Orson Scott Card, EMPIRE

EMPIRE

Orson Scott Card

Tor, Nov 2006, $24.95

ISBN: 0765316110

The two extremes in the USA have reached a point of hatred that threatens the fiber of the country. Neither extremist group wants to compromise because they believe that makes them seem weak. The vast center prefers harmony, but they are considered expendable pawns by the right and the left who each assume the mantle of righteousness. In this divisive world of hate, the final blows occur almost simultaneously. Terrorists kill the president, the vice president, the secretary of defense, and other VIPs leaving a chaotic nation without leaders. The right blames the left for being soft on Al Qaeda; the Left blames the Right for failing to protect the infrastructure.

Major Reuben Malich was near White House when the rocket attack killed POTUS, and the Defense Secretary. Initially considered a hero for saving lives, soon Rube is accused of carrying out the assassination. With his new assistant Captain "Cole" Coleman and a few other trusted aides, Rube investigates and soon believes the recent assassinations is the first stage in a coup to turn America into a world-dominating empire to outlast the five centuries of Rome. The "Progressive Restoration" has begun as the second American Civil War has exploded into open hostilities.

Extrapolating from the hatred that has divided the country, Orson Scott Card provides a cautionary, futuristic, science-fiction thriller. The war seems a plausible outcome though the recent election controlled by the middle brings new hope that maybe we can get along. Readers will appreciate this powerful military thriller yet extremists on both sides will condemn Mr. Card for failing to take their opinion while missing the whole point of this strong thriller that either extreme could destroy the values of this country with their no compromise idealism.

Harriet Klausner