Balance of Power

By: Richard North Patterson

Narrated by: Patricia Kalember

Richard North Patterson’s masterful portrayals of law and politics at the apex of power have made him one of our most important writers of popular fiction. Combining a compelling narrative, exhaustive research, and a sophisticated grasp of contemporary society, his bestselling novels bring explosive social problems to vivid life through characters who are richly imagined and intensely real. Now in Balance of Power Patterson confronts one of America’s most inflammatory issues–the terrible toll of gun violence.

President Kerry Kilcannon and his fiancée, television journalist Lara Costello, have at last decided to marry. But their wedding is followed by a massacre of innocents in a lethal burst of gunfire, challenging their marriage and his presidency in ways so shattering and indelibly personal that Kilcannon vows to eradicate gun violence and crush the most powerful lobby in Washington–the Sons of the Second Amendment (SSA).

Allied with the President’s most determined rival, the resourceful and relentless Senate Majority Leader Frank Fasano, the SSA declares all-out war on Kerry Kilcannon, deploying its arsenal of money, intimidation, and secret dealings to eviscerate Kilcannon’s crusade–and, it hopes, destroy his presidency. This ignites a high-stakes game of politics and legal maneuvering in the Senate, the courtroom, and across the country, which the charismatic but untested young President is determined to win at any cost. But in the incendiary clash over gun violence and gun rights, the cost to both Kilcannons may be even higher than he imagined.

And others in the crossfire may also pay the price: the idealistic lawyer who has taken on the gun industry; the embattled CEO of America’s leading gun maker; the war-hero senator caught between conflicting ambitions; the female senator whose career is at risk; and the grief-stricken young woman fighting to emerge from the shadow of her sister, the First Lady.

The insidious ways money corrodes democracy and corrupts elected officials . . . the visceral debate between gun-rights and gun-control advocates . . . the bitter legal conflict between gun companies and the victims of gun violence . . . a ratings-driven media that both manipulates and is manipulated–Richard North Patterson weaves these engrossing themes into an epic novel that moves us with its force, passion, and authority.

©2003 Richard North Patterson (P)2003 Random House Inc., Random House Audio, A Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Richard North Patterson has a keen eye for how Washington really works. His portrait of the gun lobby is right on–both in terms of its power and its political tactics. A must read for anyone interested in the gun debate.” –FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

“Balance of Power is a rip-roaring novel about guns, lawyers, and politics. Richard North Patterson has extraordinary insight into how Washington works, and a complex and heartfelt understanding of the effects of gun violence on our society. This is a great read by a masterful writer.” –SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY

“Balance of Power is a compelling story, fully worthy of Richard North Patterson, which is made even more intriguing by its detailed insight into the world of special-interests politics in Washington, D.C.” –SCOTT TUROW

Good story, so-so performance.

This is the first of Richard North Patterson's books that I have read or listened to, and I am now looking into his earlier works. I find it exciting, with several interesting characters who have varying priorities and viewpoints. I did note right from the beginning that Patricia Kalember is not as skilled as some of the other readers in bringing characters to life.

Need more proof?

It was simply amazing to see a real life drama played out last week in the U.S. senate. Spearheaded by the Republican leadership we saw almost the same gun immunity bill passed that we read about in "Balance of Power". It upset me in print and now we are faced with it in real life. This bill was a testament to the power of the NRA and the gun lobby and how much our politicians fear them. We continue to kill each other and our children at an alarming rate. At least now we know that the gun makers need not be concerned about consequences. We call ourselves civilized.

No, this was not Richard North Patterson's finest work. The book seemed a little rushed and did not flow as smoothly as his earlier works. He need never hide his bias- we know where his ideals lie and thank you very much. He is rational in the face of irrationalness. I enjoyed the book and will forever credit him for waking us up to a threat that was actually realized.

Exciting political novel

The deranged, estranged husband of the President's sister-in-law is able to buy an assault rifle at a gun show and use it to mow down a number of people at a California airport. This convinces the President that the time is right for some meaningful gun control. He first attempts to get the gun manufacturer to voluntarily agree. This falls apart when the gun lobby pressures the manufacturer. Frustrated, the President takes the battle to Congress and the courts. The result is a fascinating and exciting look at how our political system works and how the gun lobby can be so successful.

The SSA is the villain in this book and it is obviously a thinly disguised stand-in for the NRA. I was shocked at the low ratings for this book and especially at some of the comments about it. I suspect this is because the author chose to wade into the middle of a highly charged political debate and take a firm stand. Since he had control of the pen, some might say the story was a "cheap shot" at the NRA. If you are strongly against gun control, this book will offend you. If you are a member of the NRA, this book will probably offend you. If you were offended by Bowling for Columbine, don't listen to this book.

Very, very , very good book

Really enjoyed the entire book. Points made are excellent and thought provoking. Very enjoyable fiction. Now need the next book to continue the story!

Politics - How Low Can it Get?

In this continuation of the Kilcannon presidency, we find ourselves facing some of the moral dilemmas that we read about in the newspapers on an almost daily basis. While the second amendment gives us the the right to bear arms, we are forced to choose between a person's right to hunt and a criminal's right to blow people away with impunity, using handguns made strictly for that purpose. This novel shows how special interests can intrude on the legislative process to accomplish their ends. Kilcannon torn by personal tragedy, is forced to fight tooth and nail with a recalcitrant Senate. All told an exciting political novel that delves into some important issues that we face daily. If you like political intrigue this might just be your cup of tea, if not stay away.

Relevant and riveting

This was a great story. Taken from today's headlines. Narration was compelling and even paced. Highly recommend.

Tour de Force

A stroll through power politics. A bit long in the unabridged version, but an insightful look at the role of supporters, lobbyists, lawsuits, and politians in the nation's affairs.

Totally Captivating and Plausable

This story kept me wanting more, hoping for stop lights so I could listen longer. The subject is timely and the treatment plausable. Well worth the investment of both time and money.

Excellent Book

Patterson instructs and demonstrates the dynamics of our political system while weaving a tale. I am constantly amazed at how he uses normal political activity to create tension and drama. If you hate politics you won't like the book. There is little blood and only some tragedy, the rest is about the maneuverings needed to get things done.

No plot; hours of rant

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I don't think anything could have been done to make this a 4 or 5 star listening experience.

What could Richard North Patterson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I bought this book and listened for a couple of hours waiting for the "balance of power" but seems to be hours of the author's personal views.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was okay but the subject matter actually detracted from her.

What character would you cut from Balance of Power?

All of them.

Any additional comments?

Not really. I hated this book and had I not bought it many months ago, I would ask to return it. I kept listening hoping it would get better but has not. There is no balance in the balance of power.