In the high-stakes, high-pressure world of presidential politics, where predators carry microphones and one misstep can savage a lifetime of achievement, Kerry Kilcannon is the rarest player of all. Kilcannon believes he can make the system work. And he just may die trying. Driven by the violent nightmare of his childhood, fueled by forces that few could understand, and burdened by secrets no one must know, Kilcannon is running for President--and entering the crucial battleground of California with seven days to go. But for Kilcannon, there are hurdles that his courage, charisma, and compassion may not overcome: the network correspondent he still loves; the reporter bent on their exposure; the rival who'll do anything to win; and the fanatic who believes that he must murder Kilcannon to protect the right to life.
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"The precursor to Balance of Power, this too is a political novel and traces one man's drive toward the presidency---despite his brother's assassination, despite attempts on his life. Sound familiar. Maybe. But the plot-driven story will keep you moving along.... "
— Lorin (4 out of 5 stars)
" This started out rough and I didn't love the ending, but it was great in between! "
— Jenn, 2/16/2014" I remember reading this in the middle of an economics lecture, with the book hidden within a large file of economics notes. I was ostensibly looking at a printed copy of the lecture notes. Goodness, was I that idle in JC? "
— Caleb, 2/11/2014" I dug it as it was more of a love story, I guess I'm in touch with my feminine side! "
— Bill, 2/1/2014" A great political thriller. I'm interested in reading the rest of the series. What will happen next to Kerry Kilcannon?! "
— Timothy, 1/28/2014" Senator Kilcannon runs for President of U.S. while being hunted by a right to life activist who has already killed three people. "
— Chuck, 1/12/2014" Enjoyable political fiction. "
— Kay, 10/23/2013" One more great read from this author. "
— Barbara, 10/14/2013" One of his better books. "
— Rod, 7/14/2013" A great riveting book that reminded me why I love political thrillers. The writing was intense yet easy to read! Can't wait to read number two "
— Amy, 6/16/2013" The precursor to Balance of Power, this too is a political novel and traces one man's drive toward the presidency---despite his brother's assassination, despite attempts on his life. Sound familiar. Maybe. But the plot-driven story will keep you moving along.... "
— Lorin, 6/11/2013" My first Richard Patterson. A lot like real life. "
— Mary, 5/26/2013" I don't like politics, but I do enjoy psychology, so this was an interesting and enjoyable read. "
— Susan, 12/31/2012" Really enjoyed it! Once I got to a certain point, it was hard to put it down! "
— Cindi, 10/12/2012" A book about a fictional presidential campaign about the main character who seems to be modeled after Robert Kennedy and his opponent who seems to be like John McCain. Goood light read. "
— Michael, 6/24/2012" The characters were interesting, but the endless political lectures became tiresome. "
— Hope, 5/25/2012" Written with political issues as abortion, racial, political race war, assassination attempt, in 3rd person omniscient. "
— Clifford, 5/10/2012" Very well written, with a great twist at the end-I actually learned something about the American government. "
— George, 1/1/2012" At times it was hard to remember that this is a work of fiction--many political issues right out of the headlines--a real page turner. "
— Gretchen, 10/19/2011" Didn't get through it, boring. "
— Kristin, 7/17/2011" I read this book because it's a bit of a prequel to Protect and Defend. This has good, juicy political drama - which I definitely liked. The mix of politicians and the press interested me. It also built up well to an exciting conclusion. "
— Julie, 12/28/2010" One more great read from this author. "
— Barbara, 10/18/2010" A book about a fictional presidential campaign about the main character who seems to be modeled after Robert Kennedy and his opponent who seems to be like John McCain. Goood light read. "
— Michael, 8/24/2010" Pure pleasure reading. I suspected some of the plot twists but not all so I enjoyed a few surprises. "
— Marcelle, 6/13/2010" Nnow this is one of the best Richard North Patterson books that I have read. It grabbed you and took you through the book. A great write and read. <br/> <br/>J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'" "
— J., 6/3/2010" Senator Kilcannon runs for President of U.S. while being hunted by a right to life activist who has already killed three people. <br/> "
— Chuck, 6/1/2010" Great Political thriller! Although the author states that this book is clearly fiction, todays headlines are found in this book. "
— Jerri, 11/20/2009" I read this book because it's a bit of a prequel to Protect and Defend. This has good, juicy political drama - which I definitely liked. The mix of politicians and the press interested me. It also built up well to an exciting conclusion. "
— Julie, 8/14/2009Richard North Patterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Devil’s Light, In the Name of Honor, The Spire, and a number of other bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, he was the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups. Patterson has appeared on such programs as the Today show, Good Morning America, Hardball with Chris Matthews, and Buchanan and Press.
Patricia Kathryn Kalember is an American actress best known for her role as Georgiana “Georgie” Reed Whitsig in the NBC drama series, Sisters. Kalember also had the leading roles in a number of television films and co-starred in several feature films including Fletch Lives, Signs, The Company Men, and Limitless, as well as recurring roles in the TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.