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Balance of Power
An epic story that moves with force, passion, and authority, Balance of Power begins when President Kerry Kilcannon and television journalist Lara Costello at last decide to marry. But the momentous occasion is followed by an unspeakable tragedy—a massacre of innocents by gunfire—that ignites a high-stakes game of politics and legal maneuvering in the Senate, the courtroom...more
Audio CD, 0 pages
Published
January 2nd 2007
by RH Audio
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Kerry Kilcannon, President of the United States is the quintessential fictional image of a Kennedy like president—had he of course, come from a poor background with an Irish American cop for a father that beat his mother with some regularity. Kilcannon is, however, handsome, extremely intelligent, politically astute and unshakable in the pursuit of his ideals. Although divorced he pursues and marries a beautiful Hispanic TV reporter and then is immediately confronted with a family tragedy as h...more
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Balance of Power is a large novel length tirade about gun policy in America. First off I guess it’s important to say that if you like gun ownership and have strong views about freedom and guns in America than you probably won’t like this book.
The novel while being fictional is essentially a description of the political and legal process that would likely need to occur to increase gun control in the United States.
In saying that the characters are OK, many of ...more
The novel while being fictional is essentially a description of the political and legal process that would likely need to occur to increase gun control in the United States.
In saying that the characters are OK, many of ...more
Although a novel this is a powerful portrait of the gun lobby, the world of special interests, and politics. When the president tries to put forth gun controls he is unsuccessful until a tragedy in his family forces a legal decision about responsibility. Close to the truth.. note latest Supreme Court decision.
Once again Patterson takes on a current issue and makes one evaluate their own stand. This time it is the gun lobby and the second amendment. What exactly was meant by the "right to bear arms' and how does that fit in with 200 years of technologic growth.
Why didn't Clinton tackle the gun lobby - or indeed any US President before (or since?) with an ounce of sense?
This book makes the reason crystal clear with its exploration of power and politics in America. The premise is clever: a President who has suffered from the actions of crazy killers with access to lethal weapons. Surely he, popular as he is, can at least limit the excesses of the gun toting brigade? Patterson shows why things are not as simple as they may appear - and does ...more
This book makes the reason crystal clear with its exploration of power and politics in America. The premise is clever: a President who has suffered from the actions of crazy killers with access to lethal weapons. Surely he, popular as he is, can at least limit the excesses of the gun toting brigade? Patterson shows why things are not as simple as they may appear - and does ...more
I liked this one. The treatment of gun control made sense to me and I wish we could get a president willing to tackle it. But besides that portion of the content of the novel, which I liked a lot - this is a good novel, full of political intrique that is a combination of fascinating and appalling. The internal maneuvering, trading favors, threats and even downright blackmail is pretty scary and it seems very realistically portrayed to me. the book bogs down a bit in the middle with the dep...more
This is Patterson's third novel involving Kerry Kilcannon, who is now president of the US.The four page list of characters is useful in keeping the entire cast straight! The issue is gun control and (to me) takes on all the sides of this issue, but mostly the power of the gun lobby. It is a good lesson in how the government runs, how bills are passed and how political influence is bought/sold/bartered. This is a long book and despite a number of weakly drawn characters and situations, it was a f...more
Richard North Patterson is the Edgar award-winning author of multiple best-selling novels. He could be called the thinking man’s John Grisham.
Our hero, Kerry Kilcannon is a familiar character. He won the Democratic Party's nomination for president in "No Safe Place". He found himself at the centre of a debate on late-term abortion in the follow-up, "Protect and Defend."
In "Balance of Power", he marries his fiancée, Lara Costello – a first for the White House. More ...more
Our hero, Kerry Kilcannon is a familiar character. He won the Democratic Party's nomination for president in "No Safe Place". He found himself at the centre of a debate on late-term abortion in the follow-up, "Protect and Defend."
In "Balance of Power", he marries his fiancée, Lara Costello – a first for the White House. More ...more
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who likes political fiction but won't be offended by pro gun control viewpoints
Shelves:
politicalthriller
There are spoilers for previous books in this review.
