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Sean Falcone #1
Blink of an Eye
From Book 1:
It is America's worst nightmare: A nuclear bomb destroys a major city. Thousands of Americans are dead and many more will die from radiation poisoning. Threats promising more attacks spread through the media. Panic has broken out in many cities. How could American intelligence have failed to detect a nuclear device? Who is responsible for the blast?
Sean Falcone, national security advisor, is tasked with identifying and tracking down the attackers. Powerful forces within the Capital point the finger at Iran. But appearances are always deceiving, and never more so than when millions of innocent people may die for a crime they did not commit. With the potential to incite the entire Muslim world against America and bring the world to the brink of Armageddon, Falcone discovers an astonishing secret hidden deep within the upper echelons of Washington's elite...but why should the President—or the American people—believe him?
Pulling from years of international affairs and defense planning experience, the former Secretary of Defense under Bill Clinton creates a sweeping, all-too-real political thriller.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published November 8, 2011
20 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
William S. Cohen
52 books18 followersWilliam Sebastian Cohen, a Republican, served as both a member of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, and as Secretary of Defense (1997–2001) under Democratic President Bill Clinton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 20, 2016
My curiosity was piqued when offered the chance to review a book by our former Secretary of Defense. After all, he’s one of the people close enough to know what would actually occur in those top-secret meetings and such if an event like the one in Blink of an Eye were to actually occur…
drey’s thoughts:
The action starts just about right away in Blink of an Eye, when an American warship is attacked – and suspicion falls on Iran. But are they really responsible?
Along the way to finding the answers lies a domestic group intent on bringing about Armageddon, an Israeli spy-turned-Ambassador, a lost nuke, and a city wiped off the map. And politics, of course. The President is running for re-election, and the opposition is chomping at the bit. All this stuff-blowing-up just fuels the bloodlust for retaliation. Out comes the rhetoric and the fear-mongering, out comes the all-or-nothing options for striking back. But at whom?
There are a lot of people involved in this story, and I couldn’t always remember who was whom. The overall plot is simple – somebody blew things up, and pointed the finger at the obvious perpetrator. Big flashing neon sign saying “they did it.” Captain Obvious, anyone? Which is what put me off, honestly. I want my thrillers to make me think more than this one did. Maybe I’m just fussy?
drey’s rating: Ok
drey’s thoughts:
The action starts just about right away in Blink of an Eye, when an American warship is attacked – and suspicion falls on Iran. But are they really responsible?
Along the way to finding the answers lies a domestic group intent on bringing about Armageddon, an Israeli spy-turned-Ambassador, a lost nuke, and a city wiped off the map. And politics, of course. The President is running for re-election, and the opposition is chomping at the bit. All this stuff-blowing-up just fuels the bloodlust for retaliation. Out comes the rhetoric and the fear-mongering, out comes the all-or-nothing options for striking back. But at whom?
There are a lot of people involved in this story, and I couldn’t always remember who was whom. The overall plot is simple – somebody blew things up, and pointed the finger at the obvious perpetrator. Big flashing neon sign saying “they did it.” Captain Obvious, anyone? Which is what put me off, honestly. I want my thrillers to make me think more than this one did. Maybe I’m just fussy?
drey’s rating: Ok
October 10, 2011
A promising premise that just misses. A nuclear bomb destroys Savannah, Georgia. Who is responsible? Religious fanatics, The Brethren, with members high ranking in government and the military, insist it is Iran. Early evidence suggest otherwise.
But the dry first half sinks this one. In the first four pages, an American ship is attacked by terrorists while on a peaceful mission in Iraq. Lives are lost and the ship is damaged. Then the author flashes his credentials(Clinton's secretary of defense) by giving us an exhausting look at how politics works for 142 pages. A lot of conversation, info dumps, and no action before the bomb goes off on page 146.
The second half of the book is very good. That 142 pages maybe should have been condensed down to about 70.
