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The Last Jihad #4
The Copper Scroll
On June 1, 1956, the New York Times broke a story that captured the imagination of the world. Another Dead Sea Scroll had been found, describing unimaginable treasures buried in the hills east of Jerusalem and under the holy city itself. But the scroll's code had to be broken, and experts from all sides warned that any effort by Israel to rebuild the Temple with the treasure would undoubtedly trigger a war of biblical proportions. Fifty years later, the world is about to be shocked again. New York Times best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg takes you on his most exciting and heart-pounding ride yet--as a new democratic Iraq rises, so, too, a new evil, and White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy find themselves facing a terrifying threat triggered by an ancient mystery. Rosenberg has become one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking novelists of our day. Regardless of your political views, you've got to read this stuff. --Rush Limbaugh, New York Times best-selling author
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First published August 1, 2006
298 people are currently reading
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About the author
Joel C. Rosenberg
55 books2,992 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
October 24, 2016
Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy are finally married, but during their ceremony, a suicide bomber attacks a famous hotel in Washington DC, killing two prominent archaeologists. Several other archaeologists have also died mysteriously over the past few months. While on their honeymoon in the picturesque city of Ronda, Spain, their close friend and surrogate father, Eli Mordechai is ambushed in Israel and tells them what the archaeologists seek. Meanwhile, Iraq's moderate new president is trying to build a pan-Arab superpower, in Babylon, and stop Israel from rebuilding the destroyed Temple Mount in Jerusalem, with the support of the likely new head of the EU. Jon and Erin join forces with the Baraks when they are attacked trying to solve an age-old mystery. Lots of action, but the Christian themes are now suffocating the storylines.
January 3, 2024
Joel C. Rosenberg's writings are different than usual for Christian fiction, but are definitely worth reading.
November 1, 2015
Utterly captivating novel! Wow. This one is a real page turner. When you think about the implications of the story, it gets you thinking even more.
I shall be reading more by this author.
I shall be reading more by this author.
November 24, 2013
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure buried in a field..."
I loved this book. This was my first book by Joel Rosenberg. I receive his blog on my email almost daily, and I have seen his testimony on video, but I had not read any of his novels before The Copper Scroll. I read it out of order--I believe there are two or three in the series ahead of it which I will go back now and read. Having said that, the story is easy enough to follow that reading the books out of order is not a problem.
I was drawn to this book first because although the story is fiction, the copper scroll is real. Apparently it does indicate that the vast treasures of Solomon's Temple were hidden in the days before the Romans sacked Jerusalem. In real life, no such treasure has ever been found, but the idea that it exists is intriguing.
The adventure of searching through cryptic clues to find buried treasure is a big part of this story. It is fun--Rosenberg does not get too bogged down in mysterious codes or secret clues; he includes just enough of these elements to keep the story moving without getting completely convoluted. The characters are likable and typical of "action heroes"--bigger than life but still vulnerable. Add in a mysterious mole who is feeding information to a secret army of enemy assassins determined to stop the discovery of one of the world's greatest treasures, and an enigmatic dictator taking power in the Middle East, and you have a fun book that will keep you reading to the end.
What I LOVED about this book was the ending. After we participate in our heroes' long search for buried treasure, Rosenberg reminds us that the greatest treasure anyone can ever discover is Jesus. The end is a beautiful and inspirational witness. I was very impressed; and I can certainly understand why Rosenberg is one of the premier Christian fiction authors in the world.
I loved this book. This was my first book by Joel Rosenberg. I receive his blog on my email almost daily, and I have seen his testimony on video, but I had not read any of his novels before The Copper Scroll. I read it out of order--I believe there are two or three in the series ahead of it which I will go back now and read. Having said that, the story is easy enough to follow that reading the books out of order is not a problem.
I was drawn to this book first because although the story is fiction, the copper scroll is real. Apparently it does indicate that the vast treasures of Solomon's Temple were hidden in the days before the Romans sacked Jerusalem. In real life, no such treasure has ever been found, but the idea that it exists is intriguing.
