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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Richard North Patterson's BALANCE OF POWER.
bookmarm98@yahoo.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
YES! I've read all of Richard North Patterson's books, most more than a few times, and have greatly enjoyed and recommended each and every one!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, T. Jefferson Parker, Walter Mosley, Ace Atkins, Dennis Lehane, James Lee Burke, Laura Lippman, John Connolly, Ian Rankin, Lee Child.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I LOVE it! And will read it again right away!
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Always!
CHICO1204@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
Ever since I read my first book by Richard North Patterson, I have become a fan of his. When I learned of his most recent book, I jumped at the opportunity to read it and was delighted to be chosen as one of 20 advance readers. I have read THE FINAL JUDGMENT, SILENT WITNESS, and EYES OF A CHILD, all of which got my attention immediately from the very first page to the end.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read books by Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, James Patterson, Elmore Leonard, and Patricia Cornwell.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
BALANCE OF POWER was very compelling and timely with the subject of gun control and violence in our society today. I virtually could not put the book down until I finished it! Mr. Patterson is a fascinating writer who richly crafts his characters into a story of the struggles and conflicts between the law and politics and their ramifications. It was an eye-opener entering into the world of politics and reading of the inner workings and machinations of the special interest groups and how they try to manipulate society. Mr. Patterson is very knowledgeable and brings this all to life in his characters, their triumphs and tragedies.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
I would definitely read more of Mr. Patterson's books and look forward to his next work with anticipation.
cyndecat@yahoo.com
Editor's Note: This contributor's 21 year-old son obtained a gun from a pawn shop to commit suicide.
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
No, I am not into political thrillers so I never tried his books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Clive Cussler, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, James Rollins, Matthew Reilly, Jack DuBrul.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
It was a compelling read. He made the characters human, not just political machines. Also he helped me understand the whys of gun control and all the infighting that goes on.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Probably.
tiwiwas@aol.com
Editor's Note: This contributor's brother was a police officer who was allegedly shot and killed by a mentally disturbed man who had a number of guns at his home.
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
I have never read Patterson before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
None. I prefer biographies and other nonfiction, historical novels, romantic --- but not "romance" --- novels, and old-fashioned mysteries like Dorothy Sayers'. I like lots of nonviolent novels.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I think BALANCE OF POWER is an excellent book. It is just too bad it didn't come out a little sooner so it could have influenced legislation now in the Senate (i.e. S.B. 659). Maybe it will yet?
Mr. Patterson's research must have been extensive, as his understanding of this complex problem is excellent. Equally as important, his understanding of people and their actions combines with his superb descriptive capabilities to make this book come alive. It feels so real I had to stop reading numerous times to deal with the memories and emotions regarding my own policeman brother's murder by a mentally ill man with a house full of guns, ammo and plastics explosives! This book is SO real it should be required reading for all Americans --- including the politicians!
I also appreciated the list of characters --- there are a lot to keep straight --- especially in the beginning! I do wish they had been a little more descriptive, though, of the political relationships of the politicians. It would have made the list even more helpful in remembering who was who.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Yes, I would definitely read Patterson again! I trust his understanding of the human condition and respect his ability to project it.
danjenn@optonline.net
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Janet Evanovich, Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, and Sue Grafton just to name a few.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I enjoyed BALANCE OF POWER. The book made me really think about my position on gun control and also the other side of the issue. It’s rare to find a book that makes me think and also one that I enjoy reading. I tend to shy away from those books as I like to read and forget about reality for a little while. But this book kept my interest and I couldn't wait to find out how the story would end. My husband will be reading the book next and I look forward to our discussions.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Yes, being that this is the first Richard North Patterson book I want to read his other books. While he does a good job of synopsizing what happened in previous books I feel like I’m joining the party halfway through.
DBinPgh@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
Yes I have read RNP books, DEGREE OF GUILT and THE FINAL JUDGMENT
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read Philip Margolin, James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Dennis Lehane, Lisa Gardner, Iris Johansen, Mary Higgins Clark, Jan Burke, Lisa Scottoline...that's all I can think of for now.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I have not finished BALANCE OF POWER yet but I am really enjoying it and I really like the outline of characters. It was nice to be able to go back and refer to it.
I also enjoy short chapters. As I am reading this book I feel like it should hopefully become a movie. Anyhow all in all I would rate this as a (5) --- a very interesting and enjoyable book!
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
I most definitely will read more of RNP books.
EMMYDRUCK@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
Yes.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
David Baldacci, Mary Higgins Clark, Nelson DeMille, Joy Fielding, Ken Follett, John Grisham, Greg Iles, John Kellerman, John Lescroart, James Patterson.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I liked it, but don't think it's as brilliant now as compelling as PROTECT AND DEFEND. Some parts drag, but the arguments are powerful. It's difficult to understand how anyone could be a supporter of the NRA after reading this book.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Absolutely.
INKPENBEN@aol.com
Have you ever read RNP before?
