REVIEWS
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
5-star rating
The River Rubicon by Daniel Paul is a gripping political drama and thriller that blends intrigue, high-stakes diplomacy, and hidden agendas with characters caught in a web of ambition and power. At the heart of the story is Elaine Martin, a political strategist grappling with the sweeping changes brought by the newly elected American President, Robert "Bob" Standish. Together with a controversial group of advisers and supporters, he launches a series of policies that affect both the domestic and international landscapes, leaving both allies and adversaries uncertain. Openly opposing the new administration is dangerous, yet Elaine soon realizes that inaction also comes with grave consequences. As matters come to a head, Elaine faces a crucial decision that could change her career and life forever.
In The River Rubicon, Daniel Paul sets the stage with a short reference to Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon, a pivotal moment in history. This creates a heightened and dramatic foreshadowing of a bold and risky decision that is the main theme. Additionally, it suggests themes of power, consequence, and the gravity of decisions in the mounting face of pressure, building anticipation for a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative. Set mainly in the White House and including multiple geographical locations, the story features a stellar cast of characters and plot twists, living up to every reader's expectations. This story left me pondering the varied reactions of the main protagonists, the consequences of their decisions, and the complexities of human nature when confronted with adversity and power. I highly recommend this book to fans of political thrillers and character-driven narratives.
Maalin Ogaja
Readers' Favorite
Reviewed by Emily Omondi for Reedsy
MUST READ / 5-star rating
Reedsy
A page-turner political thriller that masterfully explores the pressing issues afflicting contemporary America
Daniel Paul's The River Rubicon is a gripping and fast-paced political thriller that centers on two key themes: the greed for power and the severe consequences of choices made at the ballot box. The story, as you'd guess–given the American flag on the cover—takes place in a nation the world always has its eyes on: the United States of America. President Robert Standish (Bob) has been elected into office, and even before the dust settles, he's already initiating radical changes, including choosing between NATO and BRICS, putting one religion above the others, fixing immigration crisis, and firmly dealing with his political nemesis–notably his predecessor. Are his decisions good for the country? The answer is no. Therefore, one pressing question arises: how can Standish be stopped?
Paul's narrative is taut with tension and fear, with each scene escalating the stakes. Text messages, phone calls, news broadcasts, and even a knock on the door raise the hair on the back of your neck. It is not uncommon for "a shadowy figure to retreat into an alleyway", or for unsettling moments to arise, such as when two secret service agents escort Elaine Martin to a different section of the East Wing. When Talia spots a suspicious character approaching, she fears yet another unlawful arrest. This suffocating and omnipresent atmosphere permeates the book until the very end. The characters are also well-developed. Although Standish is in charge and perhaps the most feared man in America, he often feels wary of those surrounding him. Elaine, on the other hand, puts her life at risk by conspiring with blue state governors but continues to press forward, refusing the easier option of fleeing to Quebec, Canada. Attorney General Calero's strategy for stalling elections is both brilliant and relatable. Though Noam Barak does not achieve the outcome he desires, his actions significantly contribute to the book's satisfying conclusion.
For fans of political thrillers, The River Rubicon is an engaging read that resonates with recent events, particularly the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the immigration issue, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which are skillfully woven into the plot. Paul expertly incorporates themes of terrorism, press freedom infringement, and other elements typical of a high-octane political conspiracy.
Emily Omondi
Reedsy
More reviews to come