Fans of geopolitical thrillers will love Joel C. Rosenberg’s latest novel, “The Kremlin Conspiracy,” which takes on the political hotbed of American-Russian relationships.
With his newest story, Rosenberg steps away from his usual Middle Eastern theme to focus on new areas of drama within the world. As he writes in his Acknowledgements: “After nearly sixteen years of writing thrillers about worst-case scenarios in the Middle East, it was time to shift gears and focus on new threats.”
“The Kremlin Conspiracy” follows the stories and rise of two men — American Marcus Ryker who was inspired to join the Marines after 9/11 and Oleg Stefanovich Kraskin, a man who rises through the governmental ranks of Russia after marrying the daughter of the man who would himself rise from Prime Minister to President.
Written chronologically, passing back and forth between each man’s story, “Kremlin” spans almost 20 years, beginning with mass bombings in Russia in 1999 and ending in the present. Oleg must deal with President Aleksandr Luganov’s insane ideologies to reclaim Mother Russia’s glory … at any cost. And Marcus must overcome the strain military life, and eventually the life of a Secret Service agent, takes on his family — as well as overcome incredible loss.
As each man faces trials in their lives, they must learn lessons about loyalty, faithfulness, overcoming tribulations and forgiveness. This story takes us through bombings, murder, assassination attempts, invasions and military coups — it’s a story that could be taken right off the front pages of our newspapers. It is so timely it’s scary.
Rosenberg does a great job developing his characters, especially Marcus and Oleg. You truly learn the “meaning of the man.” He also develops a great supporting cast of characters — from the crazy and power-driven Russian leaders, to Marcus’ military buddies who have also found themselves in the political arena.
But besides a great geopolitical thriller, “The Kremlin Conspiracy” also offers many gems and life lessons — the difficulty of balancing family versus duty; going through the valleys of life, yet knowing you are going to come out OK; the ability to “love your neighbor, not your work”; starting new chapters in life; forgiveness of one’s self and others; assuming (wrongly sometimes) that there is always more time; and the fact that we should never resist God’s plan.
Rosenberg reminds us, through a heart-pounding, action-packed novel, that God always has a plan for us … even when we can’t immediately see it.
Even in a new political arena, Rosenberg offers another great novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Based on the story’s ending, I’m guessing there will be another book coming. I’m certainly hoping so!
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.