State of Terror: A Novel

Seems astonishing that the bad reviews are so swift, given the fact that the book has only been out for a few hours. Political much? I am putting out positive vibes because I know it will be great. How can it miss? Ignore the haters.

(Note – I do not allow politics or the author's personal history to influence my book reviews. I am only concerned with what is in the book. If you dislike HRC because of political reasons, then just don't buy the book; but writing a bad review because you dislike the author doesn't help anyone that might want to know more about the book)This book has 45 chapters, and a total of about 486 pages in the digital version, not including Notes. I don't want to spoil the plot, so I'll just discuss general information about the book, and my personal thoughts after reading it.The main character is Ellen Adams, the new Secretary of State that has been recently appointed by her political rival Douglas Williams. By her side is her friend and adviser Betsy, and together the two of them will immediately face challenges as Secretary Adams attempts to navigate the difficult world international politics. The authors attempt to make Adams seem relatable and realistic, while still being a competent leader. The book deals with multiple terrorist organizations, both fictional and real; and the characters face super high stakes situations, like assassinations and nuclear weapons. There is a bit of mystery also, and certain details aren't revealed until the very end of the book.This book was written before the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, but it is notable that the possible ramifications of that withdrawal are mentioned in the book, rather specifically. I will let you draw your own conclusions there, but the timing is certainly interesting.In the Acknowledgments section, Clinton explains that the main characters in this book were loosely based on actual real life friends of hers with the same first names (Ellen and Betsy), that had recently passed away over the past few years. It is a nice gesture to honor your friends by including them in your book, although it makes me wonder what the real people would've thought of the characters that they inspired...Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. Some of the plot seemed very cliché, and some of the events seemed so unrealistic that it was hard to suspend disbelief; but at the same time many of the character interactions seemed genuine. This might be because some of the main characters were based on real people, so the authors had a better idea of how these characters would react in certain situations. There was generally enough action to keep me reading, but some of the explanations seemed shaky, and there are some things that are just quickly explained in the very last chapter that I wish would've had more foreshadowing. I'd have to give this book about a 3.7 / 5; it is the kind of book that was interesting enough to keep me reading, but at the end I wasn't blown away with the story that I had just finished.

I’d like to first point out that the only reason this new novel has 3 stars is because the MAGAts are tanking the ratings.This book is incredible! Well-written, thrilling and full of energy.

WAIT to buy this one at the dollar store...It truly wish I had my money back. Wish I had the several hours it took to read it back. WASTE OF TIME and MONEY! I will put it up on Ebay for sale maybe I can recoup some of my losses....some left wing dem will get sucked into buying it... heck they buy into Biden's garbage daily...BTW, if she's such a good writer, why would she NEED to "co-write" a fictional novel with such a well known best selling author....OHHH! .... I get it....she probably didn't write much of it at all....I wonder if Ms. Penny will get as much $ as the guy Ms. Clinton paid to write the Russian Dossier?.... Things that make ya' go HMMMM???>>>>She should write a fictional novel about all the political fiction she has created in her political career.WAIT that would be considered an AUTOBIOGRAPHY!Would be a bestseller at the dollar store.BTW...I'm an INDEPENDENT politically>>>>

The Amazon synopsis above gives a good introduction to the plot of this complex thriller, so i will not give any spoilers. Clinton and her co-writer bring writing expertise as well as expert knowledge of international affairs to this story. In contrast to most of novels of this kind, the main characters outwit America's enemies (both foreign and domestic) using primarily their brains as opposed to violent military action. Political junkies will find interest (and amusement) in the authors' portrayals of foreign leaders, as well as thinly disguised US politicians. On the plus side, this book seems much more realistic than say a Ludlum novel, although the theme is similar: our heroes race against the clock to "save the world as we know it". For fans of this type of thriller novel, I recommend this book. It is a shame that Clinton's political enemies are already trashing this book in their reviews. Lets just judge it as a novel.

What a fabulous read. Highly recommend to anyone! Thanks Sec. Clinton!

When the book arrived today, I quickly read the jacket notes and thought I’d peruse the first few chapters. I put it down for dinner and thought I would offset the political nay sayer gnomes out there with a good review. I’m not sure where this is headed and by now I usually have a good idea, so yes it’s well written.Secretary Clinton obviously called on her past experiences and combined them with Louise Penny’s genius to provide the suspenseful twists.I am not one who enjoys a regular diet of novels, but this one is hard to put down and I cant wait to see where it goes next.

Sure, this book is fiction-but what fiction writer doesn't use a bit of truth sprinkled in here and there for added zing?If you can, set your personal politics aside and just enjoy an action packed story.5 stars!

If you are a Louise Penny fan you will love this novel - with subtle references to her Gamache novels that pepper it. If you have never read one of her books before it is irrelevant. Her friend Hillary Clinton has opened up a world that very few see, a real insider view of the role of Secretary of State. Together they weave a story of our times, including some chilling possibilities that came true between writing and publishing. At the centre is friendship of two women who have to cope with terrorists, a huge threat to peace in the world, the complications of misogyny and knowing just who is the enemy. It takes us around the world in a race against time to stop nuclear bombs being detonated. Both Penny and Clinton stepped out of their comfort zone and they created a great story, a real page turner. Take time to read the acknowledgments at the end and discover the amazing real life inspirations for some of the characters. Very moving.

I can only remember two books that I've found truly unputdownable - Robert Ludlam' s The Matarese Circle as a teenager and Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising some years later, but this joins the group. Yes we know the central character is HRC herself, the former President is Donald Trump, and even the British Prime Minister with permanently disheviled hair is Boris Johnson, but this book is not afraid to criticise both sides of the political isle, with repeated warnings about the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan leading to the return of Al Qaeda being a none too subtle criticism of the current Administration. Despite the politics this is a page turning contemporary thriller that grabs you from the beginning and never lets you go. Louise Penny makes sure the writing is fast paced, the characters are exceptionally well developed and the plot never wavers. If Secretary Clinton is using this book to bring our attention to the unreported threats that crossed her desk at the State Department we are left in no doubt about the dangers that could strike at any time. Excellent.

State of Terror hares along at a breathless pace, and unpredictable end of chapter twists ensure that it is a cracking, unputdownable read. There's odd flashes of humour - more especially towards the end, which unfortunately becomes rather arbitrary and beyond credibility.This contrasts with the earlier exposition, where Clinton's inside knowledge of White House organisation, hierarchies, and modus operandi lend authenticity to what was always going to be a slightly far fetched polemic... although in light of recent presidential players and catastrophic foreign policy missteps perhaps isn't so far from reality.Having ignited the narrative cauldron, and energised the participating characters, the denouement was just a little facile.But a good read nevertheless.

I have only just started the book but there are blank pages (kindle edition) so gaps in the story already.

The two authors show the importance and strength of life-long women friends who at the highest levels deal with a shattering world crisis. No spoilers, just listen and you won’t be disappointed