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J. B. Collins #3
Without Warning
As he prepares to deliver the State of the Union address, the president of the United States is convinced the Islamic State is on the run, about to be crushed by American forces once and for all. But "New York Times" foreign correspondent J. B. Collins tells the president he's dead wrong. With the Middle East on fire, the Israeli prime minister dead, and Amman in ruins, Collins fears a catastrophic attack inside the American homeland is imminent. He argues that only an all-out manhunt to capture or kill Abu Kahlif--the leader of ISIS--can stop the attack and save American lives. But will the president listen and take decisive action before it's too late?
453 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2017
690 people are currently reading
1831 people want to read
About the author
Joel C. Rosenberg
53 books2,969 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
July 12, 2022
4.5 stars
What a great trilogy. This is the last book in J.B. Collins series, and it was intense.
I thought the book was slow compared to the first two. "Without Warning" has over half of the book takes place in the U.S. so there is much less action than in the previous books. The story kicked into a higher gear once Collins arrived on foreign soil.
Boy oh boy, the ending was good!
What a great trilogy. This is the last book in J.B. Collins series, and it was intense.
I thought the book was slow compared to the first two. "Without Warning" has over half of the book takes place in the U.S. so there is much less action than in the previous books. The story kicked into a higher gear once Collins arrived on foreign soil.
Boy oh boy, the ending was good!
February 6, 2017
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Joel C. Rosenberg, and Tyndall House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
Rosenberg returns with another powerful political thriller, the final instalment of this trilogy, that takes an interesting spin on ISIS and Western reactionism. J.B. Collins, War Correspondent for the New York Times, remains skeptical of the US Administration's plan to combat ISIS, as Abu Khalif, its purported leader, remains at large. Khalif and ISIS have perpetrated major and catastrophic attacks against infidel states and US-backers, culminating in the kidnapping of the American president and a massacre during a major Middle East peace summit (both of which occur in past novels, familiar to the series fan). With the State of the Union Address hours away, US President Harrison Taylor dismisses concerns Collins raises about Khalif and ISIS as a whole. Taylor wonders if he ought not to rescind his offer of a Presidential Medal of Freedom to the acclaimed journalist. When the Capitol is attacked during the Address, all hell breaks loose and Collins soon learns that ISIS has struck again, but on a much larger scale. Seeking to get away from the violence and drama, alongside an inability to stomach the lies Taylor seems to be spinning to the American public, Collins eyes a return to Maine with his brother, Matt. As they travel, a personal tragedy befalls them and Collins learns just how inept the Administration has become when it comes to ending the reign of terror that ISIS and Abu Khalif have over the world. Could the answers be in the Middle East, where American allies can fight a war against this radical and apocalyptic Islam? Collins seeks to reinvent himself and must decide if he can take up the torch, using his own set of allies to help topple ISIS at its heart before the world must fall on blended knee and admit defeat to the terrorists. With a sensational culmination to a stunningly realistic series, Rosenberg shocks readers to the core. This story and the complete trilogy offer a poignant and blunt narrative, weaving through fact and plausible fiction. A must read for those who love political thrillers and can stomach mild Christian inculcation.
