The Sword and the Star: Temple Mount

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 326 pages
• Published by: Tate Publishing & Enterprises February 19, 2008
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1602472971
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1602472976
• Book Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 8 ounces

Product Review
It is at this point in reality that we can turn to Daymon Andrews's book, which has joined the suspense-themed books and near-fictional political maneuvering, The Sword and The Star: Temple Mount.

Plausibility is not an essential element in this genre and so, the reader must make do with a modicum of believability. And on that level, the book's plot passes muster. A ganging-up on Israel led by the new German leader of the European Union, who has made a secret deal with an al-Qaida-type terrorist. When Israel is offered by the Arabs full peace, including the symbolic rebuilding of the Third Temple in exchange for the removal of the security barrier, it accepts.

Israel, "tired," as our prime minister elaborated before the Israel Policy Forum three years ago, "of fighting of being courageous, we are tired of winning, we are tired of defeating our enemies," is delighted to get on with life in the Middle East. However, unbeknown to the wise Israeli prime minister, Arabs have planted an explosive charge in the bowels of the Temple Mount which goes off just at the moment of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Temple, destroying the Dome of the Rock, which then leads to an all-out attack by the EU on Israel.

If, and how, Israel wins is told with all the necessary display of expertise in military lingo, including every single manufacturer's number for every plane, ship, tank and missile used. This is de rigueur, unfortunately. There is a very pro-Israel US president and his security affairs adviser. And, yes, theological involvement is quite present although no one rants or seeks to convert.

I am not sure that terrorists or fanatical heads of state read suspense thrillers and in fact I truly hope not. Somehow, my suspicion is that in the real world it is a lot easier to cause damage than it is to set things aright. If this book is another link in a literary chain of interest and fixation zeroed in on the Temple Mount, I hope someone in government has the time to read books like this one. If he (or she) doesn't find it entertaining, for some reason, it nevertheless possesses a riveting quality that carries you through to the end. -- The Jerusalem Post

Review by W. J. Rayment / ConservativeBookstore -- What would happen if Iran got nuclear weapons? There is little doubt in the minds of reasonable people that the weapon would likely be used against Israel. "The Sword and the Star: Temple Mount", a thriller of a novel, deals with this hypothesis in an engaging and realistic manner.

In the grand tradition of Tom Clancy, Daymon Andrews gives us a scenario that is not merely possible, but probable. Events are set in motion when the Iranians develop a nuclear weapon with the capability and the will to deliver it to Israel. In a pre-emptive strike, Israel destroys the enemy's nuclear facility using stealth jets. Meanwhile the European Union takes sides with Islamic Fundamental forces in the region and soon the stage is set for military conflict on a massive scale.

The writing style of Mr. Andrews is crisp, clean, and envigorating. We get to sides of the conflict, from the plainly evil president of the E.U. to the men in the carrier battle groups, to the Islamic Jihadists bent on destroying Israel, to the command and control facilities of the Israeli military. A lot goes on in this novel, but Mr. Andrews is equal to the task of keeping a myriad of events clear and understandable. While the combatants are blinded by the fog of war, we know exactly what is happening.

"The Sword and the Star" has some interesting undertones. Some of the characters express religious conviction, as would assuredly happen in such a conflict. Mr. Andrews is not shy about having some of his major characters actually wondering about an end of the world, Armageddon, in line with Bible prophesy. At one point in the book, I actually thought that this was where things were headed. But the book did not venture over into the realm of metaphysics and remained technically grounded. I liked that fact that the thoughts were wandering unashamedly in the lead character's mind even as he dealt with situations in a practical fashion. In the end there were no second comings, although I felt the possibility lingered there.

Daymon Andrews does a good job of building the drama and creating a realistic plot-line. Although the pacing of the narrative does not allow for too many in-depth characterizations, I feel the characters are sharply drawn, and always act in believable ways. "The Sword and the Star: Temple Mount" is a fun read, and provokes contemplation about geopolitical events. The author also leaves room for a sequel which will, no doubt, be as exciting, well-paced, and thought-provoking this book.

An enjoyable read. -- Conservative Bookstore

Product Description
The Sword and the Star is a political thrill ride ripped from tomorrows headlines. The European Union President has severed all ties with the United States and has dissolved NATO. Irans nuclear facilities have been destroyed by Israel. What should be the prelude to war leads to a peace treaty in the Middle East brokered by the European Unionor so it appears. In The Sword and the Star, author Daymon Andrews takes the reader on a twisting roller coaster ride of political intrigue as Alex Stanton, Special Assistant to the President, uncovers a potential threat to the peace. Faith and politics collide as Alex races to find proof before a nuclear holocaust is unleashed.

Reader Reviews
Great read. My wife got me this book for Christmas. I postponed reading it for 2 months. When I picked it up, I read it in 2 days. Very fast paced with an interesting twist on current and future world political events.