The Masada Complex

by Avraham Azrieli

Could a major scandal cause the United States to terminate its support for Israel? The Masada Complex, a contemporary thriller set in Arizona, Washington, and Israel, gives us a chilling portrayal of exactly such a scenario. The novel's unforgettable hero is Masada El-Tal, a beautiful Israeli expatriate who grew up on a kibbutz by the Dead Sea and served in an IDF elite unit. But her charmed life was struck by disaster after 25 years. She left Israel for Arizona and has built a new life, earning a reputation as a prizewinning investigative reporter. But her latest story causes the suicide of a US senator, and an unprecedented wave of anti-Semitic violence sweeps across America.

While an angry Congress prepares to enact legislation to suspend all military aid to Israel, a mysterious organization attempts to assassinate Masada in order to stop her relentless investigation. As the clock ticks, her friends turn out to be enemies, and those she has maligned come to her aid. And the truth Masada uncovers exceeds her worst nightmares. Like the Jewish homeland she has left, Masada must overcome her moral dilemmas in order to defeat her mortal foes and save her people from destruction.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

Audible Audio

First published April 16, 2010

About the author

Avraham Azrieli writes books and screenplays. His first novel was The Masada Complex (a political thriller), followed by the Israeli spy novels The Jerusalem Inception and The Jerusalem Assassin, as well as Christmas for Joshua (an interfaith family drama), The Mormon Candidate (a political thriller), Thump (a courtroom drama featuring sexual harassment and racism), and The Bootstrap Ultimatum (a mystery involving the commercialization of Memorial Day). More recently, he has written a series of novels inspired by the true story of the first woman to lead a nation in human history, starting with Deborah Rising (HarperCollins 2016), which won the 2017 Illumination Book Award for fiction, Deborah Calling (HarperCollins 2017), and continuing with Deborah Slaying and Deborah Striking. A prequel to the Deborah series, The Elixirist, was published in 2020. The Plot to Save America, a mystery set in an authoritarian America, came out in 2022.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azrieli explodes onto the scene with a powerfully crafted first book that examines not only the power of the press, but also the relationship between the US and Israel, and the latter's statehood. Masada El-Tal, a former Israeli soldier turned journalist, has just published a scathing article that links bribes to a US Senator by the State of Israel to promote a stronger and more all-inclusive alliance between the two countries. Outrage amongst US citizens boils over, that an outside country would meddle in US politics, leaving Jews as the number one enemy. While this plays out, Masada continues to undertake her own investigation as Congress begins drafting legislation to sever all aid ties to Israel; potentially the death knell for the State of Israel as its greatest ally turns a blind eye. Masada harbours a tragic and deep secret from her last days as a soldier and also must fend off numerous attacks for her reporting actions, almost killing her on countless occasions. While she tries this, many others around her fight their own demons and discover that the path on which they are walking might have twists that intersect and lead to destinations they could not have seen coming. A stellar first piece of work, any reader with a passion for politics, thrills, and a curiosity about the Israeli State cannot let this book go unread.

Azrieli uses this book not only to tell a powerful story, but also offer a wonderful narrative about Israel, its ties to the US, and the plight it has suffered since its inception. While neither completely pro- or anti-Israel, Azrieli's novel explores the aforementioned roles and provides scenarios that leaves the curious reader all the more baffled as to what actually WOULD and COULD happen, should his fiction come to pass. Powerful examination of the Jewish religion and the Diaspora, as well as the creation of Israel amongst its enemies leaves the reader wondering if a State of Israel might have been a mistake. Before passing judgement on whether Azrieli is writing treasonously, the reader ought to invest time and effort to expand their mind and leave the option for change accessible thereafter. I have certainly finished this book feeling less certain than I did when I first picked it up.

Kudos, Mr. Azrieli for this wonderful book. While you chose not to create a series, per se, I am sure your other books on Israel and politics will be just as enlightening.

[Selda Sahin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! This is the fifth book of his I've read and I enjoy his writing more every time. This book balances educational and thriller is such an engaging way. He seems to do that in all of his books--keeps the reader on their toes while telling a story from history (I would guess) most people don't know well. Great read!

