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Condor #2
Talons of the Condor
David J. Windsor, the first openly gay president of the United States, has his hands full. After surviving an assassination attempt, he's now dealing with the fallout: finding all of the culprits is at the top of his list. Will his enemies give up trying to bring down the administration, or will they try again? In the meantime, he has to deal with fractious allies, hidden foes, the vice president's kidnapped son, and secrets that tear at his heart—including his relationship with his lover, Shane Thompson, who is also his Secret Service agent.
While they want to live a more open life, it's impossible while David is in office; the demands of the job and the constant spotlight would tear even the most devoted couple apart. Throw in David's attempts to help gay teens and they're living in a pressure cooker that threatens to boil over. Will David be able to get a handle on the intrigue and danger of his job and find a way to keep his lover as well? Or will Shane become a casualty of Condor One's political decisions?
While they want to live a more open life, it's impossible while David is in office; the demands of the job and the constant spotlight would tear even the most devoted couple apart. Throw in David's attempts to help gay teens and they're living in a pressure cooker that threatens to boil over. Will David be able to get a handle on the intrigue and danger of his job and find a way to keep his lover as well? Or will Shane become a casualty of Condor One's political decisions?
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First published July 1, 2009
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About the author
John Simpson
273 books125 followersJohn Simpson, a Vietnam-era Veteran, has been a uniformed Police Officer of the Year, a federal agent, a federal magistrate, and an armed bodyguard to royalty and a senior government executive. He earned awards from the Vice President of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. John has written articles for various gay and straight magazines. John lives with his partner of 35 years and three wonderful Scott Terriers, all spoiled and a breed of canine family member that is unique in dogdom. John is also involved with the Old Catholic Church and its liberal pastoral positions on the gay community.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 3, 2015
1.5 rounded up because I did finish it.
This whole book is very idealistic and preachy. I mostly agree with the author's politics--the author actually sounds like an amazing person from his bio--but I didn't need to be browbeaten. Preaching to the choir. Some "solutions" were just ridiculous. He decides to rebuild Alcatraz as a solution to Guantanamo. Construction begins within a few days of his coming up with the idea. A. this would not solve the problems with Gitmo. B. Alcatraz Island is a National Historic Landmark. No way would any building begin without controversy and huge lawsuits not to mention public outcries.
Everything is dialog. No feelings are described. Writing was stilted. I didn't really feel the character's love until the very end.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about:
How is that showing emotion? He has fear in his voice but how about what he feels? I can be happy and put great fear in my voice to be funny.
The president in this book gets a lot more free time than I imagine the real president does. This guy watches movies and hangs out after dinner. He plans a weekend away. He spends a lot of time on walks with his dog. It's just ridiculous.
There was so much more wrong here but it's not worth my time.
This whole book is very idealistic and preachy. I mostly agree with the author's politics--the author actually sounds like an amazing person from his bio--but I didn't need to be browbeaten. Preaching to the choir. Some "solutions" were just ridiculous. He decides to rebuild Alcatraz as a solution to Guantanamo. Construction begins within a few days of his coming up with the idea. A. this would not solve the problems with Gitmo. B. Alcatraz Island is a National Historic Landmark. No way would any building begin without controversy and huge lawsuits not to mention public outcries.
Everything is dialog. No feelings are described. Writing was stilted. I didn't really feel the character's love until the very end.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about:
"Well, find out what happened to both Marys and make sure they're okay," I said with great fear in my voice.
How is that showing emotion? He has fear in his voice but how about what he feels? I can be happy and put great fear in my voice to be funny.
The president in this book gets a lot more free time than I imagine the real president does. This guy watches movies and hangs out after dinner. He plans a weekend away. He spends a lot of time on walks with his dog. It's just ridiculous.
There was so much more wrong here but it's not worth my time.
June 18, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series, a must read.
Read
August 3, 2009Talons of the Condor is the sequel of Condor One, the fantapolitical novel by John Simpson about the first gay president of United States of America. I remember with pleasure that book, and I, above all, remember with pleasure David Windsor, Mr. President. As you know if you read the previous book, or can understand from the surname, David is not exactly some Mr. Smith throws in the chaos of the White House in Washington. He, even before being a president, was from a very wealthy family, with connection with the royal family in England, and I believe he was, as he is still, quite a spoiled man. He is not that spoiling that makes a character unlikable, but more a general attitude, o way to face all the situation, from the simple "domestic" dealing as to buy a dog-bed for his favorite Scottish Terrier, to decide if declare the WWII or not. David is a man of power, he can listen to advice, but in the end he will take his own decision. And he is used, and expects to, that every single order is taking in immediate consideration, without further postponement. He is also a man of great passions, and he can be mislead by his easily inflaming temperament. All in all, someone would almost think that David in the end is not a so nice man, but then you see the "other" David, the one who can easily get caught ogling to the bottom of some military staff, or who is content to simple lay in bed and cuddle with his young lover, special agent Shane Thompson.
