Empire by Andrew Scott Card

I did not know who Orson Scott Card was three months ago. I was traveling cross country on an airplane reading a book whose title I don't currently recall. For some reason, the book I was reading prompted a gentleman sitting next to me to suggest that I read Empire. He gave me a short scenario of the book and indicated that it was good reading. The concept sounded interesting enough to me to purchase the book. I have not gotten around to reading it until my recent trip to Egypt, which entailed nearly a full day of travel each direction. I quickly finished the book with that kind of time.

Card introduces readers to an interesting group of characters who are well developed through intricate details and small back stories. Their nicknames, likes and dislikes and personality quirks are thrown out to the reader as the main story line develops. It creates an engaging cast that readers are able to identify with. The relationships between the characters (to include the back story) require a bit of stretching of the imagination, with circumstances that have two prominent characters (who are married) intimately involved in historic events through unrelated backgrounds. I found that concept to be a bit challenging, but accepted it as a method for moving the action forward.

The story in Empire surrounds a Special Ops Major who has made his bones already and is enjoying a less stressful environment at the Pentagon. However, his newly assigned aide realizes that the Major is very busy engaging in Special Ops here within the United States. There is apparently a lot of string pulling happening behind the scenes. When the two first meet, the events quickly unfold into a scenario where the President of the United States is assassinated. It seems that the string pullers are attempting to create a Civil War between conservatives and liberals (Red States and Blue States...or more accurately, Urban and Rural). The events that transpire after the initial attack are action-packed and move the story forward at a quick pace. The more technical elements of the story are nicely balanced with a bit of humor here and there to keep things interesting.

I enjoyed the premise of Empire but felt manipulated by it. There were major issues I had with the concept that we were working with. Minute details were explained away to the "nth" degree to help lend credibility to the story. Yet major plot issues (like how does the Major think anyone is going to believe that he has a pre-arranged trip with his family if he never submitted a leave slip...in the Government, you do not "take" vacation...you ask for it). With the story going to great pains to explain every action, and giving an ad nauseum explanation for every action and reaction...the big stuff seemed to be overlooked at times.

Another issue I had with the story...which is supposedly happening during the Bush era (between 2000 and 2008) using the "stolen election of 2000" as one of the catalysts...the technology seems a bit advanced. I could accept the premise that the government has developed advanced technology that the people don't know about, but I do not accept the notion that people could develop advanced technology that the government does not know about. The technology doesn't even make sense to me. Oversized robotic soldiers that run instead of hover or roll? The primitive robots we see in existence now require advanced programming to do very simple tasks. I have trouble believing the advancement of that technology to the degree it is presented in the timeframe of this story. Those robots are dwarfed by hover cycles with advanced weaponry and bullet resistant materials that seem a bit far-fetched as well. I liked some of the tech stuff, but found it required an unrealistic stretch of the imagination. This book would have been better suited fifteen years down the road...then the tech might make sense.

Card does a good job of creating suspense and atmosphere in Empire. His descriptions help draw the visual pictures that help the story jump off the page. He also has done an incredible amount of research and put a lot of thought into the story. Although I had issues with several points, it is because of the scenario and the time frame. The book is definitely well researched with a very strong knowledge of Special Ops, military tactics and considerations that need to be given to any type of military operations. The logistics, command and communications are all adequately explored. The action scenes move forward tactically (mostly) and with lightning speed at times. The tempo creates a gripping sense of action that keeps the pages turning. That aspect of the book appealed to me.

My take on Empire is mixed. I enjoyed the characters, concept, descriptions and action. The technology and a few plot issues (especially the extreme coincidences) took their toll on me. The time frame seemed out of place for the action we are watching, but it was a fun ride. I would still recommend Empire, but probably wouldn't go overboard with it.