Book arrived in good condition only after two inquiries. Over a month in coming. I received a note the day after I purchased the book saying it had been shipped. The post mark proved otherwise.

A friend turned me onto this series. I read Term Limits and enjoyed it but this book starts off the switch to the main character for the remainder of Flynn's books, a CIA assassin named Mitch Rapp. There are enough spoilers written by other reviewers already so I'll skip over a play by play and just give you my one takeaway: Flynn rushed the books finish.

The second to last chapter of the book has all the drama of the hostage extraction attempt. You get a heavy dose of page turning excitement and lots of plot movement, literally ending with a bang as the explosions start to go off in the West Wing. But then you turn the page and the final chapter is the "aftermath." There is no dialogue to further the extraction of the remaining hostages, any more shootouts with remaining terrorists. You just have the President moving into temporary living quarters and his admonishment of the Vice President. What the heck???? There was so much more drama that could have been pulled out of that last chapter, but instead, its as if Flynn got this memo from his publisher to finish it now or miss a deadline. So we get a very rushed ending. I was perplexed at the time and thought maybe I had received a misprinted version of the book (I read the Kindle version) and started flipping backwards to see if I'd missed something. But I hadn't....verified with a friends paperback version. I was highly disappointed with how he wrapped up the story given how many threads could have been addressed and deserved their own pages.

Nonetheless, a good fast read and I can tell you that the series improves over time.

If you want the best read of the decade, read ANY of Vince Flynn's novels. You'll cheer, cry, and even cuss but you'll be begging for more of Mitch Rapp.

I must admiit I'm a little surprised by the high ratings this book received. While I've only read the first 150 pages, I don't believe that the writing's going to improve much. The plot is okay, although I think the details are a little far-fetched. What impacts me the most, and motivates me to write this review, is the hackneyed prose style and over-use of cliches. I will complete the book, and if it gets better, I'll change my rating, but in the future I see myself sticking with better writers in this genre such as Daniel Silva and Alex Berenson.

After enjoying one of Vince Flynn's more current books, I searched back to find the first book that featured Mitch Rapp. Transfer of Power was this book. I was not disappointed. The story starts fast and never stops. A great read if you like action and excitement with a very detailed plot. I am waiting on my next order from Amazon to arrive so I can start another one of Flynn's books.
Jerry

"Transfer of Power," Vince Flynn's second novel, introduces Mitch Rapp, the CIA counterterrorist who has since been the main character in another nine Flynn thrillers. Those just discovering the Mitch Rapp series are likely to find the earliest novels in the series (this one was published in 1999) to be even more poignant than those who read them prior to the murders of September 11, 2001. New readers will also notice how Flynn's style has changed over the years as he, thankfully, lost most of his "Tom Clancy style" and streamlined his novels into even better thrillers.

The White House is under the control of a small band of Arab terrorists led by the notorious Rafique Aziz. Although President Robert Hayes makes it to the relative safety of his basement security bunker, he is, in effect, trapped inside the building along with at least 80 other hostages. The country can only watch in horror as Aziz executes a man and a woman on live television and promises to kill one additional hostage each hour until his demands are met by the United States government.

Rafique Aziz is no ordinary terrorist. He has specific goals in mind and he does not intend to blow himself up along with his hostages unless the U.S. military attempts to retake the White House by force. Aziz understands that most ordinary Americans, and some inside the government, have no stomach for witnessing the systematic slaughter of another 80 hostages, and he counts on the media to apply so much pressure on the government to negotiate that all of his demands will be met. And in the person of Vice President Sherman Baxter, now acting President, Aziz has just the man in place to make it all work out just as he planned it.

Sherman Baxter is the worst kind of politician, a weak-willed, almost cowardly man with an intense desire to be President of the United States. He wants to appear strong but he is afraid to make any kind of mistake because he realizes that his handling of the hostage standoff will very likely make or break his political career. Much to the disgust of the Pentagon, FBI and CIA, Baxter is more willing to listen to advice from his amoral chief-of-staff than he is to what his counterterrorist experts tell him. If the President and other hostages are to be rescued, it will have to happen without the knowledge or cooperation of the Vice President.

Vice President Baxter agrees to allow Mitch Rapp, an "off the books" CIA counterterrorism operative, to sneak into the White House but, when Rapp reports that the White House will have to be taken back by force, and soon, the Vice President refuses to give the order to do so. Rapp, along with a civilian volunteer and a female hostage he manages to snatch from her captors, negotiates his way through secret passages, tunnels and hidden rooms inside the White House gathering the intelligence needed by those planning the President's rescue.

"Transfer of Power" is a good political thriller and Vince Flynn successfully increases the reader's tension as the book draws nearer and nearer its exciting conclusion. The action does stall on occasion, however, because of the excessive amount of technical detail Flynn includes about weaponry and the like, detail that, though it may add authenticity to the storyline, will be meaningless (or even boring) to most readers. Despite this handicap, something the later Mitch Rapp books do not suffer as much from, "Transfer of Power" is a satisfying thriller that clearly displays the promise of a decade-younger Vince Flynn.

I picked up this book on the vacation from hell. Stuck on a small boat after a death, there was no escape. I found this book in the ship's library and it saved my sanity. I could not put it down. It was exciting, interesting, compelling reading. I even got my 88 year old father, who has NEVER read a book, into this series. Everyone I have recommended it to has loved it and continued on with the other Rapp books. But Transfer of Power was the best of the series so far. Really fantastic. Trust me! :-)

Transfer of Power is a great read, the pacing and the way all the events wrap up into a climactic end shows off the authors talent. If you like Brad Thor, Clancy, or A.J. Tata, you will enjoy this book. You know a book is good when you refuse to put it down so you can finish just "one more chapter".

Once again, I was in one of my "this happens way too often book funks" when I decided to read this one by Mr. Flynn. This man has been called every synonym for "thriller" there is, so I won't bore you with adding to it. The only thing I can say about this book is... DAMN. The premise itself seems totally ridiculous and WAAAAY over the top: terrorist take over the White House and a super-agent is sent in to get it back and save the President. Heck, even as I type that it seems comical! And in my hands it would have been, but in Vince's... the story hums along like the Concord.

Mitch Rapp again brings his special brand of terrorist-killing and USA-protecting, while dancing around the idiot politicians who want to do EVERYTHING except the right thing when it comes to guarding the United States against the unmistakable and obvious hatred from terrorist cowards. I think I enjoy Vince's books so much because I really hope that we have guys like Mitch Rapp working deep-deep-deep undercover to keep American unmolested from the pathetic lowlifes who want to see us dead. Lord knows we have enough `Vice President Baxter's' in our government to make me puke food I ate in 1986.

The adrenaline, the action, the backroom politics, the weapons, the honor among our military, the secret intelligence, the fun... yeah... Mitch is the man and Vince is the man behind the man. Party on Garth!

A co-worker lent me one of Vince Flynn's books to read a couple of years ago, and I just got hooked, he does a great job of writting a stor that keeps you excited to find time to read, I have a very busy schedule but I have been carring the book with me every where I go so that I might find time to read it. All I have to say is way to go Mr. Flynn what a great story!

LAJ

On a scale of 1-5, I would give this book a 10!!! This is a fast moving, grab you in and don't let go, political thriller! It's the first book in the Mitch Rapp series, all about a CIA agent who is fighting terrorism. All of the books in the series have made it onto the New York Times best sellers list, and I understand why! Every one of them is terrific, but I have to say that Transfer of Power is still my favorite. Vince Flynn is one of my all time favorite authors.

This book revolves around a group of terrorists that are intent on taking over the White House and killing the President. It was extremely intriguing to see the way that different members of the government react in very different ways to the crisis. Because of my job, most of the books that I "read", I listen to on audio book. This was one of those, and I found that I was so into the book that I would forget to take breaks and not realize it until an hour or two later!

This is a book that I HIGHLY recommend! Vince Flynn is one of the best action writers that I have ever read. One thing that really hit me as I was reading this book and several others in the series, is the fact that it was written before 9/11. And I just had to wonder if things might have been different if more people had the same view on terrorism that is portrayed in these books. Anyways, fantastic book, loved it!!! Can't recommend it strongly enough!

If you like Vince Flynn, you will like this book too! He delivers a great story!

Pros: End to End pounding action topped with a bit of political buffoonery far too reminiscent of today's politics. Detailed and accurate covert operations action. Everything you want from a spy-terrorist type novel.

