"The Twelfth Imam" by Joel Rosenberg

How much do you really know about Shia Eschatology? If you are like me and know pretty much nothing, you will learn a little bit by reading this book. The main character is a CIA operative who has been given the task of gathering information concerning Iran's nuclear development operations. While all of this is going on, the Twelfth Imam (an Islamic Messiah-type figure, also known as the "Mahdi", or the "Promised One") seems to have appeared and is rallying the Muslim world together. There is much more to the story, of course, but this hefty book (480+ pages) will keep you interested until the very end.
This book is a fairly sharp departure (in my opinion) in style and substance from the "Last Jihad" series. In fact, it is very heavy on emotional drama and relationships and very low on action, at least until the last 100 pages of the book (which are the best, by the way). The story starts very slowly, weaving the lives of different characters (across different decades, in different countries) into one unified tale. If you have read "The Last Jihad," you will remember that a plane was blown up by an RPG in like the first five pages of that book. Not so in "The Twelfth Imam"; it's much more mellow.
Impressively, Rosenberg utilizes a lot of real information - including actual article snippets and transcribed conversations that really happened. I'm a big fan of "spy" stories, and this book delivers big on that front. Rosenberg also makes it a point to uplift the name of Jesus Christ, and there are several characters in the book that give their hearts to Christ. Very moving scenes, almost bringing me to tears a few times.
Great book, but "The Last Jihad" still sits at the top of my list for Joel Rosenberg.

"The Pawn" by Steven James

**WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!
This book is the debut novel by Steven James, and the first work in the "Bowers' Files" series. We are introduced to the character of Patrick Bowers, a Special Agent with a knack for nabbing the bad guys. However, in this story, Bowers is pitted against a serial killer who seems to be able to stay one step ahead of the investigators.
Let me address some of the serious issues to begin with. If you were to read the reviews at http://www.christianbook.com/ for this book, you would notice that several people give it a one-star rating, saying that it is violent, graphic, and should not be read by Christians (or anyone, especially right before bedtime). Others said that there were no mentions of God or any redeeming aspect to the story at all. I disagree with that last observation. While the author did not attempt to give a clear presentation of the Gospel (like maybe Frank Peretti or Joel Rosenberg have done in their books), the protagonist does wrestle with his own faith. Well, he wrestles with his late wife's faith - and attempts to understand how she can be so devoted to a God who is seemingly destroying her body with disease. He also attempts to reconnect with his estranged step-daughter, which I find a very redeeming aspect of the story.
The other negative observations are mostly accurate. There is a good deal of violence, and graphic death scenes abound. (It is the story of a serial killer, after all). However, I do not think the author crossed the line of grotesque-ness. I, for one, was able to tolerate and even enjoy this book above some books by other authors (Ted Dekker and Robert Liparulo, for example, have disturbed me to the point of getting rid of some of their books***** SEE READER COMMENTS BELOW POST). On another note, reality is much harsher than fiction, and one only has to turn on the evening news to hear horrible stories just as graphic and see video footage just as disturbing. The Bible, also, gives some pretty gory details at times, but the Bible doesn't disturb me. It is only a matter of perspective and knowing your own tastes.
On the positive side, this book is a real nail-biter! The talent of the writer is obvious, and I am looking forward to reading more of his works and seeing his abilities develop. (To be perfectly honest...I read portions of this book at night while in bed, and...um...well........ let's just say that a few times I was tempted to leave the lamp on. "Thriller" is a very appropriate term to describe it). I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

"The God-Hater" by Bill Myers

There are very few novels that have, in my opinion, made such a strong point. Bill Myers paints a crystal-clear picture of the necessity of God's existence. How can you imagine life without a guide for morality? (The Universal Moral Law is one wall atheists cannot break down.... otherwise, society will crumble - which this book illustrates).

In this book, Nicholas, a fierce atheist philosopher, becomes involved in a software experiment that involves the creating of a society with real artificial intelligence. At first, the society always destroys itself (because the programmers only use models that do not include a universal moral law). When Nicholas is brought in (against his will) to solve the problem, he slowly discovers that the "Programmer" must intervene in order to free the digital world from the "curse." By the end of the book, Nicholas understands why Christ came to die - because God as the "Programmer" of reality has intervened to free us from sin. Wow!!!!
So, if you have even a weak interest in apologetics, READ THIS BOOK! If you have friends who are open-minded but agnostic, buy a copy and give it to them. It may be just the push in the right direction that they need.
This book has a fantastically original storyline and transparent characters. If I could, I'd give this book 10 out of 5 stars. You will probably never read a better fictional illustration of Biblical truth.

NOTE: The author also includes some questions for reflection, and he also offers to host a 20 minute question-and-answer session by speakerphone if you have a class or group of 10 or more that study the book!

"Scarlet" by Stephen Lawhead

This is the second book in Lawhead's "King Raven Trilogy." I must say, it is one of the most unique books I have ever read! The author jumps seamlessy between writing in first person (from the viewpoint of Will Scarlet, who is relating his tale in prison) and writing in third person (the events going on outside the prison). It was a most enjoyable way to read a story. It also helped to bear along the interest in the series - since the second book in a continuing trilogy is usually the least engaging.
The characters that Lawhead creates are so real and personable... He has the extraordinary gift of giving each character a complete and consistent personality. Tuck is always positive, Bran is hot-tempered - and the male and female genders are distinguished in quite realistic ways (as far as personalities go). This gives the reader the illusion that they really know the characters.
The fight scenes are masterfully composed and electrified with suspense. (The violence is described, but in very discreet ways). The villains are evil and ruthless - but no so much that they do not seem human. As with the other two books in the series, there are some archaic words used that some people would now consider to be swear words...
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! By the way, even though this is book 2 in the trilogy, there is enough background given that you can read this book by itself and follow the story easily. (But why would you skip "Hood", which was also excellent?)

"Tuck" by Stephen Lawhead

"Tuck" is the third book of Stephen Lawhead's "King Raven Trilogy." In this book, Bran and his "Grellon" (the forest-dwelling people) make their final efforts to restore the kingdom to its rightful ruler - Bran himself. The fighting becomes more desperate, the Grellon suffer a division, and Friar Tuck has the heavy burden of responsibility placed on his shoulders. Of course, all turns out well in the end - but in a very unexpected and climactic way.
In my opinion, this was the best book in this excellent trilogy. In fact, I believe the books got increasingly better. Parents should be warned that there is a good deal of violence and descriptions of gruesome deaths in this book, as well as some "crude" words that are not quite considered curses (but most Christian parents would not let their kids say them)! In addition, some Christians may find it difficult to reconcile the "righteousness" of Bran with the lying, drinking, stealing, and killing... However, if you do not let the moral and theological questions distract you, then you will find an engaging story in a wonderfully historical context. (We should not get our morals and theology from novels anyway...)
There are some lovable new characters introduced, and some old characters do not survive to the end of the book (but you'll have to read it to find out who it is). I give it a whole-hearted 5 out of 5 stars!