Power Down

July 19, 2010
Coes pumps new heat, blood, and flat-out action into a well-worn premise—terrorists are out to break America by attacking its energy resources—in his frighteningly plausible thriller debut. One target is Capitana, an American oil rig located in the Pacific off the coast of Colombia. Rigger gang chief Dewey Andreas, a former Delta officer, fights back and succeeds in saving many lives, but the oil platform is destroyed. At the same time, Canada's Savage Island Project, the largest hydroelectric dam in North America, is blown up, killing hundreds and destroying a vital link in the U.S.'s energy production. Behind these schemes and with many more to come is Manhattan billionaire Alexander Fortuna, who will stop at nothing to destroy America, a country he was taught as a child to loath. Abetting Fortuna is a despicable traitor, Vic Buck, director of the CIA's National Clandestine Service. Readers will eagerly await Coes's next effort and hope for Dewey Andreas's return.

Peter Hermann's powerful narration--enhanced by sounds of rapid gunfire, explosions, and the moans of victims--is a perfect fit for Ben Coe's debut thriller. Hermann's stark depiction of the jihadist dual destruction of an American oil rig off the coast of Colombia and the largest hydroelectric dam in North America begins hours of nerve-racking suspense. Hermann's portrayal of Dewey Andreas, a rig worker and former Delta officer, is equally gripping. His adept characterizations also make a multiplicity of characters easily distinguishable--from terrorists to financiers to politicians. Especially compelling is his depiction of an American traitor whose goal is the destruction of the nation he loathes. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Starred review from January 1, 2011

This debut thriller from former White House speechwriter Coes (www.bencoes.com)--one of the most visceral, gut-wrenching, blood-soaked, and flat-out brutal novels currently on the market--will have audiences gasping for air right up until the very end. A series of terrorist attacks on American energy resources is driving the country into a state of panic. Only one man, Dewey Andreas, seems to have half a chance at stopping some of the carnage, and he is being simultaneously hunted by the terrorists and the government. Actor/narrator Peter Hermann (Private) reads in a deep, flat voice some listeners may initially find grating but will soon realize is essential to carrying off the intensity this novel demands. They will appreciate, too, that Hermann ultimately manages to bring to life a hero who has no hesitation in killing and who is suspicious of nearly everyone who tries to help. Well done, Coes and Hermann both--don't make us wait too long for the next appearance of this dynamic character. An essential acquisition. [The St. Martin's hc was recommended for fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, LJ 8/10.--Ed.]--Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA

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