I have long been a fan of Rosenberg and his political fiction. This is the third series I have devoured as quickly as the novels come off the presses, all using a strong biblical undertone paired against current events in one of the most unstable political powder kegs. Rosenberg gathers a wonderful cross-section of characters, pulled from key states that propel the story forward and seem plausible in the fight against ISIS. Additionally, injecting realistic political and religious impairments brings a whole new level to the character interactions and places reality that much closer to the reader's grasp. While ISIS remains the buzz word in the news today and seems to permeate thriller novels to no end, I never tired of hearing Rosenberg's spin. I have mentioned how the same drivel bores and irritates me, Rosenberg's angle is not only refreshing, but more realistic than some secret operative mowing down anyone who utters 'Allah' before 'Hello'. Those familiar with Rosenberg's novels will know that he has been found to offer eerie foreboding buried within his novels, perhaps tying all the pieces together as his protagonist is known for doing in this book. To treat Rosenberg's work as pure fiction is to ignore the nuances and attention to detail the author places as he pens his plots. The writing style is some of the best in the genre and the short chapters offer readers a wonderful ability to get hooked and beg themselves to read 'just a little more' as cliffhangers grow exponentially. While I am not a fan of 'in your face' Christianity, I have become immune to some of it in Rosenberg's stories and dodge the born-again land mines that emerge throughout. Rosenberg knows what he is doing and readers should flock in his direction, if only to learn about the Middle East and its political importance on the world scene.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg. You have done it again with a powerful political thriller series that has me so captivated. I have promoted you and your work to as many people as will listen. This novel proves yet again that my recommendations are well founded.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Rosenberg returns with another powerful political thriller, the final instalment of this trilogy, that takes an interesting spin on ISIS and Western reactionism. J.B. Collins, War Correspondent for the New York Times, remains skeptical of the US Administration's plan to combat ISIS, as Abu Khalif, its purported leader, remains at large. Khalif and ISIS have perpetrated major and catastrophic attacks against infidel states and US-backers, culminating in the kidnapping of the American president and a massacre during a major Middle East peace summit (both of which occur in past novels, familiar to the series fan). With the State of the Union Address hours away, US President Harrison Taylor dismisses concerns Collins raises about Khalif and ISIS as a whole. Taylor wonders if he ought not to rescind his offer of a Presidential Medal of Freedom to the acclaimed journalist. When the Capitol is attacked during the Address, all hell breaks loose and Collins soon learns that ISIS has struck again, but on a much larger scale. Seeking to get away from the violence and drama, alongside an inability to stomach the lies Taylor seems to be spinning to the American public, Collins eyes a return to Maine with his brother, Matt. As they travel, a personal tragedy befalls them and Collins learns just how inept the Administration has become when it comes to ending the reign of terror that ISIS and Abu Khalif have over the world. Could the answers be in the Middle East, where American allies can fight a war against this radical and apocalyptic Islam? Collins seeks to reinvent himself and must decide if he can take up the torch, using his own set of allies to help topple ISIS at its heart before the world must fall on blended knee and admit defeat to the terrorists. With a sensational culmination to a stunningly realistic series, Rosenberg shocks readers to the core. This story and the complete trilogy offer a poignant and blunt narrative, weaving through fact and plausible fiction. A must read for those who love political thrillers and can stomach mild Christian inculcation.
I have long been a fan of Rosenberg and his political fiction. This is the third series I have devoured as quickly as the novels come off the presses, all using a strong biblical undertone paired against current events in one of the most unstable political powder kegs. Rosenberg gathers a wonderful cross-section of characters, pulled from key states that propel the story forward and seem plausible in the fight against ISIS. Additionally, injecting realistic political and religious impairments brings a whole new level to the character interactions and places reality that much closer to the reader's grasp. While ISIS remains the buzz word in the news today and seems to permeate thriller novels to no end, I never tired of hearing Rosenberg's spin. I have mentioned how the same drivel bores and irritates me, Rosenberg's angle is not only refreshing, but more realistic than some secret operative mowing down anyone who utters 'Allah' before 'Hello'. Those familiar with Rosenberg's novels will know that he has been found to offer eerie foreboding buried within his novels, perhaps tying all the pieces together as his protagonist is known for doing in this book. To treat Rosenberg's work as pure fiction is to ignore the nuances and attention to detail the author places as he pens his plots. The writing style is some of the best in the genre and the short chapters offer readers a wonderful ability to get hooked and beg themselves to read 'just a little more' as cliffhangers grow exponentially. While I am not a fan of 'in your face' Christianity, I have become immune to some of it in Rosenberg's stories and dodge the born-again land mines that emerge throughout. Rosenberg knows what he is doing and readers should flock in his direction, if only to learn about the Middle East and its political importance on the world scene.
Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg. You have done it again with a powerful political thriller series that has me so captivated. I have promoted you and your work to as many people as will listen. This novel proves yet again that my recommendations are well founded.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 7, 2017
Halfway through, I decided I wanted no mas of J.B. Collins and this 3rd installment would be the final time I read or listen to a story in which he's featured. The character annoys more than entertains. Alas, I'm not the only one whose finished. 0 of 10 stars
March 10, 2017
A great post 9/11 thriller.
