The first half of the book is rip-roaring military strategy. It's a great page turner of military adventure, clandestine plans, and pointed digs at ossified US strategy. Set in exotic locations around the world, a motley assortment of characters stride or bumble by turns through a world just like ours, without the certainty of US triumphalism we've come to depend on.

The second part of the book really was a very different novel. It slowly plodded through the actions and reactions of a dull mix of stereotypical politicians as they wheel, deal and deceive the American people, each finally getting their just comeuppance. The outcome at the end of the book was rather predictable and inevitable.

Ultimately the first half of the novel was thrilling. Read that, and don't worry about the congressional convention in the second half.

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If you think everything is going well for the United States, you should read this book. If you think the United States is going downhill, but don't quite know why, you should read this book. If you think you know why, but wonder about how things might turn out, read this book. Not polemic, the characters work as real people, not just ideological puppets. Even though I knew how it ended (Shorter version appeared in The Archdruid's Report about a year ago) I couldn't put it down. It could be classed as a political thriller, but that would give the wrong impression. ( )