What do you think?
Rate this book
2016
Christian Roberts has a plan. Excel in his job as a phone clerk at the Chicago Board of Trade. Climb the ladder to pit broker. Take his place next to the moneyed and powerful. Then someone tries to kill him, and he realizes his job might not be as pedestrian as he thought. As he investigates the circumstances surrounding the attempt on his life, it becomes obvious that his unwitting connection to a trading scheme has made him a target. Desperate to get his life back, Christian enlists the help of Strong and Associates, a shadow group with ties to more than one government intelligence agency. Together they work to unravel the mysterious people behind the illegal trade and to neutralize the threat against Christian’s life. But when their investigation leads them to some of the world’s most powerful bankers and politicians, they discover the threat is greater than they first believed. Now they must battle a secret alliance determined to execute a terrorist attack that will rock the world — and hand them far-reaching control of the White House and beyond. “Points for its shock value...a guilty pleasure.” — Kirkus Reviews “Smartly plotted, suspenseful story…high-concept political intrigue...addictive story that is fun to read. A thriller you can't put down.” — Book Journal “A truly captivating thriller...” — Suspense Reader “An exciting new storyteller for readers of Lee Child, Trevor Scott, and Vince Flynn.” — Thriller Aficionado
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2015
63 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 14, 2018
Hit piece on the Clintons and Obama.
March 20, 2016
Political suspense
This book could have been four or five stars. Begins with the attempted murder, kept asking myself how did they know about him? He ends up in the shady side of of the town in a taxi, driver is seventy years old African-American, his son heads a shadow group called Strong and Associates. They are going to help him why his boss was murdered and why they were after him. From there many twists and turns, and his girlfriend/fiance is always with him. Influence peddling, foreign governments buying and assisting in obtaining or retaining business and politicians. So many conspiracy in this book, many talking heads will love to talk about them, like they are real.
This book could have been four or five stars. Begins with the attempted murder, kept asking myself how did they know about him? He ends up in the shady side of of the town in a taxi, driver is seventy years old African-American, his son heads a shadow group called Strong and Associates. They are going to help him why his boss was murdered and why they were after him. From there many twists and turns, and his girlfriend/fiance is always with him. Influence peddling, foreign governments buying and assisting in obtaining or retaining business and politicians. So many conspiracy in this book, many talking heads will love to talk about them, like they are real.
March 20, 2016
TerePure propaganda
Started out with an interesting plot but soon degenerated into pure propaganda with so much political bias it was really hard to wade thru. Too bad, I think the characters were just starting to look interesting when the politics took over
Started out with an interesting plot but soon degenerated into pure propaganda with so much political bias it was really hard to wade thru. Too bad, I think the characters were just starting to look interesting when the politics took over
April 12, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book BUT I had to imagine that I was a Republican viewing the world as the GOP wished it were. Pure thinly disguised propaganda.
September 3, 2016
Great Read but a David Brock Replacement
James Force. Somehow his last name seems to fit his reason for writing this book.
Mr. Force, what were you thinking??? Rather than write the great American novel, you chose to meddle and force your own political attitudes on those who were willing to pay the bucks to read your first novel. Its sad. Sad for you. Rather than use your obvious research and writing skills for something that could have made your future brighter, you became the evil 'Dr Gaulle' character from your own book.
It's too bad you chose to waste this publishing opportunity to write a good yarn, and instead, let the right-wingers use your skill as a propaganda tool for the upcoming election. They don't care about you; they're just using you like they do everyone to get what 'they' want. Talk to David Brock about what happens when getting sucked into being the right-wing machine's stool pigeon.
How could you stoop so low while at the same time show your naïveté to how you're being used? You chose to describe in the most devastating and destructive imagery your characters by being lazy and using circumstances and innuendo of current living people.
What happened to true creative writing? What happened to class and decency in writing? If you wanted to write a documentary, then you should have done that. Of course, the problem with that plan is that everything has to be based on FACT...which requires an honest search for the 'real' truth.
But to write a fiction while using descriptions of real people living now...people for whom more than half the population have deep respect, and then add destructive imaginings that so disgrace these very public people and their CHILDREN!! Your desire to manipulate this election is so overpowering that you don't even care about the impact your awful suggestions will have on their kids??
I was so shocked that you would describe current, well-known public figures in such despicable manner Now your book, your work (or...was the writing actually the work of well-paid right-wingers with vast resources of money?), is nothing but manipulative propaganda in its lowest form.
