Term Limits

I really enjoyed this book, and I have to admit, I wish something like this would happen in real life, as I'm also sick of the BS our politicians are putting us through. This is a book that has you cheering for the antagonists (at least, some of them)

My only issue is the ending, I just wish the ending was more satisfying, given the tone of the rest of the book. It wasn't a horrible ending - truly bad people got what they deserved, but I do wish that the goals of the renegade group had been accomplished more. 4.5/5 stars

It wasn't long before I developed a visceral hatred for this book. If I put its politics aside, at best this is yet another silly, not very well written thriller. With the politics...

In one night, United States Senator Daniel Fitzgerald, Senator Robert Down and powerful congressional leader Jack Koslowski are assassinated. From the description of each, it's clear the first is supposed to represent Senator Edward Kennedy (or maybe Daniel Moynihan) the second Robert Dole, and the third Dan Rostenkowski. (The book was published in 1997) The next day the demands of the assassins are delivered to a major television network. Among the demands are a balanced budget with no new or raised taxes and means-testing of medicare and social security. show more In other words, the Tea Party Agenda--which by the way I'm actually sympathetic to. (Quaint, and scary, that the horror scenario of the book is a national debt of a mere 5 trillion.) If their demands are not met, more will be killed and they promise not even the (very Clintonesque) president will be safe. Apparently neither this group nor Flynn sees any irony that another demand is a new crime bill.

So, what's the reaction of our "hero" ex-marine and Freshman Congressman Michael O'Rourke? He considers the murdered men "scum" and calls those that slew them "freedom fighters." I kid you not. Flynn lost me right there. Do I really have to spell it out? Because I could rant for pages. Look, I'm right of center and have been known to enjoy Tom Clancy novels. Flynn according to the wiki was inspired to write the book by The Government Racket: Washington Waste from A to Z, by Martin L. Gross. I'm sympathetic to the cause--really am. But my goodness. I can't enjoy this or take this seriously. show less

Great action, suspense with political intrigue. The major politicos were narcissistic and self-aggrandizing -- all believed their own view of the world to be correct. Yep, just like the real world! This scenario; however, is chilling--three politicians murdered and the rest held ransom to the budget. The budget? You gotta be ralphin' me. This whole story revolves around pork. Really? Could our leadership really be held hostage? It was a fun read/listen and I think that I'll try some more Vince Flynn.

I very much enjoyed Nick Sullivan's reading of the unabridged audio of this book. The Library Journal review makes me wonder if the reviewer did more than a cursory glance at the book. No need to summarize the story here. I found all the characters, from the so-called Marine and Seal heroes who took the law in their own hands to the NSA Director and president's Chief of Staff to be narcissistic and self-aggrandizing individuals who all believed their own view of the world to be the correct one. The great irony that was pounded into the reader - either intentionally or otherwise -- is that all the events started because both Olson - the good Senator who spills the beans to O'Rourke- and Fitzgerald the corrupt Senator -- who accidently show more reveals far less than Olson -- can't keep their mouths shut. Coleman, O'Rourke, et al are portrayed as these honest, good guys who can keep a secret, yet they spill the beans at the first opportunity. O'Rourke tells his girl friend -an investigative reporter, for heaven's sake, after swearing to his grandftather and close friend he won't tell a sole that they are the ones behind the assassinations. What this book showed me - either intentionally or otherwise -- that everyone is corrupt in his own way. Very enjoyable listen, even so. show less

I'm not sure what disturbs me more - the reckless and dangerous plot or how poorly written this book is.

To summarize, Flynn argues that the people in a democracy have the right to assasinate their leaders when their political values are being ignored. Is this guy for real? Democracy is about the will of the majority - if the majority vote in a set of politicians, the rest must accept the outcome and work to elect representatives who share their views. A novel about political killings is fine ... but not a book that argues that murder is justified (as this one does).

As for the book itself, it is very poorly written. Character development is non-existent, the dialogue is so bad it's funny and the pacing can't hold a candle to Clancy or show more Grisham. show less

A perfect political thriller game played by Vince Flynn... Although the plot was open by the early half, it had surprises till the end... Killing and abduction plans and the way the author carried it were absolutely brilliant as it made me think as I am seeing them live. He has managed to give readers a no-nonsense imaginary and credibility to all the characters involved.

It may be hard to understand why someone would want to kill to prevent Congress from arguing over the budget deficit, but the current wrangling over health care legislation in Congress right now makes it is easier to imagine Vince Flynn's over-the-top debut coming to life. The unbelievable elements of the story are also overshadowed by the fascinating and realistic detail of what White house meetings must be like, and the creative techniques of the terrorists. This novel may not have been accepted for publication at first because it lacks a true hero/protagonist (No Mitch Rapp here). But the publisher did not realize that with such a compelling high concept story and villains everyone loves to hate, especially Stu Garreet, it doesn't show more need a hero. It keeps the reader at the edge of his seat, waiting for the inevitable comeuppance; a guilty pleasure. show less