main character J.B. Collins. There is also a peace deal in the works between Israel and the Palestinians, with the help of the U.S. and Jordan. Meanwhile, ISIS is dead set against it. Is there also an insider or insiders in one of several of the players who also do not want to see this deal done. ISIS may also have chemical weapons (Sarin).My only beef with the story was how this NYT journalist, toward the end of the book, turns into a gun-fighting action hero.Still a solid effort from Rosenberg.

Book was in perfect condition and came with a free gift!!

Rosenberg does not disappoint! Having listened to Allies and Enemies made it even better! You won’t regret reading this!! On to the next in the series. :)

I've read several of Joel C. Rosenberg's books and am a fan -- although some times I feel he goes a little overboard in his books describing his religious viewpoint towards End Times prophesies. However, while the topic is touched on briefly in this book, it is definitely not a cause for concern!My review won't provide a summary of The Third Target as this can be read about in the Amazon Book Description above; but rather will provide my opinion as to why I'd highly recommend this book. All I'll say is that the premise of the book is built around these "What if" questions: 1) What if Radical Islamist extremists were able to seize control of a cache of chemical weapons in Syria that were overlooked or not reported to the U.S. disarmament teams?; and 2) What if these Radical Islamist extremists chose to use the threat of these weapons to seize control of a key Middle East country and to establish a violent caliphate?In my opinion, The Third Target is one of the most exciting, edge-of-the seat plot-driven thrillers I've read in quite awhile for several reasons, with four of the most major reasons being that: 1) the author has (as usual) done his homework regarding the subject matter of this book; 2) the subject matter is so topical that you might expect one day to read about it in the headlines of your favorite newspaper (although let's hope the book's subject and plot remain a work of fiction) 3) Rosenberg writes in a style that results in the reader feeling that he/she is not just a "reader" but an actual "participant" in the middle of all the plot, and 4) the book is filled with enough action and twists and turns that, by the time you finish it, you'll need to sit for awhile to catch your breath.Having said all of the above, before deciding to read this book, readers must understand that some suspension of disbelief is required and, more than that, that the end of this book is NOT the end of the story. By this I mean the ending is a "cliffhanger" and that you'll have to -- feel compelled to -- read Rosenberg's sequel to The Third Target, called The First Hostage. I've already obtained my copy and will be reading it very soon!

The Third Target is a spell-binding, adrenaline-building, climactic and suspenseful novel that brings various components of reality into the fictional realm! At first, the novel jumps off the page with a flashback to what a journalist witnessed firsthand before moving to the current timeframe in the book. Now, the grandson of that journalist wants to carry the mantle in his day with reporting the most elusive and dangerous terrorist group leader to date. In order to do so, J. B. sets out on a mission that may just be the death of him to interview the terrorist leader himself.Through many pages of the tale readers will wind their way through the Middle East and more as journalist J. B. Collins faces not just danger head on, but pure evil. One aspect of J. B.’s life is the fact that while having grown up in a Christian home, he distances himself from those beliefs as well as his older brother who is a pastor.One of the threads in the story is how the enemy knows aspects of a proposed peace treaty between two nations that was said to be top secret and classified. When J. B. learns just how much the terrorists know of the peace plans, he is afraid. When he learns they know details about his family, he now knows he must expose the threat.Though this is fictional, I was really impressed with the amount of research Joel Rosenberg pursued; it is simply astounding. When J.B.’s life is under constant threat and when he is captured a couple of times, one might think he would quit or at least question where he is at spiritually. Yet, J. B. is not easily swayed to make a profession of faith even when he recognizes God’s hand in his recent life threatening experiences.I hope you take time to read, consider what is presented, and thank the Lord for the many people who stay vigilant to keep many lives from many nations safe.

Yet once more, an excellent point from Joel Rosenberg. Written with a clear eye on current events and the added bonus of its relationship to the Holy Bible and its prophecies!A really good thing about Joel is his gift and ability to present a terrific story without foul language and the total absence of blasphemy. All Joel's books are 'clean' of such gutter language. It can be achieved without depleting the thrust and impact of the story. If Joel can so easily do it why do other authors seem so determined to inject swearing and blasphemy?Do they think it will sell books? Well not to me! Thanks to Joel for his strength of character and determination to be separated from foul and offensive language

Another brilliant read from a great author. The old hackneyed phrase unputdownable ,which is used by some reviewrs of very ordinary books,but in this case it is totally true,the book kept me reading until the wee small hours..I have to say though,the ending took the wind right out of my sails ,but I expect and hope that this indicates a sequal to follow. I most certainly hope so. Keep up the good work Mr.Rosenberg,!!!

Started off quite good but then I realised I didn't care who lived or died, even the "baddies". Lost interest and didn't finish the book

ONCE AGAIN JOEL C. ROSENBERG WRITES A BOOK WHICH BOTH BELIEVERS AND NON BELIEVERS CAN SEE HOW THESE EVENTS UNFOLD AS PROPHESIED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. RIVETTING TO THE END. CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.

A gripping page turner which is right in line with current events in the middle east. Always enjoy this author's books and look forward to the next one.