The story is not so much different from the previous one, there is as before a treating to David's life, but maybe this time, the things got further and bigger. The author indeed plays a bit to fantapolitic, and imagines a various range of dangerous situation, with also some nasty consequences. And I have the feeling that he realized well over the half of the novel, that he didn't put enough danger in that first part, since the events rush one after the other, and then all together, toward an end that, from the political side will remain still "open", while instead will arrive to a nice, a very romantic conclusion on the love side. I think that the author has not yet put the end point on the story of this couple, and I have an idea to who will play the first lady role on the official visit of King William II, David's cousin, to the White House.
Another thing that I notice is that David is somewhat more "domestic" in this sequel. As I said, David is a spoiled man, quite aware to be a nice catch for every single gay man. And so in the first book, I had an impression of him like a friendly and open man, not at all scared by his sexuality. I think he was quite happy to be single and among so many handsome man. Now instead David is almost calm, satisfied, but not since he is aware of his position as president, but since he is content with his relationship with Shane. And so we also see the "daddy" David, behaving like a overprotective father for his little girl, the Scottish Terrier Mary, but also for every single gay teenager he has the chance to meet. It's almost like David's fatherly instinct were aroused at the same moment he met the man who is a good candidate to be the real deal... quite the attitude of those old-fashioned women of the good society that were raised to be good wives and mothers, and who, soon after the marriage, lose the careless of youth to suddenly became the symbol of a perfect woman.
In all of this, I lost Shane... well, poor Shane is quite the supporting character in there. He is still a good man, he is devoted and unselfish, and sometime he looses the mask of composure to let us see the real man, but all in all, it's David who shines, and Shane lives of reflected light. Where it's David who suddenly becomes "domestic" and tamed, truth be told, it's Shane who plays the perfect role of the wife of a very important man: silent and always present, ready to satisfy every single wish of his man.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G1ZUT2/?...
The story is not so much different from the previous one, there is as before a treating to David's life, but maybe this time, the things got further and bigger. The author indeed plays a bit to fantapolitic, and imagines a various range of dangerous situation, with also some nasty consequences. And I have the feeling that he realized well over the half of the novel, that he didn't put enough danger in that first part, since the events rush one after the other, and then all together, toward an end that, from the political side will remain still "open", while instead will arrive to a nice, a very romantic conclusion on the love side. I think that the author has not yet put the end point on the story of this couple, and I have an idea to who will play the first lady role on the official visit of King William II, David's cousin, to the White House.
Another thing that I notice is that David is somewhat more "domestic" in this sequel. As I said, David is a spoiled man, quite aware to be a nice catch for every single gay man. And so in the first book, I had an impression of him like a friendly and open man, not at all scared by his sexuality. I think he was quite happy to be single and among so many handsome man. Now instead David is almost calm, satisfied, but not since he is aware of his position as president, but since he is content with his relationship with Shane. And so we also see the "daddy" David, behaving like a overprotective father for his little girl, the Scottish Terrier Mary, but also for every single gay teenager he has the chance to meet. It's almost like David's fatherly instinct were aroused at the same moment he met the man who is a good candidate to be the real deal... quite the attitude of those old-fashioned women of the good society that were raised to be good wives and mothers, and who, soon after the marriage, lose the careless of youth to suddenly became the symbol of a perfect woman.
In all of this, I lost Shane... well, poor Shane is quite the supporting character in there. He is still a good man, he is devoted and unselfish, and sometime he looses the mask of composure to let us see the real man, but all in all, it's David who shines, and Shane lives of reflected light. Where it's David who suddenly becomes "domestic" and tamed, truth be told, it's Shane who plays the perfect role of the wife of a very important man: silent and always present, ready to satisfy every single wish of his man.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G1ZUT2/?...
November 28, 2010
Talons of the Condor by John Simpson is the second installment in the continuing story of David J. Windsor, America’s first openly gay President, and his lover and bodyguard Shane Thompson. It is the year 2012, and after eight long and difficult years of Republican rule, the Democratic nominee David Windsor is elected President. President Windsor has survived several assassination attempts in what amounts to one of the highest acts of treason in American history and is now bringing “all” the culprits to justice. Or so he thinks. At the same time the affairs of the nation weigh heavy as he begins to implement new and forward looking policies on America’s involvement in Iraq, alternative energy, the environment, social and health issues and gay rights all the while trying to have a relationship with his lover and personal protector, Secret Service Agent Shane Thompson.
John Simpson continues to weave his web of political drama, intrigue and action in Talons of the Condor, the sequel to Condor One. The plot remains as strong as ever in the second book as he delves deeper into the assassination story. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out Mr. Simpson throws you a curve, or two.
