Product Description
As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war. At extreme personal risk, Shirazi executes his plan.
A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn’t be better prepared for the mission. But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next. An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spreads like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

From today's headlines
Joel C Rosenberg is my favorite author.His books are amazing.The Twelfth Iman is no exception.It is as if you are reading a news account of what is happening in Iran today. The intrique of the CIA operative and the his activities in Iran and the characters he encounters keep you totally engrossed. You can't put it down.I read the book with news accounts and the Bible....Can't miss this action-packed international-intrique thriller.The characters are well developed in that you feel you know them and want to know more. Looking forward to the next book.Write on, Joel.

Cliff hanger ending!! Boo!!!!
First, I have read many of Joel Rosenberg's books. Including the two non fiction. I downloaded this to my kindle the day it became available and was pleased with the kindle price. I was engaged with the characters, the plot kept me interested but I knew I was in trouble when I got to the near end and nothing was being finalized... Nothing!! It was like watching an Episode of 24 then Bang, it ended. I was not happy and would not recommend this book. Not sure I will even read the next one when it becomes available. ......... I feel like a read only half a book.

Pretty Good Read but the Ending was weak
This is my second Rosenburg book I have read.They are quite good--entertaining and a quick easy read.My only issue with the book is the ending.It is very abrupt and I kept thinking there must be a few chapters missing.None of the different story lines come to a conclusion so you feel that you have have only read 80% of a book.

Better than expected
I have to admit that my expectations were not very high but the book was more than worth while.I enjoyed each moment.

I like the factual insertions of eschatology from both the Islamic and Christian sides.

I highly recommend this book.

Not bad, not great
As a fan of Rosenberg's other books, I must admit to being quite excited about his newest installment.However, I must admit to some disappointment. I agree with others that say some editing was in order. At times it was rather slow, and I wanted it to "get to the point" more quickly, especially in the first half.Once the story picked up, I found it intriguing, but the dialogue with Jesus parts seemed a bit forced and unrealistic.I realize we're talking about a supernatural force, but still, I found the wording used by the characters to be totally out of step, and obviously he was quoting scripture for both character and Christ, and it seemed a bit forced. Still, it's a good read, but not my favorite of his books. ... Read more

Product Description
With over 400,000 copies in print, this New York Times best-seller opens with White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy heading into Gaza when their convoy is attacked by a massive explosion. Soon, Yassir Arafat is dead, Islamic radicals are trying to take over the West Bank and Gaza, Iraqi terrorists are targeting Americans, and Bennett begins to wonder if he is witnessing signs of the last days before the return of Christ. Since The Last Days was first published, Arafat has died and Hamas has taken over the Palestinian Authority. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (101)

Good seller, fast shipping, recommend
I have a Kindle but buying and paying shipping on some items is less than buying on Kindle.This was one of those times and the results were good.Good, used book - no problems.

Very well done
Joel Rosenberg is very intelligent and has a way of taking things that are happening in our world today and using them to give us novels that keep you very interested and at the same time make us aware of what is going on.Our world is going to be changing in ways that I have never seen before.His novels gives us some insight to the sometimes hidden world of the CIA and it's counterparts.

Great Author!
Love the books in this series (I think there's 5 of them). Good fun reads, action packed, with a small hint of a love story (nothing to make me gag as a guy :)

bad condition
This book was advertised as being in very good condition.The bottom of the book looked like a rat chewed on it and the cover was torn and missing a chunk.To me that is false advertsing, I was very disappointed in the condition when I received it.

Part of the process
This is book 2 in a 5 book series. I would suggest reading all 5 books in order to achieve the full impact of what Rosenberg has accomplished. If you believe in, or are at least interested in biblical prophecy, and how that prophecy will be manifested in the human story, then you will very much like "The Last Days." While I believe this is an excellent book, I would rate it as the least of the 5, Which is more of a recommendation for the other 4, than a negative on this one. ... Read more

Product Description
2009 Retailer's Choice Award winner!
The stage is set for war. Oil prices are surging to record highs. A new dictator is rising in Iraq. China is threatening Taiwan. North Korean forces appear ready to strike south. Israel is feverishly trying to complete the Third Temple. And in the midst of a world ready to explode, American president James MacPherson's second term is ending. Now as a fiercely contested presidential election campaign approaches, America faces its greatest threat ever . . . One from which it might not recover. From New York Times best-selling novelist Joel C. Rosenberg comes an explosive new political thriller addressing the question of what, if any, role the United States will play in the end times. This book is sure to provoke discussion and controversy, along with fervent hopes that this frightening vision of the future will not come true. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (202)

Heartstopper!
I have had the opportunity to read all of the Joel Rosenberg political thriller series more than once.They are edge-of-your-seat can't-lay-it-down reading.I have to tell myself every time I pick up one of the books that "I can lay it down and the writing will still be on the page when I pick it up again."

"Dead Heat" is the culmination of a roller-coaster ride that will blow you away!!I believe "Dead Heat" is the most powerful book I have ever read.And as a Christian, seeing the whole series come into being through events that have happened over the years - this one is an absolute must read, for the things that are mentioned in this book are so biblically profound and right on it absolutely thrills my soul...especially with all of the events happening in the world today.One of the quotes from other readers mentioned in the book really is true - it is like reading next year's headlines today - which is right on for events happening right now.

There is hope in Christ.
For people interested in end times events his series is a great way of understanding how the events could unfold.Of course reading the whole series helps the most.Joel is a great writer and his books are easy to read.

Great book!
This and Rosenberg's other books in the series are thrilling!I couldn't put them down.

great book
really enjoyed this book, as i have all of Joel Rosenberg's work.it's almost scary how his books fortell the future

A nice ending to a great saga.
Joel Rosenberg concludes his "Last Jihad" series with several nightmare scenarios, and one glorious scenario.Multiple nuclear attacks, presidential assassinations, espionage, drug use, and the return of the Only Wise God Himself, Jesus Christ, make "Dead Heat" a book you just cannot put down.I only had two issues with "Dead Heat."One, if it's possible to make the return of Jesus and the rapture of the Church anticlimactic, Rosenberg managed to do just that.And two, he fell into the same trap the writers of the "Left Behind" series did, in claiming that the rapture happens before the tribulation, and then claiming that people can get saved after the Rapture.Both of these are unbiblical doctrines.But alas, this is a work of fiction.Overall, this was an exciting, thrilling, and scary book, and GREAT series!Rosenberg is an author I would read again and again! ... Read more

Product Description
The book that started it all, The Last Jihad is the first of Joel C. Rosenberg's New York Times best-selling series, with 500,000 in print. The first page puts readers in the cockpit of a hijacked jet on a kamikaze mission into an American city—but it was written nine months before 9/11/01. As the plot unfolds, White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy are under attack in Jerusalem as the U.S. goes to war with Iraq over weapons of mass destruction—but The Last Jihad was published four months before the actual Iraq war began. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (246)

Excellent read.
Excellent read, fast paced & well written.A very believable story.Be prepared to stay up all night, this book is impossible to put down.

poor writing + very dated material = bad book
The "Last Jihad" is a post 9-11 right wing wet dream. Rosenberg and Cheney could have been bosom buddies. As a 'liberal'... it was hard to take some of the extreme points of view here. But as a reader, as a connoisseur of genre pulp, I have to say that at times this is a pretty good read.