February 10, 2017
See this review and more at www.TheRealBookSpy.com
After several devastating attacks on United States soil, the American president refuses to turn up the heat against the Islamic State, prompting J.B. Collins, a foreign correspondent for the New York Times, to take matters into his own hands.
Following The Third Target and The First Hostage (both of which were released in 2015), Rosenberg opens his latest political thriller with Collins still gravely concerned with America’s stance against ISIS. That concern deepens after he tries appealing to President Taylor, whom he has a personal history with, to change the weak language in his upcoming State of the Union address.
Over the past year, Collins has been the point man on all coverage pertaining to ISIS. In fact, he’s the only westerner to have met with the terror group’s leader, Abu Kahlif, in person.
It was Collins who broke the news to the world that ISIS had captured and smuggled chemical weapons out of Syria. And he sat across the table from Kahlif when he vowed to destroy America. He also accurately reported the likelihood of another planned attack ISIS was coordinating, which was ignored by the president and various U.S. intelligence agencies, only to turn out to be devastatingly true.
All of that has led to Collins having a deep understanding of the Islamic State, their leader, and what it is, exactly, they are trying to accomplish. So when he drops the formalities and appeals to the president in person, asking him to stop telling American citizens that ISIS is “on the run,” and that America is “winning” the fight against them, it comes both from the heart and from first-hand knowledge.
Rather than listen to Collins, though, Taylor–who after the unfortunate events that took place in The First Hostage is enjoying a sky-high approval rating–doubles down on his claim. Referring to the terror group as ISIL, he proceeds to tell Congress and the American people that America is, in fact, winning the fight against them. He also cautions everyone to refrain from judging practicing members of Islam because, contrary to what some will have you believe, the Islamic State has nothing to do with Islam.
Collins, hearing the president’s speech live, fears the current state of political correctness isn’t just wrong, but dangerous. Little did he know just how right on the money he was…
With the Capitol Building suddenly under siege, the State of the Union address turns into a live viewing of ISIS’s latest attack. Collins escapes, only to hear the president retain the same talking points when addressing the nation later that evening.
Fed up, J.B. decides to take action himself.
Knowing that the best way to kill a snake is to cut off its head, Collins vows to go after Abu Kahlif, who is still hiding out and avoiding detection from foreign intelligence agencies around the world. To do this, he teams up with unlikely partners who share similar goals, forming an unprecedented alliance to track down the terrorist mastermind.
As the tone of the book shifts into a Robert Ludlum-like spy adventure following a surprise twist, Collins quickly finds himself in over his head and running out of options. Just when it looks like things couldn’t possibly get any worse, they do, kicking off a final act that is impossible to put down.
When it comes to building suspense and tension, Rosenberg is merciless. With an unflinching plot that moves at blazing speeds, Rosenberg has packed more twists and turns into this novel than ever before as he continues to examine the threat ISIS poses to the rest of the world. The jaw-dropping ending alone is worth the price of admission, and will leave readers speechless.
Joel C. Rosenberg has made a career out of beating headlines with his political thrillers, none of which have been as timely as Without Warning, the stunning conclusion to his bestselling J.B. Collins trilogy.
Book Details
Author: Joel C. Rosenberg
Series: J.B. Collins #3
Pages: 480 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1496406168
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Order Now: http://amzn.to/2jFVaKI
After several devastating attacks on United States soil, the American president refuses to turn up the heat against the Islamic State, prompting J.B. Collins, a foreign correspondent for the New York Times, to take matters into his own hands.
Following The Third Target and The First Hostage (both of which were released in 2015), Rosenberg opens his latest political thriller with Collins still gravely concerned with America’s stance against ISIS. That concern deepens after he tries appealing to President Taylor, whom he has a personal history with, to change the weak language in his upcoming State of the Union address.
Over the past year, Collins has been the point man on all coverage pertaining to ISIS. In fact, he’s the only westerner to have met with the terror group’s leader, Abu Kahlif, in person.
It was Collins who broke the news to the world that ISIS had captured and smuggled chemical weapons out of Syria. And he sat across the table from Kahlif when he vowed to destroy America. He also accurately reported the likelihood of another planned attack ISIS was coordinating, which was ignored by the president and various U.S. intelligence agencies, only to turn out to be devastatingly true.
