content: I can't believe how long this took me to get through. And I can't believe this is the same author of Red Storm Rising and The Hunt for Red October. Rainbox Six was a pretty rough read, but this one has it beat by a mile. Don't expect any real action before, say, page 750 or so, and even then it's tame. Do expect extremely long and boring dissertations by Jack Ryan as to why he hates being president. And lectures by his friends as to why he should be. Do expect everyone to know everyone else. Nary a character is mentioned that Jack or Robbie or someone else doesn't "know" or has "heard of." Avoid spending your money on this massive, yet boring, book.