The author also examines more closely the political and social issues currently facing America. One of the aspects that I enjoyed most about this book is that the character of David Windsor serves as a conduit through which the author raises such timely issues as America’s involvement in the Middle East, oil dependency, the environment, poverty and gay rights, often providing an alternate view to conservative ideology as well as some creative policy solutions to these matters via the character of the President. In this sense, there is absolutely no question that this author is writing about what he knows.
As with the first book, Talons of the Condor is written in the first person of the main character providing the reader with an intimate view of the world through President Windsor’s eyes. However, the first person point of view also presents some challenges in that the author tends to tell us rather than show us the story. This aspect was more noticeable to me in Talons of the Condor than in the first book.
The more personal side of David and Shane’s partnership is further explored in the sequel as their emotions deepen and they struggle for a semblance of normalcy. Shane wants their relationship to be out in the open, he doesn’t want to hide anymore. But this is next to impossible as long as David remains in office. While there is resolution of this issue by book’s end, it provides the main source of relationship angst for David and Shane. I felt there was a more relaxed and natural flow to the dialogue between these two characters in the second book and their sex scenes remained hot and heavy.
There was one part in this story that proved to be a distraction for me. Without giving away any spoilers it deals with a monumental event that affects a secondary character quite close to the President and yet David’s reaction to the tragic outcome of this event was almost a non-reaction. Given the proximity of this secondary character to the President I felt that this contradicted the qualities of sensitivity and compassion that the author had instilled in David.
Even with this, I did enjoy reading Talons of the Condor. As I mentioned in my review of Condor One, John Simpson is a good writer of political fiction with the ability for intricate plots that keep the reader on the edge. He has a vast knowledge and understanding of the American political system, its inner workings and of the issues - all of which are necessary ingredients for compelling political drama. As a storyteller Mr. Simpson contributes a voice to gay fiction that is filled with dreams and possibilities. Given the historic event we witnessed in November 2008, the possibilities that Mr. Simpson presents in the telling of David Windsor’s story may not be altogether out of future reach.
Although Talons of the Condor can be read as a stand-alone novel, for the sake of continuity, I would encourage those interested in reading this story to begin with the first book, Condor One.
NOTE: This review was originally published online by Rainbow Reviews on July 26, 2009.
August 14, 2015
Oooohhhh, it's getting exciting. Can't wait to see what happens next!
June 19, 2018
I think there is too much going on to be believed in this book. But I do like it and I'm interested in how the MCs are gonna cope so I'll finish the series, though it may take awhile. Got 17 books open in my Kobo and a humongous TBR pile all clamouring for my attention.
October 27, 2020
Brilliant story it continued a very great series
June 24, 2011
Another exciting read in the continuation of the Condor series. This series has a very Tom Clancy feel to me. There is a lot of action with assasinate the president, David Windsor, who is our first openly gay president. In this second installment to the series, David and Shane continue to attempt to keep their love for each other a secret although a couple of close friends pick up on it. Shane has his hands full keeping David out of harms way as a lot goes on in this book. There seems to be one attempt after another on this poor president. He even wonders at one point when he'll get to implement the plans he promised because he's spent all of his time in office so far dodging terrorists.
If you like your stories action packed, you'll get that here. There is a small degree of angst because David and Shane have fallen very much in love with each other and soul really like to live as an open couple instead of hiding from everyone and sneaking thru hidden passages. They're now envisioning marriage and children. Shane finds a way to solve their problem in the end. I just finished book 2 and will start the third as soon as I finish this review. Can't wait to see what happens next.
If you like your stories action packed, you'll get that here. There is a small degree of angst because David and Shane have fallen very much in love with each other and soul really like to live as an open couple instead of hiding from everyone and sneaking thru hidden passages. They're now envisioning marriage and children. Shane finds a way to solve their problem in the end. I just finished book 2 and will start the third as soon as I finish this review. Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 12, 2011
Ahhh, what can I say John Simpson has done it again President David Windsor and His ultra sexy Secret Service Agent/Boyfriend Shane Thompson. What can I say this book has it all mayhem, romance and a kidnapping but who is kidnapped is it David, Shane or some one close to them. Will the secret service find out about the personal service Shane has been giving the President or will they continue to keep it a secret. Now that the former speaker of the house and his cronies have been arrested who else is after the beloved president. When our President thinks life is going to be quiet he gets a rather scathing letter about a young homeless gay teen who is living under a bridge. The question is what Course of action does our President and his sexy agent take. I am so not telling you you have to read the second book in this series to find what happens to the teen and what else happens in the lives of the President and his Secret Service Agent/Boyfriend.
September 30, 2014
Read Condor One (Book 1) for free and once finished had to immediately go and get the next book in the series...Talons of the Condor! I really wanted to see what was going to happen next. Thus far, there is so much going on in this series and if I remember correctly, we are only six months into the presidency. As I stated in the review of Condor One, this story is a flight of fancy, so to speak, but that is why imagination is such a great thing. Lot's and lot's of action going on...which deters the development of the relationship between David and Shane. One minute they are "FB's" and then the next they are in love...which is wonderful, but the story development was a bit lacking. That said...I have purchased the next several books in this series. Though I could nitpick several aspects of this story, I choose to dive off the diving board into a sea loaded with possibility and imagination. I would recommend this story....
Read
September 11, 2012I finished book 1 October of last year and this one starts where that one left off--no more than a couple of days later. Within a few pages i recalled enough of book 1 to make book 2 understandable.
not quite sure how long David has been in office; as Darren finishes high school in a few weeks i'm guessing its maybe April, late March. Anyway he does show how busy the president is and how easy it is to get caught up in crisis, thus not fulfilling campaign promises. Though he is trying to stay on track, his PA Mary is keeping him steady and informed. He's more than somewhat high-handed (i'm president, you must do as i say) which might bite him back when the conservatives get their act together. this is fiction, they might not...good gays and their allies are taking over the world.
not quite sure how long David has been in office; as Darren finishes high school in a few weeks i'm guessing its maybe April, late March. Anyway he does show how busy the president is and how easy it is to get caught up in crisis, thus not fulfilling campaign promises. Though he is trying to stay on track, his PA Mary is keeping him steady and informed. He's more than somewhat high-handed (i'm president, you must do as i say) which might bite him back when the conservatives get their act together. this is fiction, they might not...good gays and their allies are taking over the world.
January 31, 2017
Book 2 of President David and his love story with his sexy bodyguard, and secret lover, Shane as they continue to move survive attacks from their enemies within and outside the state country. They are after the culprits behind the assassination attempts as well as deal with kidnappings and other dilemmas in their lives. There is even time for David to show some hope on gay kid who has been kicked out of his home at 15 and then adopted by the VP. With all the things that are occurring David and Shane grow closer and make a decision about their relationship and future, which is to be open and not hide their love in the shadows. There is a lot of political talk for readers who may not like it, but it does show the reason the David was chosen as the president.
January 1, 2011
The sequel of the book Condor One was even more surreal then the first book. Our gay hero, Mr. President, was engaged in to the jungle of international politics and trying to survive assassination attempts like storming the White House and being shot and whatever crazy how to kill politician you have in mind he made it trough. Lot of pathos included in the setting of USA politic tide. However the support of Obama is clear in this book. Make it short David, our gay president, finally make it up with Shane, his personal FBI agent aka soon to be first man. This book is on the literary top of the average of gay novel.
August 9, 2014
Better than the first IMO! Loved seeing the relationship between David and Shane develop further, deepening the emotional rather than just the physical intimacy. And of course there's lots of action as well - kidnapping, assassination attempts, terrorist attacks... never a dull moment in the life of President Windsor and those around him. I also thought the writing had improved somewhat compared to book one, especially the dialogue. While still occasionally sounding rather stilted, it didn't bother me nearly as much as in the previous installment of the series. I'm glad I chose to continue with these books, looking forward to the next part!
April 22, 2012
4.5 stars! Loved this continuation of the Condor series! It was exciting and suspenseful and I loved how it ended. I wish I hadn't finished it so late at night (or early in the morning as was the case) so I could start on the next book.
I found that skimming over the sex was the best solution for me (there was less of it this time around) and the dialogue between the MCs, while still a little formal, IMO, felt a little more realistic (or I could be just getting used to the "rod" and "butt fuck" type slang).
I found that skimming over the sex was the best solution for me (there was less of it this time around) and the dialogue between the MCs, while still a little formal, IMO, felt a little more realistic (or I could be just getting used to the "rod" and "butt fuck" type slang).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2016
I could not relate to it in so many differ levels. The idea of a USA gay president is attractive but, this guy does not seem to engage much in the job and the narrative voice focuses far way too much in the obnoxious dog. It's packed with action by little character development.
February 18, 2011
Really hope this series continues.
September 3, 2017
Reread september 2017 - changing the rating to 4 stars
February 23, 2011
3.5 stars actually. Everything was wrapped up and solved a little too easily for me and felt clichéd. There are also quite a few things that were glossed over and not really explored.
March 28, 2013
Nice story although at times it dragged a bit with all the extensive political info.
November 19, 2014
It's a little far-fetched but I'm enjoying this series. David and Shane are an adorable couple.
July 12, 2016
Love. Espionage. Intrigue. This book has it all. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this was a great read and I will read the rest of the series.
May 5, 2021
Writing is still choppy with lots of plot holes. Don’t know why I gave it another try
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews