President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan (does that sound a bit similar to William Jefferson Clinton?), former Army Ranger, POW in Iraq, governor, and recent widower, is facing the nightmare scenario of our era-- a cyber attack that could literally put us back to the "Dark Ages", with consequences worse than pre-Internet, shutting down all functions that cannot be turned back to analogue on a dime, rendering all modern functioning impossible. This is a winning plot, not predictable (or not too predictable, to rob it of enjoyment), with a likable protagonist to root for, somewhat interesting bad guys, and enough twists to keep the reader engaged to the end.

The epilogue, the President's address before a joint session of Congress, is loaded with initiatives that Bill Clinton clearly wishes he could deliver today. While it made a logical ending for taking the best road forward after a crisis averted (sorry, spoiler!), it almost felt like that was the reason Clinton co-wrote the book--the opportunity to demonstrate that given the state of division in our country, we are vulnerable for an attack so major, we would not be available to render aid to the rest of the world, leaving all other nations vulnerable as well, giving competing major powers (Russia, China) an opening to make gains otherwise hindered by us. Clearly this is of concern to Clinton, as well as the checklist of initiatives his President Duncan presents.

The novel gives Clinton a chance to depict presidential relationships with the leaders of other nations; mutual duplicity with the Russian, heart-warming mutual trust with the Israeli, respectful, professional collaboration with the German. The importance of NATO relationships is especially highlighted. Clinton also takes the opportunity to depict the courageous care, caution, and selflessness of Secret Service agents in particular, and military (especially Marines) and law enforcement in general. I will resist finding familial parallels between the Duncans and the Clintons (only child, daughter; deceased wife! Ye gads! Wish fulfillment?)

The bad guys are a bit stereotyped; the faithless Muslim terrorist trying to cripple the West, the skilled assassin embittered by dreadful loss and torture, and the tech-savvy immigrant millennials seeking freedom. All feel like victims of the crush of superpowers, which plays out in third and second world nations, people lacking control over their own destinies, resentful of being played as pawns by superpowers. Clinton understands better than most the feelings of other countries' citizenry, being one of the most extensive presidential travelers (54 trips, to 72 nations.) Here again we see Clinton taking the opportunity to express his opinions about anti-American sentiment, and how to better engage with other nations.

Set the politics aside, and enjoy the plot twists and character interplay of a good thriller, rendered by an experienced hand, informed by a seasoned insider.