The adventure of searching through cryptic clues to find buried treasure is a big part of this story. It is fun--Rosenberg does not get too bogged down in mysterious codes or secret clues; he includes just enough of these elements to keep the story moving without getting completely convoluted. The characters are likable and typical of "action heroes"--bigger than life but still vulnerable. Add in a mysterious mole who is feeding information to a secret army of enemy assassins determined to stop the discovery of one of the world's greatest treasures, and an enigmatic dictator taking power in the Middle East, and you have a fun book that will keep you reading to the end.
What I LOVED about this book was the ending. After we participate in our heroes' long search for buried treasure, Rosenberg reminds us that the greatest treasure anyone can ever discover is Jesus. The end is a beautiful and inspirational witness. I was very impressed; and I can certainly understand why Rosenberg is one of the premier Christian fiction authors in the world.
April 27, 2018
A biblical thriller about the last days. This won’t be a book everyone will read, because of its fictional and religious nature. It is a well written and loosely based on Johns book of revelation. An action packed thriller. This is book #4 of the he series. I didn’t read the first three, but understood a little of what they were about while reading this one. I will probably be looking through the used bookstores for book #5.
June 5, 2022
4 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
Recensie volgt later. Recensie in boek wat is uitgeleend via dependance.
Recensie volgt later. Recensie in boek wat is uitgeleend via dependance.
November 5, 2018
This series folks looks like it is taken straight out of current world headlines. Again, if you haven’t read this, and you like action and a little bit of romance, and a lot of suspense, this is a great series. You could watch FOX or CNN and their coverage of the Middle East and then read these books and the hair on the back of your neck would stand up. The Copper Scroll is based upon the actual copper scroll found in the Dead Sea scrolls back in the 1950’s Jon Bennet and Erin McCoy are on the hunt of a real treasure, with a real treasure map, except that nobody knows the locations of the treasure anymore. I highly recommend The Copper Scroll and The Last Jihad series as a whole. Really do hope you’ll check it out.
June 19, 2017
This continues the series started by The Last Jihad. I recommend that you read the previous works before you tackle this volume. This story in only 13 days long, and is continually a thriller from beginning to ending.
November 8, 2025
I had a hard time putting this one down. it was kinda like a Christian version of Raiders of the Lost Ark. This whole series with Jon and Erin Bennett has been awesome! I can't believe I am about to start the last book in this series!
November 21, 2020
On to book #5 Dead Heat.
February 11, 2025
I enjoyed the outline of the story, but I found it to be lazily written and sloppily edited. I trudged my way through it, and won't read any more by this author.
September 16, 2022
4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed! This one was different from the rest in the series as it was more like a treasure hunt than a political thriller.
April 30, 2020
Ok they found the Ark of the Covenant ! This book was interesting but maybe too many Bible passages included and a little confusing going thru all the hidden tunnels. Cliff hanger ending.
November 19, 2021
Joel C. Rosenburg is my favorite Christian fiction author. The Copper Scroll's story is very intriguing and full of high adventure, thrilling discoveries, Biblical mystery, loss and love. My dream in life was to become an archeologist but that didn't happen. Instead I read books about archeology.
January 9, 2009
The Copper Scroll is the latest installment of the Last Jihad series by of fiction thrillers by Joel C. Rosenberg.
Joel Rosenberg first came to national attention by writing the first book in the series, The Last Jihad, about a terrorist attach by hijacking an airliner and flying a kamikaze attack against the United States. Not to impressive unless you realize the book was written nine months prior to 9/11.
Not unlike author Dan Brown, Joel Rosenberg writes from a foundation of research and fact that lend an authenticity to the story.
Rosenberg starts with the mystery of a copper scroll which was found amongst the Dead Sea scrolls more than half a century ago. Unlike most of the Dead Sea scrolls this scroll lists location of treasure which would be worth over a billion dollars today. Sounds made-up doesn't it? Oddly enough this part of the story is pure fact.
Newly discovered secrets about the Copper Scroll unleash a series of events that engulf current and former CIA operatives, leaders of the United States, Israel, and Iraq in a race to unlock the secret.
Although this is the fourth book in the series, it was the first one I have read. I found that that the book stands well by itself.
