John Barnes is the author of The Return with Buzz Aldrin.
The first in a new postapocalyptic trilogy, DIRECTIVE 51 explores what happens in the United States when there is an assault on the country and George Bush's National Security Presidential Directive 51 is put into effect. Modern technology becomes useless, and the federal government must take drastic measures to maintain itself. Susan Ericksen's performance rides the highs and lows of the plot and the main characters. Her general avoidance of exaggeration in presenting events and personalities serves the book well. She sustains suspense without overdoing it, easing the tension when the plot focuses on mundane details. Her facility with accents helps depict subtle regional differences. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
