Carol Moncado

Joshua Covenant – Diane/David Munson

God’s covenants to His people take center stage as CIA Agent Bo Rider races to help Israel defeat a dangerous enemy amidst unfolding Bible prophecy. After years of clandestine spying, Bo’s new assignment plunges him into Middle East intrigue at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv where he is rocked by a menacing plot against America’s ally. Julia immerses herself in her role as a diplomatic wife in the ancient land where Jesus lived, only to discover the life changing truths of God’s promises for the end days. Meanwhile sinister forces challenge Bo’s loyalty. His battle to regain his stature tests his very core. Will Bo survive the greatest threat ever to his career, his family, and his life?

I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, it was well-written and intriguing. The dialogue bugged me in a few places, but most books do [I’m a dialogue gal. I notice if it seems the least bit stilted, etc.]. The plot is something that could be ripped out of tomorrow’s headlines. Israel is always threatened by her neighbors and there are millions [closing in on a billion?] people who would like to see Israel and the Jews literally wiped off the face of the earth. Ahmadinejad, anyone?

Bo and his family are sent to Israel where he works at the embassy, ostensibly for the State Department but by the time he arrives everyone and their cousin seem to know he’s really CIA. Between the Iranians, American spies, Hamas and Hezbollah, decades old grudges, and Mossad agents, no one is who or what they seem – even Bo.

The Munsons bring back characters from the other books – Eva the ICE agent, Griff the FBI guy, etc. – which is nice.

There were a few bits of the plot which seemed… contrived. Too… convenient. But then I remind myself that “coincidences are when God chooses to remain anonymous” and wonder how many times I meet someone only to discover a very random mutual friend etc. and realize that the “contrived” plot choices weren’t all THAT bad and made sense, even if they were “convenient”.

It was a bit… evangelistic in spots. That’s not a bad thing if it’s what you’re looking for or ready for. I tend to prefer a bit more subtle Christianity but I’m okay with the evangelism – I point it out for those who may not be.

I think part of my “problem” with it is the same as in my review of Redeeming Liberty. If I’m not in the mood, I have a harder time enjoying these types of books – legal/political thrillers – and I think that’s reflected in my mixed feelings; my awareness of that is also reflected in my overall rating.

Like Redeeming Liberty, I recommend Joshua Covenant to those who like political and legal thrillers with an Inspirational/Christian thread. This one, however, has less of a romantic thread to it – at least in the sense that there is no budding relationship.

Overall rating: 7.5 out of 10