My rating: 4/5
The fourth installment in the Marcus Ryker series, The Beirut Protocol by Joel C. Rosenberg is an enthralling story, that takes the reader on a thrilling ride through international politics, military action, and heart pounding suspense. This action-packed novel is satisfactorily interwoven with themes of courage, survival, and determination, that grip the reader within the first few pages of the story.
Protagonist Marcus Johannes Ryker has long since established himself as a clever, courageous, and disciplined agent, who has impressively accumulated years of accomplishments and amassed ample respect throughout his tenure as a U.S. government agent. His current role as a CIA operative leads him into a horrific situation when he, alongside two other colleagues, are forcefully taken as hostages by a brutal terrorist radical Islamic group. Marcus’ willpower, strength, and discipline are put to the ultimate test, while he attempts to survive the savagery as a hostage. His faith in the Lord, as well as years of intense military training as a Marine, aids him in accomplishing the impossible.
The Beirut Protocol is a well written, fast-paced, and page turning novel that consists of an intriguing plot, with interesting characters. The setting of the story is sufficiently described, with intriguing imagery, as most of the novel is primarily set internationally. The plot is not saturated with Christian content but includes several instances when faith in the Lord is depicted. This is suitably done by exhibiting characters praying, displaying unyielding faith, and some mentioning of scripture. Ultimately, I enjoyed this story as well as the Marcus Ryker series. If you like Christian fiction thrillers, with political and military contexts, you will enjoy this entire series.
