REVIEWS
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
5-star rating
The River Rubicon by Daniel Paul is a gripping political drama and thriller that blends intrigue, high-stakes diplomacy, and hidden agendas with characters caught in a web of ambition and power. At the heart of the story is Elaine Martin, a political strategist grappling with the sweeping changes brought by the newly elected American President, Robert "Bob" Standish. Together with a controversial group of advisers and supporters, he launches a series of policies that affect both the domestic and international landscapes, leaving both allies and adversaries uncertain. Openly opposing the new administration is dangerous, yet Elaine soon realizes that inaction also comes with grave consequences. As matters come to a head, Elaine faces a crucial decision that could change her career and life forever.
In The River Rubicon, Daniel Paul sets the stage with a short reference to Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon, a pivotal moment in history. This creates a heightened and dramatic foreshadowing of a bold and risky decision that is the main theme. Additionally, it suggests themes of power, consequence, and the gravity of decisions in the mounting face of pressure, building anticipation for a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative. Set mainly in the White House and including multiple geographical locations, the story features a stellar cast of characters and plot twists, living up to every reader's expectations. This story left me pondering the varied reactions of the main protagonists, the consequences of their decisions, and the complexities of human nature when confronted with adversity and power. I highly recommend this book to fans of political thrillers and character-driven narratives.
Maalin Ogaja
Readers' Favorite
Reviewed by Emily Omondi for Reedsy
MUST READ / 5-star rating
Reedsy
A page-turner political thriller that masterfully explores the pressing issues afflicting contemporary America
Daniel Paul's The River Rubicon is a gripping and fast-paced political thriller that centers on two key themes: the greed for power and the severe consequences of choices made at the ballot box. The story, as you'd guess–given the American flag on the cover—takes place in a nation the world always has its eyes on: the United States of America. President Robert Standish (Bob) has been elected into office, and even before the dust settles, he's already initiating radical changes, including choosing between NATO and BRICS, putting one religion above the others, fixing immigration crisis, and firmly dealing with his political nemesis–notably his predecessor. Are his decisions good for the country? The answer is no. Therefore, one pressing question arises: how can Standish be stopped?
Paul's narrative is taut with tension and fear, with each scene escalating the stakes. Text messages, phone calls, news broadcasts, and even a knock on the door raise the hair on the back of your neck. It is not uncommon for "a shadowy figure to retreat into an alleyway", or for unsettling moments to arise, such as when two secret service agents escort Elaine Martin to a different section of the East Wing. When Talia spots a suspicious character approaching, she fears yet another unlawful arrest. This suffocating and omnipresent atmosphere permeates the book until the very end. The characters are also well-developed. Although Standish is in charge and perhaps the most feared man in America, he often feels wary of those surrounding him. Elaine, on the other hand, puts her life at risk by conspiring with blue state governors but continues to press forward, refusing the easier option of fleeing to Quebec, Canada. Attorney General Calero's strategy for stalling elections is both brilliant and relatable. Though Noam Barak does not achieve the outcome he desires, his actions significantly contribute to the book's satisfying conclusion.
For fans of political thrillers, The River Rubicon is an engaging read that resonates with recent events, particularly the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the immigration issue, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which are skillfully woven into the plot. Paul expertly incorporates themes of terrorism, press freedom infringement, and other elements typical of a high-octane political conspiracy.
Emily Omondi
Reedsy
Reviewed by Joshua Olokodana for Readers' Favorite
5-star rating
Readers' Favorite
You cannot afford to miss adding this to your bookshelf
In The Shadow of Pharsalus: The River Rubicon II by Daniel Paul, geopolitics is the name of the game, secret agents are the moving pieces, and the hands that move them remain perpetually hidden in the shadows. Just when the world thought American politics could not get any more chaotic, the US military orchestrates a coup and enforces martial law to stabilize the country following President Robert Standish's chaotic policies. Unfortunately, the coup causes more division, and only the threat of military force forestalls outright civil war. Still, the National Christian Defenders, an extreme right-wing group, begin to plan a takeover. Russia, having defeated Ukraine, also intends to exploit the USA's chaotic state to grab the Baltic states. Unbeknownst to them, however, is the extent of Margaret Drake's alliances. Maggie is the unseen CIA hand that moves America's pieces from the shadows. The NCD initially outmaneuvers her, but her moves recently won in the Levant — she is not about to lose now.
The Shadow of Pharsalus by Daniel Paul is a riveting political thriller that paints a harrowing American future based on current political events. It plunges the reader into an incredibly dangerous world of conspiracies, blackmail, espionage, and cynical politics. This story does not just entertain; it is a call to consider the consequences of President Trump's "bold" policies and a rethinking of America's two-party system. The plot began slowly, but it did not take long for me to feel its choking pressure, suspense, and expectation. Daniel Paul has simply kicked the boundaries of imagination out of the park. From the creative title and Latin-numbered chapters to the structured introduction of each chapter and character, I felt a visceral confirmation of Paul's talent and knowledge of geopolitics. The Shadow of Pharsalus is so complete that I could write another review of it with extra reasons to support my opinion. If you love political thrillers and you have centrist or left-leaning views, you cannot afford to miss adding this to your bookshelf.
