The System

A Novel of the Deep State

De: Barry Eisler

Narrado por: Barry Eisler

A riveting exposé of the inner workings of American power—as gripping as House of Cards and as fraught with personal dynamics as The Diplomat.

Valeria Velez has just pulled off a stunning upset in California's 27th District, ousting ten-term corporatist incumbent Fillian Dunne from his seat in Congress. Young, beautiful, and idealistic, Valeria and her boyfriend/campaign manager Preston Jante are determined to use Valeria's new position to "stop stuffing the maw of the military machine" and return power to the people. But when fugitive hacker Lance Thaddeus uncovers a top-secret Pentagon program combining artificial intelligence with nuclear command-and-control, Valeria might have to choose between her ideals...and her life.

And even while trying to navigate the unfamiliar pathways and temptations of American power, Valeria will have to contend with a mother still frozen by bitterness about the past, a brother jealous of Valeria's future, and the ghost of the father who abandoned them all and then died before Valeria could even begin to understand his reasons.

But as Valeria will discover, in the world she has entered, personal and political can be meaningless distinctions. There are no solutions, only trade-offs, and as Valeria negotiates with the factions holding real power in America—Wall Street, the Pentagon, Silicon Valley—the lines between compromise and capitulation, savvy and sell-out, player and played, become increasingly hard to see, with ultimate stakes not just for Valeria, but for the very future of constitutional democracy in America.

©2025 Barry Eisler (P)2025 Barry Eisler

ABSOLUTELY BRILLANT!!!

Eisler does it again with this political thriller. Engaging narration, intriging topic and highlt entertaining!!

The author has made a listening beast out of me. I wish I could give this Audiobook 10 stars.

This book is exactly what you would expect from one of the best authors in the industry. It is a great book with political insights. Eisner is a great writer and an excellent narrator. How many gifts does this guy have that he is so good at?

Barry Eisler never fails to deliver with poignant quotes and a seamless process through the pages of his stories.

I do think the representative is a little sluttish, but I respect her and I like her, so if there’s a sequel, I will definitely buy both the audiobook and the book. I’ve listened to some chapters twice because they were so good. I told the customer about this book today, and I am purchasing the e-book or novel next week.

I have many Eisler’s books, but this one is a little different, and I love❤️ it. I guess instead of happening in Tokyo, it happened in the United States, and it’s the right book for the right climate we are in now. 😍

Another Excellent Book

I always enjoy Barry Eisler's work. This was no exception in that the story did not hold back. it was detailed,well researched and exciting.
Clearly it was well written because I found the main character,Valeria very unlikeable. I continued to read
just the same. It was very tough because on one hand I wanted her political views to be given weight but it was tough because I disliked her so much.
This is weird because Eisler's other female characters are inspiring eventhough some are assassins.

I miss John Rain

Great story telling, no surprise from Eisler. Intricate, well thought political novel; not what I was expecting from Eisler given hos previous books; but a pretty good book for those who enjoy policits, politicians drama.

This could be an interesting short series.

The deep contemplative thinking of John Rain meets American power broker. Berry walks a fine line not praising left or right leaning talking points. Character are interesting and deep. Berry's trade craft makes appearances too. Main detraction of this novel are the quotes before each chapter. My issue with them is many just feel like random justification for political talking points. The quote often dont feel cohesive. Not that such a goal would be easy in the first place.

Loved the characters

I always look forward to Barry Eisler’s books, and his narration is top notch. This book was a departure from his John Rain thrillers, but equally as thrilling. He introduces some excellent new characters I hope to see again. The book had a great pace and plenty of excitement. Eisler has yet to disappoint!

Another hit from Barry Eisler

I am a huge fan of the author. I like where he was going with this new version, but found some of the story a little bit too predictable. I’m very much enjoyed the incomplete story in the twist at the end.

Excellent

I started out feeling curious but slightly ambivalent, as the story progressed, I started to feel unsettled, by the time I finished I felt deeply frightened, because, towards the end I listened to a podcast by Steven Bartlett interviewing Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather of AI. This story by Barry Eisler puts into perspective the mountain, we as ordinary people are going to have to climb to hold our politicians to account. He has given us a taste of the kind of person that we will need to fight a huge, very frightening, clear & present danger.

Another tremendous book from Barry Eisler

Amazing characters and a fun ride as a story. Keep ‘em coming Barry. You’re the best.

Complex ideas dispersed in a simple not simplistic narrative. Love his work.

I’m not sure a dry non fiction account of the deep state and the realities facing idealistic politicians could have explained things any better. Is there a real Catch 22 or is it always the suborning of ideals? I think Eisler answers it. And side note: he’s equally as good at the narration as the writing. He should narrate more.