History in the Making or Interesting Fiction? A Book Review of “The Tehran Initiative”

Iran has finally done it without the intervention of the West; they have possession of a nuclear weapon!  Who are they going to target, Israel or America? The CIA has seen this coming, and has an agent there in Iran trying to get a nuclear scientist out of Iran while maintaining his cover.  The twelfth Imam seems to have arrived as prophesied in the Holy Qur’an, but is he the Messiah, or the Devil Incarnate?  Is Israel ready to go it alone; and launch a preemptive strike against the nuclear sites of Iran, even knowing that in doing so it will only add to the tension that is now present in the relationship with her only ally? Is the United States willing to step up to the plate, or only further discredit her status as a true superpower?

            These are the questions and intrigue that will greet you in the newest novel from Joel Rosenberg, “The Tehran Initiative”.  In this volume you will take a journey through the life of C.I.A. agent David Shirazi, a native Iranian who was brought into the United States just prior to the fall of the Shaw. Agent Shirazi now serves his country by being heavily undercover through a mock business supplying merchandise to the new leader of Iran, and the bringer of a Muslim alliance. 

            “The Tehran Initiative” is my first exposure to the writing of Joel Rosenberg who has made quite a name for himself since September 11, 2001.  My father was a huge fan of Mr. Rosenberg’s work, and so when I was given the opportunity to read this newest volume, I wanted to see what he was all about.  All I can say is I was not disappointed.  With his knowledge of current events, Joel Rosenberg spins a tale so engrossing, that in one evening I was able to finish this work of 459 pages.  There was not one single moment in this book where I wondered what the purpose of that particular section or sentence was about.  So intricate was each detail that I was immediately brought into the story in such a way that I could see and hear all that was going on. 

            One of the biggest questions I had about Joel Rosenberg was how bold was he really going to be in his faith? I’ve seen him on a few interviews, but had never really seen him give a very clear and concise gospel message.  That was something that I really wanted to see how it would be portrayed in his novel.  All I can say is I was very impressed.  With very clear and concise gospel presentation Joel Rosenberg has the gospel clearly explained to his main character.  With a very true glimpse of how many former Muslims are coming to saving faith in the one true God, Jesus Christ, so does Mr. Rosenberg have Christ manifested to David Shirazi.

            I definitely rate this book a 5 out of 5 in all areas.  The story will carry you easily through the pages.  Christ is clearly manifested as the only way to heaven.  And we again see a true presentation of Iran, and the belief in the Twelfth Imam that compels and drives Iran’s current leader.   If you have a chance to pick up this book, you will not be disappointed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”