One Sentence Summary:
This thriller follows a retired Army Special Agent as he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy for control over the world’s most powerful satellite system.
Book Genre:
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
Main Topic of the Book:
The struggle for control over a revolutionary satellite system with the potential to give its owner unlimited power.
Key Ideas:
- The corrupting nature of power.
- The lengths some will go to in order to gain control.
- The importance of loyalty, trust, and family.
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
- Prologue: The book opens with an introduction to the main character, Web London, and his elite FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT).
- Part One: Pride: Web and his team are sent on a rescue mission that goes tragically wrong, resulting in Web’s departure from the FBI and the death of all his teammates except for one.
- Part Two: Courage: As the lone survivor, Web is plagued by guilt and survivor’s guilt. However, he must put his past aside and utilize his skills to solve the mystery of his team’s deaths and prevent a catastrophic attack on the United States.
- Part Three: Tenacity: Web joins forces with a tenacious FBI agent, Sydney Fitzpatrick, and embarks on a dangerous search for evidence to prove his innocence and expose the powerful individuals behind the conspiracy.
- Part Four: Truth: As the pieces start coming together, Web and Sydney uncover a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation. They race against time to stop the mastermind behind the plot and bring justice to those responsible.
- Epilogue: In the final confrontation, Web must use all his skills and courage to take down the enemy and save millions of lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The consequences of unchecked power and greed.
- The resilience and strength of the human spirit.
- The importance of loyalty, trust, and family in the face of adversity.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
David Baldacci is an American author and novelist. He specialized in writing thrillers and mysteries and has published over 40 novels, many of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Before becoming a full-time writer, Baldacci practiced law for nine years. He also served as a trial lawyer and later ventured into corporate law before leaving the legal profession to pursue a writing career. Baldacci’s background in law and his interest in political and legal issues have heavily influenced his writing.
Target Audience:
Fans of thriller and mystery novels with a focus on political and legal issues, as well as those interested in stories of corruption and power struggles.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Grand Central Publishing; November 6, 2001