As a work of fiction it was a well constructed, very enjoyable story with good characters.
On a second level, although the style is similar to that of Dan Brown, the moral of this story couldn't be more different. While I have found Dan Brown to be an engaging writer, his message seems to consistently be "you can't trust religious faith".
As a Jewish Christian, Joel Rosenberg's message of "there is something to authentic Christianity" comes through loud and clear. As a Christian I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.
On a third level, I was intrigued by the author's unique ability to project events into the future, in this case mixing the Copper Scroll with prophecy from the Bible.
Note: The author has written a non-fiction book, Epicenter, which deals with with the Biblical Prophecy aspect in more detail.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Dan Brown style book or political thriller.
Joel Rosenberg first came to national attention by writing the first book in the series, The Last Jihad, about a terrorist attach by hijacking an airliner and flying a kamikaze attack against the United States. Not to impressive unless you realize the book was written nine months prior to 9/11.
Not unlike author Dan Brown, Joel Rosenberg writes from a foundation of research and fact that lend an authenticity to the story.
Rosenberg starts with the mystery of a copper scroll which was found amongst the Dead Sea scrolls more than half a century ago. Unlike most of the Dead Sea scrolls this scroll lists location of treasure which would be worth over a billion dollars today. Sounds made-up doesn't it? Oddly enough this part of the story is pure fact.
Newly discovered secrets about the Copper Scroll unleash a series of events that engulf current and former CIA operatives, leaders of the United States, Israel, and Iraq in a race to unlock the secret.
Although this is the fourth book in the series, it was the first one I have read. I found that that the book stands well by itself.
As a work of fiction it was a well constructed, very enjoyable story with good characters.
On a second level, although the style is similar to that of Dan Brown, the moral of this story couldn't be more different. While I have found Dan Brown to be an engaging writer, his message seems to consistently be "you can't trust religious faith".
As a Jewish Christian, Joel Rosenberg's message of "there is something to authentic Christianity" comes through loud and clear. As a Christian I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.
On a third level, I was intrigued by the author's unique ability to project events into the future, in this case mixing the Copper Scroll with prophecy from the Bible.
Note: The author has written a non-fiction book, Epicenter, which deals with with the Biblical Prophecy aspect in more detail.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Dan Brown style book or political thriller.
March 17, 2014
This book might be proof that I'll read about anything with words. In a desperate need for a novel to commute by, and my hold wasn't in, I picked this up. It wasn't until I was loading the discs into the changer that I realized it had an endorsement by Rush Limbaugh and I almost took it back to the library. For the most part I am glad that I didn't.
The Copper Scroll delivers a similar roller-coaster ride that Dan Brown's books do along side a heavy dose of conservative Christian values. After about three discs in, I was thoroughly enjoying the story but terribly put off by the heavy handed "one-true religion" is Christianity. I did a quick review of goodreads only to realize this is No. 4 in a series and filed under the Christian Fiction heading. Even though this is the fourth in the series, I was not lost, so it was an OK stand-alone book. It was obvious characters had history but it wasn't so deep I was lost not knowing it.
If the story wasn't so interesting, I would have returned it to the library immediately. I felt the christian overtones to be rather obnoxious and unrealistic.
I won't be picking up any more of Mr. Rosenberg's novels. I prefer my characters (Christian and non-Christian) to be much more believable.
The Copper Scroll delivers a similar roller-coaster ride that Dan Brown's books do along side a heavy dose of conservative Christian values. After about three discs in, I was thoroughly enjoying the story but terribly put off by the heavy handed "one-true religion" is Christianity. I did a quick review of goodreads only to realize this is No. 4 in a series and filed under the Christian Fiction heading. Even though this is the fourth in the series, I was not lost, so it was an OK stand-alone book. It was obvious characters had history but it wasn't so deep I was lost not knowing it.
If the story wasn't so interesting, I would have returned it to the library immediately. I felt the christian overtones to be rather obnoxious and unrealistic.
I won't be picking up any more of Mr. Rosenberg's novels. I prefer my characters (Christian and non-Christian) to be much more believable.
