Monday Night Jihad

Jason Elam · Steve Yohn

Sep 2010 · Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

About this ebook

He thought his deadliest enemy knelt across the line of scrimmage. He was wrong!
After a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Riley Covington is living his dream as a professional linebacker when he comes face to face with a radical terrorist group on his own home turf. Drawn into the nightmare around him, Riley returns to his former life as a member of a special ops team that crosses oceans in an attempt to stop the escalating attacks. But time is running out, and it soon becomes apparent that the terrorists are on the verge of achieving their goal—to strike at the very heart of America. This softcover edition also includes a teaser chapter of the next Riley Covington thriller.

Written by a member of the NFL; gives readers an insider look at the world of professional athletes and military intelligence. Examines the challenges of homeland security in large-venue events. Explores the tension between the desire for revenge and the constraints of the Christian faith, especially as it relates to Islam. Jason Elam has recently returned from Iraq, where he visited and supported the troops. You can read his journal at mondaynightjihad.blogspot.com

Ratings and reviews

Elam and Yohn are to be congratulated on this wonderful work of fiction. Braving the culture gap between active, everyday Christianity and jihadist Islam, these two men prove they can follow the likes of Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy while staying out of the muck. The authors avoid the broad brush strokes that practicing Muslims are always adversarial and that "Christians" are always safe. Well-edited, the novel bypasses common problems of pulp fiction (repetitive phrases, typos, clichés, et cetera.) You'll see the world of pro sports from a different perspective and learn to "judge the tree by its fruit." And, ladies, be prepared to cry a little. The only plot flaw, and I suppose a minor one, is the assertion that Italy's social institutions must be totally devoid of influence by Christianity. Catholic readers may find this a stretch, as I did. This book is for adults and mature adolescents. It contains some war-related violence and descriptions of torture-inflicted injuries. That being said, most modern war or action movies show much worse stuff. Thanks, Elam and Yohn! PS Yes, I did see the "bad guy" coming, as other reviewers suggest, but that ALWAYS happens to me.

This fast-paced novel adds an NFL insiders perspective on a Clancy-like thriller without a lot of tedious detail. It moves and is fun. And best of all, there's a sequel that picks up where this one leaves off. (came out in Jan. '09) I recommend you pick it up today! The authors do a great job too of helping you work through the idea of Christians and Muslims dialoguing about their faith, their doubts, and their biases in believable banter. Great insight into the Muslim mind from this Christian. I came away with greater compassion for my Muslim friends and acquaintances.

I have to let you know that I very very rarely read novels. And I read this because my wife knows Steve Yohn. With that said, I really enjoyed this novel. And in fact I have to admit, I found it hard to put down. It is an easy read but one that will keep you guessing and with its different twists and turns keeps you very involved. So I do recommend this to readers. And I might just go and pick up the next one in the series.