Cons: Maybe could have been a little more character development, although this is better than 95% of the other covert spy novels in that department.

Other: Just what would politicians do if terrorists ever took hostages in a standoff on (actual) American soil. Maybe they should read this book and try to put themselves in the shoes of the person who's got to make a decision. I found Flynn's kill one second-kiss and make up the next second extremely accurate for the way Arab/Muslim terrorists have manipulated the press over the last decade. I guess, in a nutshell, Flynn's novel boils all the sides down to their basic essences. He did a darn good job.

I had not read Vince Flynn before, but based on this book he is now one I will continue reading. In Transfer of Power he creates a well crafted thriller.

Through some things that are a concern to many, donations, terrorists are able to gain access and control The White House which causes the President to be sheltered and the Vice President to assume control. The siege continues and the the threats escalate as demands are made.

And during the process Flynn works in many charactors and personalities that are credible and interesting - in other words he does not rely solely on a great concept to create the story. He can write and writes well.

I consider him now up there with the best and the charactor of Mitch Rapp is one that takes his place among the other great protagonists in this genre.

Why is there no speech punctuation in the kindle version of the book? It makes it very difficult to read and has put me off buying any more Vince Flynn books in future!

I received the book promptly in the mail. It was packaged in such a way that there was no damage to the book. The book was as described -- good condition. I would used the seller again and would recommend the seller to my family and friends. Excellent product and service!!!

Very good book from the Mitch Rapp series. Flynn continues to keep the character fresh and the story lines are real enough to be scary. If you like action/spy novels, this series and this book are for you.

I was hesitant to get this book, had never even heard of Mr. Flynn until he was on Glenn Becks program. I am very happy with the storyline and the "hero's" of the book. Now I highly recommend any of Flynn's books! I wasn't sure if I would like the books because the hero is the same in them..No Longer! If you want a good read. Check all of his books.

Very enjoyable read. This was one of the very best Vince Flynn Novels and they're all great.

Being the sequel to Term Limits, Vince Flynn's Transfer of Power succeeds in actually surpassing the original with its debut appearance of Mitch Rapp, as well as its fast-paced action and suspense. The White House has just been taken by a group of terrorists led by the notorious Rafique Aziz. It's up to Rapp and his team (The Orion) to rescue the hostages, which also includes the President himself. There's a chock full of good stuff going on here. It's filled with political intrigue, three-dimensional characters, blood and guts, and even a few moments of black humor. What I love most about this novel is that it's undeniably daring. It was pretty much uncommon back in the late 90's to have a story that deals with the actual White House being taken by enemy combatants. Flynn manages to have it all in just about 550 pages, and I congratulate him for doing so.

However, like many other political thrillers (or novels in general), Transfer of Power isn't exactly perfect. I have three problems with the novel. One: the background information on Rapp is given at the very beginning; it would have worked much better if we got to know about him while the story continues on. Two: Aziz did act a bit over-the-top at times, but it's not too noticeable. And Three: despite the ending being satisfactory, it did feel very much like a standard "Hollywood" ending. It's not like the depressing conclusions to the later seasons of the TV show, 24. But overall, I enjoyed reading Transfer of Power. It's dark, intense, and refreshingly adult. I hope I enjoy The Third Option just the same.

Grade: B+

The plot for Vince Flynn's TRANSFER OF POWER sounds almost like a rip off of the classic action film Die Hard. The storyline revolves around terrorist leader, and Islamic extremist, Rafique Aziz and his band of terrorist thugs taking over the White House. While posing as supporters of the Democratic party, and promises of a large donation, Aziz is welcomed into the White House with open arms. Soon after, however, it becomes clear that Aziz is not who he says he is. After failing to take the President hostage, thanks to a quick thinking Secret Service agent, the terrorists take over 100 hostages while the President is evacutated to his secret bunker. Now, there is only one man who can save the day, CIA super spy Mitch Rapp. Moving through the corridors and secret passageways in the White House, Rapp collects information and reports back to his superiors in Washington, who are fighting battles all their own on the outside.