If you have seen "24", the "Last Jihad" has the same sort of feel. Only instead of Jack Bauer, an operative fighting against the bad guys over a single day, this book has Jon Bennett, a genius financial analyst. Bennett is also friend of the United States president...

This story starts off interestingly enough. Shifting focus from one flash point to the next at a brisk pace. It gets bogged down quickly though. Once the 'real' story starts, the lack of character depth and over the top story line sets in. At times it gets a little too winded and overly patriotic. The characters often spout propaganda style inspirational musings that lack credibility as far as conversational communication goes. The action scenes are really good here. When something is happening, the pages move at a clip. When things slow down... they really slow down.

What sinks this story past redemption is partly the manner in which history has unfolded. Rosenberg wrote this shortly after 9-11 and before the Iraq war. In this book he set Sadam Hussein up as a mastermind evil bad guy. Seeing as how the guy couldn't find his way out of a hole in the ground, this story lacked a credibility factor when read today.

The Iraq angle could still have been swallowed if Rosenberg were on par with someone like Tom Clancy as an author. He is not. No where close. So even though Rosenberg and Clancy tackle the same sort of story, a book like "hunt for red october" is very readable while "Last Jihad" is pretty much trash.

The First of Many Great Novels
Joel Rosenberg is a very savvy writer.His experience and travel has given him a broad understanding of the Middle East and all things related to it.This book is the first in a series of spectacular thrillers that will give you insight to the world around us.Be prepared for a thrilling read.

My first review
Purchasing my first used book from Amazon has changed the way I'll make future purchases.The book was in excellent condition and much cheaper.A great choice especially in today's economy.I highly recommend you try it.Anyone interested in how end times prophecy fits into today's political scene will love this thriller. The Last Jihad (Political Thrillers Series #1)

Gave to my friends when i was done and bought a 2nd!
I am reviewing this book almost exactly like I have the other 4 in the series... It is an extremely fun and exciting read that will be hard to put down. I'm a very slow reader, but kept the book in my hands all week, everywhere I went, until it was finished - it was THAT good. There have been a few reviews that are quite hard on this author, but I truly think they were mostly without good reason. HIGHLY recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
When Russia's richest oil baron is killed, Moscow suddenly teeters on the verge of political chaos. Tehran races to complete its nuclear arsenal. Washington finds herself dangerously divided from her European allies. A new evil looms on the horizon. A dictator is rising in Russia. Iran is feverishly building nuclear weapons. A new axis of evil is emerging, led by Moscow and Tehran. And Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy, two senior White House advisors, find themselves facing the most chilling question of their lives: is the world rushing to the brink of an apocalypse prophesied more than 2,500 years ago?

"If you only read one book this year . . . this is it!" —Rush Limbaugh, New York Times best-selling author ... Read more

Customer Reviews (177)

Love Bible prophecy, politics, and a page-turning thrill ride?
Joel Rosenberg has cooked up yet another inspiring, exciting, educational novel.It hardly feels like a novel since he weaves actual events and modern-day personalities into his stories.He starts his recipe with a story line and cast of characters that hook you immediately.Add to the mix a helping of his fascinating political view and a healthy dollop of Bible prophecy and he'll have you devouring each page.

Each book in this series is a great read in itself but treat yourself to all of them.I was so sad to read the last book of the series that I had to start over with the first one to console myself!

Great Fiction Story
I really liked this story.This is the third book in Rosenberg's series of 5 that started with "The Last Jihad".That book was a great, fast-paced read all the way through. I found this story to drag a little in the beginning but it quickly picked up the pace to a great climax.It is really interesting to read Rosenberg's modern day interpretation of the Ezekiel prophecy.Using today's events and putting them into a book, Rosenberg lives this stuff and is an expert on all things Middle East.The tie-in to the Bible continues to educate and entertain at the same time.I would love to see these books done as movies but I'm sure Hollywood won't be knocking down Rosenbergs door to soon to do these Christian based fiction stories. I can't wait to read the final two books in this series.Great job Joel!

Great
Page turner from start to finish. Rosenberg is an amazing writer using Biblical prophecies and current events to create fantastic novels.

The Ezekiel Opeio
Joel Rosenberg takes the reader into the the Middle East and Russia with his excellent way of story telling that will take you into a world of suspense, excitement, and fear.I do not know or understand what it is like to live in a country that is not free, and it is my hope that we will not have to face that frightening possibility.

Bible prophecy is, in my opinion, blurry, but Mr. Rosenberg brings a clearer understanding of it by relating it to what is going on around us in this day and time.

Marvelous reading
This is a great book and I think it is good reading for all. No doubt it will be enjoyed. ... Read more

Product Description
2009 Retailer's Choice Award winner!
Inside the Revolution takes you inside the winner-take-all battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of the people of the Middle East. It includes never-before-seen profiles of the Radicals, the Reformers and the Revivalists. It explains the implications of each movement and the importance of each leader–not only through the lenses of politics and economics but through the third lens of Scripture as well. Today, wars and revolutions define the modern Middle East, and many believe the worst is yet to come.

• How real and serious is the threat of Radical Islam to American national security eight years after 9/11?
• Are there any Muslim leaders who oppose the violence of the Radicals—and is there any hope that such leaders will come to power in key countries in the Middle East?
• What is God doing in the Middle East—and is there any hope that Muslims will find faith in Jesus Christ?
• How can we as Christians help strengthen our brothers and sisters who love Jesus in the Muslim world, and how can we reach out to Muslims here at home?

Customer Reviews (87)

An incredible book!!!!!!!
Joel Rosenberg's book Inside The Revolution is an incredible book;Its about the different factions in Islam right now, in our modern times also you do get a little history as well.

There is Some really interesting stuff in there, actually there is a lot of interesting stuff in hear. For example, I really like the polling information that Gallup did in Islamic nations, that Joel reports on hear. It interesting to note, where they (muslims) stand on the issues nation by nation.

Now to the premise of the book; What Joel does is divide the book up into three sections; One is the Radicles (fundamentalists) who are the terrorists and there supporters; Two, is the reformers who are peaceful muslims ( and brave people) who are muslims who denounce the violence; and third is the revivalists, who are muslims (main line christians and others) who are converting to christianity.

The revivalists part is very encouraging, millions of muslins are giving up there "religion" since 9-11; they are seeing what the radicles are doing (killing other muslims, murdering innocent civilians, beating women for showing to much ankle, honor killings, etc.,) and listening to their arguments about what the Koran is saying, and they are saying, you know the radicles are right, and I don't believe in the koran or Mohammed anymore. In Fact, Christianity is growing so fast in muslim countries, the islamic leaders are very alarmed. The revivalists take there lives in the hands. its punishable by death to eave Islam and convert to Christianity and its illegal to preach the Gospel in muslims countries.