Joshua Olokodana
Readers' Favorite
Reviewed by Louise Cannon, Bookmarks and Stages by Lou
It's a highly thought-provoking book and not outlandishly so
4 1\2-star rating
Political Thrillers are either a hit or a miss. River Rubicon is a hit. From the start, the pacing is fast with an easy readability. In other words, it isn't a thriller that feels like you're wading through the politics with great heavy boots on. It's quite the riveting page turner with a character-driven narrative throughout.
As a reader, you meet the West Wing and President Robert Standish. Politics is a hard, dirty game and the politicians play dirty here. People are betrayed inside and out-with the White House as things are said and done that weren't even in the manifesto. This is so relevant and happens in politics a lot today, contentious things being added and pledges being watered-down or scrapped. Elaine is definitely feeling the betrayal and people round about her have a suspicion that she's going to be inadvertently caught up in the political mess of power and sheer ambition. How far will things go? How far will people with power go?
It's fascinating reading about Elaine and her points of view on her personal v professional life choices and also about how she sees politics and the once robust walls of democracy and policy-making crumbling in the US. She's also living a bit of a dangerous life… She is on covert missions and will be in danger if she's caught.
Interestingly, the thriller touches upon Ukraine, Palestine, Israel as well as being about US affairs with Europe and China and far-fetched policies becoming reality. President Standish reminds you of a certain person in power. This gives, in a fictional way, an insight into American politics and the mind of that certain someone. It all sails pretty close to some home-truths, but with some twists and turns that actually keep the momentum of the plot lines going.
The River Rubicon has a sense of urgency. It's very observant and readers will certainly pick up on parallels between the book and what is happening today in the world, with the US at the forefront of it. It also gives a rather intelligent insight into just how far things may go next in the US where politics is concerned. It's a highly thought-provoking book and not outlandishly so. It really does make you see how the US is in the world, it's ambition and what it may become within both countrywide and worldwide. It certainly makes you think about the potential impacts on countries around the world.
The River Rubicon is a very accomplished book that is both a page-turning thriller and thought-provoking in nature.
Louise Cannon
Respected UK book-blogger and critic
Reviewed by Emily Omondi for Reedsy
MUST READ - 5 star rating
Is The Shadow of Pharsalus worth a reader's time, especially political thriller fans? Paul's easy language and vivid description of events, as well as people, render great, vivid scenes.
Remember Robert Standish, the president who promised America great things only to succeed in bringing it to its knees. In Daniel Paul's second book, The Shadows of Pharsalus: The River Rubicon II, Standish is contained, the nation remains under martial law and Standish's supporters are regrouping. The sitting president, Elaine Martin, is trying to mend fences with the NATO nations. Even so, suspicions linger and when Elaine announces that Martial law will end after eight months, it largely remains to be seen whether this will be feasible. In the meantime, NCD (National Christian Defenders), led by its leader, Mac Harper, seeks to wreak havoc and Calvin Drayton proves to be the go-to man when it comes to technological security services. What's more, Talia Rosen is back, objective, and resourceful as always, never one to reveal her sources no matter the circumstances. Maggie Drake is busy on her end, keen on helping the country stand up again, and her modus operandi, though delivers, remains in the shadows.
The book opens up with Elaine, now former president, stepping on the limelight again as her journalist friend, Talia, seeks to get out her story. It's a good intro into a book as it reveals much about the leading characters and makes a reader curious about the events prior.
The rest of the book takes over after the end of the first book; Elaine in the white house, together with her trusted president's men, as they burn the midnight oil on how to restore America. What comes to the surface this far is Elaine's good intentions and the obstacles piling up against her, forcing the reader to wonder if she'll ever deliver.
As far as describing the state of the nation, Talia's return to America—from leaving the airport and entering a taxi—best describes the mood, revealing the fragility of peace and the threat of anarchy.
Is The Shadow of Pharsalus worth a reader's time, especially political thriller fans? As hinted above, Paul's easy language and vivid description of events, as well as people, render great, vivid scenes. When Elaine addresses the NATO presidents, the reader can see the looks doing rounds. When Standish engages in an interesting conversation with Marks, out there, some distance away, Maggie Drake awaits, the entire scene and the words exchanged are all memorable. When Drayton comes face to face with the sum of his failures, his frustration is palpable. When Elaine asks Fenton, "Would you bother to apologize if I were a man, General?" The ensuing silence and Fenton's "sheepish smile" are well-captured.
The other area where the book excels is characterization. All the characters here are well-fleshed, with both their strengths and weaknesses very evident. Interestingly, the reader gets to hear the stories from a third-person point of view. Yes, one of the characters operates like a ghost, for which he's called so, and there are a couple of others like him, lethal and lurking in the shadows.
The Shadows of Pharsalus is great in its focus on America as a threat to itself.
Emily Omondi
Reedsy
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