Member Reviews
This book is the last of of series called “Empires of Armageddon” and what a finish it was! In this review, I’m not giving away any details of the book. My recommendation would be that you read each of these books in order as the stories flow seamlessly one into the other. I’ve read each one as they were published separately, and I envy those of you who have the opportunity to read this series without waiting for the next book to be published.
Terry Brennan did a fantastic job with this series. I think these stories are of the same quality of writing as both Frank Peretti’s and Joel Rosenberg’s “spiritual warfare/end of days” series. The suspense and action in this series is just as heart-pounding as those mentioned above, maybe even more so. (Seriously—the climatic ending of this book had my heart pounding for awhile after I finished it.)
Although I’ve loved the storylines of suspense and seeing the spiritual warfare/earthly struggles points of view, it’s been the characters that have kept my attention throughout this series. I especially wanted to see how Brian Mullaney’s story would conclude, and it was everything and more than I hoped for. I loved this author’s reverence and respect for the mighty power of Jesus. If you like this “end of days” type of fiction, you’ll want to read this series.
I’m not in this review doing a critique of end times theology. I’m simply recommending this series as as thrilling and suspenseful reading.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What an exciting journey it has been, reading through the Empires of Armageddon trilogy! Full of action and suspense without overly graphic violence, each story builds on the previous - you will want to read the entire series.
I appreciated the strong emphasis on spiritual warfare and that the real enemies we face are not those of flesh and blood and they cannot be fought with carnal weapons. This message is brought home so very well.
Several of the plot twists surprised me, including Atticus Cleveland's actions! It was crazy to see all the action and realize that the events for the entire series encompass a mere two weeks.
Poppy was a delightful addition to the cast of characters. While I would love to tell you all about why he was so interesting, you'll appreciate much better discovering him for yourself.
An interesting conversation between Brian and Atticus regarding racism took place near the middle of the story. The insights shared were quite profound and I was grateful for them.
Ottoman Dominion did get a bit mired with myriad details at the beginning. So many historical facts were shared, including some from the previous stories, that it was slow going in parts. Glossing over these a bit more and then putting the details in the author's notes - or sharing in a more interesting manner would have enhanced the overall experience.
That said, lovers of suspense will enjoy the Empires of Armageddon trilogy.
Ottoman Dominion
by Terry Brennan
Independent Publishers Group
Kregel Publications
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 17 Nov 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Ottoman Dominion through Independent Publishers Group/ Kregel and Netgalley:
Brian Mullaney is a diplomatic security agent who wants out. He has been drawn against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications. His final assignment is going to pit him against the terrifying, evil entity known only as the Turk.
After the Turk's minions breach the US embassy in Israel and the American ambassador disappears, Mullaney has no choice. He must accept his role as the final guardian of a mysterious box, the box is his only weapon against the powers of darkness bent on preventing the second coming of the Messiah, no matter who or what they annihilate to accomplish their goal.
Will Brian Mullaney who has already lost so much be able to find the strength and faith to save the world and fulfill the prophecy of peace?
I give Ottoman Dominion five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
I hope you have read the first two books in this series. If not, stop here and go read them. They are a must in order to follow the storyline and not miss out on any details. The author is incredible at delivering high tech super charged action . The chapters seem a bit short but they are increasingly intense.
The story is set in Israel and I found the details to be accurate as the author weaves a tale of espionage and a character I have come to really like. Brian is a dedicated Secret Service agent but he feels it’s time to depart that roll. It won’t be easy to slip away from the secrets , lies, and enemies that he has encountered. I think what I liked most about the book was that it moved quickly and didn’t get bogged down with unnecessary details. I loved how the author takes a story and peels apart the outer layer so we can see the real nitty gritty of a sabotage in action.
I won’t say much about what the story is about but I will say it will be one that calls for spiritual warfare. Yes there is evil out there and our story centers on someone who can’t be trusted within the walls of the White House. I did have a little trouble trying to keep up with everything going on as there were plots within plots that eventually all came together. Keep on your toes as you read this powerful story that satisfies those who love action, intrigue and a spiritual overtone.
I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra. The review is my own opinion.
This has to be my favorite book in the series. I love how this story is concluded. This was definitely a book I did not want to put down. I loved the choice of good and evil. I love how this was placed around the troubles in the Middle East and worked around diplomats. It is nice to think that there are some good people that work in politics. There are many twists and turns. I love how this story ends. I received a copy of this book from the read with Audra blogger program for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I will say from the outset this is my sort of read! Full of intrigue, action, edge of your seat suspense, political conspiracies, historical theories and fiction, the tinderbox of the Middle East and the active involvement of angels and demons. This has it all.