As I said, this one just misses
But the dry first half sinks this one. In the first four pages, an American ship is attacked by terrorists while on a peaceful mission in Iraq. Lives are lost and the ship is damaged. Then the author flashes his credentials(Clinton's secretary of defense) by giving us an exhausting look at how politics works for 142 pages. A lot of conversation, info dumps, and no action before the bomb goes off on page 146.
The second half of the book is very good. That 142 pages maybe should have been condensed down to about 70.
As I said, this one just misses
March 17, 2019
Savannah, GA is hit by a nuclear bomb. As the national security advisor, Sean Falcone, is tasked with getting to the bottom of the attack in order to exact punishment/revenge. In doing so, Falcone uncovers secrets too incredible to believe, but their truth is the only thing standing between our country and possible war.
January 20, 2022
This has the feel of a Tom Clancy novel, and I was definitely getting “Sum of All Fears” vibes from the start. While I generally thought the book was good, there were a number of things that detracted from the story.
First, it took too long for the action to pick up. A whole 40% of the book was over before Savanah was destroyed, starting the primary plot. That could have been tighter up a bit.
Second, there are way too many characters to keep track of. Most of them have very minor roles and should be removed to streamline the plot.
Third, too much information on the various characters. At times I felt like I was reading a characters resume. It’s not necessary to tell the reader their academic background, or previous relationships, or list of accolades. If it doesn’t add to the plot, keep it out.
Fourth, too many government acronyms. Letters, letters everywhere! From POTUS to DOE to WLAN to many, many more. It got confusing at times.
While not something I hated, the ending was a little open ended. The main plot was nicely wrapped up, however a few subplots were left for the reader to decide how it went. Or it is a possible avenue for a sequel.
First, it took too long for the action to pick up. A whole 40% of the book was over before Savanah was destroyed, starting the primary plot. That could have been tighter up a bit.
Second, there are way too many characters to keep track of. Most of them have very minor roles and should be removed to streamline the plot.
Third, too much information on the various characters. At times I felt like I was reading a characters resume. It’s not necessary to tell the reader their academic background, or previous relationships, or list of accolades. If it doesn’t add to the plot, keep it out.
Fourth, too many government acronyms. Letters, letters everywhere! From POTUS to DOE to WLAN to many, many more. It got confusing at times.
While not something I hated, the ending was a little open ended. The main plot was nicely wrapped up, however a few subplots were left for the reader to decide how it went. Or it is a possible avenue for a sequel.
October 19, 2017
Given his history in government and the information that must have crossed his desk I was disappointed. I'm not sure I would read any other books, past or future, he has written.
February 12, 2023
I almost stopped reading this book. All the talk of politics and politicians is something I read to escape. But there was a little twist in the story that kept me reading...
May 6, 2023
Boring! Too much policy and procedure and not much story.
April 21, 2012
The unthinkable, unspeakable has happened. A nuclear explosion has destroyed an American city. Thousands of American lives are lost. Entire blocks of the city are vaporized.
Who could have done such an act? Further, how will America respond to such an egregious act of terrorism? The shock and horror quickly turn to demands for revenge and war, even before responsibility for the act is known. Will the President declare war, and will he do it because it is the right thing to do, or because he is pushed into it politically by rival factions determined to steer the course of the country?
Iran is the first suspect and the one most people instinctively believe is behind the horror. Other nations start to line up on either the side of America retaliating against Iran or against such action. Israel has been poised to take action against Iran itself; where will it come down in the balance? Will the other countries with nuclear weapons stay on the sidelines or use whatever happens as entry for settling old feuds? Is Iran the true answer or is another country responsible and using Iran as a smokescreen? What about the domestic groups determined to steer the country towards their vision of how the future should unfold? Are any of these groups involved?
William S. Cohen has written a heartstopping novel of terror and intrigue. Cohen is a former Secretary of State, serving under President Clinton. His background and expertise gives the book the immediacy and weight of details known only to a select few; those who daily balance what is best for the country and how America must relate to the myriad needs and desires of other countries, both friends and foes. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy spy and suspense novels; it is indeed a must-read.
Who could have done such an act? Further, how will America respond to such an egregious act of terrorism? The shock and horror quickly turn to demands for revenge and war, even before responsibility for the act is known. Will the President declare war, and will he do it because it is the right thing to do, or because he is pushed into it politically by rival factions determined to steer the course of the country?
Iran is the first suspect and the one most people instinctively believe is behind the horror. Other nations start to line up on either the side of America retaliating against Iran or against such action. Israel has been poised to take action against Iran itself; where will it come down in the balance? Will the other countries with nuclear weapons stay on the sidelines or use whatever happens as entry for settling old feuds? Is Iran the true answer or is another country responsible and using Iran as a smokescreen? What about the domestic groups determined to steer the country towards their vision of how the future should unfold? Are any of these groups involved?
William S. Cohen has written a heartstopping novel of terror and intrigue. Cohen is a former Secretary of State, serving under President Clinton. His background and expertise gives the book the immediacy and weight of details known only to a select few; those who daily balance what is best for the country and how America must relate to the myriad needs and desires of other countries, both friends and foes. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy spy and suspense novels; it is indeed a must-read.
December 9, 2013
This novel got my attention as I was browsing for a book to read when I saw that it was a 2011 political thriller written by William S. Cohen, who was the Secretary of Defense in President Clinton's Cabinet.
I don't give out 5 stars unless I am pretty damned impressed. And I was.
The story is a political novel about the events before, during, and after a nuclear bomb destroys an American city. The story is great, and the intriguing part is that it is told by a former Secretary Of Defense with a unique perspective of knowing what events would take place should that actually occur. The story is quite believable and it doesn't stop! Halfway through book, I started thinking this is really pretty good. By the end, I was pretty excited and thinking this was damn good!
The politicians in the book are thinly veiled characterizations of real people. The President is a black dude with a funny name that starts with an "O"... There are others that are determined to blame the atomic explosion on Iran(Iraq), no matter what the facts show and the truth turns out to be. Sound familiar?
There were a few parts --but not many-- in the story that got tedious. Technical and political minutiae that slowed down the story. Almost cost the book a star, but after the story ending, I let it slide!!
This is William Cohen's second novel. His first novel is now very high on my want-to-read list!
I don't give out 5 stars unless I am pretty damned impressed. And I was.
The story is a political novel about the events before, during, and after a nuclear bomb destroys an American city. The story is great, and the intriguing part is that it is told by a former Secretary Of Defense with a unique perspective of knowing what events would take place should that actually occur. The story is quite believable and it doesn't stop! Halfway through book, I started thinking this is really pretty good. By the end, I was pretty excited and thinking this was damn good!
The politicians in the book are thinly veiled characterizations of real people. The President is a black dude with a funny name that starts with an "O"... There are others that are determined to blame the atomic explosion on Iran(Iraq), no matter what the facts show and the truth turns out to be. Sound familiar?
There were a few parts --but not many-- in the story that got tedious. Technical and political minutiae that slowed down the story. Almost cost the book a star, but after the story ending, I let it slide!!
This is William Cohen's second novel. His first novel is now very high on my want-to-read list!
December 19, 2011
I thought the characters were a little transparent. As such the President character was painted with all the strengths (real and imagined) and few of the obvious weaknesses I would attribute to the model for this character. Several chapters had nothing to say and an inordinate number of pages were spent on excruciating listings of government acronyms. The idea was good but the rendering didn't live up to the potential. Quick read, abrupt unsatisfying ending. Some political undertone suggesting authors dislike of conservatives and if I want that I can just watch NBC Nightly News and not spent $12.
January 26, 2014
I was in the book store last week and this book caught my eye as it was written by William S. Cohen who was the Secretary of Defense in President Clinton's Cabinet (that, and the vibrant mushroom cloud on the cover).
It's an interesting and realistic (albeit fiction realism)look behind the curtain of government bureaucracy during a crisis.
The story itself is original and for once it's nice that the terrorists aren't keffiyeh wearing nutjobs with an all to familiar zeal, although such does figure into the storyline to a degree.
I did feel let down by the ending however, after such destruction and lengthy investigation it just seemed to wind up to a close rather blandly.
It's an interesting and realistic (albeit fiction realism)look behind the curtain of government bureaucracy during a crisis.
The story itself is original and for once it's nice that the terrorists aren't keffiyeh wearing nutjobs with an all to familiar zeal, although such does figure into the storyline to a degree.
I did feel let down by the ending however, after such destruction and lengthy investigation it just seemed to wind up to a close rather blandly.
May 13, 2013
William Cohen obviously draws upon his immense experience in the beltway and the world of defense in this military/terror drama. However, rather than being Islamic fundamentalists, his antagonists are right wing, Christian terrorists who are bent on destroying the world to bring about the end of times. Although entertaining, I could not help but to think of those Islamic leaders who have reportedly wanted to do the same thing (i.e. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad). I believe this novel could have been more realistic but was written to be politically correct.
January 5, 2015
Author Secretary William S. Cohen is gifted in many areas including poetry, Latin, and during his college days basketball with induction into the New England All-Star Hall of Fame. The former Secretary of Defense is also very talented as a suspense novelist. Combining creative imagination, worldly military knowledge along with his Washington, DC political background he created a fictional 21st Century thriller centered upon a catastrophe in the Untied States. Spiced with a variety of motivations including global terrorism the fast paced book grabs your attention.
July 25, 2018
This book had an interesting concept, but I was less sure about the execution. There is a lot of talk, and very little action. Most of the events driving the plot happens off screen, and most of the 'action' is people sitting around talking politics about what happened.
And while this is labeled as book one of the series, it feels like it is at least the second book, since there are relationships that are not only existing, but seem to imply that the reader already knows about what happened before. It goes beyond just hinting around the corners to give the story depth.
And while this is labeled as book one of the series, it feels like it is at least the second book, since there are relationships that are not only existing, but seem to imply that the reader already knows about what happened before. It goes beyond just hinting around the corners to give the story depth.
March 7, 2013
I liked this book, it was good story with a twist much ado about nothing ending. But I expected a little more from this Washington Insider author than standard one dimensional boiler plate characters. Some how I have a hard time with a Senior Bureaucrat being an active hero as opposed to just going to meetings, which is what I assume that they mostly so.
May 9, 2012
My first book by Cohen. I was entralled with the story from the beginning. The plot was very realistic and stresses how DC politics can blind even rational people. Loved falcone as the main character. I recomend
Read
August 2, 2012This is the 1st book I have read by him. An interesting read, but sometimes confusing with the use of all of the governmental abbreviations. He did explain what they stood for. I plan on reading some of his other books.
July 7, 2014
Over the years, the U. S. government and military has lost several nuclear bombs. What happens when people who believe that they should be in charge of everybody else's lives find out where one is waiting to be picked up? This is a high octane political thriller, moving at jet speeds.
April 30, 2015
This was decent look at an end of the world and how the world can change scenario from the point of view of the people in Washington. Lots of political details that show the background of the author. It is a well written book by a well educated man.
February 3, 2012
Captured the back stabbing me only aspect of politics.
September 11, 2016
fair, just so-so
April 26, 2012
Well-written inside look at what goes on behind the scenes in the White House when disaster strikes. Timely, chilling, and down-right terrifying in its all too possible scenario!
December 26, 2012
pretty good book. scary thoughts. loved how The Brethren resemble the religious group The Family in Washington DC.
May 21, 2013
It was alright. Too much about the politics, not really what I was expecting. It was well written.
February 20, 2013
First 1/2 of the book was a hard read. The story line really picked up about 1/2 way and through the end of the book.
February 25, 2013
The story line has great possibilities, but Cohen is not a natural story weaver The first half is tedious. The second half has some good passages.
March 26, 2013
4 stars for the materials; three stars for the writing.
June 10, 2013
Fiction, but fascinating.
August 11, 2013
A good overall read with a fair amount of inside information from our former Secretary of Defense. Ending seemed a little rushed and pulled together too easily.
August 17, 2014
Clever, suspenseful and shows the machinations of governement
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews