The Eyes of Abel: An Action-Packed Thriller

by Daniel Jacobs

He thought he was reporting a crime, while in fact he was an accompliceA terrorist bomb turns a jumbo jet flying over San Francisco into a flying inferno. In the aftermath, a shocked American public is ready to relinquish its precious civil rights in order to prevent a repeat attack. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Roger Charlin, refuses to let America transform into a police state. While investigating, Charlin encounters Israeli airline security agent Maya Cohen, a witty and seductive match to his skepticism. The two soon become entwined in a top-secret race against time and powerful international interests.

A suspenseful, intelligent, eye-opening thrillerIn an intriguing, high stakes cat-and-mouse game, Charlin discovers that Maya Cohen is far more than just a security agent at Israel Airlines. A lead about a top-secret nuclear project points to a chance to crash a weapons market fueled by oil-money and prevent an impending conflagration of the Middle East. Only Charlin, watching as journalists whip the region into a frenzy, can save everything. Now he must abandon his position on the sidelines and take on a critical role in history.

In The Eyes of Abel, Daniel Jacobs skillfully challenges the role of journalism by presenting complex conflicts in a grippingly entertaining story that confronts the lens through which we view the Middle East.

Get your copy of The Eyes of Abel Now!

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2013

Reviews

[Udi Chatow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great thought provoking read. I consumed it from cover to end - nonstop reading in 4.5 hours. I think this speaks for itself. Definitely one of the best I read in the last decade!! Highly recommended! One of those books you can not stop reading till it ends and then hope that book number two will be out soon :)

[Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyes of Abel is a fast paced political thriller and much more. Jacobs, in his debut novel is able to hold the reader's attention by weaving together a love story, a "chase", and also speculating on a scientific breakthrough that will change the world's energy eco system.

Intertwined and hidden in this thriller is a political essay on the politics of the Middle East, big oil, and the role of the press in shaping public opinion, while sometimes serving political purposes.

This is an enjoyable, fast, easy read that will leave the reader thinking about the story and its implications.

[J Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting. A page-turner. Blends fictional characters with Michener-like narrative. An enjoyable journey with a satisfying ending, highly recommend.

[Miri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I'm not objective, but this really is a great read - captivating from start to finish!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eyes of Abel: Daniel Jacobs
Reviewed by Fran Lewis


The beauty of Israel, the warmth coming from the sun as it is about to set and the stillness in the air are the setting for the first scene in this novel. As Roger Charlin and Maya Cohen sit together, discussing their lives, his stories and their feelings about Israel, Palestine and more, something will shake the foundation they are sitting on. The horizon and landscape will explode within seconds as bombs fill the sky, hotels and buildings collapse, a boat explodes and the world changes.


Thinking about his publication and his recent expose of Newton Oil's corrupt practices, Charlin reflects back on his sources, his initial encounter with Maya Cohen and, even more, his feelings about Israel/Palestine. Their conflicts, his take on the situation and why he feels it has never been resolved. The Eyes of Abel answers these questions and much more as the author flashes back three months before this attack on Israel, describes another terrorist attack over San Francisco and shows what Charlin did to prove that terrorists similar to the one who got through in San Francisco can often fool security officers. But, what he learns will hopefully change things for readers and for him.


At the beginning of the novel, Roger, with the help of some of his colleagues, creates a new image for himself as an Arab traveling from America to Israel. This is part of an expose he conducts intending to bring to light how sometimes airport security is too tight, profiling certain people and singling them out for extra interviews or scrutiny based on race or nationality. What happens during his brief encounter, how and why the agent realizes he is using a fake passport and fake identity, just lets you know that the agents at El Al Israel are truly always on target. Investigating a secret energy project at Princeton we hear him speaking with his source, getting the information, and we understand just how creative he will get and how in-depth he will go to get a story and in this case the Pulitzer Prize. But, March 26, 2015 will change it all.


Trans Flight 144 goes down and the events spiral out of control as Roger Charlin immerses himself in more than just the story about racial profiling at the airport. Trying to find out more about Maya Cohen leads him to many discussions and negative viewpoints about the state of Israel. Maya relates her position, and her discussions with Charlin are heated and well informed and each side is vividly presented.


