Line of Succession – The Price of Power

I was attracted to the book from the title and description. This is an account of a political family during the Balkan war. There is loads going on in the book: politics, backstabbing, family problems, international travel, blackmail, and much, much more. I enjoyed the book entirely. There is all of the character development that I enjoy, with plenty of background on each character in the Canfield family, who are the main characters. There is Kathleen Canfield, a senator who becomes the first female Vice President in the United States, her husband, Mark Canfield, a plastic surgeon, Bill Canfield, a pilot in the US Navy, and Chrissie Canfield, the younger daughter, who is going through some difficult teenage years. The characters were believable, and you get to know and care about them.

It is very well written with various changes in pace, from the emotional moments within the family to the conflict in the Balkans, where there are wonderful descriptions of battles and war. My favorite part was the description of the conflict in the Balkans, with Bill and Mark being the main characters in this section. This whole book was a nice, easy read, with nothing too difficult during the political parts, and nicely paced. There are plenty of twists and turns, which surprised me, catching me off guard.

Author Michael Vandor does a superb job with this debut novel. I would most definitely read a sequel if he writes one. My only critique, though, was the president’s accent. It was frustrating to read. But this is just a minor complaint.

Recommended to all readers who enjoy a good political thriller. I hope to see more from this author soon.