Throughout the novel, Vince Flynn does an excellent job of building the tension between all of the major characters. Mitch Rapp has a personal score to settle with Aziz, stemming from a past tragedy that the CIA used to get Rapp into the Agency in the first place. Rapp has spent his entire career chasing Aziz across the globe and now he finally has his shot a vengeance. Flynn does a great job with Aziz, showing not only his purely evil side, but also his charming and intelligent side as well. Aziz is a terrorist who knows the political game, and uses this knowledge to his advantage throughout the novel.

Outside of the White House, there is plenty of intrigue as well. You've got Vice President Sherman Baxter and his sleezy Chief of Staff Dallas King, who are trying to squeeze every ounce out of the hostage situation for their own personal gain. You will learn to hate these two weasels as the storyline progresses. The showdowns between Baxter, King, the military and CIA leaders are dripping with tension and keep the storyline going. One character in particular that I grew fond of was CIA Director Thomas Stansfield. A true spy master, he's always thinking three moves ahead. His cool demeanor and quick decisions makes one wonder how, in this fictional world, he wasn't the President.

With all that said, this book is not without it's flaws. While the beginning of the novel is extremely fast paced with a lot going on, it tends to get bogged down somewhat towards the middle. Once Rapp finally breaches the White House and starts collecting information, there is just a lot of political mumbo jumbo that slows down the narrative. I understand that this is a "political thriller" but it was almost too much and it just got kinda boring there for about a hundred pages or so. This is a minor grip of mine, and it probably just a personal taste, but I felt that the book could've been cut by 100 pages and not really lose anything. There are also spots where Flynn goes into too much description of how, for example, an MC130 Combat Talon works during the climax, which takes away from the tension of the moment somewhat.

These are all just minor gripes, though, and they don't spoil the total package. This is a well written, and, for the most part, tightly paced piece of spy fiction. There is plenty of action, outstanding characters, and political intrigue to go around. Throw in a surprisingly good romantic subplot, and you've got a highly entertaining thriller that will keep you reading until the end. Vince Flynn really created something with Mitch Rapp. This, being my first Flynn novel after seeing him on TV a lot recently, has me really excited to continue reading the rest of the series. Highly recommended.

Just discovered this author, Vince Flynn. If you liked the "Reacher" character in the Lee Child's books you are in for a treat with the character, "Mitch Rapp."

I am very satisfied with the product,shipping,and billing. All were received quickly and the product was in great shape.I will be ordering from Amazon
again soon. I am compleatly satisfied. The used books were like new. thank you.

Excellent! Vince took me inside the circles of power and let me see how things are mismanaged!

compelling.

High energy novel - did not want to put the book down. From the first page to the last page you were entralled with the movement of the book's plot. Great suspense novel for people who are enticed with spy and government covert operations.

If you love constant action and great suspense, this is a book you will love. While you know pretty much how it will end, it takes nothin away from enjoying the ride to get there. Couldn't put the book down. Can't wait to read more Vince Flynn!

This was my first Vince Flynn book - it will certainly not be my last. Good writing, interesting characters, kept my interest throughout.

I just read this after my teenage nephew told me about Vince Flynn and I thought I'd start at the beginning. I ordered the other books in the series half-way through this one.

While written 10 years ago this book might be even more relevant today than when written. I kept checking the publication date to be sure. The other reviews have covered the plot so I won't. But the detail is one of the best parts and even though set in basically one place it moves along. You really get caught up in the characters. Can't get over how relevant this book is today and what he saw coming.

2 Friends told me to read Vince Flynn, and this is my second novel. He does not disappoint. Fast paced, very 24ish.....I can't wait to read the next in line....Mitch Rapp? Jack Bauer?

...but I dislike it, a pretty fair bit. My copy is 549 pages long. Precisely 300 pages too many. This is the first "thriller" I've read in a long long time, and I find myself skimming it. Boring, clunky characterizations, descriptions, dialogue. I suppose something like this is all about plot -- in which case pacing is vital. This plods.

I started it based on the high marks reviewers here gave it, and on Hugh Hewitt's strong recommendation. Let's just call it a difference of opinion. I really wanted an author I could enjoy. This is the first book by Flynn in the series, so it was the logical place to start. Big mistake. A freshman effort. Maybe they get better, maybe much better, but I won't be risking it. If you are willing, start someplace later in the series. This book is, well, not godawful, it's just boring. A boring thriller. Go figure.

Hugh, ya screwed me.