But, Roger is trying to create an article that will break open the fact that EL AL security seems to target those who are Arab or appear to be Arab. Is it politically correct to single out these people, shouldn’t everyone receive the same security clearance and why is he so concerned with Middle-Eastern people at the airport? But, meeting Maya will change it all.


Who is she and why is she really here? Within this complex plot there is much more to uncover. The Princeton Plasma Lab that has been lying dormant for so long now seems to have come to life, igniting more than just the possibility of a new energy program. Things get out of control for Charlin, as his relationship with Maya heats up when his reporter friend and mentor Ben Lampsky breaks the Princeton research wide open in an article that sets events in motion that cause lives to be lost. Israel comes into the limelight and the light shines but the truth is clouded.


Reporters, Charlin states, are supposed to report the truth and not worry who gets the story out first. Reporters, Ben states, report events as they see them, write the story through their own eyes giving the public what they want everyone to see and hear. Next, a video that has been doctored, or at least whose credibility is in question, sparks more negativity about Israel before the scientists at this lab are whisked away and hopefully back home before more lives are lost.


Project Sherwood, in Jacobs' novel, “was a secret effort in the 1950’s during the Eisenhower administration to produce unlimited energy through fusion.” But, finding this information, taking a trip to Princeton and signing on to assist Lampsky to learn just who in the government is funding an energy program that was declassified decades ago, sets in motion catastrophic events of huge proportions. Observing several men walking dogs in the middle of the night might not trigger anything suspicious, except in this case the location is near the lab.


As the author elaborates about the program, discusses energy production, we learn more about what might be driving this program to be restarted and wonder why anyone would unleash it to the press and not protect its security. World energy would change and telling the world about it would do more harm than good. So, why did Charlin agree to find out more about the government and take the bait?




Since the TransCom 144 incident he has done nothing significant. Within Chapter Four, taking place Feb. 5, 2015, we learn about an Israeli Medical Team being killed and the details are graphically described. As his relationship with Maya intensifies, he finds out information about her that would change their fates.


Learning her real reason for being in America, knowing why she disappeared does not stop him from wanting answers and trying to find her. But not before he is interrogated by the Senate Congressional Committee when Lampsky breaks open the story about the fusion program and the possibility of an energy breakthrough.


When asked why he never filed his article about racial profiling, readers will be surprised at his response, knowing his negative views towards Israel. But, things change, perceptions differ and although he still has some misgivings about how Israel handles and responds to attacks, we see him becoming more open-minded.


As readers see Lampsky’s expose about the breakthrough at Princeton Labs and hear his words, they can decide for themselves if he intentionally endangered the scientists at the lab. Especially when they see what happens when Charlin explains Maya’s role and how this article affected the situation.


Throughout the next two chapters, Jacobs vividly presents many incidents, focusing on attacks on Israel soldiers and letting readers decide whether the reporter really told what happened or just what he or she thinks happened. We see slanted journalism in many cases, and incidents ignited by the press, with the aid of Youtube videos.


When interrogated by the State Senate Committee, Charlin realizes just who set him up, and why. His remarkable comeback and his response will impress readers. Just who in the government is pulling the strings? And why, when Charlin relates information regarding the killing of federal funding for fusion research does the tone of the hearing change?


A news bulletin relates events in Israel, global reactions and a world turned against a people just trying to live and survive! Near the middle of the book, there's a section where we hear the voices of so many. A reporter’s vision or viewpoint of certain events and how different sectors of different countries react to the same incident. This underscores the role of media bias in shaping the Mideast conflict.


Hidden behind the walls of a nondescript building is a projector whose screen will emit slides that change the course of the world, change Charlin’s perspective about Israel and bring the fusion program to life. But, when secrecy is breached and Israel is in danger, what chance do they have? While he and Maya look bravely to the future, she formulates his next move. Will Charlin agree to the terms? Will he risk it all to help Israel, the United States, the fusion program and hopefully dismantle a war before it’s too late?


What happens next is explosive and the one person that is the key turns in different directions.


