When Evil Prospers

 Author's Summary

In the not too distant future, America's ongoing war on terror, coupled with its porous southern border and a growing lack of resolve among the masses to defeat our enemies, leads to another massive attack on American soil. This time, the state of Texas has become the target, and America must decide how to respond When Evil Prospers.

The ensuing investigation reveals a stunning international plot to strike America harder than it had ever been hit before, and the Presidential administration is stunned to discover who's involved. However, this discovery comes at a price, as one of the initial arresting officers is soon charged with abusing an alleged attacker.

Now the President, an ambitious yet dovish political leader, must decide how to handle the delicate situation while responding to the brutal attack on her country. But her course of action is less than acceptable for the hawkish traditionalist Governor of Texas, who believes the country should take a much different approach.

Caught in the middle are a physician and his brother, two average Americans, whose lives were touched deeply by the horrendous attack against Texas. As the events unfold, they make a decision to take action that their prior self-involvement had never allowed them to take before. As expected, the response throughout the country to their boldness is divided, which sets off a chain of events that could destroy or rescue a nation that is in dire need of healing.

MWSA Review

MWSA 2007 Silver Medal for Fiction, Christian

Bold story about America turning back to her founding values! John Washburn has crafted a truly amazing tale about what could happen if America gives up her role as world superpower.  Set shortly after the conclusion of the Second Gulf War, the book finds an America led by a very liberal president, put in office by the backlash generated by her predecessor's Middle East conflict.  When terrorists strike in Texas even worse than 9/11, the President takes diplomacy over military action and bows to the UN.  The Texas Governor, along with some patriotic Texans, realize that America cannot bow down and must strike back.  Tangles with the Cuban military and a standoff at the Mexican border are just two of the results.

The events are fictitious, of course, but Washburn's writing style makes them all too believable.  He does an especially good job of expressing the emotional turmoil that his characters are feeling as they make very difficult choices.  Further, I enjoyed the way he weaved his personal faith and values into his characters, adding even more depth and realism to them and their struggles.

This book is an outstanding read, and will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who likes military or political fiction, as well as those who enjoy Christian fiction. 

Reviewed by: Rob Ballister (2007)