Good, not great. I commend the writers for creating "House of Cards"-like political characters; those who are gray; those who are motivated by their needs and desires, but are also working for a better America. At the same time, none of these characters are as compelling as Frank Underwood which hurts the plot as you've no one to really cheer for.

In Duplicity, the current president, Sally Allworth, needs to remind voters that Islamic terrorism is still real. This is due to her opponent, Tim Coldridge, who is running on an America First platform. Therefore, Allworth decides to pressure agencies to confirm that Mogadishu, Somalia is safe enough to establish an embassy. But the fledgling embassy is attacked and many hostages are taken, including the US ambassador. Meanwhile, a somewhat rogue CIA agent doesn't pass on important information about the upcoming attack on the embassy because he wants to draw out the lead terrorist, someone only he believes exists.

Add to the mix a young Marine, who happens to be the niece of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who's been assigned to Mogadishu against her uncle's wishes, other Marines, SEALs, and a bevy of...well...duplicitous Somalians, and you've got a decent bit of tension built up.

One pet peeve: I'm not sure why the writers were somewhat ambiguous about political parties. "House of Cards" did a brilliant job of being political, but not ideological, meaning agendas weren't being pushed from either side. The same could have been done here.

I understand there's a sequel. I may look for it but it wouldn't be the end of the world if I don't read it. ( )

Very good book about Somalia terrorists. Somewhat sad ending but still good. First book I've read by newt ( )

Presidential Election and the opening of an embassy in Mogadishu Somalia