Power play An international thriller

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.--Ayers, Jeff Copyright 2010 Booklist

Last seen in 2009's Diamondhead, Capt. Mackenzie "Mack" Bedford must thwart a Russian attempt to blow up the National Security Agency's Maryland headquarters with nuclear missiles in this unconvincing military thriller set in 2018. Russian president Nikita Markova, a 74-year-old Stalinist nostalgic for the old Soviet Union, also plans to disable the U.S. president's always handy "nuclear football" so the Americans can't retaliate. To the rescue come Mack and his hardy SEAL Team 10 out of San Diego, which is tasked with intercepting and sinking a huge Russian freighter and its nuclear cargo in the North Atlantic before it can deliver the missiles to a Central American launch site. Robinson has never lacked in devising the skeleton for exciting plots, but his execution remains uninspired and mechanical. Stilted dialogue and an overall jingoistic tone may cause some readers to wince. Worse, his long, undisciplined commentary on historical events and military minutiae interfere at many of the most crucial points. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.