I would encourage anyone who want's to know what is going on in the Muslim world, on a country by country basis,and who wants to learn about the factions and the majors players, in each faction. this is the book.

Well Researched Yet Politically Flawed
Rosenberg's INSIDE THE REVOLUTION is extensively researched marked by gems of quotes and references.My understanding of contemporary as well as historical Islam is magnified by his insights and perspectives.What is remarkable and unfortunate is the sophomoric political science perspective he presents, based on fundamentalist Christian pap.For example, George W. Bush and the Republican Party comes off as largely immune to the enourmous flaws in U.S. policy (ie. invasion of Iraq and failure in Afghanistan), while the Democratic Party is blamed (it's even insinuated that the Dems are ignorantly cooperating with terrorists) for our country's mistakes.Time and again the religous right in this country align it's world view and stamps it with a Biblical-Republican brand (as if they are the same thing), which greatly diminishes true democracy and more especially Christianity itself.It's a good book, though, and worth reading.

Joel Rosenberg fans will like this.
This is the fourth book by Joel Rosenber that I have read regarding the Middle East. It is one of the longest, with three sections. I have to admit that I read section three first, only because I felt I personally wanted to hear the good news before I read the bad news...however, once I read section one and now have started section two, it turns out to be not so bad after all. Joel has done excellent research, as usual, and provides factual information with endnotes. I am looking forward to the newest book to be published in October 2010! P.S. I watched "The Epicenter Conference" online held June 25 & 26 in Philadelphia and recommend getting the DVD to watch at home. It was very enlightening with great speakers!

Hope for the future?
I felt like I got a better understanding of other people.Instead of instilling hopelessness and fear for the future I see we have to hope for the best and work towards that end.Thank you, Joel C. Rosenberg for your most enlighting book.

Scary and Encouraging
This non-fiction book current and recent events. It begins by telling the reader why Islamic jihad is so real and so terrifying. Rosenberg's well written and well researched book then examines a different brand of Islam that both surprised and encouraged me. Finally, Rosenberg wraps it all up with the outstanding news that Muslims, even in some areas hostile to non-Islamic religions, are turning to Christ and Christianity in amazing numbers and through sometimes miraculous circumstances. If you want a quick, short course on Islam and it's effect in the world contained in one volume that reads like exciting fiction, this book is it. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on Inside the Revolution, this booklet provides stories and information about how God is drawing Muslims around the world to Christ and how believers can practically engage in what God is doing. Joel Rosenberg also shares four simple strategies that will help mobilize the church to love their neighbors: learn, pray, give, and go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great books
great smallbooks
millions of muslim turn toJesusChrist in Middle east

I Believe it's a Companion Pamphlet
Inside the Revival is a small pamphlet about the ("MBBs") which stands for Muslim Background Believers in Christ and the ("NCBBs")Nominal Christian Background Believers who were raised in churches but were long unaware of the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. If you have read Inside the Revolution by Joel C. Rosenberg like I have then there is no need to buy this pamphlet. I call it a pamphlet because that's basically what is. It's 54 pages long.....it sort of looks like something that would be given out in church which isn't a bad thing. I'm thinking that is why it only costs $0.99. This pamphlet contains the same stories that were part of Inside the Revolution. The only difference is that Joel goes into a little more detail about how the Revivalists are bringing others to Christ. He talks about how Christian radio and people on the ground are bringing thousands of Muslims to Christ. All this is mentioned in his other book but he goes into a little more detail here. The part I didn't like in this pamphlet is how I got the impression from Joel that the Revivalists are somewhat different. I may be wrong in feeling this but from reading his other book, Revivalists are born again believers who take the word of God literally just like any other believers in Christ. There is a section about the theology of the Revivalists, who they are and what they want. This section makes it seem like they are a new Christian religion or group. I say this because he goes into detail about what they believe verse by verse. He lists a bunch of "Core Convictions" which are nothing more than the standard statements of faith that each and every true believer believes. In the next section following this Joel then talks about some strategies that Christians can do in bringing other Muslims to Christ. Overall I was little disappointed because there wasn't much of a difference between this pamphlet and his other book. I was also a little put off by the way in which he chose to write this. I'm normally a fan of his work and will read anything that he writes but this seems like something he threwtogether to make a quick buck. He could have wrote this in a series on his blog. To be completely honest...I would have to say to skipreading this one. This is just a companion or furthermore a follow up to Inside The Revolution. ... Read more

Product Description
In his first groundbreaking nonfiction book, now with updated content, New York Times best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg takes readers on an unforgettable journey through prophecy and current events into the future of Iraq after Saddam, Russia after Communism, Israel after Arafat, and Christianity after radical Islam. You won't want to miss Joel's exclusive interviews with Israeli, Palestinian, and Russian leaders, along with previously classified CIA and White House documents. New content includes the most up-to-date information since the hardcover release in 2006, a new poll about American attitudes toward the Middle East and prophecy, and transcripts of interviews conducted during the interview process for the Epicenter DVD-video. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (257)

Book Review

My book arrived quickly and was in great shape. I would definitely purchase another book from this dealer.

EPICENTER
This book correlates events happening in the world right now to the prophecies of the Old Testament, particularly Ezekiel 36 - 40.This was more of a "Fact" book, but Joel Rosenberg's novels are also quite gripping!

Epicenter 2.0: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future
Our ladies' Bible study group is using this book in our fall study - to help us understand and learn more about Bible prophesy. We are finding that it generates a lot of discussion and especially like the way Joel ties current events to prophesies in the Old and New Testaments. It is well written and researched and I would recommend it to all who want to understand that portion of God's plan that He has revealed in His Word.

Epicenter

Epicenter: Why Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future

World events need as much clarity and rock solid fact as possible, especially when Israel and her neighbors are the subject.I expect 99% of readers to be totally absorbed and very grateful to seeing world events through the lens of events in Israel and the Epicenter.Enjoy Joel's first non-fiction book and be amazed at the times in which we are living!

Apocalyptic storm brewing in Mideast
Everyone should read this book by Joel Rosenburg!It is excellent, informative & very well written!In light of all that is going on in the world today, this is definitely a MUST read! ... Read more

Product Description
Saddam is gone, Arafat is dead, and a new Iraq is rising. But when a suicide bomber strikes Washington and assassinations unfold from London to Los Angeles, Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy are drawn back into a world of terror they thought was over. At the heart of the mystery lies a 2,000-year-old scroll describing unimaginable treasures that could lead to the Third Jewish Temple. Some call it history's greatest treasure map. Others call it a road map to Armageddon. But the time to find the truth is running out fast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (123)

The Copper Scroll
Just like Rosenberg's other books I've read - The Last Jihad, The Last Days, and The Ezekial Option - The Copper Scroll was a thriller and did not disapoint me.The characters are the same and the action comes fast and furious.How will Jon and Erin escape this time?

I am a Christian and with each book, Rosenberg delves deeper into what it means to be a follower of Christ.I pass them along to a friend at church, and bore my wife discussing them.

I've already ordered the No.5 book in the series!

