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Michael Bennit #3
The iSpeaker
“People’s opinions don’t matter because it’s money that controls Congress, not voter will.”
Some people will kill to keep their power, and one man just has. The aftermath of the shooting on the steps of the Capitol has the nation on edge, and Michael Bennit and his staff are forced to deal with the trauma as they move into the beginning of the new Congress. Now a martyr in the cause of reform, he has become the influential national figure that the political parties and the president-elect have long feared.
With the elites in Washington terrified of the change the independents in the House of Representatives bring, lobbyist James Reed must scramble to find a way to maintain his stranglehold on the political process. As Bennit’s old enemies defect to become his new political allies at an alarming rate, he realizes the one-time unknown social media candidate could do the unimaginable ― become the Speaker of the House and third in line for the presidency.
As the media swarms and tempers flare in Congress, journalist Kylie Roberts begins a quest of her own ― to find the man behind the shooting and bring him down. With the help of the mysterious Terry Nyguen, she will leave no stone unturned in search for the truth, but will the nation, now brimming with fresh optimism, be prepared for where that path leads? Will any of them be ready for the ultimate betrayal?
The third book in The Michael Bennit Series, The iSpeaker follows the plight of four people caught in the crossfire of the money-based political system and the will of the American people. Together with his former students, Bennit will embark on an ambitious mission to organize citizens to reclaim their government, but is the allure of money in politics too great for any politician to resist?
Some people will kill to keep their power, and one man just has. The aftermath of the shooting on the steps of the Capitol has the nation on edge, and Michael Bennit and his staff are forced to deal with the trauma as they move into the beginning of the new Congress. Now a martyr in the cause of reform, he has become the influential national figure that the political parties and the president-elect have long feared.
With the elites in Washington terrified of the change the independents in the House of Representatives bring, lobbyist James Reed must scramble to find a way to maintain his stranglehold on the political process. As Bennit’s old enemies defect to become his new political allies at an alarming rate, he realizes the one-time unknown social media candidate could do the unimaginable ― become the Speaker of the House and third in line for the presidency.
As the media swarms and tempers flare in Congress, journalist Kylie Roberts begins a quest of her own ― to find the man behind the shooting and bring him down. With the help of the mysterious Terry Nyguen, she will leave no stone unturned in search for the truth, but will the nation, now brimming with fresh optimism, be prepared for where that path leads? Will any of them be ready for the ultimate betrayal?
The third book in The Michael Bennit Series, The iSpeaker follows the plight of four people caught in the crossfire of the money-based political system and the will of the American people. Together with his former students, Bennit will embark on an ambitious mission to organize citizens to reclaim their government, but is the allure of money in politics too great for any politician to resist?
- GenresFiction
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2014
307 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Mikael Carlson
33 books85 followersMikael Carlson is an award-winning political fiction author, including a silver medal from Readers' Favorite and National Indie Excellence, Lyra, and Global E-book Awards.
Mikael is a proud U.S. Army Paratrooper and retired Army National Guardsman. He graduated with a Master of Arts in American History in 2010 and with a B.S. in International Business from Marist College in 1996.
An avid traveler and unabashed political junkie, he is the author of the Politics as Unusual blog You can find him at www.mikaelcarlson.com.
Mikael is a proud U.S. Army Paratrooper and retired Army National Guardsman. He graduated with a Master of Arts in American History in 2010 and with a B.S. in International Business from Marist College in 1996.
An avid traveler and unabashed political junkie, he is the author of the Politics as Unusual blog You can find him at www.mikaelcarlson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 26, 2024
Mikael Carlson piles on the intrigue in this political thriller series well worth the reader’s time. Michael Bennit not only led a successful independence movement into the US House of Representatives, he bucked the two-party tradition. Some were angry enough to take significant action, including organising an apparent ‘rogue shooter’ to begin spraying bullets at many, including Congressman Bennit. While he recovers in the hospital, Bennit is pushed to make another bold move by running for Speaker of the House. If he did not have enough enemies before this, there is no doubt any longer. As those close to Michael peel things back, they discover an ominous potential when it comes to the shooting and the congressman’s future in DC. A gripping novel that complements the previous books in the series.
