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Transfer of Power is a book clouded with the heroics and the dark side of politics. Readers can see how the Government could react in a case of total takeover by a terrorist. Rather than dragging on the plot, the author, Vince Flynn, immediately plunges into the action. There is an adequate balance between the action and politics which allows for a quick yet deep read. The chain of action is continuous and never allows the reader to wander off. 

The story is based upon a terrorist attack upon the White House. These terrorists are lead by a single leader, Rafique Aziz. They are young, brash, and has a single goal; to fight for the Middle East. They see the United States as providers of injustice upon their homeland. Their takeover succeeds leading to the President is trapped within a bunker, dozens being held hostage, and there is no way in or out. The CIA, FBI, and Secret Service is pulled in to discuss a plan. No party seems to agree upon anything. Through the frenzy of the politics, one individual is fueled with rage. 

Mitch Rapp is the best counter-terrorist operative in the CIA and has been hunting Aziz for nearly ten years. There is a pale scar on Rapp’s cheek that serves as a constant reminder. As he watches the government deploy tactics that end up blowing up in their faces, he begins to grow frustrated. Rapp knows and has hunted down man like Raziz, and knows exactly how to deal with them. The CIA has only one advantage over the terrorists; just a couple of hours before, Rapp successfully captured Raziz’s mentor, Fara Harut. With a specialized team, the CIA manages to pull vital information that allows negotiations and a buffer in time. This allows Rapp to begin his own infilteration of the White House. No one seems to know the way into the White House without being captured and killed by the terrorists. No one except, Milt Adams. Adams has extensive knowledge of the secret layouts of the building that is not recorded on paper for security purposes. With the help of Adams, Rapp successfully is able to enter the White House. But the problems are just about to begin. However with some inside help, the two of them are able to free the hostages and end the terrorism. 

This was a one seat read. Once I opened the first page, I didn’t put it down until the last word. The fast pace allows hours to float pass without you realizing. I thoroughly enjoyed the ups and down action. One main thing that I praise is the dynamic of each and every one of the characters. All the characters have vulnerabilities that can be seen within myself, which attracts me to the story. It’s hard to imagine a terrorist to be anything but a monster. However Vice Flynn brings a humane dynamic that I thought was interesting. Each and every vulnerability of the characters fuels the richness of the plot.  I give this book a 9.5/10. I would have given it full marks, but I thought that there was too much of a cliffhanger for me to be satisfied. This book is part of the Mitch Rapp novel series, so if the reader wanted to read more there is a continuation of the character. However I still believe the next book really doesn’t address the plot of this one and thus there is a half point deduction. I would recommend this book for young adults. There is aright amount of heavy topics and fast paces action that fits right into the age category.