Written in very short, sharp scenes I actually struggled at first to catch up, to understand what was going on. This surprised me having read the first two in the series relatively recently but there seemed to be too many players and too many separate plot points that had me rolling my eyes a little. But after about 50 pages, everything fell back into place and I settled in for the ride. The pages began turning very quickly.
There are so many elements to like in this story, yes, Brennan uses fictional licence which may bother some readers when it comes to the supernatural but I like how he used the 'thin veil' and the roles both Bayard (the angelic warrior) and the Turk (the Man of Violence) played. His cast of characters were all developed across the three stories with particular emphasis in the final instalment on Brian Mullaney and Atticus Cleveland. Some of the supporting cast were tremendously depicted: Father Poppy and Rabbi Herzeg being two very engaging characters.
Brennan wraps the series up well bringing all the moving pieces together like a master story conductor. I'm wondering if he's left a few crumbs that may form the basis of a spin-off but that's for us all to ponder.
Congratulations, Terry Brennan. May I encourage any new readers to start with Book 1 in the series, as the backstories and action builds from it. And now the 3 are available, may I also encourage you to read all three with minimal breaks between them so you don't spent too much time in 'catch up mode' at the beginning of the next one.
I received a complimentary copy from Kregel as a result of being a member of the Audra Reads program via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
In this final installment of the Empires of Armageddon, Terry Brennan doesn't take his foot off the gas as he wraps up the mystery and intrigue from DC to Israel. Although I had to pay extra attention to the characters and what was going on as scenes changed quickly, I was just as engaged with Ottoman Dominion as with the others. What sets this series apart and makes it memorable is the supernatural element. Brennan crafts that component natrually into the intrigue and political suspense.
I also enjoyed the family stakes. Would Mullaney be reunited with his family? What about his father-in-law? Again, all of it is naturally woven into the action.
I do think reading the other books in the series is necessary, and so worth it.
Ottoman Dominion is a satisfying conclusion to a memorable, action-packed series. I definitely recommend.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The is the third novel in Brennan's end times series. There is quite a bit of back story and other explanations included so it could be read on its own. The plot is quite complex as there are many major threads to it. There is the spiritual aspect. There are some who desire to revive the Ottoman empire. Others want to establish an Islamic Caliphate. And then there is a U.S. politician who is working toward political power and vast wealth.
The plot is so complex, in the denouement, Mullaney wonders if the whole thing would ever be figured out with a reply of probably not. (Loc 4819/5138) That helped me feel better because I am not sure I figured it all out either.
There is plenty of action in this novel with many gun fights. The narrative frequently jumps from location to location, from conflict to conflict, as the action progresses. The action is interspersed with background story and informative details about the location or facts of history. Every time a new character is introduced, Brennan gives several paragraphs of information about him or her. At times the revelation of information seems forced, such as through dialogue.
The novel contains good insights on spiritual warfare and actions the enemy might attempt to prevent prophecy from being fulfilled, ushering in Christ's return. There are appearances by angelic beings so there is a definite spiritual aspect to the conflict involved. You'll learn about the Diplomatic Security Service and the Aaronic blessing. You'll experience lots of international action too.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Read With Audra. My comments are an independent and honest review.
OTTOMAN DOMINION by TERRY BRENNAN is the third and final novel in the Empires of Armageddon trilogy. Having read and enjoyed the first two books, I was looking forward to this one and am definitely not disappointed.
Brian Mullaney, agent in charge of security for the American ambassador in Israel, Atticus Cleveland, is now the guardian of the box of mysteries containing the Vilna Gaon's second prophecy, having been anointed with the Aaronic blessing by Rabbi Herzog. The prophecy says that Israel, in making an alliance with her Middle Eastern neighbours, is in fact making an unholy alliance with the "sons of Amalek". There is also a strong warning to beware the "man of violence."
I am not going to spoil the read for you as it is very exciting, nail biting stuff. I do suggest that you read the first two books in the series to understand the biblical and prophetic content which forms the backbone of the series.
The Christian message in the lives of some of the characters is profound and inspirational. We are made aware of who really is in control when one belongs to and trusts in the Lord and not in one's own strength.
The powers of darkness, led by the Turk, want to stop the second coming of the Messiah, or at least to prove that biblical prophecy is false. We see spiritual warfare with Bayard the angel and a strange assortment of believers coming together to thwart the plans of the wicked ones.
There is a strong sense of loyalty to one's country against a rather frightening political background, as the "good guys" try to deal with corruption in high places.
The novel is fast paced and thrilling, full of suspense, action and intrigue, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from the Independent Publishers Group. The opinions in this review are completely my own.