The Copper Scroll
I love this author and his books are exciting and fun. The kind you cannot put down. I hope he keeps writing forever.

Rosenberg does it again!
Another fantastic novel by Joel Rosenberg!Thriller from the 1st page continuing in his series on end times prophecy.You will not be disappointed!

How Prophesy could come true?
Rosenberg's novels are great and full of intrigue from a Christian perspective with insight into our world's politics.This novel will make you more aware.

well done fiction
This was a well written piece of fiction,just enough truth or reality to make it somewhat believable.Worth reading. ... Read more

Product Description
The politics of the Middle East can be murky and confusing. But one thing is increasingly certain: The eyes of the nations are riveted upon Israel and her neighbors, the epicenter of the momentous events shaking our world and shaping our future. What does the future hold? How will it affect your world? The Epicenter Study Guide can be used along with Joel Rosenberg's best-selling book Epicenter as well as the Epicenter DVD to help de mystify the events happening around the world. This study guide is designed to facilitate group discussion but can also be used for individual study. The study guide is divided into chapters to correlate with the chapters in Epicenter. You'll find helpful excerpts and Scripture references. The guide provides an easy-to-use workbook format that allows you to write directly in the book plus offers additional space for study notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Don't order on Kindle!
Great but needs to be used in conjunction with a Bible and a pen to make notes.

EPICENTER J. ROSENBERG
EXCELLENT, RELATIING HISTORY AND CURRENT EVENTS TO BIBLE PROPHECY AND THEIR EFFECTS ON OUR WORLD TODAY!!

Epicenter: Study Guide
A great book to use in conjunction with EPICENTER 2.0 to learn more about Bible prophesy. Its questions are, for the most part, designed to make you think, dig into Bible prophesy, and facilitate discussion. Our study group really likes the study guide when it "sends" you to read Bible passages that have been used in prophesy, connect current events and end times.

Ati's reviews
Excellent quasi-prophetic written essay. Extremely well researched. Outstanding insightful in current affair of the world to come.

Review for Epicenter 2.0 by Joel Rosenberg
After completing the five book series written by Joel Rosenberg and in addition Epicenter 2.0, this author has no equal for keeping the reader attentive to detail and continuing to read until the last word on the last page of each book. These are "white knuckle" books that keep the reader rivited from first sentence to last. It is doubtful that making each one into a movie would do them justice.Mr. Rosenberg's style and story making ability is unsurpassed. I also found the list of characters with their employment positions most helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
In this companion piece to the best-selling book and DVD, Joel C. Rosenberg takes you Inside the Revolution and answers your questions:

• How real and serious is the threat of Radical Islam to American national security eight years after 9/11?
• Are there any Muslim leaders who oppose the violence of the Radicals—and is there any hope that such leaders will come to power in key countries in the Middle East?
• What is God doing in the Middle East—and is there any hope that Muslims will find faith in Jesus Christ?
• How can Christians help strengthen those who love Jesus in the Muslim world, and how can we reach out to Muslims here at home?

Product Description
Several of them, in fact. He's the heir to an empire-but he doesn't want to be. And nobody believes that he could or would walk away, and give the job of ruling the kingdom to someone else.

In this roller coaster of a sequel to Not Exactly the Three Musketeers, it looks like the stage is set for a major shake-up in the kingdom. Jason's help in keeping everything from blowing up are the self-appointed soldiers of the errant Jason, sent by that wily off-worlder Walter Slovotsky to keep Jason in one piece . . . more or less.

There's Kethol, the long and lanky redhead with an easy smile, who's quick with a quip and quicker with a sword; Pirojil, the ugly one, whose looks deceive and whose might and loyalty are worth a kingdom; and the fledgling wizard Erenor, a man who tries to stay two steps ahead of his enemies--as well as one step ahead of his friends. They're all part of the Cullinane retinue, sworn to protect the Cullinane manse and the sometimes-heroic Jason Cullinane and they have their hands full.

Because no one likes a vacuum--or one too many contenders for power, Jason's soldiers are going to have to do some fast adventuring to make it all turn out all right.

Next in Joel Rosenberg's bestselling Guardians of the Flame series, Not Quite Scaramouche continues the adventures of the journeyman soldiers of Castle Cullinane (and their sometimes ill-fated leader) in all their raucous glory.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

And the Knowledge that the World Was Mad
Well, it _isn't_ quite Scaramouche. But it's a good book. With the two latest books, you can consider this a review of _Not Exactly the Three Musketeers_ also, Joel has moved away temporarily from the central coneit of "gamers from our world find themselves in a fantasy world."

It's still there in the background but most of the characters on center stage in these two books were born in the fantasy world. Not only that, the characters who "came over" have aged. Not that Walter knows admits it but he knows it.

I consider these books a step down from _The Road Home_ and _The Road to Evehnor_ but almost anything would be. They are certainly written better, line by line, than the first few books in the series and they work well for me. If you absolutely need the connection to gamers moved to their gaming world, I can see being disappointed.

Yes and Yes
Both the compliments and criticisms of this book are desreved. Rosenberg continues to give us compelling characters that draw us in. Further, he continues to develope his world in unexpected ways. This book was truly a fun read.

That said. The series has lost its original feel. At this point we are rather disconnected from the original characters and the original idea of the series. Also, there are plot lines from earlier in the series that have been dropped or at least not fully handled. I wait patiently to see if those ideas are brought up again only because the characters now are compelling in their own way but I long for that connection that Rosenberg's fictional world once had to our own.

Searching for Mister Good Baron
Not Quite Scaramouche (2001) is the ninth fantasy novel in the Guardians of the Flame series, following Not Exactly the Three Musketeers.In the previous volume, Baroness Elanee instigated a plot to lure Ellegon into a trap, but Pirojil, Kethol, Durine and Erenor foiled the setup.However, Durine and a medium sized brown dragon were killed and Erenor required a healing draught for his slit throat.Although her treasonous plot misfired, Elanee herself survived until Ellegon and Pirojil executed the death warrant on her.Her son Miron disappeared in the confusion.

In this novel, Emperor Thomen calls Parliament into session and Jason Cullinane is late.In addition, Henrad the wizard is beginning to feel the presence of another wizard in the castle.Walter Slovotsky, the new Imperial Proctor, decides to kill two birds with one stone and sends Pirojil, Kethol and Erenor to Barony Cullinane.

Jason delays to the last minute before leaving for Parliament and then finds himself delayed by assassins.Kethol first detects something scaring the wildlife and he, Pirojil and AhiraBandylegs go into the woods to check out the situation.They find an assassin with two crossbows, one of which gets Ahira in the thigh and the other scrapes Kethol's ear.

Pirojil takes the party off the Royal road and occupies a nearby farmhouse.That evening, Kethol and Ahira take a shortcut through the woods to Dernal's Ford and Pirojil and Erenor head off through the rain on the Royal road to Belneten's Spring.Pirojil and Erenor find more assassins waiting for them, but the other party find Imperial troopers guarding a landing zone for Ellegon.The next day, Jason and his close associates ride to Parliament in style, way above any possible assassins on the ground.

