Power Down

Dewey Andreas, Book 1

By: Ben Coes

Narrated by: Peter Hermann

Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Introducing a major new thriller writer—in the vein of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor—and an electrifying character, Dewey Andreas.

A major North American hydroelectric dam is blown up and the largest off-shore oil field in this hemisphere is destroyed in a brutal, coordinated terrorist attack. But there was one factor that the terrorists didn't take into account when they struck the Capitana platform off the coast of Colombia—slaughtering much of the crew and blowing up the platform—and that was the Capitana crew chief Dewey Andreas. Dewey, former Army Ranger and Delta, survives the attack, rescuing as many of his men as possible. But the battle has just begun.

While the intelligence and law enforcement agencies scramble to untangle these events and find the people responsible, the mysterious figure of Alexander Fortuna—an agent embedded into the highest levels of American society and business—sets into play the second stage of these long-planned attacks. The only fly in the ointment is Dewey Andreas—who is using all his long-dormant skills to fight his way off the platform, then out of Colombia and back to the U.S., following the trail of terrorists and operatives sent to stop him. Power Down is a gripping, compelling debut thriller from Ben Coes, a powerful new author, an amazing talent certain to join the ranks of the genre's finest writers.

©2010 Ben Coes (P)2010 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Power Down is terrific! With a gripping story, compelling characters, a relentless pace and nerve-wracking suspense, Power Down is one of the must-read thrillers of the year. Don't miss this debut of novelist Ben Coes and the introduction of Dewey Andreas--you'll devour this one and wait anxiously for their return.” —Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Pursuit of Honor

“A ripping thriller from an exciting new novelist. Power Down kept me glued, turning the pages. Lots of action, a terrific hero, and a slimy villain--thrillers don't get any better.” —Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author of The Disciple

Complete Focus Required

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I picked up this book during an Audible sale. Power Down is a really complex book about espionage, terrorism and the like. Power Down required a lot of explaining as the plot was developing. This took place during the first couple of hours (the book is over 14 hours long) which felt very slow to me and I almost gave up. However, I stuck with it and it got very interesting. There were a lot of plots and subplots. I'm still a bit confused because the plot was very complex, in my opinion.

I would've enjoyed the book more if it had been a bit less complex. It was too long for an mystery/espionage/thriller/suspense, in my opinion. That being said, if you can devote the time and focus to listen solely to the book I think that it would be very mesmerizing, interesting and one would get a lot more out of it. I listened while working so I was unable to do that.

Overall Ben Coes has written an exceptional book. He really knows his stuff when it comes to the oil business from extraction to refinement and how it makes the world run. Unfortunately, it is very true to life in regard to terrorism and our dependency on foreign oil. The scenarios in this book *COULD*happen and that should chill you to the core.

Peter Hermann is a fantastic narrator. He can portray the manliest of men. He also performs the female characters in a way that doesn't sound silly or effeminate – I cannot explain it but it is a good thing.

I will recommend this book with the caveat that you really must focus on the material. If you miss just a little bit it should be backed up and listen to it again so one can get back on track. The listener should know that he *MUST* devote the time to listen and the tenacity to pay attention, for the best experience.

Ratings:
overall: 4 stars
narration: 5 stars
story: 4 stars

Please note: some strong language and graphic descriptions of violence

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Wow

Can not put this book down! Very well done. Well written and performed. Next book please!

Better than five stars

Power Down is much better then the five star rating afforded here.
I am anxious to get started on the next book in the series.

Good First Book

I listened to this book second after listening to the book that continues in the series "Coupe De'etat" Although this would have made a few things a bit more clear in the second book they work just as well out of order.

The book was really very intersting with terriost attacks unlike any you'd ever have considred in the past. A very complex terriost leader who is able to amass great fortune to basically fund some of the most damaging attacks that have long reaching effects on our economy and energy.

I only have two complaints. One is that from ime to time the author would go into such detail about the finance and tracking different strings of finance that it would bog down the story when I was wanting it to get back to the action. This was also down to some extent explaning different aspects of energy. By the second book he seemed to break away from giving way too much information from time to time.

The second thing that really buged me because I heard the second book first...Was the damn Irish accent the reader gave to Jessica who is a major figure in both books. She was supposed to be head of the terriorst devision of the FBI but I never figured how some Irish transplant would end up with a high level position in the FBI.....By the second book she has no accent.....That's why it was so annoying to hear in this book.

All in all a damn interesting book that really helps eat jup a lot of miles going down the road....

How have I never heard of this author?

What made the experience of listening to Power Down the most enjoyable?

The narrator is one of the best I've ever heard!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Power Down?

I don't want to give anything away.

What does Peter Hermann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He doesn't overdramatize the inflections, which I prefer. He does a great job of differentiating the characters.

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

definitely!

The Next Vince Flynn?

Any additional comments?

Ben Coes's debut Power Down is an exciting political thriller in the class of the late, great Vince Flynn. Coes's protagonist Duey Andreas is in the same vein of Flynn's Mitch Rapp. What makes this novel so excellent and intriguing is the villains and the realistic complexity of their motives and methods. If you like Vince Flynn, be sure and check out Ben Coes debut novel. I look forward to reading his next books.

Great! not just good

Authentically thrilling story, as good as Vince Flynn's great books - moving and believable characters -- you'll love it

Great Read

Best story in over 2 years of listening with Audible. Will be waiting for your next book.

Reading was way too sloooowww

Loved the story but had to put it on 1.25 speed so I wouldn’t fall asleep

Fun listen!

I’ve enjoyed the books with Andreas as the lead character, and this was no different. He kicks butt and takes names as usual, and the bad guys pay the price for their actions. When the book came to a close he left it open for another book, so I’m pleased about that as well. ...then there was the interview with Mitt Romney at the end. Yeah, the book lost a star for that.