All of that has led to Collins having a deep understanding of the Islamic State, their leader, and what it is, exactly, they are trying to accomplish. So when he drops the formalities and appeals to the president in person, asking him to stop telling American citizens that ISIS is “on the run,” and that America is “winning” the fight against them, it comes both from the heart and from first-hand knowledge.
Rather than listen to Collins, though, Taylor–who after the unfortunate events that took place in The First Hostage is enjoying a sky-high approval rating–doubles down on his claim. Referring to the terror group as ISIL, he proceeds to tell Congress and the American people that America is, in fact, winning the fight against them. He also cautions everyone to refrain from judging practicing members of Islam because, contrary to what some will have you believe, the Islamic State has nothing to do with Islam.
Collins, hearing the president’s speech live, fears the current state of political correctness isn’t just wrong, but dangerous. Little did he know just how right on the money he was…
With the Capitol Building suddenly under siege, the State of the Union address turns into a live viewing of ISIS’s latest attack. Collins escapes, only to hear the president retain the same talking points when addressing the nation later that evening.
Fed up, J.B. decides to take action himself.
Knowing that the best way to kill a snake is to cut off its head, Collins vows to go after Abu Kahlif, who is still hiding out and avoiding detection from foreign intelligence agencies around the world. To do this, he teams up with unlikely partners who share similar goals, forming an unprecedented alliance to track down the terrorist mastermind.
As the tone of the book shifts into a Robert Ludlum-like spy adventure following a surprise twist, Collins quickly finds himself in over his head and running out of options. Just when it looks like things couldn’t possibly get any worse, they do, kicking off a final act that is impossible to put down.
When it comes to building suspense and tension, Rosenberg is merciless. With an unflinching plot that moves at blazing speeds, Rosenberg has packed more twists and turns into this novel than ever before as he continues to examine the threat ISIS poses to the rest of the world. The jaw-dropping ending alone is worth the price of admission, and will leave readers speechless.
Joel C. Rosenberg has made a career out of beating headlines with his political thrillers, none of which have been as timely as Without Warning, the stunning conclusion to his bestselling J.B. Collins trilogy.
Book Details
Author: Joel C. Rosenberg
Series: J.B. Collins #3
Pages: 480 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1496406168
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Order Now: http://amzn.to/2jFVaKI
October 9, 2018
An excellent ending to a riveting series. Some aspects were predictable, but it was still compelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
The overall topics of this series make it better suited to tweens and up. Language and sexual content are nearly non-existent, but considering the topics of terrorism and suicide bombers, I'd push this toward a more mature reader.
The overall topics of this series make it better suited to tweens and up. Language and sexual content are nearly non-existent, but considering the topics of terrorism and suicide bombers, I'd push this toward a more mature reader.
April 8, 2017
Foreign correspondent J.B. Collins confronts the president of the United States prior to the State of the Union address. Collins is convinced ISIS is going to attack the United States and he feels the president is not taking enough action. The president is going to honor Collins with a medal and as he stands during the speech, the Capitol comes under heavy artillery attack and the president barely makes it out alive. Other attacks occur in numerous US cities and thousands of Americans are killed. Collins has seen the head of ISIS in person and he becomes a target.
I confused this author with another Rosenberg and thought I was getting a legal thriller. However, Without Warning is actually a Christian political thriller. This book would probably be liked best by current or ex-military and those who like political maneuvering or have an interest in the conflict with ISIS. I've read several books in the last few weeks that included terrorism and this one is by far the most thrilling.
The cast of characters at the front of the book was very helpful. The description of the Capitol under attack was vivid.
I confused this author with another Rosenberg and thought I was getting a legal thriller. However, Without Warning is actually a Christian political thriller. This book would probably be liked best by current or ex-military and those who like political maneuvering or have an interest in the conflict with ISIS. I've read several books in the last few weeks that included terrorism and this one is by far the most thrilling.
The cast of characters at the front of the book was very helpful. The description of the Capitol under attack was vivid.
October 15, 2017
This is everything you've come to expect from Joel C. Rosenberg. Gripping action, a plot ripped from the headlines, a Biblical perspective...what's not to like? The only issue I had was that the chapters were annoyingly short.