[Andreas J. Bendzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Masada Complex is a fast read. The story is about certain main characters that even so they are being moved apart by time and circumstances that join unknowingly together again. Neither one knowing about the other person's true identity. Eventually culminating in a climax towards the end of the book. The book gives some insight into Israeli intelligence, true or false. Given that the nature of any country's intelligence apparatus is that of gathering knowledge and among other things creating intrigues in order to achieve a certain result. The only difference with Israel is that no other country has enemies like Israel Every country's standard becomes a double standard concerning the Jewish state. So for better or worse, Israel has no other choice but to do what it needs to do to stave of it's enemies. Which of course causes a lot of dispute even within Israeli society.

[Gopal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard good things about this author in the reviews left by my fellow GoodReaders. It was the reviews that inspired me to pick up this book. This is the first book that I have read of Avraham Azrieli. I must admit I am confused after reading this book. It propagates the idea that Palestinians are all terrorists and Israels excesses are justified due to them fighting for their promised land.

I disagree, the plot was good enough, but it also rode high on showing that there is nothing that Israel does not know or it does not manipulate to suit its purposes.

Masada El-Tal the titular heroine is a disillusioned sabra who left Israel in disgust after the death of her brother due to bureaucratic rigmarole. She has made a new home in America where her investigative skills have earned her a Pulitzer and brought down two Senators with her exposes. Her expose of a corrupt Senator helping Israel push through laws in its favor starts a dramatic political shift away from the Israel in America. Just when we are dealing with this, Azrieli deals an ace by showing that all these events are being manipulated by Levy Silver who is a Palestinian in the garb of a Jew out to destroy Israel by any means and planning this plot for around 20 years now.

In a twist of fate the paths of Levy Silver and Masada are crossed by personal tragedy that occurred at the start of the book where they both lost their loved ones and their paths crossed each other.

The scene is set for a intriguing finale where the reader is holding their breath to find out if the America-Israel relation will be lost and new Palestine will rise in its place or if Masada will be able to expose the conspiracy for what it is - a plot to disgrace Israel.

However Azrieli complicates things by indulging in religious dogma by both Rabbi Josh and Prof. Silver. Also what got my goat was that Masada was literally showcased as a superwomen who survived a car crash, arson, and numerous other assassination attempts.

The ultimate cliche of the entire thing being a plot instigated by Israel just to paint the Palestinians in a bad light was a bit too much. The other stereotypical typecasting of Palestinians and a bit of Islamophobhia came up in the end. The Palestinians merciless disregard for a pregnant woman and turning her into a suicide bomber just to serve their purpose was too much to digest and lead to the loss of couple of stars. Rabbi Josh also came across as a fanatic caught between the scriptures, his love for Masada and struggling to cope with the loss of his wife and son. His character did not serve any purpose other than that of a smokescreen to send Masada on a wild goose chase.

[Atira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced, suspenseful, and entertaining, this whirlwind ride through Israeli-American politics kept me up well into the night. If you are looking for an entertaining suspense/thriller to gloss through at the beach, this is a good choice. If you are a picky or critical reader, choose something else.

I felt like this was an almost-final draft of a manuscript. Between the numerous typos and grammar glitches and the issues I comment on below, I felt sad that this book hadn't had a more thorough review before publication. It has great potential. Scenes are conveyed with clarity, the plot is intriguing and relevant, and the pacing is perfect. I enjoyed the history lessons peppered through the story, and the author did a great job bringing the multiple locations of this story to life. As an Arizona native, I was happy with his descriptions of Phoenix and noticed that characters spoke of roads and places in ways that true locals would. I was especially impressed with his succinct but graphic portrayal of bombed-out Palestine.

I'm usually willing to suspend disbelief when it comes to plots, but the plausibility of this plot is staked on unbelievable characters. The story would be over in a couple pages if it weren't for the naïveté and obstinence of the female characters. Masada El-Tal is blinded by bias, more interested in pinning blame on her ex than on investigating the truth, and frustratingly unwilling to entertain any theory other than her own--not qualities I would associate with an award-winning journalist. And though immigration lawyer Elizabeth McPherson is intelligent about legal matters, she is so gullible, dense and naive about everything else, I don't know how she made it to adulthood.

