The Price of Power

By: James W. Huston

Narrated by: Adams Morgan

In this rousing novel, the action sweeps from the Oval Office to a Navy SEAL assault on a remote Indonesian Island, from the court-martial of an admiral to the impeachment hearings of a peacenik President.

The President orders the arrest and trial of a battle group commander who, in defiance of a presidential order, led a Congress-authorized attack on terrorists. The angry Speaker of the House retaliates by initiating impeachment proceedings. Jim Dillon, the Speaker's top aide, finds himself defending the admiral in the court-martial and is named number-two prosecutor for the upcoming impeachment trial.

Meanwhile, a terrorist invades a U.S.-owned gold mine on an Indonesian island, murdering the American boss, and holding his wife hostage. The price for her life: the release of captured fellow terrorists. Dillon uncovers another forgotten power to the Constitution, the Rules of Capture, to authorize a SEAL-led attack.

With a feel for politics that rivals Bob Woodward's, a Scott Turow-like gift for legal drama, and a hard-charging rush of military action that surpasses Tom Clancy, James W. Huston delivers a heart-stopping novel that builds to a riveting final confrontation on Capital Hill. Meanwhile, halfway around the world, the SEALs head for shore in their new Mirage assault boats to finish the job.

©1999 James W. Huston (P)1999 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Terrorism, pacifism, freedom of religion, and politics are the themes running through this action-packed novel, which also includes clever lawyers, a court-martial, and the impeachment of a president....[Adams Morgan] narrates in a lively tempo that keeps the story moving along nicely." (AudioFile)
"Huston continues to be a most welcome newcomer to the ranks of thriller-scribblers." (Booklist)

Great story-- poor narration

Would you try another book from James W. Huston and/or Adams Morgan?

Although I enjoy James Huston's story lines and characters, I will not order another book narrated by Adams Morgan. His style is difficult to overlook to get to enjoyment of the plot.

good story, bad diolog, terrible reader

Overall, I would say that it was a good story that drew me it. I agree with others that at times the diolog was lacking. The main characters often came off as 20 year old air-heads rather than powerful lawyers in Washington. This sense was made worse by the reader, especially how he read women's voices. Every woman came across as a total ditz, at times making almost painful to read. All said, the quality of the story overcame the other weaknesses.

Another great thriller.

If you could sum up The Price of Power in three words, what would they be?

Action thriller awesome.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jim Dylan, if that's how you spell his name. He has views I'd agree with if I were in his position.

What about Adams Morgan’s performance did you like?

He's excellent with different types of accents.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Nope.

Any additional comments?

A must have for political and action thriller fans.

Price of Power

This is a great book.

I started out with giving the book a 5 but it only rates a three.

The reason is not the reader, but the books dialog.

There are times in this book where the characters don't seem they are as smart as they could be in their rolls.

In addition parts of the book have just terrible choppy dialog. For example, early in the book you get the feeling that the characters just zone out at times...not something you expect from a Navy officer.

Other than that this book has it all. A military assault, Congress showing some backbone, and one of the most explosive closing scenes I've read in a long time.

Spins a great tale

I'm really enjoying books by this author. My primary complaint is the narrator's portrayal of female voices. The intonation of female dialogue rarely seemed accurate to me.