Yes, I have read Patterson before --- I realized when I began BALANCE OF POWER that I had read NO SAFE PLACE, the first story about Kerry Kilcannon.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I think my favorite suspense writer is Nelson DeMille. THE LION'S GAME was one of the best books I've ever read. Also like early Robert Ludlum (the last two or three seemed like the same book, the primary objective of which was to see how many people he could kill off in a single page). Also like Ken Follett, Jack Higgins, Frederick Forsythe. I'm sure there are others...
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
Though it stands alone, BALANCE OF POWER is the third book in a trilogy that began with NO SAFE PLACE and PROTECT AND DEFEND. Kerry Kilcannon is in the White House and about to realize his dream of marrying journalist Lara Costello. Having addressed other pertinent issues in the previous books, Richard North Patterson takes on the gun lobby in this one. He has an exceptional grasp of the way things work in Washington, and his writing is nothing short of masterful.
Had the American founding fathers envisioned the deadly weapons that would be available two hundred years later, would they have been so quick to guarantee all Americans the right to bear arms? Had they envisioned the rich and powerful gun lobby of today, they might have shuddered at the very thought.
Rapid fire, multiple-round handguns, when combined with bullets designed to fragment on contact have but one function: to kill human beings. Hunters don't use them since they do far too much damage. Even law enforcement officers don't use them. Illegal in some states, and requiring a background check on the part of legitimate businesses, these weapons are easily acquired by those with murder on their minds at gun shows.
It is difficult to understand why the gun lobby will stop at nothing in their quest to thwart any kind of stricter congressional legislation. Logic tells us that collectors wouldn't mind a waiting period, and even the gun lobby shouldn't want excessively lethal weapons in the hands of known criminals. Herein lie the issues beneath the obvious in BALANCE OF POWER: political influence, and by extension, power and greed.
Political Action Committees (PAC's) have influence that goes beyond common sense, and some are prepared to go to any venomous lengths, including personal attacks, to hold onto it. It takes a great deal of money these days for a candidate to run for and hold onto political office. The gun lobby has it and is prepared to use it to elect their supporters or destroy those who get in their way.
This, of course, raises the question of the campaign finance reform essential to removing the kind of pressure that makes it impossible for members of Congress to do what is best rather than what is expedient. Another enormous problem is the policy of tacking on pork barrel clauses, often unrelated, that can delay and confuse the original legislation. Favors are exchanged and debts collected as legislators conspire among themselves --- you do this for me and I'll do that for you.
There is a list of 85 characters and who they are in the front of the book. This alone is a little daunting to consider as you anticipate chapter one. If I were Mr. Patterson's editor, I'd suggest that he tighten up the first one hundred pages significantly. We know from the get-go that one or more people close to the American President are going to get killed; we just don't know which ones and it takes too long to find out. I'd also suggest that he eliminate some of the dialogues between lawyers, lawmakers and lobbyists that could be incorporated into conversations between the President and his chief advisors instead. Dialogue is always more intriguing than narrative, but in some cases just telling us would save time, and make the story move faster. Having said that, I have to add that the book is still well worth the read.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
I may or may not read more Patterson. There's too many books and too little time to read everything I'd like to read.
kendall_kl@hotmail.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
YES.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I thought it was very exciting and entertaining but on top of that, I also learned lots of things too. I liked that a lot. It makes me want to read more of his books.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
YES.
lmadreader@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
Yes, I have read almost all of Richard North Patterson's books. He is one author that I read regularly.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I also read James Patterson, John Lescroart, John Sandford, Philip Margolin, Kate Wilhelm, Vince Flynn, Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Karen Robarbs, Brad Meltzer, John Grisham, Lisa Scottoline, Michael Connelly, Barbara Parker, Stephen Horn, Greg Iles, Harlan Coben, Patricia Cornwell.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I thoroughly enjoyed BALANCE OF POWER and would recommend it to anyone looking for a very entertaining, suspenseful, mind-provoking book!
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
DEFINITELY!!
LPS444@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
Yes, often.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Many --- favorites include Dennis Lehane, Jeffery Deaver, John Sandford, Dan Brown, Patricia Cornwell, Greg Iles, Daniel Silva.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
It was interesting but too didactic --- even though I knew a lot about gun control issues, I still learned a lot, but it was tough going to get through the book. I admire the depth of Patterson's research and passion on the issue, and applaud his trying to reach a broader audience through working the issues into a novel, but the characters and the plot ended up taking a back seat (way back) to the public policy issues. (I felt much the same way about Scott Turow's latest book on the death penalty.)
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Yes.
PDBlackCloudx2@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
I have never before read anything by Richard North Patterson (my loss!)
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Catherine Coulter, James Patterson.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
BALANCE OF POWER is a fascinating, fast-paced, easy-to-read tale of the ultimate power and corruption. It carefully details just how much power and control special interest groups have over our elected officials. It takes on issues that evoke strong emotions and beliefs in each and everyone on of us. It also gave the reader just enough insight into the personal lives of the characters to really make us care about them, and to root for the outcome. It also does not completely reveal itself until the very last few pages. It is a book you do not want to put down.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Having not read the first 2 books about Kerry Kilcannon, I will be buying them and reading them very soon!
Pudgypb@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Tom Clancy, James Patterson, John Grisham.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I thought the book was too "wordy." I skimmed over most of the chapters because I thought it was boring.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
To be honest, I don't think so.
Quetzi@aol.com
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I found Patterson's book to a very fast pace political thriller, that turns out talking about important issues that involve our country at this time. Gun control is very important in this country now that we are faced with issues, such as, terrorism, & children who are killing other children in school. Patterson shows you the torn past of a new President, who is also dealing with his fiance's sister, who is being abused by her husband. When faced with this issue, what will his choices be? Should he get caught up in the middle of a domestic dispute, listening to his, all to fresh, memories of a haunted childhood? I suggest you read this book, it's one you will never forget.
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
This was the first Richard North Patterson book that I have ever read, BUT, it was a 5 star read!!
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
I plan on buying all of Patterson's books from now on. I strongly recommend him to readers who love reading a book, that will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, but also, make you take a look at what's happening in thousands of homes across America. If you were faced with the decisions this President has to make, could you do it? What's more important than someone's life?
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I also enjoy reading James Patterson, Jeffery Deaver, Stuart Woods, Lee Child, John LéCarré, Kathy Reich, Robert Ludlum, Dennis Lehane, R.D. Wingfield, & Stephen Booth. This is just to name of few, because my list goes on & on! Have fun reading Patterson, I know I did!
rcaldicott@iopener.net
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
I have read seven of RNP's novels and have enjoyed and recommended each and every one of them.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I also read Nelson DeMille, John Forsythe, Steve Martini, etc.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed BALANCE OF POWER; I was fascinated my the many twists and turns of the plot. I learned much (to my dismay) of the inner workings of the US Senate. I am amazed and thankful for the amount of research Mr. Patterson has done to make the book so real and timely!
My only problem with the book was with the names: CHARLES (Chuck) Hampton, CHAD Palmer, and CHARLES Dane. Too many main characters with similar names was confusing (I had to look back to the "CHARACTER" page. I am sure this is a minor point, but I found this aspect quite disconcerting.
Thank you again for the PRIVILEGE of reading this book. I hope the message gets through to our present people who are in office!
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Of course I shall read any forthcoming books by Richard North Patterson; I look forward to his next book.
Starselma@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?Yes, I have been reading Richard North Patterson for years.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Among the suspense authors I read are Sandra Brown, Mary Higgins Clark, Jeffery Deaver, Ed McBain, Jonathan Kellerman, and Faye Kellerman.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
BALANCE OF POWER has a good balance of characters, suspense, information on current issues (gun control, especially), and conflict, both personal and political. It is absorbing. I thought I was well-versed on the issues involved in gun control, but there was information I was unfamiliar with.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
I will definitely continue reading books by Richard North Patterson. He is one of my favorite authors.
TREGJM@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
Yes, I've read several and really like his writing.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Sandford, Ridley Pearson, PJ Parrish, Robin Burcell.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I enjoyed it. Very interesting, suspenseful, and kept you reading, not wanting to put it down.
Would you ever read more Richard North Patterson titles?
Yes, most definitely!
SBanton343@aol.com
Have you ever read Richard North Patterson before?
I have read all of Richard North Patterson's novels and have every single one on my book shelves.
What did you think of BALANCE OF POWER?
I started BALANCE OF POWER Friday evening after being out of town for a week and finished it Saturday evening about 10 PM. Needless to say none of my Saturday chores got started, let alone finished. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
In his novels Richard North Patterson writes about issues that are dividing our society, such as abortion, gun control and domestic violence. The series of books, NO SAFE PLACE, PROTECT AND DEFEND AND BALANCE OF POWER deals with serious controversial social and politic topics. Included in BALANCE OF POWER are his usual villains, i.e., politicians, and in this case, the SSA, (Sons of the Second Amendment) a thinly veiled knock-off of the NRA. BALANCE OF POWER'S plot line involves President Kilcannon's new wife, Lara Costello's mother, sister, and niece being murdered in a domestic violence incident. Throughout the Kilcannon trilogy series, guns and abortion are involved in defining moments. Guns killed Kerry's brother James, who had been running for President and when Kerry was shot on the eve of his own California primary it is thought that the sympathy vote propelled him into the Presidency. BALANCE OF POWER continues with political intrigue, attempted blackmail over Lara Costello's years old abortion and exposure of the inner workings of our government with all the wheeling and dealing regarding gun control. This type of thriller might not appeal to all readers, but to me zealots such as the ones portrayed by the SSA) are as evil as any other serial killer. And don't even mention the politicians and their grabs for power.
Would you read more Richard North Patterson novels?
Yes! I will read Richard North Patterson again.
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