July 4, 2017
This author has been on my want-to-get-to list for awhile, but in the last two weeks I inhaled his JB Collins novels. What an amazing trilogy that made me think of Tom Clancy's books, but with heart and hope. Without Warning has me still thinking and processing. What a fantastic, amazing end to this series! Wow, just wow. It didn't go as I expected, but was much better as written. The suspense was taunt. The characterization surprising and a perfect build from the prior book. And the twists literally had my gasping.
June 2, 2019
This was an engaging, SUSPENSEFUL series about terrorism. Well done!
December 30, 2016
I was really enjoying this book. It was well written. There was lots of action. Oh, as with any thriller, our hero can absorb more lead, trauma, and sleep deprivation than any ten ordinary mortals. Red tape means nothing. There is no obstacle that can hinder him in his pursuit of justice. It takes some credulity, but it was making for a wonderful escape. There was just enough pulled from the headlines to keep it a real thriller.
It was fun. I hadn’t read the first two books and was considering going and getting the previous two. Then the hero and the woman he loves (I don’t even like writing this) end up sharing a hotel bed, and she’s engaged to another man. Nothing ‘happens’ for which the hero is quite grateful. Really! In a Christian book! This scene doesn’t advance the plot, the action, the love story, the spiritual angle, nothing. It’s absolutely unnecessary, and after the author had gone to the trouble of having his hero sleep on the floor of several other hotel rooms. It happened right before the end. All that was left was the hero getting the bad guy. It upset me, angered me, so much that I couldn’t enjoy the climax. I was thoroughly disgusted. Now that I’ve had a couple of hours to calm down, I can see that if that scene wasn’t in there I would have loved that ending. It was perfect.
So instead of the 4 stars, I would have given it, now I have to give it a 1.
I received this from NetGalley and Tyndale House for free. It is an Advanced Review Copy. They were very careful to tell me that it was not the final in either content or format. I really hope it isn’t. I have sent my opinions to them and hope they change it.
It was fun. I hadn’t read the first two books and was considering going and getting the previous two. Then the hero and the woman he loves (I don’t even like writing this) end up sharing a hotel bed, and she’s engaged to another man. Nothing ‘happens’ for which the hero is quite grateful. Really! In a Christian book! This scene doesn’t advance the plot, the action, the love story, the spiritual angle, nothing. It’s absolutely unnecessary, and after the author had gone to the trouble of having his hero sleep on the floor of several other hotel rooms. It happened right before the end. All that was left was the hero getting the bad guy. It upset me, angered me, so much that I couldn’t enjoy the climax. I was thoroughly disgusted. Now that I’ve had a couple of hours to calm down, I can see that if that scene wasn’t in there I would have loved that ending. It was perfect.
So instead of the 4 stars, I would have given it, now I have to give it a 1.
I received this from NetGalley and Tyndale House for free. It is an Advanced Review Copy. They were very careful to tell me that it was not the final in either content or format. I really hope it isn’t. I have sent my opinions to them and hope they change it.
April 14, 2017
This begins entertainingly enough (if one can call a massive terror attack within the United States entertaining). But it soon devolves into an improbable plot and a hero whose character is unfortunately manipulated for the sake of that plot.
April 2, 2024
Ending was somewhat surprising but saw it coming several chapters prior. Good thriller, but not really great, as the notion of a New York Times reporter doing CIA/Mossad type activity seems is a stretch even for fiction. Though, you have to root for J.B. Collins in this one, though at times he can frustrate you.
However, Rosenberg keeps you turning the pages. Wished there was more interaction with the villain in this one, but ISIS villains tend to go in hiding. Could have extended the ending a little longer.
However, Rosenberg keeps you turning the pages. Wished there was more interaction with the villain in this one, but ISIS villains tend to go in hiding. Could have extended the ending a little longer.
July 14, 2017
I have read every Joel Rosenberg book to date, and this book did not disappoint. The third book in the J.B. Collins series started with a bang and never let up. I constantly wanted to read to see what would happen next and how J.B. would survive the ISIS attacks against him. Thrilling to the very end. Five stars.
June 1, 2017
An epic ending to a fantastic trilogy. Rosenberg will have you on the edge of your seat, tugging at emotions and gripping your attention through the whole book.
Following on the heels of the two, action-packed novels before this, Without Warning lives up to its suspense/thriller title and delivers a powerful, thrilling, and heart-wrenching end to the J. B. Collins series.
We pick up close to where we left off with The First Hostage and jump straight into a very action-packed beginning. It's something I really appreciate about Rosenberg's writing--he grips you with the action but also has the ability to instruct you on issues, thoughts, and (of course) J.B.'s journey as a character.
This book was, in a word, heart-wrenching. I won't say much about why to avoid any spoilers but I will say that it took a few turns I was not expecting--at all. Though, to be fair, everything that happened was logical to the plot and only aided in furthering the story. Yes, there are some hard things, but there is hope too. Such beautiful hope.
I stared this whole series through audiobooks, something I'm really glad I did because I was able to really get a handle on pronouncing some of the names. But I was also able to see how it was to read a tangible copy and I really enjoyed it. The audiobooks are truly fantastic, but there is something to be said about holding the book in your hands.
I would recommend not only this book, but really the whole series! I've told so many people about this series and about Rosenberg's fantastic writing. In my mind he's on par with some of my other favorite authors like David Baldacci and Roine Kendig with the way he writes and the themes he incorporates. If you like political/action thrillers I think you'll be a fan of this.
One last thing of note for me is the reality that Rosenberg addresses faith in such a real, tangible way. I absolutely loved J.B.'s personal story coinciding with the overall plot of the three books. It was real, refreshing, and at times extremely honest.
My rating: 5
See my original reveiw: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2017/06...
_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Following on the heels of the two, action-packed novels before this, Without Warning lives up to its suspense/thriller title and delivers a powerful, thrilling, and heart-wrenching end to the J. B. Collins series.
We pick up close to where we left off with The First Hostage and jump straight into a very action-packed beginning. It's something I really appreciate about Rosenberg's writing--he grips you with the action but also has the ability to instruct you on issues, thoughts, and (of course) J.B.'s journey as a character.
This book was, in a word, heart-wrenching. I won't say much about why to avoid any spoilers but I will say that it took a few turns I was not expecting--at all. Though, to be fair, everything that happened was logical to the plot and only aided in furthering the story. Yes, there are some hard things, but there is hope too. Such beautiful hope.
I stared this whole series through audiobooks, something I'm really glad I did because I was able to really get a handle on pronouncing some of the names. But I was also able to see how it was to read a tangible copy and I really enjoyed it. The audiobooks are truly fantastic, but there is something to be said about holding the book in your hands.
I would recommend not only this book, but really the whole series! I've told so many people about this series and about Rosenberg's fantastic writing. In my mind he's on par with some of my other favorite authors like David Baldacci and Roine Kendig with the way he writes and the themes he incorporates. If you like political/action thrillers I think you'll be a fan of this.
One last thing of note for me is the reality that Rosenberg addresses faith in such a real, tangible way. I absolutely loved J.B.'s personal story coinciding with the overall plot of the three books. It was real, refreshing, and at times extremely honest.
My rating: 5
See my original reveiw: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2017/06...
_______________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
February 5, 2020
A great finish to a great series. Each book automatically ran into the next volume. A great story and a climax ending.
September 20, 2024
I kept passing up this book by Joel Rosenberg, not wanting to get into the religious conflicts of the Middle East and his quick Christian nationalist solution. Still, I finally relented and was pleased with my moment of conflicted decision. He hit a home run for me.
J.B. Collins, a New York Times writer was extremely successful in getting exclusive stories that resulted in getting placed on a hit list, one of the ISIS terrorist leaders. In an attack on the USA, some of his family is killed along with several thousand innocent American citizens. Since he had interviewed this terrorist recluse and referred to him as evil, the attacks had singled out J.D.'s family for extinction, and J.D. departed his witness protection program to eliminate Abu Khalif personally. This chase makes use of various agencies of friendly and unfriendly nations in a worldwide search that has a very surprising ending. Exciting to say the least.
J.B. Collins, a New York Times writer was extremely successful in getting exclusive stories that resulted in getting placed on a hit list, one of the ISIS terrorist leaders. In an attack on the USA, some of his family is killed along with several thousand innocent American citizens. Since he had interviewed this terrorist recluse and referred to him as evil, the attacks had singled out J.D.'s family for extinction, and J.D. departed his witness protection program to eliminate Abu Khalif personally. This chase makes use of various agencies of friendly and unfriendly nations in a worldwide search that has a very surprising ending. Exciting to say the least.
June 8, 2022
Oh, my goodness.
This was by far my favorite book by Joel Rosenberg that I've read. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it whatsoever.
I read the first two books in the series and fell in love with the characters. As I mentioned before, and I'll mention it again, I don't usually like the first person writing style, but for this book, it fits more than perfectly. J.B. Collins is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. he's so real and such a good guy that you can't help but like him.
Now that that's out of the way, I'm going to talk about the wave of emotions I felt. I don't want to give spoilers, even with a spoiler alert because the plot is so thick that....you just gotta read it for yourself! Come on, you'll thank me! But there were some moments that were absolutely heartbreaking that I felt like I needed to take a break from reading. But it was so moving. And INTENSE!!!! It's been a long time since my heart actually pounded over something I read.
In all honesty ,I loved this book. It was a perfect, epic ending to the J.B. Collins series. Epic, I tell you. I highly recommend it. It has a wonderful, good Christian message in it. Joel Rosenberg, you're amazing. I am in amazement over the greatness of this book....I can't get over it. Wow.
This was by far my favorite book by Joel Rosenberg that I've read. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it whatsoever.
I read the first two books in the series and fell in love with the characters. As I mentioned before, and I'll mention it again, I don't usually like the first person writing style, but for this book, it fits more than perfectly. J.B. Collins is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. he's so real and such a good guy that you can't help but like him.
Now that that's out of the way, I'm going to talk about the wave of emotions I felt. I don't want to give spoilers, even with a spoiler alert because the plot is so thick that....you just gotta read it for yourself! Come on, you'll thank me! But there were some moments that were absolutely heartbreaking that I felt like I needed to take a break from reading. But it was so moving. And INTENSE!!!! It's been a long time since my heart actually pounded over something I read.
In all honesty ,I loved this book. It was a perfect, epic ending to the J.B. Collins series. Epic, I tell you. I highly recommend it. It has a wonderful, good Christian message in it. Joel Rosenberg, you're amazing. I am in amazement over the greatness of this book....I can't get over it. Wow.
July 20, 2017
Joel Rosenberg has become a favorite author of mine. His books are not for the faint of heart, and are always relative to current events. He doesn't pull any punches in regards to radical Islam and the dangers our country faces.
This has been my favorite series Rosenberg has written, and this final book in the J.B. Collins Series is more intense and gripping than the previous two, and that is saying a lot. Without Warning picks up a few months after The First Hostage ended. The attacks on our country are fictional, but it is a very scary look at what could happen here if ISIS and other radical Isalmic groups continue to go undefeated and unchecked.
In this novel, the elusive terrorist mastermind Abu Khalif gets personal, and there was things happening that I didn't see coming.
As with the other books, the action and dram goes on all over the world as Collins goes from the USA to Israel, Jordan, and other places in the Middle East.
Without Warning is 453 pages. I started reading it the other day with no intention of reading much of it. However, the book is so gripping and difficult to put it down, I read the entire book in one evening. I did read a little past my bedtime, but it was worth it. This book is that good.
The book/series didn't end as I wished it had. I'll try not to give any spoilers away, but it had an awesome, yet sad ending. I wish Rosenberg could have found a different way to end the book, but it was an amazing ending to this awesome series.
In addition to the drama, action , and suspense; Collins' spiritual journey takes center stage, and he goes a long way in his relationship with his brother.
This was truly a fantastic series, and I was sad to see it end.