Not only are the characters painted in black and white, but they all seem to view the world that way as well. Miscommunication, snap judgements and reflexive actions propel this plot forward, and the most surprising twists are not due to amazing revelations, but to the lack of them - I just couldn't believe how stubbornly these characters refused to grow or change or learn from their experiences, doomed to repeat their actions over and over again.

After working hard to suspend disbelief for 400-something pages, I felt owed a good ending. But the characters failed to evolve and the end left me with no sense of resolution.

Despite its flaws, I found the book entertaining and I know there are plenty of people out there less critical than me who will enjoy the ride.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Masada Complex is a complex novel. The title draws from notion that Israelis are so enamored with the Masada story that they intentionally put themselves and their country at risk. The Masada Complex involves a threat to U.S.-Israeli relations brought about by a supposed attempt by Israel to bribe a U.S. Senator in order to gain a piece of favorable legislation.

The initial focus of the story is Masada El-Tal, a beautiful Israeli who suffered the tragic loss of her brother in an incident at Masada causing her to come to the U.S. where she becomes a successful investigative journalist. El-Tal’s latest investigation involves her with a retired Israeli professor named Flavian Silver and a handsome recently-widowed rabbi. That threesome dance across four hundred pages of intrigue and danger.

Avraham Azrieli displays many strengths as a novelist. He keeps his story moving while keeping the reader guessing; he smoothly switches perspective from character to character and from protagonist to antagonist; his dialogue is almost always believable, although some of his characters are not; and he doesn’t bog the story down with a lot of description or backstory.

But this twisting, engaging thriller suffers from one overriding defect. We’re never certain until the last page who the protagonist is. Is it Masada El-Tal or Rabbi Josh? Even in the end, can we really call the last man standing the story’s protagonist? Not by traditional standards, which require the protagonist to achieve his goals, not to suffer yet another loss.

Although Rabbi Josh overcomes devastating psychological and physical pain, he does not save Masada. Further, he does not save Israel from the setback in U.S. support. Someone else gets the claim for that.

I also found the final revelations disappointing. They don’t explain or wrap up things in as convincing a way as the author might hope. For example, he does not convince me that the three attempts to kill Masada early in the book were only meant as hints.

Despite these flaws, The Masada Complex is a “good read” and its author has convinced me he’s a good enough storyteller to make me want to read more.

[Tyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Masada was a soldier who fought for the Israeli Govt until the death of her brother. 20 yeas later, she moved to the US to become one of the most prolific journalist in the country. She is awesome, stubborn, naïve, vengeful and bent on uncovering what she thought was a sham by the Israeli Govt. People she trusted like Professor Levy Silver, his deceit, his bent aspiration to recover the ¡¥tape¡¦ that Masada revealed to Senator Mahoney that she had of him. She was a well renowned journalist who only thought what she thought she knew was the right thing, tried to destroy the relationship between the US and Israel. Didn't want to listen to the other side of the story except what she thought was right.. too many events surrounding her and her pursuit of what she thought was the truth.

Masada El-Tal has experienced many tragic events in her life...the death of her parents when she was a teenager, the death of her only brother when she was just 19, the gunshot wound she sustained by her ex-lover Colonel Dov Ness, the several attempts at her life just to shut her up, which they never succeeded in doing. She doesn't know who to trust and who was behind all the strange events. Was it Colonel Dov Ness, who was her former boss when she was in the army 20 years before, and was also an ex-lover, her current boyfriend, Rabbi Josh Frank, or her friend, Professor Levy Silver?
General Dov Ness, Rabbi Josh, his son Raul, the biker lady, the Lawyer Elizabeth Macpherson who is the most gullible and at the same time helpful person ever, lol. Too many twists and turns in this movie..I mean book, lol. I enjoyed every page of the book and highly recommend it be done into a movie with maybe Halle Berry as Masada or Eva Mendez as Masada. I love Masada's resilience, passion for the truth.

[Thomas Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azrieli has outdone himself with The Masada Complex. If you enjoyed The Jerusalem Inception and/or The Jerusalem Assassin, you'll absolutely love The Masada Complex. Azrieli is the master of twists and turns, and this installment is far from an exception. Even when you know something the characters don't, you'll be on the edge of your seat as they begin to learn the dark secrets of those they think they know best. I recommend you don't start reading The Masada Complex until you have a couple of days to devote to it, because you seriously won't be able to put it down.

Following the tragedy of a hostage situation gone horribly wrong on the mountain she was named after, Masada El Tal has become a successful investigative journalist in Arizona. Her latest work has uncovered what appears to be the bribe of a Senator by a secret Israeli agency, but is actually a secret Palestinian plot to damage American-Israeli political relations. The mastermind behind the plot is truly a wolf in sheep's clothing; hiding in plain sight, it takes all of his considerable wits to keep Masada off his trail and continue his diabolical machinations. When he learns his last hope to save his eyesight requires him to travel to Jerusalem for an experimental treatment almost immediately, be becomes desperate to tie up all of the loose ends (including Masada) and all of his brilliant plans begin to crumble around him, risking exposure of himself and his benefactors. Further tragedies will lead all of the main players to Jerusalem, and a series of twists and surprises leads to an exciting climax you won't be able to look away from.

Don't wait, read this book!

[Pamela Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read! In "The Masada Complex", Avraham Azrieli establishes himself as a master of fast-paced, international intrigue. Masada El-Tal, the main character, is a gorgeous, but, vengeful member of the IDF elite unit and an award-winning investigative reporter, currently working in Arizona. Her character richly personifies the 'Masada Complex' ideal of one being willing to give up anything, even life, for what they believe in. At a high cost of personal danger from known and unknown enemies, Masada is unable to back away as she investigates a scandalous political story filled with widespread bribery and international intrigue. During subsequent assassination attempts on Masada's life, along with never-ending plot twists and turns, Azrieli enlightens the reader about Jewish history, the continuing Arab-Israeli conflict, and the ramifications of US & Middle Eastern political decisions. Ultimately, all of the characters in this book display the 'Masada Complex', even the villains, because they are all fiercely loyal to their ideals and beliefs, and all are willing to do anything to attain their objectives. Just when you think you have the ending figured out, the plot thickens as enemies suddenly become strange bedfellows. I enjoyed the thrilling ride and the shocking ending! Highly recommend!

[Sweetpea Works · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masada’s Complex . . . What A Ride!!!

This book is AWESOME. I thoroughly enjoyed every word. It held me on the edge of my seat. The more I read, the more I wanted to. Things are never black and white. The bad guy or guys are never who you think they are. Questions constantly filled my mind. What is the Masada Complex? Who was behind it all? What was their motivation? The answers are revealed as we follow Masada, Levy Silver, Al, Rabbi Joshua Frank and Elizabeth as they all seek to solidify their own realities.

Avraham Azreli did a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged. Each word was carefully chosen to ensure that the reader would be the fish on a hook. His descriptive manner was clean yet intriguing. His words crystallized into visual images while pulling on your emotions.

The Masada Complex is most definitely a “Must Read” for anyone who has a thirst for non-stop action. I personally believe the Masada Complex would easily transfer to film.

Kudos for an absolutely exhilarating ride. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to reading more. 5 Stars!!!

[Kathleen Odenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a picky reader. I am a very picky reader because I am a writer. Not only am I a writer, but I am also a professional editor and a bit of a grammar junky so I tend to be over-critical when I am reading other people's writing. I decided to download this book after the recommendation of a friend of mine who I consider to be highly well-read and whose recommendations I take very seriously. Although this wasn't the best book I have ever read, it certainly impressed me. I was a bit unsure from the get-go when I saw that it was my favorite genre, but low and behold the author managed to keep me on the edge of my seat till the end and made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. As a writer, there are certainly bits and pieces I would change throughout the story, but I had to try to restrain myself from editing well I read, telling myself that this wasn't my book and that I was just supposed to read this one. I did find it slightly lengthy for an ebook. I think a paperback would have been better, but I probably would have felt guilty spending $15 on the print copy, but that's just cause I'm cheap. Ok, enough of my nitpicking, its a good book and its worth the download!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masada Complex by Avraham Azrieli is an exciting thriller that contains politics, religion and scandals on a worldwide scale. If the United States decided to terminate support for Israel, what would the world look like? The book follows Masada El-Tal, an expatriate of Israel who works as a reporter in Arizona. She is determined to let the truth be known about Israel, good or bad. Her story, however, is a lead cause of a U.S. senator's suicide. Now Masada must save herself from a series of assassination attempts, without knowing the difference between friends and enemies.

Although the reader is mostly clued in to what is going on throughout the novel, it is still a fast-paced thrill ride through what can happen when politics and religion become an inseparable entity. With plenty of plot twists to keep the story exciting, readers won't want to put this one down. The complexity of the characters also keeps the reader enticed to see what will eventually become of them. Azrieli's books are highly recommended to anyone who loves a good story.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Avraham Azrieli has carved himself a nice place within the thriller/spy genre. A number of his books deal with issues of international intrigue and journalistic action, characteristics that continue in his fantastic book The Masada Complex.

The titular character in question is Masada El-Tal, an award-winning investigative reporter who stumbles upon a story so personally and professionally rewarding that it would be unreasonable not to pursue. Unearthing a scandal rife with bribery, political consequence and international sensationalism, Masada becomes heavily pursued by all interested parties, the dangerous quest for truth becoming more intriguing with every step.

Azrieli is a master of weaving Israeli politics into his genre fare, and this book is no exception. It's a quality that might make his books a bit less palatable to the general public, which is a shame: he's as good at churning out page-turners as anyone out there. From beginning to end, The Masada Complex is an engaging thrill ride that you'll be glad you invested a bit of time in. Recommended reading.

[Shirley Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azrieli presents the reading world with yet another thrilling page-turning spycapade steeped in his customary ambivalence regarding the state of the Jewish people. The story of Masada El-Tal opens with an explosion of action, setting the stage for the subsequent unfolding tale of devious machinations, dangerous political posturing surrounding US-Israeli relations and a tightly woven web of inextricably sticky lies and vicious intrigues. I did find myself getting really frustrated at the almost studied naivete of some of the Jewish characters in the last third of the book, until I realized that it was not necessarily guilelessness that they were embodying but that devastating distrust of everyone’s motives inherited from their violently pursued and persecuted forefathers. Fiction based on historical fact and a sad but realistic commentary on the nature and consequences of revenge and hatred in the emotionally charged environs of the Middle East makes for uneasy but intellectually rewarding travel down this path of righteousness.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Masada Complex by Avraham Azrieli goes right along with the theme that all of his books seem to fall into. It's a thriller with a mix of politics, intrigue, knowledge and easy to follow plots. This is the second of his books that I have read, the first was The Jerusalem Inception and this one was just as good as the first that I read.

I love following the thrilling and captivating adventures of his books and learning about politics in other countries as I go along. The stories are so easy to read that I never even realize I am learning while I am reading his books until I put it down and realize my head is swelling with knowledge.

The plot revolves around the stunningly beautiful Masada El-Tal who gets thrown into the middle of the relations between the United States and Israel. Following her adventures dealing with political schemes you will feel like you are right there next to her. I loved reading the story and can't wait to get my hands on more of Avraham's books.

[Alicia Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes thrillers can be a bit to much for me, but The Masada Complex was great! All the unexpected twists and turns are so riveting. Masada is a beautiful, intriguing, well developed character. I loved the visuals created so you feel like you are part of it. "The paint container landed on his head with the sickening sound of a cracked egg. His gun-holding hand jerked up, and a shot pounded her ears like a hammer. The bullet hit the pillow by her head, sending up a flurry of feathers."Even though Masada is nothing like me, somehow I feel like I can relate to her. You get to learn more about the Jewish religion in this book much like in Azrieli's "Christmas for Joshua." There is some tough moments and issues that come up but his writing makes you want to keep going and see what's next. This book made me want to look up more about Israel and Mount Masada. Very interesting and edgy read just like all of Azrieli's books that I've read so far. Nice pace and elegantly written.

[Cecily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Masada Complex" novel was just that, complex. It is defined in the novel as "the conviction that it’s preferable to fight to the end than to surrender and acquiesce to the loss of independent statehood” (pg 165). Another excellent political thriller by Azrieli!

I am still amazed by the plot. All the twists and turns of the ones responsible for orchestrating the events are surprising. After the senator commits suicide, the senator and chair of Foreign Relations Committee, proposes The Fair Aid Act that would suspend all military aid to Israel.

The main character, Masada El-Tal, is a strong heroine who has experienced many tragic events in her life. She doesn't know who to trust and her investigative spirit doesn't rest until she find answers. Who is the behind everything? There's Colonel Dov Ness, her old colonel in the army, her current boyfriend, Rabbi Josh Frank, or her friend, Professor Levy Silver.

I highly recommend this book.

[Sarah Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially skeptical about this book because it's not the type of story I usually read. However, I was intrigued by the synopsis, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad that I did! While I was initially a bit confused (you really have to pay attention to the plot or you could get thrown off), I was quickly swept up in the story. The main character, Masada, is a refreshingly smart woman (there are way too many books with dumb heroines in them) and incredibly likable. As other reviewers have mentioned, the book also gives you a bit of history lesson, but done in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're being lectured at in history class. Once I got past my initial trepidation, I flew through the book (lost a bit of sleep due to some late nights where I wanted to keep reading). If you want a book that's educational AND exciting, this is the book for you.

[Amanda Kunzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting more suspense (secret double agents or hidden loyalties revealed late in the story). That is not what you get with this book, however I actually really enjoyed the quick pace and the ability to understand what was actually going on in the head of each character as the story developed. It brought an interesting prospective to know more about the "reality" of the characters situation than they did. The story jumps from character to character very quickly but is easy to follow. The author does a good job exploring competing loyalties that can occur when individuals are influenced by multiple cultures within their lifetime. Overall a good read. It may not be a very plausible story line but it is certainly an interesting approach to the Palestine/Israeli conflict.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read that moves quickly. I found that while I was reading this book I was curious to learn more about Jewish and Arab history. I think it touched accurately on some strained relationships that exist in our world today. I found myself stopping and questioning some of the stereotypes and emotions I felt while reading the novel. It was enlightening and I definitely recommend reading it as a way to open your mind up to Jewish struggles that are still alive in this decade. It made me stop and think "Could this really be happening?". Strong characters and plenty of twists that keep you reading. I will be checking out other books from this author as I truly appreciate a novel that is not only thrilling but can teach me something and open my eyes to possible threats that are occurring right around us. A great read to broaden your views.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read "The Jerusalem Inception," I had high expectations for Avraham Azrieli's "The Masada Complex." Thankfully, the novel did not disappoint. This work of historical fiction explores Israeli-American relations, incorporating historical events as well as more recent US political events into its plot twists and turns. As a native of Arizona, I was intrigued to discover that much of the action takes place in the Phoenix metropolitan area and was pleased to find that Azrieli's descriptions of the locals, landscape, and landmarks were accurate. "The Masada Complex" is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, US politics, international relations, or is just looking for an enjoyable and suspenseful read!

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "The Masada Complex" and enjoyed this take on modern Israeli politics. Masada El-Tal's life path is changed forever, when during the riveting opening scene, the last of her family is taken from her by a Palestinian terrorist. We next see her 20+ years in the future, having emigrated to the U.S. She's become a journalist focused on U.S-Israeli politics and on the idea that Jews would be safer and more advanced without the need to defend an often-hazardous homeland.

As in other of Mr. Azraeli's novels that I've enjoyed, the thriller races along hand-in-hand with absorbing political and historical detail and memorable characters. Masada soon finds herself surviving repeated attempts on her life... will she unravel the deceit of those around her in time to save herself?

[Lisa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masada Complex is another great political thriller by Azrieli. It sets up the characters against the background of US-Israel relationship. Masada El-Tal thinks she has the story of a lifetime including bribes, a US Senator, and a terrorist group set to destroy US support of Israel. But it is not what it appears and after one dead senator and multiple attempts on her own life, Masada finds herself kicked out of the US and being repatriated to a homeland and life that she had left behind forever. She works to solve not only the mystery that got her kicked out of the US but also comes to grips with the murder of her brother 25 years prior and the revenge that has consumed her since that time and realizes maybe too late that they are all connected.

[Chris Converse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down.

I'm an avid reader. Very seldom though do I get the chance to read something I could not put down. Now that I'm finished I can get to sleep a bit earlier. As a Jew I love reading books about Israel or with a Jewish theme. The conversations and actions of many of the characters made me laugh as they we soooo much like the Israelites I have come to know and love. I could see many of the places I knew so well.

As for not being able to put it down, the author does such a fabulous job. Most books "I can't put down have slow spots where you can pause for a while. This did not. From the first page to the last, there were no slow spots. I would have liked a different ending but it was a very Israeli style end. שלום

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Avraham Azrieli. Set in Arizona and Israel, descriptions of landmarks, streets etc make this believable (I `drove' the streets of Scottsdale on google maps along with the characters). The Masada Complex presents a web of intrigue woven by a character bent on revenge and destruction with an interesting twist at the end revealing that the main character is part of another larger web woven years earlier. Beware...predators can also be prey. If the emotions portrayed by these characters are felt, even in part, by people of the real world, my heart aches for the situations on both sides in the middle east.

[Bacis88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masada Complex is an absolutely thrilling narrative! Masada El-Tal is an Israeli expatriate journalist living in the southwest United States. In the midst of a scandal involving a corrupt politician and her former homeland, Masada is relentless in her pursuit of exposing the truth. However, events begin to unfold that not only put her in great danger but also unearth many buried secrets of her past that will now have future implications. One is not sure who to trust in this milieu of deceit and revenge but you’ll sure have a good time finding out. A must read for any action thriller fan who years for an interesting spin on a story of love, revenge, and truth.

[Marlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masada Complex is a really complex story, containing vivid details and beautiful imagery that ties the readers to the plot centered around beautiful Masada. Having just been in Israel this past year, I felt the political message to be really riveting. This story definitely compels readers to consider more about Israeli politics than perhaps many of us do. I love female leads, too, and my experience in Israel provided me with a great opportunity to meet women like Masada. Anyone interested in reading a great story with a strong female protagonist or anyone interested in becoming more connected to Israel should definitely download a copy!

[Katie Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a captivating story, with well-developed characters; and lots of twists turns in the plot.  I love it when a book’s characters pull me into the story-and this book does that!  With nonstop action from pretty much page one, I couldn’t put this book down.  This story has it all, romance, thrills, mystery, and suspense.   It’s definitely a page-turner. I couldn’t wait to find out how this thrilling story would end, and it didn’t disappoint.  This is the first book I’ve read by Avraham Azrieli, and will seek his novels out again.  I’ve already ordered the Mormon Candidate-can’t wait to dive in!

[Luci Doler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azrieli weaves together Israeli politics/history with a plot full of twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat. His character development is excellent and in no time at all you find yourself thrown into the action packed adventures of Masada’s story. Every time the reader begins to sense a lull in the action Azrieli twists the plot yet again. His action packed writing is unique in that, unlike many other thriller writers, he artfully crafts the plot to make it believable. Not usually a fan of political thrillers, I found myself in love with this book from beginning to end. A little heavy on the history and politics in some areas but still a highly recommended read.

[Nickster214 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of the books I've read by Azrieli I was very impressed with level of details he wove into this thriller. It is a well thought out and researched novel centering on U.S.-Israeli relations, that clips along at a very brisk pace, and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, as well as informing you about the real life political tensions that have been growing as of late. The main character is flawed, and because of that relatable and lovable, and she definitely gives you someone to root for while the whirlwind of action takes place. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, and it like the rest of Azrieli's work comes highly recommended.