(Reprinted from February 24th, 2010; the only novel without featuring Mitch Rapp.)
Vince Flynn has written multiple New York Times Bestsellers with his political thrillers. I admit his stories will not be for everyone. They most certainly hit homeruns for readers like me. From the technical standpoint of writing, Vince is good, but it’s not his writing you notice. No. Instead you sense his impeccable research into the guts, glory, and horrifically ugly underbelly of DC politics and the various agencies set in place to protect citizens and this country from criminals and terrorists of all kinds—including those politicians who qualify for that ignominious description.
As you know, I swore off secular, or the more common term “general market”, fiction several years ago. In fact, I’ve read only three novels outside of CBA fare in the last several years, two of them belonging to Vince Flynn with more of his to come on my reading agenda. He’s scored two direct hits with Pursuit of Honor (his latest) and Term Limits published circa 1997.
Term Limits could have been written today. As in right now. In other words it’s somewhat prophetic in the political essence of this story. We’re introduced to the feisty ex-Marine Congressman Michael O’Rourke who despises “the way things are done here in DC” and who will not buckle to the pressure of passing an outlandish over-the-top presidential budget that will continue to sink the country into a totally unmanageable debt for years to come. Sound familiar?
When three corrupt heavy-hitters in Congress, who twist arms in clandestine meetings and buy votes by any means, are assassinated Commando-style with no one else injured, Michael O’Rourke senses who is behind the executions. When he learns the full facts, his loyalties are challenged and decisions he never anticipated must be made.
Following the deaths of the three most corrupt politicians, two more decent members of Congress are gunned down and blown up along with Secret Service personnel and other members of law enforcement. Because of this, the decision is made easy for Michael O’Rourke.
Vince Flynn writes a compelling story of political spin and corruption and takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the dedication of Special Forces, FBI, and CIA operatives contrasting valor to the lust for power in the different agencies. We can’t help but be on the side of valor even though it takes us where we might not want to go.
For Christian readers I must point out there is the language factor to contend with in Vince’s stories, but it’s not obsessive and it’s always real.
I loved this novel which quite honestly only feels slightly fictionalized.
Father, you know Vince. You know his heart for justice. You are the just judge, the only One. I pray Vince would hear your voice. And I pray you would continue to inspire the talent you’ve given him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.