As usual with anything that Tom Clancy writes I am astounded at his breadth of knowledge of world affairs, the political no-how of nations including his homeland of USA. Once again he weaves this knowledge into a gripping tale of espionage, terrorism, fighting to do what is right against all odds. From the first Ryan novel Red October I have followed the efforts of Jack Ryan as an inteligence officer and historian, university lecturer and great thinker. This massive tome has kept me gripped to my seat as I want to know where Clancy will take Ryan and me next. Believe it or not, I have learnt much about the American President and his role for that nation. I am not finished yet of course, but already have given it a five star rating. And now its finished the five star rating remains. Clancy is a gifted story-teller and a great writer. He weaves his various characters together in time and space so I know exactly who is up to what, and eagerly read on to see what happens next. Take the Mountain Men for example. Raring to go to do a serious mischief in Washington with a souped-up concrete mixture that's almost a time-bomb, and the person they were aiming for, the President, suddenly closes all movements between states because of an horrific infectious disease spreading across America and leaves them stranded. As their 'bomb' had a mixer full of manure, things got a bit smelly of course...great yarn. so know I am going to read Reflections of a Scientist by Henry Eyring. Something completely different