Third Party: Volume II: Strange Bedfellows

Third Party #2

by Steven Nemerovski

Starting in the Middle , the first volume in the Third Party series, was originally published in 2010. Since that time, the level of dysfunction and polarization in the political system and government has intensified and the public’s desire for an effective, competitive third party is rapidly growing. Yet, nothing changes.

Volume II, Strange Bedfellows , examines the twisted thinking of modern day Democrats and Republicans that it is more important to get elected than it is to govern responsibly. Focusing on the evils of win-at-all-costs elections and the role decennial redistricting plays in protecting incumbency, the story sheds light on the legislative process and how policy goals take a back seat to political dynasties.

This political thriller is again cloaked in suspense revolving around the diabolical DNC Chairman, Eddie Cobb. As the E Party fights for its’ survival, in consort with Republican leaders and others, Cobb outdoes his hostility from Volume I by unleashing a series of relentless, subversive attacks in the spirit of America’s many unprincipled, cutthroat politicians.

388 pages, Hardcover

Published August 10, 2016

Reviews

[Kayti Raet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for readers favorite

Volume II, Strange Bedfellows, the second book in the Third Party series by Steven Nemerovski starts off soon after Starting in the Middle ends. Atlas and his team are high off their election win, but rather than taking the current political standpoint that it's more important to get elected than it is to responsibly govern, they are prepared to roll up their sleeves and prepare for the hard work ahead.
And yet, obstacles are put in their way at every turn, from partisan stonewalling, to fraud cases rearing their ugly heads. Proving that it may be easier to get to the top than it is to stay there.
As the E Party fights to survive in a climate that does not favor the ubderdog, Atlas and his team must work hard to ensure the gains they achieved for third parties across the US aren't defeated.

Much like the first book Starting in the Middle, Volume II, Strange Bedfellows by Steven Nemerovski is a clear cut thriller. It's plot arc gets straight to the point with very little fluff, making for a fast paced and engaging read.
This time around we learn a little more about the characters and what makes them tic, but again giving just enough to move the story along. The ensemble cast reads much like The Avengers -- if Marvel decided to delve into political thrillers.
Nemerovski manages to juggle the often difficult task of informing new readers while still entertaining the old and creates a solid well crafted story that his fans are sure to love.

[Wesley Britton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 2 of Steven Nemerovski’s Third Party series could have easily been titled “The Empires Strike Back.”

That’s because in the final sentences of Volume 1, Starting in the Middle, we learn E Party candidate Tom Robinson surprises everyone by unexpectedly winning the governor’s race in Illinois. In short order, both the Democrat and Republican parties launch campaigns to both challenge the win and resist the E Party’s legislative agenda. They begin legal challenges to force a recount of the votes in some 50 precincts and delight in the E Party’s early rookie mistakes, based on their collective political inexperience. While the election is being contested, the new governor has his hands tied in terms of offering high-level posts to skilled operators who wouldn’t know if Robinson will still be in power after the recount process goes through the courts.

At the same time, lobbyists, super-PACs, and unions are recruited to block Robinson’s education reform agenda claiming his program overreaches constitutional restrictions. Both major parties are more interested in redrawing voting districts based on new census numbers than proposing any useful legislation on any issue. The entrenched and ineffective bureaucracy is only interested in maintaining their positions and pensions. In short, business as usual as political self-interest trumps any progressive moves forward.

Like volume one, Strange Bedfellows presents us a large cast of power brokers in all three parties facing or creating the hurdles to block any accomplishments that could be credited to the E Party. But the story isn’t just a three party chess match, especially with the different agendas of Democrat State Speaker of the House David Kennedy and that of Eddie Cobb, the ruthless chair of the Democratic National Committee. Kennedy is willing to work with the Third Party, Cobb wants it discredited and wiped out before it spreads. To say much more would veer into the realm of spoilers, but I will note tainted ballots complicate the stew in a scandal called “Floodgate.”

This is a case where I urge potential readers to first experience Volume One to get an appreciation of the characters, motivations, and goals of all the participants. If you jump into round two without such preparation, understanding what the foundations of the E Party are will not be especially clear. Since the scope of the E Party in this volume is strictly on politics in Illinois, demonstrating how they could potentially play a significant role in national politics isn’t established in book two beyond showcasing the power plays of national parties fighting to retain the status quo at whatever cost. As with volume 1, the second book is another very believable and depressing reminder of what matters to our alleged leaders and that ain’t us.


This review first appeared at BookPleasures.com Sun. Dec. 4, 2016:
goo.gl/TM7sD2

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare for a second volume to be even better than the first, but THIRD PARTY Volume II is exceptional. As intelligent and well-written as volume I, this series could change American politics as we know it. Loved every minute!!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second part to Third Party continues the story and is as amazing as the first half. You can check out my review of the first one to get an idea of the book, but if you haven't already read the first book you should definitely start there!

[Jenna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up volume II right after finishing volume I. This series is shocking and thrilling, and all the more terrifying because it's based on the US political system. It's relevant to everything that's happening in politics today, and will make you think twice about the world we live in.

[Angelle Barbazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume of Third Party is just as intriguing as the first! Steven Nemerovski deftly brings readers deeper into the political realm, examining the world of Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between. He goes into incredible detail. Highly recommended for anyone interested in politics!

[Marissa DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Cards fans will enjoy this literary spin on the twisted game of politics. A thrilling follow up to Volume I that can be enjoyed on its own as well.