J

Transfer of Power was an exciting story, and the second novel in a series by Vince Flynn that now
includes ten books. It was an exciting story, that you hated to put down before you finished. To date I have completed half of the series and have not been disappointed in any way. I'm starting Memorial Day today. The
condition of the novel was exactly as advertized.

Vince Flynn certainly has excellent sources both in the intelligence and defense communities. Although the mere thought of an official assassin in the CIA is a bit of a stretch if one remembers it is fiction they will greatly enjoy this book.

An exciting mix of political drama and super secret shoot em' up military action. The last 1/3 of the book is non stop action.

Mitch Rapp is the modern hero fighting the bad guys with one arm tied behind his back. The problem is that it is usually the people that are supposed to be on OUR side that have it tied! You wont be able to put it down and is surely my favorite in the series.

Vince Flynn has certainly done his homework. I enjoy all of his books, great character development, realistic. Highly recommended if you like intrigue, and difficult to put down once you get started!

This is a review of the Kindle edition, not the paper versions.
I found this book doubly disappointing. The first and most bothersome problem was the poor formatting- inconsistent capitalizations, run together words, strange hyphenations. This was distracting and didn't allow the story to flow for me.
The second problem was the predictability of the plot and the somewhat cartoon-like characters.
The book did seem to be well researched and there were few glaring errors although the author is confused as to the functions and missions of the various intelligence organizations. At least he got the weapons correct which is often not the case in novels of this type.
I don't know if the printed versions of this novel have the same formatting problems. I will probably purchase one more novel in the series and then see if things have improved.

Transfer of Power is a very good action novel despite the fact that the bulk of the book is a siege situation. Rafique Aziz, a Palestinian terrorist, has managed the unthinkable. He has taken over the White House and is holding several hostages. Fortunately the secret service was able to whisk the president to his secure shelter underground before the terrorist takeover.

There is a lot happening outside of the White House as a result of the terrorists' actions. The Vice President and his staff start plotting and imagining what life will be like when they take over the White House if the terrorists manage to pry the president out of his shelter. The military generals, the FBI, and the CIA all try to deal with the situation in order to rescue the president, pacify the public and accommodate the United States' allies.

Fortunately CIA operative, Mitch Rapp, can be counted on to skirt the bureaucratic red tape and come up with a plan.

It seems to me that most action novels have some shortcomings. Transfer of Power seems more believable than most, but the ending feels very abbreviated. After hundreds of pages of a siege situation the concluding action sequence seems very condensed and short on details. Much of the conclusion is told in the form of an epilogue which hardly seems like a fair payoff after the reader has been primed for 400 plus pages.

Transfer of Power is not the best action novel, nor even the best Mitch Rapp novel, but it is still an entertaining page-turner for readers who enjoy a book filled with political intrigue, special forces maneuvers and combat.

This is a real stay up late can't put down book. Don't miss it and don't think it can't happen here.

I found that reading the series begun with Term Limits, it helps to read them in order of writing, as they build on previous issues. Transfer of Power is the second in the series, and I found it very hard to put down, just as I did Term Limits. I have finished the next two in the series, The Third Option and Separation of Powers, and I find all of Flynn's books full of incredible knowledge of the FBI, CIA and a full grasp of the pitiful inadequacy of our present Congress and the political system in general. I strongly recommend that all Americans read these books. All those who think "all is well" in Washington will have their eyes opened.

This is the second Flynn novel that I have read, and I had higher hopes with the introduction of Mitch Rapp. The first novel was a bit better, mainly because this seems a little drawn out. The dialogue is weaker, and character development is minimal. The action sequences are pretty good, but they make up a small portion of the book. My favorite authors are Lee Child, and Barry Eisler. True, neither writes a political thriller, but the character development is far superior, and the action/violence is well choreographed.

I first heard (or read, rather) about Flynn while browsing on Amazon. I found this book in a used book store and decided to give it a try. I was thinking maybe it would be overly patriotic and flag waving, and it's certainly no doubt that Flynn's loyalty is with Israel when it comes to the middle east, but it didn't make the novel less enjoyable.

Becusue enjoyable it is. Flynn combines great action with political intrigue and despite being almost 550 pages (paperback edition) the pace never slows down. The book has good characters but there's not really any character development. Mitch Rapp is a good hero and I wouldn't mind reading more of Flynn's books. Recommended

What a horrible book! I tried to read it but I just couldn't take it anymore. I stopped in the middle of what this writer considers action, and I don't even care how it ends.
There are just too many unjustified descriptions obviously put it to make the book long. Thus writer must want long books like Clancy but is going about it the wrong way. I don't care to know what color a lady's fingernails are when she points at something. I don't care what kind of shirt someone is wearing. I don't care about this book nor Vince Flynn's other books.
Way too many incorrect references. One example is MP-5's are used not MP-10's unless you want to kill everybody including the hostages. Also at the beginning why even bother with a SEAL team if the "hero" of the book does all the work. I know that writers want to show their character as a bad to the bone but even James Bond always called in help and even let them do some of the fighting.
If this is the standard of writing to expect from todays writers then I am missing out, because I have some stories that I wrote when I was 5 that are better than this. Heck I could even start writing now. It seams that no research is required anymore to get the mass public to make a star out of a writer like Vince Flynn.
There is no way that I will ever pass this book onto someone else. I won't even donate it, I will just burn it.

Unfortunately, I read Flynn's thrillers in reverse sequential order, but it made no difference. Rapp is some guy and I am sure we have men of his caliber today, who can't be utilized due to the politicians. Realistic picture of our political leaders today and presidential candidates. We need more people in positions of power like Stansfield. Rapp knows the enemy and knows what to do with them. Take them out before they have the chance to destroy you and your country. Great read and wish more would realize the truth in Flynn's fiction(?). Okay, so you can still get rid of the girl, but the courage and quick thinking of Rapp makes up for her. Highly recommend all of his books to anyone.

After jumping on the Mitch Rapp (Vince Flynn) bandwagon several years with one of the later books, I think it was Memorial Day, I've been hooked! I found Transfer of Power to be one of the best in the series! I love the multiple antagonist story line, especially the slimy politicians!

Sometimes I give five stars and afterwards I feel that I gave them too easy, but I could have given this story six stars. Vince Flynn, after reading just two of his novels has become my favorite author and Mitch Rapp my favorite character. The story line is excitng like the TV show "24" and Rapp is the best of James Bond and Dirty Harry combined.

This is a story of modern day terrorism with a group of terrorists taking over the White House and capturing the President inside. It is brilliant because it seems so real; between readings I sometimes expected to hear updates on the news. Vince Flynn is great in his writing in creating a story so real in his depictng the anti-terrorist groups which we have in our country such as the Navy Seals, Delta Forces, and FBI's HRT. Reading this made me proud of them and of the CIA and their best operative, Mitch Rapp. Flynn is vey good at describing the weapons and tools that we have to fight with in our modern day war on terror.

It also seemed so real as to how these events unfolded with the White House held hostage, losing communication with the President, and the subsequent transfer "Transfer Of Power". I have not given away too much because Flynn gives so much to this story from the viciousness of terrorists to the power struggles in government. It is full of action, gripping excitment, and suspense from start to finish.

Vince Flynn is one of my favorite authors. Every one of his books has been a blast to read.

A good author, enjoy his books. Seems to have captured current events is an exciting way.

This is the first Vince Flynn book I have read and I must say he is my new fav. In the same line as Clancy, his books are easier reading. Great writing, he keeps you interested and the story and characters are very interesting. I recommend his books to anyone wanting to read a good spy novel that you cannot put down. I have already ordered 2 more books. I can't wait.

Can somebody tell me why all thrillers now have to have a 'romantic' element, ripe with predictable sexual tension and resolution as some type of prerequisite for being well received? This phenomena is bad enough, but becomes unbearable when applied to high-concept political thrillers with serious subject matters.

Knock out the rubbish 'love-story' with the reporter and this is a solid read, with it it's just a typical neo-thriller, with all the typical neo-thriller elements. I will not be reading the sequels.

Mitch Rapp. The larger than life clandestine CIA operative who will just not answer the prays of the terrorists, and die. This may be Flynn's finest novel involving the rogue agent. The White House is brilliantly taken over by Muslim terrorists with a vendetta to resolve. The story line is quite plausible, and the texture rich. The action is fantastically chaotic, and never slows. The deceptive plotting by both sides of the battle is rivetingly laid out for the reader's view. As always, the good guys win, but not free of costs.