REVIEW - ORDER OF SUCCESSION BY BILL THOMPSON

Order of Succession by Bill Thompson
4 stars out of 5 

This book impressed me: it took a lot of work to write it. I can say that the author managed to build a detailed and quite believable plot because he offers just enough details and clear research of situations, locations and procedures to sound genuine. It is clear that something similar might happen at any time.
The author opened the story with a few shocking events: first the vice-president’s plane disappears and, as if that hadn’t been enough, shortly after, the president’s plane vanishes. One event of the kind would be enough to shock a country but two such events would paralyze it, at least for a while. The disappearance of two planes flying a couple of the world’s most powerful men can’t be a coincidence and the implications are serious, both political and financial. Mr. Thompson succeeded in creating a good political thriller presenting some warning scenarios about the current global economy and businesses.
The novel is mostly fast-paced, and especially in the first part of the book. What might confuse in the beginning is the introduction of a plethora of new characters in a short period of time. It is a little difficult to keep up and remember everyone but I appreciated the brief review of some characters’ future at the end of the book.
There are some jarring expressions that detract from the fluidity of the narrative and there are a little too many clichés for my taste, however the story is there and I’m sure no one can deny it. The characters are well developed.
​I also noticed some biased opinions concerning the females’ and males’ behavior. It appears that the author inclines to believe that women are slightly hysterical in certain situations while men can keep their calm and clear minds. From experience I can say that such behavioral characteristics have nothing to do with the gender.
All in all, I think this is a good story and I recommended to readers enjoying political thrillers and conspiracies.