May 6, 2013
This book has been falsely rated on goodreads. If you research the "ratings" you will see in 6 years since publication on 22 REAL reviews were registered. The remainder are completely auto-generated to increase the ranking of this horrible book.
Over the years I have just started using gr for all of my book choices. Why? The ratings are accurate. If it's less than a 3.5, it probably stinks. If it's greater than a 3.8, it most always is well written, solid plot and a real page-turner.
I'm not sure HOW this horribly written junk ever made it past a 3.0.
I'm not a hard-A## on my views, I enjoy the occasional Kuntz or King and always appreciate that there is Value there.
Not with the case with The Copper Scroll. The characters are disgustingly over-the-top with every thought and statement they make. If you are hot for hearing the inner-dialogue of every central character gush over their soul mates and describe in detail all the feelings they are constantly having and if you just love impossible, improbable action scenes that have been written through the perspective of a 3rd grade boy jacked up on sugar and maybe a red bull, well HELLO, this is your novel.
No way, no how could the rating of 4.28 is possible, literally.
This rating only ranks up there with the works of the worlds greatest writers. Joel C. Rosenburg must have encouraged all of his fan base, friends, family, neighbors, debtors and clergy to send in 5 star reviews and he paid them as well because no way could a sensible human vote for this horrible experience on paper.
Over the years I have just started using gr for all of my book choices. Why? The ratings are accurate. If it's less than a 3.5, it probably stinks. If it's greater than a 3.8, it most always is well written, solid plot and a real page-turner.
I'm not sure HOW this horribly written junk ever made it past a 3.0.
I'm not a hard-A## on my views, I enjoy the occasional Kuntz or King and always appreciate that there is Value there.
Not with the case with The Copper Scroll. The characters are disgustingly over-the-top with every thought and statement they make. If you are hot for hearing the inner-dialogue of every central character gush over their soul mates and describe in detail all the feelings they are constantly having and if you just love impossible, improbable action scenes that have been written through the perspective of a 3rd grade boy jacked up on sugar and maybe a red bull, well HELLO, this is your novel.
No way, no how could the rating of 4.28 is possible, literally.
This rating only ranks up there with the works of the worlds greatest writers. Joel C. Rosenburg must have encouraged all of his fan base, friends, family, neighbors, debtors and clergy to send in 5 star reviews and he paid them as well because no way could a sensible human vote for this horrible experience on paper.
May 16, 2007
I can't say enough about this author, he's insightful and really understands the middle east and his story telling is fast paced and action packed. It's a white-nuckle ride from cover to cover.
Unfortunately, I started his books out of order. They all have the same charecters and follow a chronological order so it helps to read them in order.
The Last Jihad (currently reading)is the first of the series and was written before 9/11, but includes in the story line the bombing of the USA by terrorists. Second is the Last Days, then the Ezekiel Option, then The Copper Scroll, and then finally Epicenter.
All are excellent books and worth the time to read in whatever order you can find them.
Unfortunately, I started his books out of order. They all have the same charecters and follow a chronological order so it helps to read them in order.
The Last Jihad (currently reading)is the first of the series and was written before 9/11, but includes in the story line the bombing of the USA by terrorists. Second is the Last Days, then the Ezekiel Option, then The Copper Scroll, and then finally Epicenter.
All are excellent books and worth the time to read in whatever order you can find them.
August 26, 2007
This book was the fourth in the series. The premise is based around the copper scroll discovered in the 1960's. Until this book, I had never heard of such a thing - the dead sea scrolls, but not this one. It is based around the treasure hunt of the riches described in this scroll and ends with them finding it and the arc of the covenant. The author has a good command of the old testament and of biblical prophesies, and again does not end up being another "left behind" knockoff, even though the world is supposedly in it's last days. There is one more book after this one that has not been released yet detailing the building of the third temple.
June 3, 2012
One of Rosenberg's better novels.
