Balance of Power: A Novel

By: James W. Huston

Narrated by: Adams Morgan

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.

©1998 James W. Huston (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Adams Morgan jumps enthusiastically into the fray, racing through the fast-moving text with exactly the right nuances of pacing and characterization. His various politicians and commandos are easily distinguishable but never overperformed." (AudioFile)
"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)

Interesting Plot

This is one of the more unusual plots that I have listened to. Huston gets you involved early with the characters and they remain interesting throughout. The plot is quite unusual and almost borders on the ridiculous side. It gives you an uneasy feeling wondering if this could possibly happen in our government system. The narrator was not very good. He did not alter his voice for any character using the same monotone through out. This made conversations between male and female almost impossible to follow. I would avoid this narrator in any future book.

interesting premise that portends the future

very intersting and makes you think, especially with barry in office this seems a plausible scenario where the president will not act when action is required, the legal and political intrigue is very well done, are people acting in their best interest or the country's? and so forth

Fantasitc story!

This is a great legal, political and action novel. Comes at you from many different directions and never fails to keep you guessing "what's next?". Huston's characters are strong and the story weaves an unexpected path. You'll also learn a thing or two about the history of our politics.

Superb!

I have discovered a new author in Huston, and he takes you into the story so clearly that you feel like you are part of the action. This one takes top billing from me. I look forward to more. Great narration!

Entertaining and makes you think about government

A very entertaining book. Really makes you think. Great and different storyline. Recommend to anyone who likes thinking.