Book Review: Abuse of Power by Michael Savage

I think a new genre is in order: the "thriller-written-by-talk-radio-host" genre. "Abuse of Power" is, overall, a much better book than Glenn Beck's "Overton Window." This is primarily due to it actually being thrilling. Dr. Savage presents a much more action-packed novel than Beck that relies, not upon conspiracy theory, but actual existential threat for it's source of tension. The characters here are much more fully realized than in "Overton," with believable back stories and motivations for what they do (or, indeed, what they don't do).

Dr. Savage also manages to weave small history lessons into the narrative, making the book even more interesting. The action's locale moves around frequently, giving the plot an international scope. While, to some extent, the main character (Jack Hatfield) could be seen as a greatly idealized version of Dr. Savage himself, it did nothing to lessen his believability in my eyes (just as the knowledge that Conan the Barbarian was an idealized version of Robert E. Howard doesn't lessen Conan's appeal). And that is where I think "Abuse" succeeds where "Overton" does not... you believe in, and sympathize with, Dr. Savage's characters much more than Beck's... which is essential to any thriller.

For anyone who has or would pass this up because of preconceived notions about Dr. Savage, I would say that you are doing yourself a disservice by doing so. Dr. Savage has, with this first novel, proven himself as an adept writer of fiction. I hope to read more novels from him in the future.

Book Review: The Overton Window by Glenn Beck

I didn't really expect much from this one, I have to admit. Beck has fallen out of favor with me in recent months as he has descended into Alex-Jones-without-the-Jew-hatred territory. His finger-in-the-wind endorsements of just about every Republican Presidential candidate, culminating in a predictable siding with fellow Mormon Mitt Romney, has been another source of frustration. Still, I decided I'd give this a go... and I'm glad I did.

Although described as a "thriller," there is very little real action in the book. This is made up for by a well-executed sense of intrigue, using real-life as a backdrop, to some degree. Although some of the main characters are thinly-veiled versions of actual individuals (some bordering on outright caricatures), the "it CAN happen here" feel the story possesses tends to override the flaws in characterization.

In short, give it a shot... no matter your political persuasion. It's a fast, easy read (I finished it in three days) that, I feel, is a good first attempt in this genre. I hope Beck gives the thriller genre another go. With "Overton Window," he has shown a good deal of potential.