When an American cargo ship off the coast of Indonesia is seized by terrorists and its crew slaughtered, the sitting Congress demands revenge. The president's refusal to react aggressively leads to mounting resentment. Then an ambitious young congressional assistant, Jim Dillon, discovers a long-forgotten clause in America's Constitution that could be used to wrest power from the chief executive—inciting a devastating constitutional crisis and plunging the country into chaos.
Now, a battle group steams toward a fateful confrontation in the Java Sea, commissioned by Congress and opposed by the president. Dillon finds himself in the center of a firestorm that rages from the highest court in the land to the killing fields half a world away, as the great nation prepares for war—with itself.
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"I liked the law aspect of this book, part of me just wishes that there was a bit more shoot-em-up type thing going on. But it's okay that it wasn't there. This is the first book that I have read by this author so it will be interesting to read more of his work. Definitely looking forward to that."
— Trina (4 out of 5 stars)
“Hardball politics and deadly force—fire and gasoline in a terrific, fast-paced debut novel. Move over, Tom Clancy and Dale Brown—make room at the bar for James Huston.”
— Stephen Coonts“If you like Tom Clancy, you’ll love Balance of Power. Indeed, if you like Tom Clancy, Huston is a good step up.”
— Washington Post Book World“Adams Morgan jumps enthusiastically into the fray, racing through the fast-moving text with exactly the right nuances of pacing and characterization…This book will easily keep you alert during a late-night drive.”
— AudioFile“Morgan does a creditable job of narration providing nuance, timing, and enough variation in voices and accent to keep all the characters separated.”
— Kliatt" Fast paced thriller. "
— Gayle, 1/16/2014" An entertaining thriller... this F-14 pilot knows what he is talking about. I've gone running with him! "
— Dj, 10/13/2013" Great book. All wimpy presidents of the US should read this book and take heed, even if it is fiction. "
— Richard, 10/12/2013" Enjoyed this book and the angles that were taken. Huston is becoming a favorite writer of mine now. "
— Ernie, 9/16/2013" Pretty decent book taking a new look at the potential of how the constitution can be used in a war situation. Written by an ex-Navy fighter pilot who graduated from TOPGUN. "
— Nick, 7/8/2013" I love a good action/thriller book. A bit of swearing but a nice plot that moves along (although at times a bit too fast as I want a bit more detail). I liked the plot and thought it was a fun read. "
— Tressa, 6/13/2013" Listened to this audio book after Price Of Power, but, whatever. "
— Derek, 9/18/2011" A good book with lots of politics and action, which creates a good balance in the book. "
— Hank, 7/22/2011" Good book. Author has an interesting mix of job experience that makes it a good book. "
— Peter, 6/17/2011" too much military jargon "
— Patty, 6/15/2011" I wasn't sure I would like this style of book but it turned out to be an excellent read. I will be reading more "
— Charles, 6/2/2011" Given today's political mess, this is pretty interesting "
— Ddavis3, 5/4/2011" Listened to this audio book after Price Of Power, but, whatever. "
— Derek, 3/8/2011" A first novel dealing with the Congress usurping the right of a <br/>pacifist President to direct military action against terrorists. <br/> "
— Chuck, 5/26/2010" Given today's political mess, this is pretty interesting "
— Ddavis3, 7/26/2009" Great book. All wimpy presidents of the US should read this book and take heed, even if it is fiction. "
— Richard, 7/7/2009" A good book with lots of politics and action, which creates a good balance in the book. "
— Hank, 12/14/2008" An entertaining thriller... this F-14 pilot knows what he is talking about. I've gone running with him! "
— Dj, 9/5/2008James W. Huston (1953–2016) was the New York Times bestselling author of eight thrillers, including Fallout, Flash Point, and The Shadows of Power. A graduate of TOPGUN, he served as a Naval flight officer in F-14s on the USS Nimitz with the Jolly Rogers. He was a trial lawyer for the international law firm of Morrison Foerster and was involved in numerous high-profile cases.
Adams Morgan is a theater-trained actor who has appeared in venues around the United States. He has also narrated for National Public Radio and performed radio dramas and historical reenactments. He lives in New York City.