In this story, Miron returns to Biemestren through the sponsorship of Baron Tyrnael.General Treseen recommends that Miron be installed as the new baron and Parliament tends to agree.Walter delays the decision, hoping for an alternative.Leria provides a means of searching for the long gone Forinel, heir presumptive to the barony, and Pirojil, Kethol, Erenor and Leria fly off of Ellegon to search for the heir.

This story twists and turns like a snake with its head cut off.Some things remain the same, of course, such as Kethol dashing heroically after the assassin and Jason standing up on Ellegon as they fly along.Naturally, the barons are always plotting something and the Imperial governors in the Holt baronies are playing their own game.

Recommended for Rosenberg fans and for anyone who enjoys tales of high adventure and intrigue with more than a touch of cynicism.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Not Really the Guardians Anymore
While still witty and entertaining, this installment fails to capture the spirit and flavor of the original three. Gone is the wonder of people from a mundane, technological world trapped in a world of dragons, miracles, and arcane magic. Also, gone is the righteousness of Karl Cullinane & Crew's original goals.
Not only have these elements been completely left out in favor of a plot involving the characters in a convoluted political morass, Rosenberg has left several loose ends untied.

For instance, what happened with the conflict with the wizard that originally brought them to this place? And the sword destined for Jason Cullinane?.Maybe it's been so long since the original trilogy, even the author has forgotten what was happening.

Not Quite What I Had In Mind
For many years Mr. Rosenberg has entertained his readers with fantastic adventure and delights from his mythic land.Anyone who has ever "thrown some dice" from the comfort of their den or basement was instantly and (like me) permanently drawn into the idea of awakening in the "game realm."I loved the earliest works for this very detail.However, as the series progressed, the plot line (which originally drew me so close) regressed into an average fantasy tale.By this book publication, I hardly recognize the thrill from the original four (or so) books.Mr. Rosenberg has within him the creative fire to return his characters (and us, the audience) to the world we first met in "The Sleeping Dragon;" but it is completely up to him to rejuvinate the characters and myriad plot-lines to their once captivating and imaginative status.In short, bring restore the "guardians" to their original and best task, the task we all long to see and do - adventuring!

Sincerely,

Marc Harmon ... Read more

Product Description
Kethol is an adventurer with an easy smile, a man who is quick with a quip and quicker with a sword. His partner Pirojil's ugly looks deceive people into thinking he's stupid to their sorrow, and his might and loyalty are worth a kingdom. To complete this troop, the fledgling wizard Erenor, a man who tries to stay two steps ahead of his enemies, and one step ahead of his friends. These are the loyal retainers to Jason Cul-lian-ane, a man who walked away from a crown, and doesn't want it back. These warriors' lives have never been easy, what with keeping Jason from getting killed from yet another plot, rescuing some damsel or whatnot in distress, and squirreling away something for the ever diminishing prospect of retirement. Now they might wind up succeeding in none of their schemes, for there are plots within plots and Kethol has been forced into a disguise. There is magic aplenty in the air and in order to save a kingdom, they may have to pull off a complicated scheme that could kill them all . . . or land them in positions of supreme power. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

I liked it.
The third in the mini-series within the Guardians of the Flame novels. It does answer a few of the questions that have built up, but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Another solid Guardians novel
This latest entry in the Guardians of the Flame franchise provides an enjoyable read. As long as Mr. Rosenberg keeps writing them, I'll keep buying and reading them.

Bravo!
I first got turned onto the Guardains of the Flame series ten years agoand have really enjoyed reading all ten books. What first hooked me was the original premiss of modern people being transported to a fantasy world. It is a fantasy that many of us have had. But, in his recent books Rosenberg seemed to forget the original premiss and get caught up with this story arch involving characters who had no dirrect tie to the Otherside. While I still very much enjoyed the books I was lonnging to have the earlier concept picked up again and to find out the answers for some of the questions Rosenberg seemed to have forgoten.

Not Really The Prisoner of Zenda didn't pick up on those old storylines but it brilliantly finished off a three book long subplot. And, at the same time he reminded the reader that he hasn't forgotten the the old intreagues. Jason Cullinane finally once again picks up the subject of the Sword of Arta Myrdhyn. Wow was I relied. The Old Emperor and father of Jason, Karl Cullinane, had died just after finding out about the sword and then the subjuct wass almost complete dropped. We've been waiting for severl books to find out about this sword and while this book doesn't deal dirrectly with the sword at least Rosenberg lets us know that the theme will once again be picked up.

This was an excellent book with terrific twists and turns and an encouragement to fans of the series who were afraid that story plots had been dropped never again to be found.

I have read this whole series
And enjoyed each and every book.I found this one equally enjoyable but more frustrating that the others, somehow.An awful lot of angst and introspection.It's not bad, but it's so often repetitive.If you're read the other books - which you must in order to understand anything ehre - you don't need the constannt repetition of how ugly poor Perijol is, or Durine's untimely death, the Old Emperor's death , et, etc.I figure half the book was reminiscing.And someone here mentioned toomany details...yup, too many.I don't consider this an end to the series.There's this new stuff with Eranor, who is he, what's his game?And Jason.We have several books setting up great fates for Jason and we're still up in the air there.Which series was this supposed to be an ending of?No, too many loose threads.This was not the book I hoped it would be and waited for, however much I enjoyed the read.

A ~great~ story, but Rosenberg frustrates me...
This book was possibly the best "finisher" book of a series (the three-book story arc in what is an eight book series right now) that I've had the pleasure of reading.

Joel Rosenberg has some amazing talent. He's also incredibly trying and frustrating to read, sometimes. There are scenes in this book where Joel's describing every door, every wall, every dust bunny in the scene, regardless of whether these things are involved in the story. That irks me, because it's obvious how good a writer he can be.

The last eighty pages of this book had me flipping through them like a fiend, muttering to myself as I forced myself to read one line at a time, so as not to give anything away.
I distracted my girlfriend from her video game. This often takes an Act of the Cosmos.

The end of the book made my jump and cheer, and I was utterly amazed at how appropriate it was.

Joel's characters are good, if all a bit overly-suspicious and yet fatalistic. There's a dark edge to this series that I appreciate, and I think it does an excellent job of smudging the line between light fantasy and dark fantasy. Real things pop up, minor things go wrong, amazingly beneficial things go right, and you never know what it's going to lead to.

Despite Joel's need for a stern editor, he was able to take me through the gamut of emotions as we bid farewell to a long friendship, watch the death of a noble and witness the greatest Just Desserts scene I've ever read.

If you've read the other Guardians of the Flame novels, especially the last two before this, you will not, must not, miss this book.

If you liked Glory Road, Not Exactly the Three Musketeers and/or A Game of Thrones, you will probably love "Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

RPG-turned-fantasy novel isn't exactly great, but better than it had to be
I've known about this series for most of the 25 years they've been out, but never read them because a) there are certainly zillions of other fantasy series to read, many of which look much better and b) I distinctly remember a couple of my close friends in college slamming them. So I surprised even myself when I picked up the first three (I thought there WERE only three, but turns out the series has gone to ten as of 2008!) at a used booksale -- even for .25 apiece it seemed risky.

