Robert

This is kind of like a politically-oriented Crichton novel, just not as well thought out or written. I like the premise of a "new civil war", but it's execution is fair at best. Many of the characters are stereotypes -- and cardboard ones at that -- and there are holes in the plot large enough to drive a few "mechs" through. (Read the book and you'll get the reference>)

That said, I still basically enjoyed to book. The plot moves along fairly quickly, some of the stereotypes are spot on, and Card does make one really consider the impact of overheated political rhetoric.

Don't waste money on this like I did. It features overwrought writing and a laughable plot that has a secret Chinese-Israeli alliance launching a surprise nuclear attack on the US -- targeting three warheads for Pittsburgh! -- and a "nuclear cloud" that sends temperatures plummeting to 50 degrees below zero (but only for a few days!)

Absolutely horrid. Don't waste your money. Cliched, one-dimensonal characters, predictable plot, vapid writing. I'm still kicking myself for wasting a credit on this garbage.