Power Play (Mack Bedford)
Robinson’s latest novel featuring Mack Bedford posits a future world in which Russia has become a key global player in the nuclear landscape. Israel has destroyed an Iranian nuclear facility, and North Korea’s capability is also diminished. Allies that the U.S. could rely on are dealing with their own problems, so America becomes isolated. An attack on the U.S. nuclear launch systems makes war a distinct possibility. The story could have had a compelling edge, but since the time line drags on for months, much of the suspense is lost. Bedford, usually the lead in Robinson’s thrillers, makes more of a cameo appearance here, which will disconcert series readers; and the reliance on too many technical terms makes the narrative difficult to follow. Committed Robinson fans will stick with this disappointing effort, but newcomers are likely to give up before the finish. --Jeff Ayers