Ross Egan has quietly labored for years in the West African nation of Dutannuru - a tiny republican democracy that emerged from the wreckage of a brutal civil war that claimed the brilliant engineer's wife and child . When a neighboring despot threatens Dutannuru with renewed violence, Egan is abruptly thrust onto the world stage at the center of the deadly international crisis. His actions and resulting notoriety land him on the short list of individuals capable of challenging the incumbent for the presidency of the United States. A political neophyte, Egan is intrigued by the task of unseating a ruthless political operator seen by some as the most dangerously leftist president in the nation's history. To win the White House, Egan must mount the most unorthodox presidential campaign ever attempted - and navigate through a daunting new world marked by character assassination, high-level corruption, armed raids, and political murder.
Tom Grace is the bestselling author of the Nolan Kilkenny series of adventure novels, and an architect in private practice. The Kilkenny novels feature Graces signature character, an ex-Navy Seal with strong ties to the Catholic Church.
In constructing his novels, Grace draws upon his intensely detail-oriented skills honed in the practice of architecture, in which he designs projects ranging from private residences to cutting-edge research facilities.
As both an author and architect, Grace lives by Mies van der Rohes famous aphorism: God is in the details. Painstaking research underpins each of his novels, creating the factual foundations that support the stories.
Local Michigan author and political conservative ... I'm in love!
The first chapter felt a bit rough and unpolished, but then the story captured me and held me through all 400 pages. Good chapter division also helped.
There were a few sections that seemed wordy and overly detailed as the author dived into historical or political details. I'm just not interested in that much detail, but the author undoubtedly felt the need to prove he'd done his research. Fortunately, these sections were relatively short and easily scanned over.
My other critique was that the book lacked physical descriptions of characters - an annoying habit often perpetrated by southern writers. This might have been an attempt to send the message that appearances don't matter, but I like having a visual picture in my mind of the story. It also might have been done to sugar coat the fact that the main (white?) character has a relationship with a black woman. (I think that's what happened, right?)
I liked that the book provided a view into the world of high-level politics. It was interesting to see how die-hard conservatives and liberals interact politely (and sometimes even warmly) with each other. The Obama-like character was not vilified as might be expected - which also provided interesting insight. At most times, he seemed to be following his own perceived good. Initially, the story even appeared sympathetic to his character. The book used the main character and the Obama-like character to clearly illustrate how the conservative and liberal "good" differs. It was more about the ideas than the individual people, which was refreshing.
I'm not a regular reader of political novels, but I liked the insight of this book - and the hope it provides. As we near the 2012 elections, I have a new appreciation for what might be going on behind the scenes!
The political intrigue and plot twists will keep readers interested. From the jungles of Africa to the world of clean energy and technological advancements, the story goes into unexpected places and takes the reader along for the ride. Don't be dissuaded by my few critiques - I'm generally a harsh reviewer. Die-hard liberals may not like this book, but conservatives and moderates will find it an enjoyable read.
if you're a progressive/leftist/liberal, or whatever you call yourself... you will hate this book - it exposes so much of the left's ill-conceived philosophy and arguments - shows how anti-liberty, anti-common sense, anti-intellectual, anti-american they truly are. that's the part i liked about this book. otherwise, it was an ok read... nothing exciting.
If you are conservative and enjoy political thrillers, you will enjoy this book. Main character is likeable, but the president (an Obama type) is not. There is also a George Soros type character, and a Radio personality that the author modeled after Rush Limbaugh.
I have been sorting thru book piles and found one that I don't even remember seeing. Published several years ago, it is still timely with the presidential election cycle coming around once again. The book reminded me of Ayn Rand and her ability to construct a story that makes you want to turn the pages as you learn about many things concerning the founding of our nation and the nature of what makes this country worth caring about. I am so glad that this book turned up in such a timely manner.
It was published in 2012, but the story is just as timely for today, even though the leading figures name are changed.
Liberty Intrigue provided a much-needed counterbalance to the doomsday books I've been reading lately. Well written, factual, and uplifting. I only wish it were not fiction.