Dead State (David Shepherd Thrillers #2) [E-BOOK]

A long criticism is that Washington corrupts the good. There are many that come with price and arrogance to benefit from an elected role, rather than help those they ser. But what of the good-hearted and good-intentioned?
Addresses this in a captivating way: power, faith, and how to maintain yourself in that environment.
Really enjoyed it, and how it applies to our world today.

What a good book°° I love that David is a Christian, can defend his faith, never wavering and still be in politics. Couldn't put it down.
Am anxious for book 3.

David Shepherd is becoming more than he ever intended to become, his popularity in the polls was rising, people were following every word he said, and his stance on religion did not work against him as some said it would, on the contrary people were believing every word he said. He was becoming a threat to the Presidency itself and to those who benefitted from keeping certain people who were compromised in office. Saul Mauer was not one to take competition lightly, let alone defeat, he enjoyed his power and would do anything to hold onto it. So even though his own daughter Michal was in love with David, and his son Jonathan was David's friend, he still sent assassins to try to kill him, and kept Michal away from him. David went into hiding with full security forces around him and his team researched to see who would benefit by keeping him out of the running for presidency. The darkness which he and his team discovered went real deep, the power behind the president was enormous. So who were Sanctum? This thriller is a real page turner, riveting especially as it builds up to a face to face debate at the end of the book. It becomes a race to save lives when so much was revealed on national television. I love that David sticks by his beliefs no matter what and will simply not give in to pressure to win an election. Phew what a great read!! On to book 3 please.

This book really exposes the ugliness of politics, it showcases the lengths people would be prepared to go through to achieve their goal. Which isn't necessarily for the betterment of all... Working in politics, navigating shark infested waters, trying to keep oneself from becoming chomp, heck, that's a feat in itself! And trying to stick to ones original convictions, almost an impossibility. This quote depicts how faliable politicians are "what you fail to understand is that idealism dies quickly in this building. Reality demands compromise" but not all.... Some, like veteran David Sheppard genuinely believe they can make a difference, genuinely believe their God given right is just that, GOD GIVEN! Not man manipulated...

David Sheppard sure has come a long way, from a veteran helping out at a soup kitchen, to a senator. One with scruples, one with morals, one deeply committed to doing God's work, one who refuses to compromise, either himself or his beliefs. At the crux of it all is Sam, a Preacher, who approached David to accept this role. Fiercely devout, Sam exposes those who have fallen off the pedestal into "playing the players" It's a fantastically different read, even though Church and politics should never mix, Sam is doing God's work, Sam has his finger on the pulse and Sam doesn't let up. David is implementing policy, fighting for policies he believes in but none of his fellow senators believe that he's genuine, that he doesn't have a hidden agenda as they do. But David listens to the people, David hears them, David wants to help them, not himself. Which isn't an easy task...Great characterisations, full , vulnerable, strong, uncompromising. Michal, the President's daughter, is a terrific character too, she's supportive, she's smart, she's sharp and she too is dedicated to making a difference.

What I really love about this author's work, he doesn't mince his words, he tells it as he sees it. It's not all "politicing" there's real warmth in the relationship David shares with the President's daughter, there's conviction of truth, there's deep and abiding faith. There are SO many quotes I could add to this review, all extremely pertinent, all hardhitters, all so very relatable. If only all politicians could just follow this simple truth as said by David, the world would be a far better, safer place "judge me by what I do, not what I say". I've said it before but I can't stress it enough, this author arouses the need, in me, to do better, be better.... Although some might think it riské, so heavily steeped in Christianity, one cannot dispel nor negate truth, in whichever form they take. Excellent read, provocative read.

This book tells the timeless stories of those who rise to power, either by being drawn to it or by being pushed to it. President Saul Mauer was drawn to the Presidency; Senator David Shepherd is being pushed to run against him. Mauer's team is working hard to get Shepherd out of the race by any means possible.

This action-packed thriller does give the reader a few chances to breathe, at least. Take a deep breath, dive in, and breathe where you can.