I was given a copy of this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2017
As he prepares his state of the union message the president of the U.S. is convinced
that the Islamic State is on the run. But J B Collins the N.Y. Times foreign correspondent
tells the president that he is dead wrong. With the middle east on fire, the Israeli
prime minister dead and the Amman in ruins, Collins fears that a catastrophic attack
against the American homeland is eminent. He argues that only an all out manhunt to
capture or kill Abu Kahlif the leader of ISIS can stop an attack. But he doubts that the
president will listen and take decisive action before it's to late. This is book 3 in the
J B Collins series and it's one of the best that Iv'e read so far this year and one of the
best that Iv'e read that Joel Rosenberg has written. I really enjoyed this book and
highly recommend it. Naturally it got a 5.
that the Islamic State is on the run. But J B Collins the N.Y. Times foreign correspondent
tells the president that he is dead wrong. With the middle east on fire, the Israeli
prime minister dead and the Amman in ruins, Collins fears that a catastrophic attack
against the American homeland is eminent. He argues that only an all out manhunt to
capture or kill Abu Kahlif the leader of ISIS can stop an attack. But he doubts that the
president will listen and take decisive action before it's to late. This is book 3 in the
J B Collins series and it's one of the best that Iv'e read so far this year and one of the
best that Iv'e read that Joel Rosenberg has written. I really enjoyed this book and
highly recommend it. Naturally it got a 5.
April 20, 2017
I’m always thrilled and anxious for this author’s next novels. He never disappoints, but always writes novels that are captivating and almost prophetic of today’s events. His faith, and his knowledge & understanding of the world & politics are always stunning! His plots & character developments are well-written and always captivating! With all of the twists & turns, I’m never quite sure if that’s the end of the series or if there will be more. I’ve read every book that he’s written, but was never aware until recently of what leaving a review meant to the author. And Joel C. Rosenberg is one incredible author!!! I'm always blessed by this author!
February 24, 2018
Oh my word! I knew how it would end...how it HAD to end, but had no idea how it would get there. I was tempted to flip ahead and read the final chapter but am SO glad I didn't (did that one time too many and it completely ruined a novel for me). Did NOT see the ending coming. As a matter of fact, when it began to unfold, I found myself saying, "No! No! No!" out loud almost refusing to believe what I was reading.
This series was my introduction to Rosenberg. What of his should I read next or add to my list?
This series was my introduction to Rosenberg. What of his should I read next or add to my list?
September 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio of this story. The narrator does an amazing job and made an already amazing story that much better.
Joel C. Rosenberg never disappoints and in this final chapter of the series, the quick action of the plot was ripe with an emotional draw as J.B. Collins' story concludes. I was surprised but also not at the way it ended as there was no other way. It was rich with sentiment and l appreciated the author's thoughtfulness in the conclusion.
I highly recommend any of Rosenberg's books but if you have to start with a series this one is a great one!
Joel C. Rosenberg never disappoints and in this final chapter of the series, the quick action of the plot was ripe with an emotional draw as J.B. Collins' story concludes. I was surprised but also not at the way it ended as there was no other way. It was rich with sentiment and l appreciated the author's thoughtfulness in the conclusion.
I highly recommend any of Rosenberg's books but if you have to start with a series this one is a great one!
March 28, 2017
I read a couple of his novels years ago and thought they were OK. Over the past 6 MO my Dad highly recommended the 1st 2 novels in this series. I saw 'Without Warning' on The Real Book Spy and decided to give it a read. This is an incredible novel and I wish I'd read the 1st 2 prior to this one. Not sure whether this is the last of the series. I highly recommend this book if you're a thriller fan.
April 16, 2017
I have enjoyed the "Ripped from Tomorrow's Headlines" nature of Rosenberg's writing and this book is no different. The fast-paced narrative makes it almost impossible to put down, no matter how late it is. I also appreciated the ending, which was more real-life than Hollywood. All in all, a great read.
July 27, 2017
This is a continuation of the J.B. Collins series, which involves scenes in the U.S. and the Middle East. As always, Rosenberg's novels keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I especially enjoyed this one, because the role of the Gospel was part of this one. I am one of Rosenberg's best fans!
July 7, 2017
Reading this series was like reading current events!
If you like end time thrillers the J.B. Collins series will keep you turning the pages. I pray the events in this book remain a work of fiction...
If you like end time thrillers the J.B. Collins series will keep you turning the pages. I pray the events in this book remain a work of fiction...
January 22, 2022
Book 3 jumps the shark about half way through, then crashes and burns with a very unsatisfying ending. We find that religious zealots exist on both sides. Some have to strap on a vest, while others can use a much higher tech approach to the same result.
November 2, 2017
Right out of today's headlines
August 16, 2018
Did not disappoint me at all. All in all, very good read and series.
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