When Diplomacy Fails

Freehold, Book 7

By: Michael Z. Williamson

Narrated by: David Doersch

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Alex Marlow and Ripple Creek Security's best personal security detail return to action. This time, they really don't like their principal, World Bureau of State Minister Joy Herman Highland–a highly-placed bureaucrat with aspirations to elected office. Even worse, Highland’s assistant wants to publicize every movement and action for her boss’s pending campaign, which is anathema to good security. With a person of this status, it's not a case of someone wanting her dead. The only question is how many people want her dead, and what are they bringing to the fight?

The enemies are from without, within and all over. They have resources, funding and political cover. Ripple Creek needs to be cautious. But the enemy also needs to worry. They’re going to be getting in each others' way in the process of carrying out their plans. And Ripple Creek has no qualms about explosions on galactic news. In fact, they enjoy it.

©2012 Michael Z. Williamson (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Slow Start

Would you listen to When Diplomacy Fails again? Why?

Slow out of the blocks as compared to his other books. No I would not listen again

What about David Doersch’s performance did you like?

Did not grab me

Another winner from the Freehold universe

While Williamson has placed this story in his Freehold universe, the characters are from the Ripple Creek series (this is their 3rd installment, but the 1st two are not available in audiobook format). As such, this story is actually a prequel to the other Williamson audiobooks currently available. For newcomers to this universe, Earth has evolved into a bureaucratic nightmare with all the dysfunction of the UN amplified. Freehold is the antithesis with a more self reliant, personal responsibility society on another world. There are several other colonized worlds and this story takes place on a planet that resembles the Middle East.

Into this volatile situation, we find a government minister from Earth that while violence abhorring and entirely narcissistic, is nevertheless willing to stage dangerous pseudo-"events" to enhance her political image. Ripple Creek has been hired to provide her security. The outfit is an ensemble cast of seasoned professionals disliked by everyone because they are that good. Included in the mix is an interesting ensemble cast, each with their own peccadilloes and array of various personalities. With multiple foes really out gunning for the minister, the result is a mixture of conventional along with sci-fi weaponry as well as strategic and tactical political intrigue. The action is nonstop, while the characters are realistically portrayed.

The narration is excellent with a range of voices across age, gender, and ethnic background.

disappointing

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I was disappointed in this story, unlike the other freehold stories, this is great on action however low on detail and linking story to characters.

Not what I expect from Michael Williamson

Would you try another book from Michael Z. Williamson and/or David Doersch?

Yes

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Huh? that's it?

Did When Diplomacy Fails inspire you to do anything?

nope

Any additional comments?

Glad this one was not my first read from Michael Z. Williamson, this one had that feel of trying to squeeze out one more book.... Which puzzles me cause he made a great world to play in.

ripoff. this one was just for the money.

Come on Mike! Your other books were great. This one read like you were just trying to reach a word count soyou could get paid.