The Zero Game

It's tough to review a Brad Meltzer book. Any discussion of the plot is going to give too much away. Over drinks, I was attempting to tell a friend about THE ZERO GAME. She hadn't started reading it yet, and I was midway through. "Oh, you're going to love it," I said. "The premise alone is enough to hook you.""Don't tell me," she said."No, no, seriously," I pushed. "I won't ruin it. You see, these guys who work in congress as aides and stuff, they have this game. It's super secret, and they bet on legislation, guessing the outcome of votes and stuff.""That's too much, stop.""Well, you can imagine from that all the different ways Meltzer can take it.""Seriously. I don't want to know anymore.""No," I said. "You don't get it. That's information you get just on the first ten pages. I didn't spoil anything. The book is packed with twists and turns, probably more than any of Brad's other books. By page fifty, you're going to be so sucked in; you're never going to want to put it down."And it's true. In the first fifty pages of a 460-page thriller, there is already one turn of events so shocking that you start the next chapter fully expecting to discover Meltzer is messing with you. "No," you say, "he CAN'T do that." But he does! And at that point, THE ZERO GAME is just getting revved up. The rest of the novel is a mad, breathless dash to find the answer to the sort of convoluted plot only people who are part of the US government could dream up! THE ZERO GAME is full of Meltzer's usual narrative tricks. Shifting points-of-view, untrustworthy characters that switch allegiances at the flip of a page, young idealists, and a hero (or two) pushed out of their comfort zone, suddenly finding themselves on a run for their lives, having to scramble to find the strength and skill to survive. It boggles my mind that there hasn't yet been a movie adaptation of one of Brad's books. THE ZERO GAME was easily more exciting than any modern film I saw last year. It's a popcorn thriller, an action-packed suspense story that doesn't need special effects or the chiseled features of a $20M paycheck to excite. Proof positive that there's nothing like a good book to get the imagination--and the adrenaline--pumping.

If you've ever found politics boring, think how those in Washington feel. Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are senior staffers working on Capitol Hill but Matthew's getting restless and thinking about changing his profession. That's when Harris lets him in on a little secret known as the Zero Game. To spice things up in politics, only select people are invited to play a friendly wagering game on whether bills will pass or fail. And that's when a surefire win comes across Matthew's desk. He has the power to make the bill pass, giving him and Harris the chance of a lifetime. They bet everything they have and watch as the game unfolds. But when Matthew gets curious, Harris finds himself on the run. He draws a 17-year-old Senate page into the mix as he tries to uncover the truth. What went wrong with the game? Harris discovers there's more to the Zero Game than just some minor bets on bills passing or failing. Somebody wants him dead to keep the secret quiet...an international secret that could change life as we know it. Brad Meltzer has written one of the most clever novels ever created. The Zero Game weaves such a detailed web, you'll see a side of Washington that you have to wonder if it's really fiction or not. The world he's created is very real but not so technical that only a Congressman could enjoy it.

1) As usual with this author, he has a good set-up plot and then action spins out of control to (almost) uncomfortably tense moments. (You're glad it's not you down there.)2) The dialogue has improved substantially since "First Counsel" (Hist first book.)3) Instead of giving away most of the plot at the beginning and making the rest of the book a chase (which he usually does as in "The Millionaires") he saves key plot points for the middle and the end.4) The chase/action scenes might be a little long, but they read very quickly.5) The man seems to know his subject matter (well to me, anyway.)

I had intially started reading this book based on the recommendations of some friends and from his Green Arrow series.I am really glad I did because this book delivers. Meltzer always keeps you guessing with PLAUSABLE plot twists and fleshed out BELIEVABLE characters. I picked up this book on Wednesday and finished Thursday at 2 AM. I just couldn't put it down. Run don't walk to get this book. As Howard Dean said, "YEEEEEEEAAARGHHHHH". Great book.

The zero game is a dangerous game surrounded by secrecy. It is a game of risk, reward, mystery and the thrill of knowing that just being invited to play confirms your status as a Washington power broker.Matthew Mercer and Harris Sandler are two young men playing the zero game, no one knows they are playing, not their friends, not their co-workers and definitely not their bosses who happen to be some of the most powerful senators and congressmen. The game starts off as fun for both men with the reward of some extra cash, until someone they both know turns up dead.As Matthew and Harris try to figure what they have become involved in, they realize the zero game hides a sinister secret and that they both have been marked for death.With a killer tracking their every move, Matthew and Harris must run for their lives and their only chance for survival is to trust the 16 year-old Senate with the know-how to roam the capital undetected. `The Zero Game' is another great thriller from Brad Meltzer. From page one the story grabs hold and doesn't let go. Complex plot, break-neck pacing, well-drawn characters and shocking twists all blend together to make an unforgettable read complete with an explosive climax. Brad Meltzer's smooth writing style and ingenious plots have earned him the reputation of being a master thriller writer, with `The Zero Game' he not only confirms the reputation, he proves he is at the top of his game. Expect to see this book dominate the top spot on the bestseller lists.A MUST read!Nick Gonnella