The Copper Scroll takes place after the War of Mog and Magog which is referenced in Ezekiel 38-39 and is set in a world where Israel's enemies have been destroyed, such as Russia and many of the Middle Eastern countries. The plot relations to modern times and potentially future events were interesting items to consider especially a rebuilt Iraq and its rise to power and attempt to consolidate the Middle East into a Super Power. The differences between Europe and the United States were also interesting but I thought this friction could have been developed a little more.
The Copper Scroll takes place after the War of Mog and Magog which is referenced in Ezekiel 38-39 and is set in a world where Israel's enemies have been destroyed, such as Russia and many of the Middle Eastern countries. The plot relations to modern times and potentially future events were interesting items to consider especially a rebuilt Iraq and its rise to power and attempt to consolidate the Middle East into a Super Power. The differences between Europe and the United States were also interesting but I thought this friction could have been developed a little more.
January 19, 2018
Joel C. Rosenberg makes a little-known scroll from the Dead Sea Scroll collection the centerpiece of one of his many political thriller novels. Set in Jerusalem, the protagonist is a White House adviser drawn into a race to locate the Silver Scroll, a complimentary text to the Copper Scroll. Rosenberg targets an audience interested in Christian eschatology and how it pertains to modern Israel. I am that audience and I also write for that audience. Rosenberg made this subject accessible to every reader and puts a strong "what if" question in the back of anyone's mind who believes that God still directly intervenes on behalf of his chosen nation.
April 19, 2008
In 1956, another Dead Sea scroll was found telling of unimaginable wealth buried near Jerusalem, but no one has yet deciphered it. Now, radical Islam has been defeated and Israel is being pressured to rebuild on the Temple of the Mount, but democratic Arab nations are banding together to stop them. Is this the beginning of the end of days?
Sequel to The Ezekiel Option, but doesn't have to be read in order. Frighteningly realistic scenes mirror current Middle East problems. Highly recommend.
Sequel to The Ezekiel Option, but doesn't have to be read in order. Frighteningly realistic scenes mirror current Middle East problems. Highly recommend.
August 22, 2015
Rosenberg's series, The Last Jihad, is about the Last Days as foretold by the Bible. It is a fictionalized account of how these events 'could' happen.
I just finished the last 3 of this series, one after the other. They are: The Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scrott, & Dead Heat.
These are terrific stories reminiscent of Tim LaHaye's "Left Behind" series which I read years ago. The stories center around Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy as they help the U.S. government sort through the terrifying events of the Last Days.
I just finished the last 3 of this series, one after the other. They are: The Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scrott, & Dead Heat.
These are terrific stories reminiscent of Tim LaHaye's "Left Behind" series which I read years ago. The stories center around Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy as they help the U.S. government sort through the terrifying events of the Last Days.
May 23, 2008
The Copper Scroll is the fourth book in Joel Rosenberg's series on the events of the last days. I haven't read the first three, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was by turns exciting and disturbing. Exciting because it was well written and researched, and disturbing because it is so plausible that it could very well be a possible scenario for the "beginning of the end". I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
September 8, 2010
I would recommend this reading for those who are neophytes of the Jewish /Islamic / Christian conflicts and faith, it opens your ryes and heart to the world of faith and the deep rooted struggle between these spiritual postures. I pursued the international espionage and conflict adventure, only to be absorbed by the tantalizing faith! If you like intrigue and good documentary of the archeological aspects of religions, this one is thrilling!
March 19, 2009
Well, this is the 4th book in the series...and I still really like them. It's getting much more apocalyptical. (Is that a word?)..this one is aimed at the building of the third Temple. But it's a crazy pace...sort of like the Bourne Conspiracy. No falling asleep reading this one.
June 19, 2009
What an amazingly intriguing book. It involved all emotions. The plot was fast paced and mysterious. Biblical prophecy included in the twists and turns of adventure. Excellent book! I plan to read more of this author.
August 14, 2009
This was especially interesting since I have been to Qumran and Jerusalem so it was interesting to visualize the settings in this books. Keep reading to the last book. One of the best series I've ever come across.
March 3, 2013
I started "The Copper Scroll" right after finishing "The Ezekiel Option" - and read it in 24 hours! I highly recommend this series for those who are eager to see what's just on the horizon of world events...through the lens of Biblical Truth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews