Customer Reviews

When Evil Prospers

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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 thouroughly enjoyed by anyone who likes military or political fiction, as well as those who enjoy Christian fiction. It has my highest recommendation.

Upon reading this incredible book, it's hard to believe it's written by a NEW author. The writing flows naturally, even when there are flashbacks which build the background for the characters. And these are very well-developed characters, many whom will root for, and a few that'll make you cringe.

Although the category listed on the back cover is Christian fiction, this is more of a contemporary political thriller. I don't think non-Christian readers will stumble over the Christian aspect. The characters behave in a manner similar to how Morgan Freeman played the president in the movie "Deep Impact." The dialogue between the characters is most profound. Whoever writes the speeches for our current politians would only wish to be that good!

One does not have to wait at all for the story to build. There is a terrorist attack in the first few pages--and after that, this book is addictive. The book is well-edited; everything in the text moves the story along. The print is rather dense, but broken into short sections.

WHEN EVIL PROSPERS is pure adventure: no sex, no vulgarity, no long Bible passages to muddle through.

Washburn holds a traditionalist political view; therefore, this novel has an agenda. When the characters conflict over politics, the readers are treated to some very well-crafted drama. Washburn is adept at handling politics. All of the key characters stand by their principles, so I admired even those characters who stand on the other side of the political spectrum from me. Washburn does not pre-judge the characters--those who make the right decisions are vindicated by the results of their actions; those who make poor decisions fail to win the outcome they desire.

I would give this book six stars if I could. If you read my other reviews, you'll know how much this book impressed me. Reading this book will inspire you and make you proud to be an American. If you are an American Muslim, it will make you proud to be an American Muslim (that's not true with many other post 9/11 novels!). If you are a Texan, this book will make you feel proud to be a Texan. You will take from WHEN EVIL PROSPERS a hope that Washburn accurately captured the soul of the average American, and a worry that "when evil prospers," no one will rise to defend our way of life.

Better buy this book and read it fast! The story takes place in 2009!

Byron C. Justice, author of "Violent Night"

The year is 2009. Texas is hit hard by terrorists who inflict massive casualties at a baseball game. Among the casualties is the wife of a doctor who, as a result of her death, finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the ensuing chaos. A liberal American president vacillates between direct action against the terrorists' sponsors and appeasement of the United Nations. A Dallas policeman is to be tried in federal court for alleged war crimes against one of the terrorists. The president's ensuing decisions cause turmoil among her closest advisors and ultimately, force the Texas governor to take direct action to safeguard his state. This places Texas in direct confrontation with the federal government and rapidly escalates into an armed conflict with the United Nations.

The plot is realistic, masterfully woven, and fast paced. It addresses relevant issues which affect all Americans today. The three dimensional characters impart realism to the story and will elicit a strong reaction from the reader, notwithstanding his or her point of view. The author's superb narrative style keeps the reader in suspense and eager to turn the pages. I found it extremely hard to put the book down. One of the best books of this genre I have read in quite a while. "When Evil Prospers" belongs in everyone's "must read" category.

Dr. Washburn's first novel captures the anguish a lot of Red-State Americans feel as we watch our country being led by secular progressive internationalists who don't share the love of our country and the unique opportunities our forefathers gave us. He gives us a couple of main characters to pull for and some to take a dislike to, but didn't seem to capture the character development to fully make you "know" them. I enjoyed it enough to buy 2 other copies for some patriot friends of mine.