From New York Times bestselling author, former Secretary of Defense, and US Senator William S. Cohen, the political, apocalyptic thriller Final Strike dramatizes one of the most terrifying global security nightmares: an asteroid hurtling towards Earth.
Sixty million years ago, the K-T Asteroid obliterated the dinosaurs, and now its apocalyptic twin is rocketing toward the US on a similar mission of extermination. Russian President Boris Lebed, the charismatic successor to Vladimir Putin, wants to turn that asteroid into a superweapon to use against the US and is holding Hamilton hostage in Moscow until Hamilton agrees to help. Former Senator and National Security Advisor Sean Falcone leads a dangerous off-the-books operation to bring Hamilton home and derail Lebed's disastrous plan.
But will Falcone succeed in time?
The asteroid is hurtling toward earth. If it is not deflected, humanity will go the way of dinosaurs, and the entire planet will burn. Only one strategy has a chance of stopping humanity's extinction--only one. There is no Plan B.
William Sebastian Cohen, a Republican, served as both a member of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, and as Secretary of Defense (1997–2001) under Democratic President Bill Clinton.
Lots of political and intelligence agency stuff (e.g. reorganization after 9/11).
Much of the book was taken up by preparations to snatch a U.S. billionaire from Russia who has potential control of an asteroid which could be redirected to hit Earth.
Lots of what-ifs and spy jitters along with some legal and science stuff. There was more explication than action which got tedious. However, it was realistic as to people's reactions.
Everyone likes a good apocalyptic story story and this appears to fit the bill. Early on we know that the earth is threatened by an asteroid which could devastate everything if it hits. The book however concentrates on the politics for too long before getting to the business of saving the earth. That out of the way, the author builds a good picture of the horrors that could happen should Falcones team fail in their mission to get key information out of Moscow. Normally I would have rated higher but you have to be patient which I am not.
With due respect to Secretary Cohen, Final Strike is a slow developing story that I had difficulty maintaining interest. The idea of using an asteroid for mineral mining and then utilizing the technology to save the Earth from imminent destruction from another asteroid is a good one. Mr. Cohen does not write with an aggressive style nor does he give his characters believable build-up.