(Reprinted from March 25th, 2010)
Well, since I’ve willingly and shamelessly admitted my new addiction to Vince Flynn novels, it’s just pure pleasure to review my third adventure into the realm of spies, Special Forces, and dirty politics in this story Transfer of Power published in 1999.
It seems to me that God Himself provides certain insights to particular writers which enable them to see—and sometimes foretell—unique renditions of possible events before they take place.
If you’ve ever read Jeanette Windle’s two novels, Crossfire and Firestorm, published by Kregel Publications, you know what I’m talking about. Jeanette wrote about the South American drug cartels, having grown up down there with missionary parents. The delicate diplomatic “balance” between certain countries and the USA often depends upon the politicians who happen to be in power on both sides of the equator. Transcending political powers in order to do what’s right often lies in the hands of unique individuals.
To the best of my knowledge author Vince Flynn is not what many people refer to as a “religious” man, although he has a Catholic background, but his stories do acknowledge a few vague references to God and occasionally people offer prayers in dire circumstances—of which there are plenty. Regardless of his personal spiritual choices, the ultra-sense of defying the odds to do the right thing, to commit to acts of swift justice against pure evil—these ideals which emulate from godly principles are personified in the protagonist Mitch Rapp (aka Mitch Kruse).
Mitch Rapp is by no means perfect in his personal or emotional makeup. The wear-and-tear on his soul must be tamped down, suppressed, and managed by compartmentalizing his feelings and assessments of himself and others. He defies political positions and directives, sometimes tuning them out to accomplish what must be done.
His “handlers”, CIA top guy and Spymaster, the aging and unflappable Thomas Stansfield, and the brilliant female Dr. Kennedy, have learned to expect that given his freedom to make the call—without political restrictions—Mitch Rapp will inevitably get the job done.
In Transfer of Power certain protective safeguards set in place by the Secret Service are sidestepped by the Democrat leadership to insure a hefty payoff to their party coffers by a man they presume to be an Arab prince. The brokered deal insures the prince’s meeting with the unsuspecting President. The real identity of the prince turns out to be a major terrorist with whom Mitch Rapp has a score to settle—and a scar down the side of his face which required a plastic surgeon to make into a thin line.
The first bloodbath ensues after the prince’s entrance into the White House while he waits just outside the Oval Office. The intricate planning over a period of years by this Beirut terrorist Rafique Aziz posing as an Arab prince zooms into action as he slays the man who gave him entrance. Somehow the head of the Secret Service is given just enough time to whisk the President, his secretary, and a few Secret Service agents to the double-vaulted president’s bunker in one of the White House basements. Shortly afterward, Aziz jams all communications to the White House and prepares to make his demands with the threat of killing hostages and/or the ultimate destruction of the White House and all who are in it, having figured out a way to penetrate the bunker and capture the President.
While this chaos develops, the spineless power-hungry Vice President, who assumes command when communication with the President is lost, and his younger conniving aide strategize the way to handle the crisis from a purely political, poll-taking, vote-getting viewpoint.
Vince Flynn propels us through this story with heart-thumping tension. Mitch gains an older partner who proves to be an invaluable assistant and encounters some unusual distractions. It’s all about the story with these novels, and they don’t mess around. It’s conflict after conflict with consequence after consequence. True thrillers with a genuine hero at the controls.
Terrific, intense, good vs. evil, a hero to cheer on, incredible risks, and satisfying conclusions. You want excitement in a political thriller which gives you an undoubtedly accurate picture of the interference of pure politics versus the need to keep this country safe? Read a Vince Flynn novel. If you don’t start with Term Limits, give Transfer of Power a whirl. You won’t be disappointed.
(As with all of Vince’s novels, there is some offensive language. I don’t think he overdoes this, but it’s there if it’s a problem for you.)
(Also, I must ask my friend Mark Harbeson [or anyone else who's read these novels] if he's formulated an opinion of who should play Mitch Rapp in a film?)
Lord, you have blessed Vince Flynn with incredible skills and insights. I pray he would grow closer and closer to you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.