You have skill, Mr. Force, but you wasted this golden opportunity to publish something truly great,—something hundreds of thousands of hopeful writers pray they can accomplish someday—that could have actually reached vast more readers and left them profoundly enlightened. You could have written something with a hopeful outlook that could appeal to more people rather than just the uneducated, white men angry about their CHOSEN lot in life by blaming it on external people and events. Instead, you chose to be the David Brock replacement for the far right political machine.
How low you stooped to turn a good story into an obvious effort to impact the current election. And even then, you still could have written this story, set in a time far in the future, using unknown characters whose personalities you could have fleshed out using real creativity, and your storyline would have been great! The detailed descriptions of the mission , the wealth of knowledge about the equipment used by SEALs, the interrogation techniques of an agent, the stock brokering processes, sooo much fine detail,... and then you completely distracted your readers by resorting to shock tactics by embarrassing and shaming truly decent people we all know, just to rile those 'poor', white bubba boy voters.
I was so shocked that you would describe current, well-known public figures to use as the basis for your story. Now your book, your work (or.....was the writing actually the work of well-paid right-wingers with vast resources of money?), is nothing but manipulative propaganda trash.
James Force. Somehow his last name seems to fit his reason for writing this book.
Mr. Force, what were you thinking??? Rather than write the great American novel, you chose to meddle and force your own political attitudes on those who were willing to pay the bucks to read your first novel. Its sad. Sad for you. Rather than use your obvious research and writing skills for something that could have made your future brighter, you became the evil 'Dr Gaulle' character from your own book.
It's too bad you chose to waste this publishing opportunity to write a good yarn, and instead, let the right-wingers use your skill as a propaganda tool for the upcoming election. They don't care about you; they're just using you like they do everyone to get what 'they' want. Talk to David Brock about what happens when getting sucked into being the right-wing machine's stool pigeon.
How could you stoop so low while at the same time show your naïveté to how you're being used? You chose to describe in the most devastating and destructive imagery your characters by being lazy and using circumstances and innuendo of current living people.
What happened to true creative writing? What happened to class and decency in writing? If you wanted to write a documentary, then you should have done that. Of course, the problem with that plan is that everything has to be based on FACT...which requires an honest search for the 'real' truth.
But to write a fiction while using descriptions of real people living now...people for whom more than half the population have deep respect, and then add destructive imaginings that so disgrace these very public people and their CHILDREN!! Your desire to manipulate this election is so overpowering that you don't even care about the impact your awful suggestions will have on their kids??
I was so shocked that you would describe current, well-known public figures in such despicable manner Now your book, your work (or...was the writing actually the work of well-paid right-wingers with vast resources of money?), is nothing but manipulative propaganda in its lowest form.
You have skill, Mr. Force, but you wasted this golden opportunity to publish something truly great,—something hundreds of thousands of hopeful writers pray they can accomplish someday—that could have actually reached vast more readers and left them profoundly enlightened. You could have written something with a hopeful outlook that could appeal to more people rather than just the uneducated, white men angry about their CHOSEN lot in life by blaming it on external people and events. Instead, you chose to be the David Brock replacement for the far right political machine.
How low you stooped to turn a good story into an obvious effort to impact the current election. And even then, you still could have written this story, set in a time far in the future, using unknown characters whose personalities you could have fleshed out using real creativity, and your storyline would have been great! The detailed descriptions of the mission , the wealth of knowledge about the equipment used by SEALs, the interrogation techniques of an agent, the stock brokering processes, sooo much fine detail,... and then you completely distracted your readers by resorting to shock tactics by embarrassing and shaming truly decent people we all know, just to rile those 'poor', white bubba boy voters.
I was so shocked that you would describe current, well-known public figures to use as the basis for your story. Now your book, your work (or.....was the writing actually the work of well-paid right-wingers with vast resources of money?), is nothing but manipulative propaganda trash.
April 7, 2016
Just finished this exciting and very current political thriller. My book group meets next week to discuss this book and I know we'll have an interesting discussion. I read this book with fervor and urgency...keeping up with the fast paced characters. The main character, Christian Roberts, a modestly paid phone clerk for a lucrative commodities trading firm...is being set-up for the murder of his boss. He is on the run after being nearly assassinated himself.
Christian happens to meet a special operations team that claim they can help him. The way he is introduced to this team is a bit hard to believe (his cab driver's son)...but I'll forgive that..as the story unfolds very well.
I enjoyed matching up the cast of characters/politicians with their real-life counterparts. It made me smile to see a republican politician (Ohio Senator Jack Thompson) cast as an innocent good guy (FINALLY!!!). The way he was set-up for the rape/murder of an innocent hotel maid was deviously clever! The cast of corrupt politicians from Illinois mirrors reality. The current President happens to be a former junior Senator from Illinois (sounds familiar?)...who sky rockets to political fame...based on....umm...nothing !! The female Secretary of State (who is the democratic front runner and hates the President because he stole the Presidency from her in 2008)... Yes...just talking about the book still....not current affairs.
Christian Roberts and the special ops team travel to France and the Middle East in search of evidence to exonerate him. Along the way they uncover an even bigger plot that would destroy the USA and bring catastrophic events around the world.
The details are delicious...the flow of events are seamless and satisfying. I appreciated the details which were research very well. The author's stint as a stock trader at the Chicago Board of Trade no doubt provided a rich background for this novel. When Christian describes a certain Commodities broker he calls "Iceman"...he recalls a time this "Iceman" let his assistant choose a $30,000 holiday bonus or take a chance and take whatever he makes (or loses) that day. The assistance took a risk and ended up with a $350,00 bonus. I wondered if that was a real story....I hope it was.
Christian happens to meet a special operations team that claim they can help him. The way he is introduced to this team is a bit hard to believe (his cab driver's son)...but I'll forgive that..as the story unfolds very well.
I enjoyed matching up the cast of characters/politicians with their real-life counterparts. It made me smile to see a republican politician (Ohio Senator Jack Thompson) cast as an innocent good guy (FINALLY!!!). The way he was set-up for the rape/murder of an innocent hotel maid was deviously clever! The cast of corrupt politicians from Illinois mirrors reality. The current President happens to be a former junior Senator from Illinois (sounds familiar?)...who sky rockets to political fame...based on....umm...nothing !! The female Secretary of State (who is the democratic front runner and hates the President because he stole the Presidency from her in 2008)... Yes...just talking about the book still....not current affairs.
Christian Roberts and the special ops team travel to France and the Middle East in search of evidence to exonerate him. Along the way they uncover an even bigger plot that would destroy the USA and bring catastrophic events around the world.
The details are delicious...the flow of events are seamless and satisfying. I appreciated the details which were research very well. The author's stint as a stock trader at the Chicago Board of Trade no doubt provided a rich background for this novel. When Christian describes a certain Commodities broker he calls "Iceman"...he recalls a time this "Iceman" let his assistant choose a $30,000 holiday bonus or take a chance and take whatever he makes (or loses) that day. The assistance took a risk and ended up with a $350,00 bonus. I wondered if that was a real story....I hope it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2016
Ridiculously implausible plot. Mean spirited smear campaign against fictional political characters clearly (and very closely) patterned after President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and others currently associated with the Democratic party. I'm a conservative Republican, but I still think James Force used what was supposed to be an escapist thriller novel as a bully platform against the left in a way that is unfair and over the top. In addition, he threw in just about every possible conspiracy theory (all portrayed as true in the book, of course). I finished the book since it had just enough suspense elements to keep me going (barely), but I was groaning and cringing the whole way and I won't be reading any more of his books.
April 1, 2016
Terrific reading.
While a few editing errors were annoying, I found this book fascinating. It kept getting better and better the further I got into it. Thinly veiled characters could easily bring forth images of Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton and even a brief reference to a Bernie Madoff like character. Great story. I spent much more time reading it than I should have, and am sorry it is over so soon. The part about the Secretary of state's character traits, sounds so much like Clinton's. I guess you can tell that I'm no fan of hers. Anyway, I loved this book.
While a few editing errors were annoying, I found this book fascinating. It kept getting better and better the further I got into it. Thinly veiled characters could easily bring forth images of Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton and even a brief reference to a Bernie Madoff like character. Great story. I spent much more time reading it than I should have, and am sorry it is over so soon. The part about the Secretary of state's character traits, sounds so much like Clinton's. I guess you can tell that I'm no fan of hers. Anyway, I loved this book.
July 6, 2016
My rating's sorta a 3.75+, but a tad closer to 4, so I'll be kind and up it to a 4. This is a fascinating what-if story using thinly disguised names and descriptions to hide current U.S. politicians ... almost too believable, particularly with certain information being released almost on a daily basis concerning the presidential campaign. Could it happen? Depends if you side with the GOP or the Democrats. But I caution that this is a NOVEL ... fiction in all its gory glory!! Read it and decide for yourself ...