After an intense vote on the House floor, Congressman Michael Bennit is outside holding a press conference when the shooting begins. Many are injured and one is dead, as Congressman Bennit is rushed to the hospital. While he recovers, many wonder what he will do next, as the new Congress will have many iCandidates, independent members who are not aligned with either major party. While some close to Bennit look into what happened that day, others posit that he might be the best bet to unite Congress by running for Speaker of the House.
While some embrace this option, there are many who worry about it. Power not only corrupts, it causes a great deal of fear. Bennit and his staff will have to maneuver their way through many minefields in order to see if this is a realistic option, if only to bring the country together. One man vying to keep power in his sphere is lobbyist James Reed. Long the go-to person for members on both sides of the aisle, Reed is baffled by the star power Congressman Bennit has. There has to be a way to conquer this and keep control of the House process while appearing to be on the sidelines.
As the nominations begin on the House floor, someone will end up Speaker and many others will have to fall into lone or face further retribution. All the while, questions still linger about the shooter and how it all came together. One journalist will make some strides in pulling the curtain back to reveal the truth. A great story that pushes the limits once more.
Mikael Carlson continues creating strong political thrillers, as he seeks to keep the reader in the mix. The narrative presents some strong storytelling by developing a solid foundation of political know-how and places the characters in some intense situations. While Michael Bennit has a great deal on his plate, he is always eager to take on a little more, provided that there is a teachable moment to help others. Told in a multi-perspective narrative, the story progresses on many fronts and keeps the reader fully involved. Plot points serve to complement the political development, balancing surprises and political education for all to enjoy. I could not ask for more, though Carlson seems always able to find new and exciting aspects to the US political system in need of discussion.
Kudos, Mr. Carlson, for never shirking on the political intrigue!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After an intense vote on the House floor, Congressman Michael Bennit is outside holding a press conference when the shooting begins. Many are injured and one is dead, as Congressman Bennit is rushed to the hospital. While he recovers, many wonder what he will do next, as the new Congress will have many iCandidates, independent members who are not aligned with either major party. While some close to Bennit look into what happened that day, others posit that he might be the best bet to unite Congress by running for Speaker of the House.
While some embrace this option, there are many who worry about it. Power not only corrupts, it causes a great deal of fear. Bennit and his staff will have to maneuver their way through many minefields in order to see if this is a realistic option, if only to bring the country together. One man vying to keep power in his sphere is lobbyist James Reed. Long the go-to person for members on both sides of the aisle, Reed is baffled by the star power Congressman Bennit has. There has to be a way to conquer this and keep control of the House process while appearing to be on the sidelines.
As the nominations begin on the House floor, someone will end up Speaker and many others will have to fall into lone or face further retribution. All the while, questions still linger about the shooter and how it all came together. One journalist will make some strides in pulling the curtain back to reveal the truth. A great story that pushes the limits once more.
Mikael Carlson continues creating strong political thrillers, as he seeks to keep the reader in the mix. The narrative presents some strong storytelling by developing a solid foundation of political know-how and places the characters in some intense situations. While Michael Bennit has a great deal on his plate, he is always eager to take on a little more, provided that there is a teachable moment to help others. Told in a multi-perspective narrative, the story progresses on many fronts and keeps the reader fully involved. Plot points serve to complement the political development, balancing surprises and political education for all to enjoy. I could not ask for more, though Carlson seems always able to find new and exciting aspects to the US political system in need of discussion.
Kudos, Mr. Carlson, for never shirking on the political intrigue!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 14, 2023
The iSpeaker continues the journey of the protagonist, his staff and colleagues. Who would believe the US House of Representatives has any corrupt members? Or K Street? Or the White House? It's an engaging story.
June 9, 2020
Those who have read the first two books in this series, iCandidate and iCongressman, will probably make the same assumption I did and think Congressman Bennit will be iSpeaker. Now there's the twist.
A lot of the book is the thoughts of James Reed, the lobbyist, about how he and his ilk manipulate the congress to do the bidding of the lobbyist's clients. Makes for interesting reading.
Another cliff hanger ending to lead into the fourth and final of the series. Jeez, I really dislike authors who do that. They all think they are writing a TV series.
A lot of the book is the thoughts of James Reed, the lobbyist, about how he and his ilk manipulate the congress to do the bidding of the lobbyist's clients. Makes for interesting reading.
Another cliff hanger ending to lead into the fourth and final of the series. Jeez, I really dislike authors who do that. They all think they are writing a TV series.
January 12, 2022
This story follows the 2nd one without missing a step. In this one, Mike after winning a major vote has stepped outside with his staff and friends when shots were fired and members of his group were hit along with himself and the representative from Texas. Mike seeing his fellow Congressman hurt immediately began trying to treat him bringing to play his training from the service. After paramedics arrived on the scene, Mike then went to check on his group when he passed out. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated.
With this new election, it was discovered that with the election of so many Independents, the other two parties were in a tie and the Speaker of the House was in question. The remainder of the story discussed the search for the person responsible for trying to kill Mike led by Kylie, the back room attempt by a lobbyist to rig the speaker election, the steps Mike was willing to take to bring the election to a conclusion, Chelsea's soul-searching about staying on the job.
You won't be able to guess what the ending of book 3 is, it is that strange. Pick up the book, you won't be disappointed.
With this new election, it was discovered that with the election of so many Independents, the other two parties were in a tie and the Speaker of the House was in question. The remainder of the story discussed the search for the person responsible for trying to kill Mike led by Kylie, the back room attempt by a lobbyist to rig the speaker election, the steps Mike was willing to take to bring the election to a conclusion, Chelsea's soul-searching about staying on the job.
You won't be able to guess what the ending of book 3 is, it is that strange. Pick up the book, you won't be disappointed.
February 12, 2019
Fight Club
The drama, the suspense is killing me. I love reading this series. Once again am going to spend a unproductive day reading.
Definitely read this book.
Fav quotes:
“I refuse to live in fear. I can’t comprehend why people don’t fly because they are afraid of crashing, or… Look, when my number is up, it’s up. I will live every day to the fullest until that happens, whether it’s tomorrow, next week, or when I turn ninety-eight.”
“No, not until I get what we came here for. You see, I don’t think Mister Albright is acting this way because he’s in a bad mood. He’s acting this way because he’s nervous.” “Nervous? About what?” Albright snaps at Chelsea. “That you’re being visited by a former Green Beret, a jaded journalist, and a pissed off redhead and you have no idea how much we already know.”
..... incumbents could become successful enough to run on their records. They won’t need large sums of money to convince people to vote for them.
The drama, the suspense is killing me. I love reading this series. Once again am going to spend a unproductive day reading.
Definitely read this book.
Fav quotes:
“I refuse to live in fear. I can’t comprehend why people don’t fly because they are afraid of crashing, or… Look, when my number is up, it’s up. I will live every day to the fullest until that happens, whether it’s tomorrow, next week, or when I turn ninety-eight.”
“No, not until I get what we came here for. You see, I don’t think Mister Albright is acting this way because he’s in a bad mood. He’s acting this way because he’s nervous.” “Nervous? About what?” Albright snaps at Chelsea. “That you’re being visited by a former Green Beret, a jaded journalist, and a pissed off redhead and you have no idea how much we already know.”
..... incumbents could become successful enough to run on their records. They won’t need large sums of money to convince people to vote for them.
November 2, 2020
This is a great series, if you have an interest in politics. I look forward to the fourth and final tome. I am amazed to find that these novels were written around 2014, as they slam into me today. I get that polarization goes back to 2014 and earlier. Tomorrow is Election Day 2020. I've read the 3 books so far in the past month or so, and feel they are so very relevant and timely. Problem is, I so wish that these novels were in fact reality, instead of the reality most of us live in today.
Gripping is understating how well-written this series is, and I fully expect to find #4 as satisfying. We come to know all of the characters so intimately thanks to Mr. Carlson's glorious skill. Hard to put down, the reader, I hope, enjoys Michael Bennit, et. al., as much as I have.
Gripping is understating how well-written this series is, and I fully expect to find #4 as satisfying. We come to know all of the characters so intimately thanks to Mr. Carlson's glorious skill. Hard to put down, the reader, I hope, enjoys Michael Bennit, et. al., as much as I have.
April 28, 2022
The iSpeaker
The number of independents elected to the House of Representatives has changed the power of the two political parties in determining the election of the Speaker of the House. An assination attempt on Michel but has failed but lead to the death of former Senator Viano. Michael is determined to caucus with the newly elected members of the House to try and bring change to the way things are done. Kylie is still trying to protect him and also determine who was behind the assumption attempt.
The number of independents elected to the House of Representatives has changed the power of the two political parties in determining the election of the Speaker of the House. An assination attempt on Michel but has failed but lead to the death of former Senator Viano. Michael is determined to caucus with the newly elected members of the House to try and bring change to the way things are done. Kylie is still trying to protect him and also determine who was behind the assumption attempt.
February 8, 2023
A truly delightful read
The Bennit Series is engaging and educational, with characters you’ll not soon forget. I’m reading the series straight through (I have one left) and I already want more. This NEEDS to be a hit television series. Were I a history/civics teacher, I’d use these novels as a fun springboard into the complicated and corrupt world of politics and government. The icandidate series is inspirational and oddly empowering. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Kudos to you Mr. Carlson!
The Bennit Series is engaging and educational, with characters you’ll not soon forget. I’m reading the series straight through (I have one left) and I already want more. This NEEDS to be a hit television series. Were I a history/civics teacher, I’d use these novels as a fun springboard into the complicated and corrupt world of politics and government. The icandidate series is inspirational and oddly empowering. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Kudos to you Mr. Carlson!
November 10, 2021
My interest level severely waned in this latest installment of a political thriller. Author kept repeating basic assumptions that were presented to readers in other books and even in this book. Very annoying. Plot was weak. Bunch of high school kids can NOT manipulate Congress and its members to such a significant degree. Story line was lost in all the personal character relationships. Do not recommend.
December 3, 2022
As I've observed since first reading Mikael, he is a master of making the Reader yearn for the next step on the stairs. A frustrating event for certain since it requires patience. Never my strongest suit,the discomfort is eased when the next book is released.
Learn to pace your reading and grow a set of patience. Enjoy the anticipation. As Carlson says, there are plenty of Authors to read out there.
Learn to pace your reading and grow a set of patience. Enjoy the anticipation. As Carlson says, there are plenty of Authors to read out there.
December 7, 2020
Another cliffhanger
The story goes from one defeat, to a win to another defeat. An the icongressman and his crew get through the Washington politics and get to the real issue of representing the people?
Will the rift between Kylie and Michael be permanent?
What is coming next and who can be trusted?
The story goes from one defeat, to a win to another defeat. An the icongressman and his crew get through the Washington politics and get to the real issue of representing the people?
Will the rift between Kylie and Michael be permanent?
What is coming next and who can be trusted?
May 20, 2021
Plot twists continue
Now through the first three books of the series and we to get to book 4 now! Did it see this ending/cliffhanger coming, again. Continue to learn more about history and political maneuvering with each book. Always look forward to picking it back up whenever I have to it it down for work or life obligations.
Now through the first three books of the series and we to get to book 4 now! Did it see this ending/cliffhanger coming, again. Continue to learn more about history and political maneuvering with each book. Always look forward to picking it back up whenever I have to it it down for work or life obligations.
January 29, 2020
Fantastic
Book three of this series was as interesting as the last two. The author presents an interesting theory on how we might improve the government while having this idea contained within a spell binding tale.
Book three of this series was as interesting as the last two. The author presents an interesting theory on how we might improve the government while having this idea contained within a spell binding tale.
May 17, 2020
Wow
An amazing series! It has everything you would want in a story, great characters that you want to know, drama, suspense and action. Oh and the history lessons are a bonus. I look forward to reading the next book
An amazing series! It has everything you would want in a story, great characters that you want to know, drama, suspense and action. Oh and the history lessons are a bonus. I look forward to reading the next book
October 31, 2021
love this whole series
This is political fiction at its best. Start with The iCandidate❤️❤️. (Maybe not so fictitious 😳😳). Is there a possibility that one of these days the real world will have a Michael Bennit ????
This is political fiction at its best. Start with The iCandidate❤️❤️. (Maybe not so fictitious 😳😳). Is there a possibility that one of these days the real world will have a Michael Bennit ????
December 3, 2022
Each book gets better
If you follow from book 1 the subsequent books bring more intrigue with not only the characters but the plot and sub plots which once again keeps you turning pages.
If you follow from book 1 the subsequent books bring more intrigue with not only the characters but the plot and sub plots which once again keeps you turning pages.
July 18, 2023
These books get better!
This series keeps getting better with each book. There are many twists and turns as the book goes along. There are also surprises throughout the book. I can’t wait to continue this series.
This series keeps getting better with each book. There are many twists and turns as the book goes along. There are also surprises throughout the book. I can’t wait to continue this series.
January 28, 2019
This is a book 3 of a four book series and I highly recommend it. It's a novel storyline and very well written.
May 21, 2020
Carlson does it again!
As exciting and thought-provoking as the first in this series, this is a well-written and engaging book about characters with whom the reader can identify.
As exciting and thought-provoking as the first in this series, this is a well-written and engaging book about characters with whom the reader can identify.
January 10, 2021
The iSpeaker
Just finished reading this book and am in shock. The ending is abrupt and stunning. We will learn a great deal about Congress from Mr. Carlson. Excellent book.
Just finished reading this book and am in shock. The ending is abrupt and stunning. We will learn a great deal about Congress from Mr. Carlson. Excellent book.
April 17, 2021
Another Great Read!!!!
Another surprise ending. More twists and turns. Treachery and politics twisted together, as usual. Can't wait to read the next book.
Another surprise ending. More twists and turns. Treachery and politics twisted together, as usual. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 1, 2021
Incredible ending
Fascinating angle of the politics in the House of Reps on the one hand and the parallel developments after a tragedy outside of the building.
Fascinating angle of the politics in the House of Reps on the one hand and the parallel developments after a tragedy outside of the building.
July 22, 2021
The iSpeaker
The iSpeaker Keeps you hanging in suspense. All the characters feel like they are members of your family. I can not wait to read the next book in the series!
The iSpeaker Keeps you hanging in suspense. All the characters feel like they are members of your family. I can not wait to read the next book in the series!
August 11, 2022
Twisted Plot
Trust in our representatives is a precarious thing! It makes one think about what is happening today in Congress. This twisted plot thriller is a just read!
Trust in our representatives is a precarious thing! It makes one think about what is happening today in Congress. This twisted plot thriller is a just read!
September 21, 2022
Suspenseful, isn’t just a word. This is a lead to more excitement.
For me, book 3, THE ISpeaker has been the best thus far. Great reading, lots of twists, turns and holes to fill.
For me, book 3, THE ISpeaker has been the best thus far. Great reading, lots of twists, turns and holes to fill.
May 20, 2023
What we have here is a mountain range of cliff hangers!
When the icandidates become the iCongressmen, a whole other bunch of hurdles pop up in front of Michael and Cisco!
When the icandidates become the iCongressmen, a whole other bunch of hurdles pop up in front of Michael and Cisco!
April 18, 2024
A good read
Carlson writes an excellent book about the workings of politics! I love this series but book 3 dragged on too long!
Carlson writes an excellent book about the workings of politics! I love this series but book 3 dragged on too long!
September 22, 2014
As good as the first in the series and better than the second. Glad to see the author is back on his game. Well written, tightly paced, food for thought. Looking forward to book four when it comes out.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews