Term Limits, by Vince Flynn

Several American politicians are assassinated, accompanied by demands that our government set aside partisan politics, balance the budget, fix Social Security and Medicare, and implement a national sales tax dedicated to reducing the national debt. Clearly a story of wish fulfillment, this is a fun page-turner that expresses opinions many of us hold true: that our government grow a backbone and actually solve some of the problems we face. “Commandos live by a warrior’s code, honor and integrity above everything. Do what you say and mean what you do. Politicians just say whatever will keep them in office.” Assassination is clearly an unacceptable way of bringing change, but the point the book makes is our politicians have given up on working for the people and need a jolt.

First Sentence:

The old wood cabin sat alone, surrounded by trees and darkness.

Transfer of Power, by Vince Flynn

Terrorists attack the White House in broad daylight, taking both control of the building and dozens of hostages. The President escapes to a fortified bunker, but is trapped there because there is only one exit and the terrorists have it secured. While the various counterterrorist groups leap into action preparing strike and rescue plans, the VP and his Chief of Staff delay proceedings hoping for a coup of sorts.

While not the most original plot, this is a fast-paced rollicking read that feels more like a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie than a novel. I found much of it very familiar and predictable, but about two-thirds of the way in I realized I’d read this several years ago (pre-blog) which explained a lot. At 549 pages it is a bit long, but in general the perfect book for an airplane trip or a rainy day.

First Sentence:

A fine mist fell from the darkening spring sky as the black limousine turned off of E Street.