April 8, 2016
Really enjoyed this book from an author I had not read before. This is a fictional account combining political maneuvering, financial intrigue, terrorism, all carried out by characters that seem too real. The target characters seem not all that fictional. While the names are altered, the representations are real world and substantiate my feelings about those running for office today. Why DO I feel Hillary is the female equivalent of Richard Nixon?
April 19, 2016
Politically Contrived
Could be a good story, but Mr. Force obviously let's his political leanings sway a contrived plot based on a Tea Party
World View. Thinly veiled swipes at a conniving Secretary of State who will stop at nothing - including orchestrating murder - to become President; after being beaten by, and then controlling the first black man to be elected to that office are a bit much.
Could be a good story, but Mr. Force obviously let's his political leanings sway a contrived plot based on a Tea Party
World View. Thinly veiled swipes at a conniving Secretary of State who will stop at nothing - including orchestrating murder - to become President; after being beaten by, and then controlling the first black man to be elected to that office are a bit much.
Read
April 23, 2016I think this was the most blasphemous book I have ever read. The author should be arrested for his blatant description of our current president and the former Secretary of State. Although no names were mentioned, it was obvious to whom he was referring. It was also a trite, badly written book with a silly plot. The author obviously has no respect for the office of the President or any other person in power - if they are democrat!!
March 1, 2016
Fiction......... Or is it?
Riveting story from the start. I found it hard to put down and vert, very interesting. An upstart politician no one has heard of becomes the first African-American POTUS. Vetoes the Keystone pipeline, appoints his female adversity as Secretary of State. Does anything sound familiar?
Riveting story from the start. I found it hard to put down and vert, very interesting. An upstart politician no one has heard of becomes the first African-American POTUS. Vetoes the Keystone pipeline, appoints his female adversity as Secretary of State. Does anything sound familiar?
September 9, 2016
Oh my!!!!! This box set is scary not in the,oooo monsters kinda of scary, but in the oooh human kinda way.I loved all of the books as I completed one, I thought oh my that was a good book, the next one won't be able to compare. But as I read through the next, oh my they are all great. Great storylines, great plots, great characters, this is indeed a super set. I loved it, (them).
April 3, 2016
Hard driving, political drama
At times this was difficult to read due to excessive details,but in the end somewhat fascinating. This type of story is not my particular cup of tea,but for those who enjoy action ,adventure and conspiracy, it just might be. A word of caution this is a thinly veiled indictment of the current politicians in government today
At times this was difficult to read due to excessive details,but in the end somewhat fascinating. This type of story is not my particular cup of tea,but for those who enjoy action ,adventure and conspiracy, it just might be. A word of caution this is a thinly veiled indictment of the current politicians in government today
April 19, 2016
A Very Pleasant Surprise
I gave 2016 five stars because it blew my mind. After starting it, I couldn't put it down. He takes a right turn, when you think you know where he is going, that's all I will say on that. I would HIGHLY recommend you read this book. I will also say, I hope James live
S long enough to write an other - no "accidental" deaths allowed.
Al Lachner
Reno, NV
I gave 2016 five stars because it blew my mind. After starting it, I couldn't put it down. He takes a right turn, when you think you know where he is going, that's all I will say on that. I would HIGHLY recommend you read this book. I will also say, I hope James live
S long enough to write an other - no "accidental" deaths allowed.
Al Lachner
Reno, NV
April 9, 2016
Hits very close to home!
Hits very close to home! Mr. Force takes personalities and headlines and current or recent events and puts a fictional spin on them. Suspenseful action, interesting character development, clean language and positive outlook all made this a great read. Bravo, Mr. Force! Job well done!
Hits very close to home! Mr. Force takes personalities and headlines and current or recent events and puts a fictional spin on them. Suspenseful action, interesting character development, clean language and positive outlook all made this a great read. Bravo, Mr. Force! Job well done!
April 12, 2016
Poorly written diatribe against Democrats in general and the President and former Secretary of State. Full of hate. Sorry I read it.
Stay away. Unless of course you believe that politics have become corrupt beyond belief. The author dedicates the book to freedom of speech. This does not mean he has free rain to slander
Stay away. Unless of course you believe that politics have become corrupt beyond belief. The author dedicates the book to freedom of speech. This does not mean he has free rain to slander
April 21, 2016
I enjoyed the story but the thinly veiled real life characters got in the way. Too often required a reminder to self, "This is fiction." I think the story could have been told without this plot device. I also felt the main character was annoying at times. Not so much in the action scenes but in the first person telling. This had the makings of a really fun adventure story.
