When Evil Prospers

by John Washburn

In the not too distant future, America's ongoing war on terror, coupled with its porous southern border and a growing lack of resolve among the masses to defeat our enemies, leads to another massive attack on American soil. This time, the state of Texas has become the target, and America must decide how to respond When Evil Prospers. The ensuing investigation reveals a stunning international plot to strike America harder than it had ever been hit before, and the Presidential administration is stunned to discover who's involved. However, this discovery comes at a price, as one of the initial arresting officers is soon charged with abusing an alleged attacker. Now the President, an ambitious yet dovish political leader, must decide how to handle the delicate situation while responding to the brutal attack on her country. But her course of action is less than acceptable for the hawkish traditionalist Governor of Texas, who believes the country should take a much different approach. Caught in the middle are a physician and his brother, two average Americans, whose lives were touched deeply by the horrendous attack against Texas. As the events unfold, they make a decision to take action that their prior self-involvement had never allowed them to take before. As expected, the response throughout the country to their boldness is divided, which sets off a chain of events that could destroy or rescue a nation that is in dire need of healing.

330 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Krista]

There were some unexpected insights in this book, several nice articulations of misunderstood viewpoints, and a few surprising little known facts that made me research more. But the story was weighed down by too many different political topics. They were all tangentially related to each other, but not all directly related or necessary to the plot; or at least not woven in a way that was clear to me.

I really wanted to like the book, because I completely believe in the idea that "evil prospers when good people do nothing". I usually like multiple characters with parallel storylines, but there were at least 25 characters with names, and there was commentary on international affairs in a half dozen or more countries, so it was very hard to follow and get into the story underneath. Which is too bad, because the central story was good people inspired to do something.

That said, if you're a foreign policy junky, you may love this book just for the commentary, so don't let me deter you from picking it up!

[Gaylon Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read this book twice. Very timely. Almost frightening. It is a book of fiction but the way the events play out, it could happen anywhere. People are gathered in the Cotton Bowl for a big game. Terrorists take a vehicle loaded with explosives and park it just inside a gate. Explosion happens and thousands are killed. Corruption and politics are a good part of the story. Personally I think it should be required reading for everyone in the events of things going on now.