The physical and psychological danger in The Beirut Protocol is constant and readers know that eventually... everyone breaks. The question is how long can Marcus Ryker hold out and what will he give up in the end?
Joel Rosenberg is a master at intertwining multiple complicated plotlines and has an unquestionable level of expertise regarding the Middle Eastern. Though a slight departure from the previous books in the Marcus Ryker series, The Beirut Protocol is a well constructed story of capture and survival. When Ryker, Kailea Curtis, and their Israeli chaperone are abducted in an unexpected and daring raid, the recent gains in Arab-Israeli relations are put to the test. Combined with a dramatic shift in the power dynamics of Tehran, the entire region is hurtled towards the precipice of war.
The usual high octane action scenes and shootouts against enemy actors are replaced by perilous psychological situations that hostages must endure and overcome. The physical abuse and likelihood of death has never been higher for Ryker, but as a man accustomed to dodging bullets... how will he fair when he is at the mercy of his captors?
This book takes us deeper into Ryker's mind under extreme duress as he is forced to rely heavily on his training and his faith. I personally believe the exploration of Marcus as a character bodes well for the long term success of the series and gives readers a firmer understanding of the driving forces behind Ryker's decision making paradigm.
I did feel there were some general areas left wanting. A missed opportunity for me was the failure to include more on the true identity of the third hostage and the dramatic issue that would have caused. While I also enjoyed the finale, I felt Rosenberg had done such a great job consistently turning the screws and heightening the tension and suspense, but then all of a sudden Ryker seems not to be phased by his ordeal and the old Ryker comes out. This seemed a bit rushed to me and took slightly away from what was an otherwise enjoyable read.
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