I'm glad I did, though; although this initial volume isn't anything truly great, it really does read like the AD&D (first edition I guess) campaign that it doubtless was based on. Sure the classes and races are changed about just a bit -- but only just a bit -- and there's nothing all THAT original about characters being aware that they're characters, or being transported from "reality" to "fantasy-land" -- but this hit the right chord for me somehow, and brought me back to my own RPG days in college better than a lot of finer pieces of prose might. And a point goes to Rosenberg for being "realistic" enough to kill off or seriously hurt major characters without seeming regard to whether his audience will like him for it or not.

Basically Rosenberg starts with a series of typical gaming geeks, one of whom is wheelchair-bound, and transports them to a magical, typically medieval European fantasyland, and then has them undergo a series of quests before they can return.Some expected drama - the formerly crippled player/character is now a strapping warrior dwarf and certainly has little desire to return, other characters don't want to go back, the players have trouble overcoming the personalities of the sometimes quite different characters they've been playing, etc.It's short, very readable, nothing exciting as prose but hardly incompetent either - if you're an old-school RPG geek who wants something light and frivolous, this is it.I don't know that I'll go through all 9 of the sequels, but I might end up checking out the next one or two, which is more than I expected to be saying.

When fantasy becomes reality....
If you ever played Dungeons and Dragons or any other type of roleplaying game this book will have particular appeal for you. When I played these games in my youth I often fantasized about becoming my character. Joel Rosenberg makes this fantasy come true with brilliant effect. This fantasy come to life is not all sunshine and roses. The characters in the story become their game characters through the machinations of their gamemaster who has found a way to cross people over to the "other world". One minute they are playing the game and the next they are sucked into the fantasy world. This world is brutal. Life and death are by the sword. Wizards do not hesitate to wield their power and oppress the masses. This is no longer a game anymore, it's a deadly reality. Rosenberg does an admirable job of making the reader aware of the internal conflict of the characters. They possess the memory and identity of two people. They are from both worlds at the same time. Rosenberg manages the story well, it's only 250 pages, a quick read, but you don't feel you've missed anything. The combat scenes in the book are brutal and excellent. A five star book all around.

Joel Rosenberg's first book
One of my favorite fantasy stories. For a first book, it is an impressive one. The series is worth the read. It shouldn't be out of print, but since it is right now, you can only buy it used.

The characters are college kids, all with their own challenges. Suddenly theire role-playing game is real. So real, death is an option. They have to figure out what is going on, and find a way to get back. The college professor that masterminded the "game" isn't telling them everything. They have to set aside their differences, and be a team.

For some the game changes their life for the better. By the end they all have a new understanding of their friends, that they could never have imagined. Dragons, warriors, wizards, tournaments...

Even if Only to Read the Others
This is the first book in a series. I gave it a five, even though it might have only been worth a three by itself, for the following reason:

The series gets much better. If you read this and you like it enough to get the rest as you go along, you will be highly rewarded. The next few are quite good three-star and low four-star novels. Not bad at all. Then you get to _The Road to Evehnor_ and _The Road Home_ These are five-star books. Then you get to read some more very good books. Quite a reward, considering the first few are really worth reading as well, even if not as good.

Rosenberg handles the central conceit in this book, gamers being moved to their gaming world, quite well. The characters, especially Walter and Andy, are excellent. The "game world" is not generic fantasy fluff.

Not Free SF Reader
A group of college fantasy role playing gamers end up being transported to their own fantasy gaming world.The group includes both men and women, and we see them have to get over the shock of this translation, and start to adapt to new roles in the game world that they are used to playing with dice and paper in the real world.Pretty lightweight fun.


... Read more

Product Description

There are Hidden Ways built into the structure of
existence -- linking the New World and the
Newer . . . dating back to a time before time.

When he brought college friends Maggie and Ian home to North Dakota, Torrie Thorsen anticipated a carefree vacation -- not werewolves, Norse gods and inconceivable worlds. But the Thorsen destiny leads them all to where the family's history began -- through secret portals into a place of legend and peril. For here, where the blade of Torrie's father once loyally served the House of the Sky, son and father both must suffer for ancient transgressions. And with war clouds gathering above the Middle Dominion, an unlikely champion will raise his sword in defense of captive friends . . . to prevent the fiery coming of the End of All Days.

Customer Reviews (5)

Impressive
Rosenberg starts another 'dual' series here, but with enough of a different spin than the Guardians of the Flame saga that it doesn't feel like he's done it all before.I'm always impressed with the way he givesthe reader insight into the history of his characters without beingoverwhelming.A great mixture of action and insight, the 'what' and the'why' of what's going on in the story.

And as usual with Rosenberg, thestory is excellent.Thorian the Younger and Ian Silverstein are bothworthy young heroes, and happily enough carry some baggage with them thatactually affects them both positively and negatively throughout the story.

The Keepers series, in my estimation, doesn't quite measure up to_D'Shai_ and _Hour of the Octopus_, but it's definitely in the sameballpark.Solid, entertaining writing, definitely recommended for fans ofRosenberg or fantasy in general.

A Excellent New Story from Joel Rosenberg
A trip home from college with friends turns into a nightmare with attacking werewolves and a journey to a mythical land..Once again Joel Rosenberg creates characters that you feel you know right down to theirsoul..Once you read this one you'll have to have the next 2 in the series& they won't dissapoint you..

A new and interesting take on that fantasy "otherworld"
Rosenberg does an excellent job wafting us right into his interesting "otherworld" where fertility godesses live in their retirement and Odin runs a ferry. He identifies a little too much with Ian, I think, and spends just a little too much time on small details, but then again the details add to the richness of the setting, so long as they don't bog you down. All in all, an excellent read, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. I hope he can keep up the freshness of the ideas and vitality of the characters better in this series than he did in Guardians of the Flame.

This is a fun book!
Being of fan of Rosenberg for some time, I was impressed bythis latests offering.It is a well crafted book that takes the oldcliche of real world people being thrusted into a fantasy world and adds a lot of surprises!The characters felt real and three-dimensional.I have to agree with the eariler comment about Ian Silverstein because he was a really well developed, interesting character.Looking forward to the second book The Silver Stone.

well-written fantasy with Norse influences
Ready for some fencing and Norse gods in your fantasy?This book delivers.Torrie Thorsen, college student, brings his friends home for vacation to rural Minnesota.Rosenberg shows the uniqueness of the family such as the fencing studio in the basement, Uncle Hosea's creations, and the mysterious gold which is the basis of the family fortune.His father's past as the professional duelist of the House of Flame invades the present as werewolves attack through a portal from another world. The beginning of the book is the strongest because of the descriptions of people in rural Minnesota.The character development of Ian Silverstein (Torrie's friend) is very well done.The fantasy world is well-constructed with lots of conflict.The special guest appearances by figures from Norse mythology are fun.I wish there had been more development of the female characters.The second book in the series is The Silver Stone. ... Read more

Product Description
The Last Jihad:
Jon Bennett is a top Wall Street strategist turned senior White House advisor. But nothing has prepared him for the terror that he will face. Only a solid Arab-Israeli coalition against Iraq can keep the U.S. and other Western nations from certain devastation. And only Bennett and his beautiful partner, Erin McCoy, can make that happen.

The Last Days:
Osama bin Laden is dead. Saddam Hussein is buried. Baghdad lies in ruins. Now the eyes of the world are on Jerusalem as Jon Bennett - a Wall Street strategist turned senior White House advisor - his beautiful CIA partner Erin McCoy, and the U.S. Secretary of State arrive in the Middle East to meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. But in the shadows lie men whose hearts are filled with evil.

The Ezekiel Option:
With Saddam Hussein and Yasser Arafat out of the way, a dazzling era of security and prosperity seems to have come to the Middle East. With the help of an American president trying to spread freedom and democracy, the Israelis and the Palestinians have signed a historic peace agreement. But a new evil looms on the horizon. And Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy – two senior White House advisors – find themselves facing the most chilling question of their lives: Is the world rushing to the brink of an apocalypse prophesied more than 2,500 years ago?
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A must read
One warning...do not start this series unless you have designated reading time. You will be mesmerized! A marvelous mix of scripture and fiction.

Excellent books; you forget they are fiction
I have purchased all of Joel Rosenberg's books, both written and audio. My wife read them; and then we listened to them as we were traveling. I highly recommend this author using either format. This CD collection is abridged but it covers all the key materials and the three-book audio CDs were about the same price as two paperback copies. I am eagerly looking forward to his next books.

Last Jihad, The Last Days, Ezehiel Option 1 - 3 Series
The CDs skipped throughout all three books.I would have sent them back but had thrown away the packaging and didn't know how to send the back.I don't feel I got my money's worth.I don't know if the CDs are tested or not but they should be.It is a shame that so many of the disks were damaged.I liked the stories however, there are so many characters in the books that it is hard to keep track of everyone.I enjoyed what I could hear and understand.

I love this series
Joel Rosenburg is an excellent writer. The first book I read of his was Epic center, and I didn't want to put it down. I have since purchased several of his other books in this series. I am able to line up many of the things he writes about with the Bible, and that makes these books that much more fascinating.

Awesome if you don't have time to read
I am enjoying listening to these books on audio CD.We just returned from vacation and we listended to them all of the way home.My family can't wait to borrow the CDs from me.I recommend the set.They might be to graphic for younger children. ... Read more

Product Description
In the seventeenth century, in an alternate universe, Mordred defeated King Arthur—known as “Arthur the Tyrant”—and founded an Empire, now ruling much of Europe, Asia, and the New World, ably defended by the Order of Crown, Shield and Dragon. These special agents carry swords, each containing the soul of someone of great power. Even in the hands of a knight of the Order, and wielded in the cause of righteousness, such a sword is terribly dangerous to its owner and all around him—a single red sword can defeat an ordinary army. Last time, three knights of the Order were able to defeat an enemy with an arsenal of red swords, though at a terrible cost. But new menaces are threatening. An ancient witch, long thought to be dead, has returned, and the deadly creatures called darklings are infesting Europe. And on the isle of Colonsay, another deadly supernatural being has appeared, sending the inhabitants into frenzies of murderous madness. This time courage and a strong sword arm, even when armed with a sword of power, may not be enough to save the Empire.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Paladins II: Knight Moves
The second book in this series is as good as the first.I am eagerly awaiting the next book.I do hope it has more history since what has been written in the first two books was very interesting.More of theback story on Cully would be of interest, especially his relationship with the Abbot since they seem to have had a long and not always cordial relationship with each other, I wondered if they were once friends and had a falling out or were always at odds.All the players are well drawn and very interesting.

Paladins II Knight Moves
Paladins II Knight Moves is an excellent follow-up Paladins by Joel Rosenberg. The genre is alternative hisory/fantasy. The charaterization is awesome. Why, because there is no readily discernable hero.Is it Gray, Cully, or, Niko?Or is it the Admiral? Each one of these people has flaws and foibles that do not fit traditional fantasy. There are characters who you might find more interesting than others- but does not this mirror life. In this second book you find out a little bit more about each of these characters through their thoughts , words and deeds. The novel has a multicultural aspect that reflects the world in which we presently live. Finally, if you are a reader who prefers to read a novel and to be suprised at the ending-- while in afterthought realizing that what seemed a number of unrelated events and characters are woven into a complex, but tight tapestry-- Paladins II is the novel for you. I await the next installment in this oxymoronic realistic/fantasy series.

A hard-hitting fantasy packed with action.
Joel Rosenberg's PALADINS II: KNIGHT MOVES tells of a world ruled by the Pendragon flag, which flies over much of Europe, Asia and the New World, and of magical swords which work in service of good or evil. Add an old force in form of a witch and the undead that are infesting Europe and you have a hard-hitting fantasy packed with action.

Wordy
About page 249 someone in this book says, "All this talk isn't getting us anywhere." or something of that nature.It certainly doesn't get us very far.I read the first book and thought that it was worth a look at the second.Probably a wrong decision.There's too much talk and not a live-action for a fantasy/alternative reality book.For example one of the groups of good guys visits some great magician or whatever.Do we really need pages of everyone in the group's reactions, particularly when 90% of it isn't especially relevant to the plot.I think a decent editor would have cut out at least three quarters of this.
The book takes place in an alternative 17th-century, about which I have no great problem but gunpowder hasn't been invented?Perhaps they don't need it with those super magical swords that seem to be able to do anything.This is my next major problem.The swords seem to be so powerful that there is little point in using anything else, apart from collateral damage.You just have to swing them around a little and everything dies.
Lastly this author, among many others, should realise that people don't necessarily read parts of a trilogy one after the other.It's been months since I read the first book, and there are constant references to characters I cannot remember.All right, I may be getting old, but a list of characters at the beginning wouldn't be such a bad thing.At least it would save me constantly having to reference the first volume.
Aside from that it's a fairly typical plot, groups of friends get into danger looking for a looming evil etc.etc. Nothing particularly innovative here.

Great writing: no end.
The first book in the series, Paladins, was a great book.I've long been a fan of Rosenberg (20 years now) and I found Paladins to be one of his best.The characterization was outstanding (as always) and the world interesting.

This book is almost as good from a writing viewpoint.The characters are again great.The only real problem with the writing is that we jump around a bit much between different plots.But I'm generally okay with that.What I greatly disliked is that the book doesn't end.In most of his previous series, each book stood on its own.This one feels like the first half (third?) of a book.Very annoying....
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great "hybrid" novel, fusing "reality" with fantasy
I really enjoyed this set of books. Usually, as a rule, I don't really care for "hybrid" stories, ones where reality is mixed with fantasy, but this one works for me. I almost put it down shortly after starting it because it was set on Earth...

That quickly changed, however, when the friends get together to play a fantasy roleplaying game and their gamemaster is actually a wizard from another world. Each real-life human is magically transformed into their roleplaying alter-egos and deposited on another planet, where they must fight for their lives from the very beginning. It's interesting to see how each character is torn between what they want to be and what they are -- some take to it better than others. And these are gritty, dark times for the "heroes" as they are tested to the very limits of their sanity, abilities, and morals. No one character particularly stands out as a typical "hero". They are just normal people thrown into alter-personalities, and they are believable as they try to make the most of it.

Joel Rosenberg did a fantastic job making this a truly entertaining experience. I can't believe I almost didn't read it. The next book (Heir Apparent) is not nearly so memorable as this set, but I do want to read it again. Only Terry Brooks has done it as well, with his series about The Wizard At Large, Magic Kingdom for Sale: SOLD!, and The Black Unicorn. I have to NOT include Weis & Hickman's Darksword Trilogy and Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant Trilogy -- they didn't cut it, as far as the hybrid part goes.

The first 3 classic books, together in hardback
This is the first three "Guardians of the Flame" books together in a Science Fiction Book Club hardback:

"The Sleeping Dragon"
"The Sword and the Chain"
"The Silver Crown"

I recently re-read my copy, the first time I'd touched it since the mid-Eighties.To my relief, it was every bit as good as I remember it. (This is not always true with some of the books from my younger years!) I remember the first time I read "The Sleeping Dragon." I was skeptical, because I'd heard about "D&D Gamers" travelling to their game world.[Uh, yeah, sure...]But Rosenberg made it work.

Rosenberg wrote what I term Hard Fantasy.Gritty, dark in places, with complex characters.Even the magic follows definite rules. Central characters will die, retire, or travel elsewhere.Sometimes predictable, sometimes not, but always interesting.

The series continues in "Guardians of the Flame: The Heroes" (ISBN 1568650507) ... Read more

Product Description
In earlier books, three young college friends discovered timeless, secret portals into the alternate world called Tir Na Nog and successfully located two magical jewels. Now they seek a third jewel as struggles between noble ruling houses push them perilously close to war. Meanwhile, at home in the "real world," an evil being is stalking family and friends of one of the young heroes. Now they must find the stone, defuse the increasingly volatile political situation n Tir Na Nog, and stop the evil one before he can destroy more innocent lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Sadly Disappointing...
This is my second series by Rosenberg, and I fear it will be my last.The one thing all his books seem to have in common is an upward trend in Rosenberg's use of vulgar language... all of which is unnecessary,offensive, and highly distractive to this reader.And while his use offoul language has steadily increased, Rosenberg's storylines have just assteadily decreased.The plots have thinned dramatically. Verydisappointing.

Great read... Good story.... Anxious for more
I've read Joel Rosenberg for more years than I care to admit and this book is right on par from what I've come to expect from him.These Hidden Ways stories are great reading, they have an originality to them which I'vefound in most of Rosenberg's series.The only complaint I had with thisbook in the series was that the story itself was a little simplisticcompared to the previous two.I still enjoy reading about this world andcharacters and enjoyed this book all the same.I hope for more in thisseries real soon and would recommend it to all.

Readable, but declining.
I truly enjoyed the first book of this series.The second one had, to me, decent pacing, and an ending that got dropped in at the last minute.

This book has laggardly pacing; major activities happen off-scene and are simplyalluded to, or brushed over towards the end.

I'd rather have had moreaction and less meandering over the scenery, and less introspection on theparts of newer characters.In the first book, it was clear that this was a"buddy flick" -- Thorian Thorsen was the primary character, Ianwas a strong secondary character.The second book brought Ian into thespotlight, and sort of shoved Torrie into the "Dumb Blonde Swede"role, which may be fitting for Ian's perspective.Torrie still comes offas being slow witted, if likeable.

This book spends more time with thelocal cop for Hardwood ND than it does with either of the characters weestablished earlier in the series, and at the expense of the action in TirNa Nog.The closure on the book feels terribly contrived, like it was doneto either trim the novel down by a few thousand words, or because he ranout of time to write it before his deadline came up.

The fencing scenesin it have the details more or less right, and if there are fewer in therethan I'd like, well, it may change later.The overall plot is good, if abit overpadded.The scenes from Torrie's dad's perspective are lovely. The homily on tolerance for homosexuality, while germane, and important tothe author, came off as being heavy handed.

All in all, I'd recommendit if you've read the first two...and I can hope that Mr. Rosenberg hasmore time on the next one.

Buy it.Read it.Nag him for more.
I'm an unembarrassed Rosenberg junkie, and my only complaint is that it's too long between fixes.

I'm very fond of the Guardians of the Flame books but I think the Keepers of the Hidden Ways books may even bebetter.Ithink I have to agree with the previous reviewer that I wanted more of thestory, because I do want more of the story, but I think that will be truefor the foreseeable future until Rosenberg ends it.

I'm not sureexactly how he's going to get there, but it looks like he's fixing to bringhis characters up to and maybe through Ragnarok, and this is a ride that itwould be a pity to miss.

Buy it.Read it.Nag him for more.

Almost Perfect
An excellent continuation of the saga.The characters are excellent, real people you want to know.I was sorry the story ended because I wanted to spend more time with these characters.The plot suffers from an endingwhich seems slapped on to end at a certain number of pages.I hope Mr.Rosenberg can continue these characters with a bit more plot development. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

To Barnacle Bill (and everyone else)
Your wish is granted. Rosenberg's _Not For Glory_ is the first (and so far, only other) book in this fantastic series. This, the second book, is actually the prequel.

If you're a fan of futuristic military campaigns, these two titles definitely need to be a part of your collection. Both books are about as realistic, believable, and character-driven as the genre ever gets.

A Drake-like effort
I'm going by memory because I read this years ago. I was moved to write this because, looking for more in the series, I discovered that nobody had written a review of this one.

From the title of my review, you might gather that I think this is similar in style to David Drake's work.I do indeed - if you like Drake you'll like this.You could probably transplant the story wholesale to the "Hammers Slammers" universe.

The title character is a young man from a distinguished family on a world that makes its living by selling their services as mercenaries.Similar in principle to Dickenson's Dorsai, but with a twist - the Metsadans are essentially transplanted Isrealis, with the reputation of the IDF carrying over.BTW, I'm not Jewish, but as a student of military history I can say that the IDF is probably man-for-man very near if not at the top in military skill.The Metsadan Mercenary Corps is the IDF-in-space, and for a nominal fee they'll fight for you...

Our hero's problem is that he is a coward.The story finds him in his first contract, in service of an apparent Italian colony against some other ethnicity on the same planet (I forget who they were - it isn't very important to the story).He disgraces himself in his first action, but his influential relatives manage to avoid his being cashiered by assigning him to "advise"/command a unit of decidely non-elite locals.The story is about how he deals with the twin challenges of his own fear and his unenthusiastic subordinates.

Anyway, it stuck in my head enough that I not only remember it but was searching for a sequel - so if you like military science fiction of the "gritty" sort, I recommend it. ... Read more