If you get past the book written from the point of view of someone who wants to staunchly control guns (assuming you are pro guns if you are pro gun control then you'll be saying preach it brother or something to that effect), it is a pretty good book. If you are a card carrying member of the NRA or a staunch Libertarian, you won't like this book.
That all being said, this book concludes the Kerry Kilcannon trilogy. Ke...more
If you get past the book written from the point of view of someone who wants to staunchly control guns (assuming you are pro guns if you are pro gun control then you'll be saying preach it brother or something to that effect), it is a pretty good book. If you are a card carrying member of the NRA or a staunch Libertarian, you won't like this book.
That all being said, this book concludes the Kerry Kilcannon trilogy. Ke...more
Same character, but now he's President. Again, a cast of thousands to keep track of... there's even a list at the front of the book, which is never a good sign! A bit contrived for the major plot line (how many tragedies can one family have?), but fascinating portrayal of power politics, special interest groups, and the judicial system. After all of the long drawn out drama of the book, the ending felt a bit abrupt. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Absolutely awesome. This was a novel my brother had been assigned to read for a school project, so I decided to give it a shot. I immediately found myself sympathetic with Kilcannon. Patterson's interplay between law, politics, and personal relationships was gripping and real. Overall, the initially dense prose gave way to an easy to read story I could not put down.
The problem I have with this author's books is that I can't put them down - I feel lucky when I have another one waiting for me to read - however this is the last of the series with these characters - I am sad that the saga won't continue...
This one is about gun reform which I feel is totally necessary in this country and again the workings of Congress or is it working? Certainly doubt that it works for us "we the people." It clearly shows the political games played and h...more
This one is about gun reform which I feel is totally necessary in this country and again the workings of Congress or is it working? Certainly doubt that it works for us "we the people." It clearly shows the political games played and h...more
A political novel which features the power of lobbyists in Washington, especially the gun supporters. Patterson does a nice job of the ins and outs of political maneuvering. I liked this one so much, I stepped back to the one that preceded it, No Safe Place.
President Kerry Kilcannon and his fiancee Lara Costello decided to marry. But their wedding is followed by a massacre of Lara's family. Kilcannon vows to eradicate gun violence and to crush the most powerful lobby in Washington-the SSA.
This is a good rad but the outcome is somewhat predictable by the time you get into it. I do like his writing and enjoy his books.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
An interesting read about just how ridiculously complex the battle over the 2nd Amendment is, and why nothing worthwhile ever gets done. I found it depressing, although a good yarn.
Patterson's novels often blur the line between fiction and reality, and with the election still fresh in my mind, I can't help but think this book is no exception. The story provides an interesting up-close look inside a presidency and amongst political power players, including the influence of lobbies, special interests and personal relationships. At over 600 pages, this is a long one, and while I was ready to be done by page 400, I don't think you could've done the story justice in fewer pages...more
I loved this series of the character Kerry Kilcannon and his political and personal life story woven together. Very well written and captivated me throughout the whole series.
Fabulous book about gun control and the emotional issues surrounding it. I read it long ago and don't remember too many details, but like his writing and this is one of the best.
Great read - really goes into detail of behind-the-scenes power plays in DC. He always incoporates top-notch research and insight into excellent story-telling.
Certainly raises the issue of gun control and gun rights. Books like this always remind me why I am amazed when anything gets done in Washington . . .
The last of the 3 'Kerry Kilcannon' books- takes on the goliath that is gun legislation and gets right into the wheeling and dealing of Congress. Loved it.
It was just OK for me.... I grew tired of the legeslative debate which grew larger than the storyline itself. Ehhhhhh?
Audiobook.............So-so story of a family's efforts to enact gun control laws. Not particularly engaging.
I really enjoyed this. I'm quite political so the setting really suited me. A definite recommendation!
ok. could have been about 200 pages shorter without diminishing the story. a lot of court procedural.
Not sure if I'll try another one of his books. Had read he was better than James Patterson but Balance of Power was boring and predictable.
good story, but slow and hard to get through
politics of gun violence
Terrific read!
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Richard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson served as the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and women’s rights. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha’s Vineyard.
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