Background on Abel in the title: Abel was the second son born to Adam and Eve. Abel was the first shepherd, the first martyr in the Bible and murdered by Cain, his brother. This murder, of course, did not please God. Cain, a farmer, grew grains and vegetables and Abel was a shepherd tending the family’s herds. Brothers, who never got along, yet loved each other.


The family had to sacrifice something to God to atone for their sins. Abel was worried about making his sacrifice special to God and he offered his best lamb. Cain sacrificed crops from his garden, yet, God was not pleased with his offering. So, Cain asked his brother to walk with him and struck him down to the ground and killed him.


As with Abel, other countries see her as favored by the United States and other countries, and thus not punished for her violence and retaliation. So other nations feel justified in attacking Israeli civilians.


Cain was only concerned about getting caught and not the consequences of his actions, but they caught up to him over time. The ending of The Eyes of Abel, you might say, parallels life in the fact that we often have to deal and live with our choices and face the consequences within ourselves. What happens at the end is quite explosive, thought provoking and proves that while we teach children to think before they act, adults don't always do the same. The description of the lattice is quite extraordinary; the events of March 26th will burn within Charlin and Maya’s, and readers' minds forever.


Decide for yourself who is right and who needs to understand: too many Cains in the world and not enough Abels to provide the stability needed to protect everyone.


Israel is here to stay. She will not give up and In the Eyes of Abel, in the Eyes of the People of Israel, we see hope for freedom for everyone and someday peace within the Mideast and the world. This is one powerful novel that will create much discussion and controversy over the material offered. It's definitely a must read.


Charlin and Maya: What’s next?


Fran Lewis: Reviewer
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[Hemant Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eyes of Abel is an international social-economic political thriller with a touch of environmental sciences

It touches upon the sensitive subject of Israel and its impact on the world as well as the impact the world has had on Israel. It touches upon the oil-economy and the heavy dependence of the world on oil/petroleum and how that is a political time bomb.

It touches upon airport security and how it has only created more terrorists while keeping us all safe from the next plane bombing. It touches upon how the initiatives/research/work around the fresh new energy alternatives are crushed by those who want the oil economy to continue.
And to all that you add a high profile committed dedicated journalist and a girl who doesn’t seem to be what she says she is – at the same time, making the journalist fall head-over-hells for her … and you have a narrative that is political and social but keeps the interest levels intact.

Although fiction, the views and thought process presented in the narrative on the sensitive subject of Israel and Palestine and middle-east and terrorism is indeed enlightening. It gives the average reader a sense of balanced view … or at least convincing the reader that the world is NOT black and white and they should NOT believe everything that is printed in back-n-white (in newspapers) and now spreading digitally through social media.

Don’t believe everything they show you. Use your own head too. And that is NOT easy at all. You are subjected to a tremendous amount of propaganda is today’s world through Youtube, FB, Whatsapp, 24 Hours News Channels etc. and it is difficult to ignore them when they all say the same thing.

What if … these sources are just amplifying that they believe will result in more revenue. Anything else is just social service and as profit-seeking organizations, they did not have time for that. What if … the truth is something that will not result in TRPs or will not inspire a Like/Share/Comment or make the video go viral reaching millions of hits?
Boring Truth is NOT reported. It’s ignored.

So can we be sure of what is getting reported? Are they really objective in reporting ? What if their thought process is already clouded by a bias of their own?
Its complicated. World socio-economic-political maze is complicated, complex and unfathomable

The book attempts to enlighten the reader with a different point of view and I must say … Good Work.

[P.L. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, I have never been a huge fan of thrillers and suspense novels, but my love for them is growing! And when I read a book like this one by Daniel Jacobs, I am all the more convinced these are great reads. I thoroughly enjoyed his book and look forward to what he has to offer in the future!

The book is well written, and the characters developed nicely. I had no problem with believability. The characters were realistic and came to life through his careful attention to detail and descriptive nature. But he isn't so wordy that you get lost in the descriptions. I had no trouble reading his work as it was easy to move through, flowing freely from one sentence to the next, one chapter to the following. There were no mechanics errors or grammatical flaws that distracted me. I was captivated by the storyline and kept engaged until the end.

A quick overview of what to expect - an exciting, thought provoking journey around the world with suspense and intrigue. Can they save the world? Expect an interesting look at current events and what could happen. It is a look at the Middle East and events surrounding the area, as well as get an in depth look at God's chosen lands and the turbulent nature of how the world deals with it. Very well researched and supported, lots of plot twists and turns, great read!

[Marbea Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story seems so possible, plausible, and more than factual than fiction. It's easy to get wrapped up in the middle Eastern wars and conflict when it's a reality nowadays. The characters were very endearing and very loyal in their pursuit of righteousness and consciousness. In the end Roger Charlin learned more than what his life's journey could ever had founded him. He found himself, and him and Maya's journey and race to save a country from annihilation wasn't in vain in any aspect.

[Jean Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping tale

Once I began reading this story I became lost in the characters and their actions! Mr Jacobs words are riveting as all hell breaks loose in the world against the tiny nation of Israel!

[Rajuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After A Long Time...

I am reading a real good thriller, which deserves a 5 star rating in all respects. Kudos to Daniel Jacobs !

[David Huelsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an excellent read. Combines journalism, politics, scientific discovery, possible war, and a romantic setting into one novel.

[James Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only it was true!

What a great story, and one that leaves you hoping that there is some shred of possibility that real events would follow those described in this spellbinding book that will definitely leave you wanting more.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding fiction that hits many topical iasues

An American journalist posing as an Iranian is interrogated by an Israeli security guard. Neither person is who they appear to me and they form an unlikely pair as both lovers and fighters who are trying to head off an unthinkable war in the Middle East.

That is the premise for this outstanding novel that is fast paced and touches on some of the biggest issues of our times. There is the development of an alternative source of energy, a massive anti-Israeli sentiment in the press and interference into this research in America and the Middle East for the fossil fuel industry.

Through all this, the American Roger Charlin and the mysterious Israeli woman Maya race against time in Israel to try to prevent an all out war on Israel. Readers will fall in love with these two as much as they fell for each while taking on governments and militaries hell bent on destroying everything.

Filled with action and a bit of romance as well as just a darn good story, The Eyes of Abel is a must read for those who like reading action novels or novels based on current events. It had me hooked early and didn't let go.

[Julez Bourdeau · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this through the First-Reads program. As a University graduate in Honours English Literature, I try to give as many books and genres a chance to influence and conjure literary emotion. This book bored me to tears, and this is coming from someone who studied dead languages her last semester of University ;)

The writing is bland and the plot takes forever to develop. The political intrigue, chase, and attempt at a pathetic love story were overdone and ridiculous. This is another book attempting to review, criticize and shed political light on the issues in the Middle East. It presented a possible future, and posed the necessary questions, heavy with political philosophy, of how we as a society are to face the ongoing fear and unknown of the future in face of war on terrorism and the manner in which the media magnifies the issues herein. Overall, I felt it lacked substance and sophistication. The themes were weak and characterization took a plunge. I could not relate to any literary aspect in this novel.

[Noga Niv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lovbed this book. I found it very intriging and realistic. It kept me engaged and involved. At times I felt tearful and at times I felt emotional, but mostly I was interested in the charachters journy. The book captures the main conflictual ideas between pro- Israelies and pro- Palestinians, and the many layers of this on going clash of the Middle East. Charlin, a young journalist character is going thru a personal and ideaological transfornmation. He falls in love with the Israeli female charachter Maya, and the reader may fall in love with both of them.
It was a smooth read that left me wondering about the future of this on- going conflict and what may be done to prevent it. More importantly, it made me think of the many biases that influence people's ideas and how hard it is to change an idea that was already formed.

[Keith Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eyes of Abel is as fast and furious as the F-16 fighter jet on the first page. You could call it a romance, you could call it a thriller - I call it a dam good read. I can not recommend it highly enough. If you are interested in the middle east situation it will open your eyes, if you are not then just enjoy a good book.
The Eyes of Abel
Daniel Jacobs
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give 3.5 stars, because this book is better than 3 but not quite 4 stars.

I received this book in a goodreads giveaway, in return for an honest review. I entered the giveaway because the book sounded interesting.
The story unfolds in the near future. The two main characters debate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which stops the book from being one-sided. The other part of the story revolving around fusion energy and how its success will shape the future makes for interesting reading. And the relationship that develops between Charlin and Maya leads to a satisfactory and conclusive ending.
Overall this was a quick read which I am pleased I read.

[John Mccormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable little read, only 193 pages even less when taking into account gaps at chapter endings, which I would describe as a slow burner, certainly not an unputdownable page turner. However at no point was it a struggle and I found the pace and interest quickened as it went along. Though I felt the ending seemed rushed and there was scope for more almost as if the author wanted to move onto something else.
This is a story of political intrigue, journalism, the middle east and love.
The main characters are interesting and well drawn and you care what happens to them.
In conclusion I would recommend this book.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the author to review as a first read, thank you it was appreciated.

I really liked the concept of this book, with international economics, politics, and media manipulation it has the makings of a great novel.

The first half was a solid 5 stars even though I didn't really relate to the characters.

The second half of the book felt more like political propaganda than a novel, and because of that you know basically what is going to happen and how it was going to end.

Still, an enjoyable book if you can overlook that it's so blatantly one-sided. Personally, I like a little more back and forth in my novels, but the interesting story line makes up for a lot.

[Linda Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have completed this novel by Daniel Jacobs. It is vividly clear that Jacobs is intimately acquainted with Israel and the Middle East. His perspectives are uniquely carved and represent points of view and events largely unknown outside of Israel. The woman protagonist, whom he describes as his wife in real life, embodies mystery, beauty, and brilliance--a combination that any woman would treasure. The male lead is a compelling character and has great promise for future novels as well.
I highly recommend The Eyes of Abel.

[Hilla Wahnishe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put the book down! I wanted to learn more about the Middle East conflict and had yet to find a book that could hold my attention - until this one... I love the combination of historical facts against the backdrop of such a thrilling tale. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the political debate and the surprising role the media plays in influencing world affairs.

This book is just plain fun to read! Loved it!!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads first reads. I loved the book and Iread it in one sitting couldn't put it down I love mystery's and a love story. this add both it was an excellent read and I highly recommend it to anyone. It's a ripper of a story and great writing which you just cant put down. The characters all suit their role and are very likeable. Very glad I had the chance to read and feel very privileged I did. Don't miss out on and excellent journey of a great mystery love story.

[Taresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through the Good reads first reads program. It took me a few chapters to really get into the flow of the story, but it was worth sticking with. The author gave an interesting glimpse of possibilities that are based on energy creation and fuel consumption. There was plenty of action to keep my interest, but I found myself drawn to the mystery of Carlin's family. The way the pieces fell together so well by the conclusion made this book a worthwhile read.

[Micki Levin]

This was one of the first read books I received and I enjoyed it a great deal, it is a fast moving espionage/love sorty which takes place in the near future in the Middle East. I could some of the dialouge about Israel and Palestine stalled and simplistic at time but overall it was an excellent read about what could, God forbid, happen in the near future.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads firstreads win - thank you! "...The eyes of Abel doesn't attempt to decide who is right and who is wrong in the Middle East's Arab-Israeli conflict as much as it questions how we look at it..." This sums it up so well - and I believe has implications on many issues and how they are interpreted by individuals.

[Diogenes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle east tensions go extreme. An Israel-bashing journalist gets involved with an Israeli woman and his world turns upside-down. The apocalyptic nature of this book asks the reader to suspend reality - but specter of such an event actually happening is frightening and perhaps not that farfetched.

[Redvil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and compelling storyline, with added political and scientific intrigue...just what the book's tagline stated. Fusion for the win!!!

This book was acquired through Goodreads first-reads giveaway.

[Sheree Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery, a love story, an engrossing tale about what may finally tame one of the Middle East's most intractable troubles. "The Eyes of Abel" by Daniel Jacobs is a very engaging read!

[Gary R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this on Goodreads First Reader. Enjoyed it a lot a very descriptive writing about the middle east saga.

[Haim Paran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I enjoyed very much