May 11, 2016
Such political bias!!
This author should be sued for defamation of character. I mean a 12year old could figure out who he is really slagging. Shameful how some people can't keep their political bias to themselves. This could have been a decent book. And by the way good luck with your predicted next president. Can you say Madam President, better start practicing.
This author should be sued for defamation of character. I mean a 12year old could figure out who he is really slagging. Shameful how some people can't keep their political bias to themselves. This could have been a decent book. And by the way good luck with your predicted next president. Can you say Madam President, better start practicing.
June 15, 2016
As Real as today's news!
2016 is a very interesting book with thinly disguised characterizations of figures in the news everyday. You'll recognize many of the characters as you rad this thrilling novel.
You'll also never look at the news the same way. Although a work of fiction, many items in this book have a ring of truth.
I encourage toy to read "2016".
2016 is a very interesting book with thinly disguised characterizations of figures in the news everyday. You'll recognize many of the characters as you rad this thrilling novel.
You'll also never look at the news the same way. Although a work of fiction, many items in this book have a ring of truth.
I encourage toy to read "2016".
June 30, 2016
Action Packed
James Force is a new author for me and 2016 is the first-ever. Of his books that I've read but it won't be the last. Had a hard time putting it down to sleep. Action, espionage, romance, stocks and bond trading and excitement galore. I would recommend it to my friends and family.
James Force is a new author for me and 2016 is the first-ever. Of his books that I've read but it won't be the last. Had a hard time putting it down to sleep. Action, espionage, romance, stocks and bond trading and excitement galore. I would recommend it to my friends and family.
February 16, 2016
Amazing read... Captivating story, of which most is factual
This is indeed a page turner. It reads as a true account of some very high placed political players in today's government. I highly recommend this book to all....
This is indeed a page turner. It reads as a true account of some very high placed political players in today's government. I highly recommend this book to all....
March 13, 2016
2016
This book was forgettable to the point that I've already forgotten the main character's name. Secondary characters were thinly-veiled copies of current political personalities and the premise of the story was completely unbelievable.
This book was forgettable to the point that I've already forgotten the main character's name. Secondary characters were thinly-veiled copies of current political personalities and the premise of the story was completely unbelievable.
March 12, 2016
Timely references
I like stories that use contemporary references. The author's use of "real" people made this novel entertaining while keeping the reader engaged by alluding to current affairs in the news. Kinda scary, though, since these activities are likely really true.
I like stories that use contemporary references. The author's use of "real" people made this novel entertaining while keeping the reader engaged by alluding to current affairs in the news. Kinda scary, though, since these activities are likely really true.
April 7, 2016
Supersluth
Get shot at escape, discover a murder, get shot at, escape, get shot at, escape and then randomly hoop up with a powerful organization who will take on your case for fee. Yeah!
Get shot at escape, discover a murder, get shot at, escape, get shot at, escape and then randomly hoop up with a powerful organization who will take on your case for fee. Yeah!
March 27, 2016
Kept me up at night
Couldn't put the book down. Got a little too much information explaining the complicated world of trading, which slowed the book down in places. Otherwise this is a seriously nonstop story with a great ending
Couldn't put the book down. Got a little too much information explaining the complicated world of trading, which slowed the book down in places. Otherwise this is a seriously nonstop story with a great ending
March 28, 2016
A timely read
I loved the book, it the answer to all of the conspiracy theories out there. A blackmailed president, with a corrupt Secretary of State, what else could you ask for in today's political climate.
I loved the book, it the answer to all of the conspiracy theories out there. A blackmailed president, with a corrupt Secretary of State, what else could you ask for in today's political climate.
March 29, 2016
A book I couldn't put down.
A fast read. As you are reading you are relating it to what is happening in our country today. The possibility of this happening today is brought to light by this writer.
Will definitely read more books by this writer when they become available.
A fast read. As you are reading you are relating it to what is happening in our country today. The possibility of this happening today is brought to light by this writer.
Will definitely read more books by this writer when they become available.
March 30, 2016
WTH!!!
This book was written to bash President Obama, Vice-president Biden, Hilary Clinton and democrats period. Next time, just write a book and call it I Really Hate Obama. Don't waste your time intertwining that truth with a sorry plot detailing your dream life.
This book was written to bash President Obama, Vice-president Biden, Hilary Clinton and democrats period. Next time, just write a book and call it I Really Hate Obama. Don't waste your time intertwining that truth with a sorry plot detailing your dream life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews