Deception Point by Dan Brown

I first read DECEPTION POINT months ago. And I liked it. Although the topic was a far departure from those in Dan Brown's earlier and more popular books--Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, it basically had the same elements: deception, twists, turns and a good dash of trivia and knowledge here and there.

This novel, however, deals more with politics and science. Instead of the Catholic Church, the institution in question is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The book reminds me of Michael Crichton's writing. Except of course, for the obvious pending romance between two of the main characters. Dan Brown kinda gives me the impression that he secretly wants to be a romance novel writer. Anyhow, the romance is kept to a minimum (although it is distracting and annoying at times).

The story revolves around the upcoming presidential elections and the bizaare events that can make or break the two contenders for the presidency. Senator Sedgewick Sexton is aspiring for the presidency. He criticizes NASA's overspending and the president's (Zachary Herney) tendency to bail out NASA from their blunders. Sexron's campaign is gaining steam from the public's surprising positive reaction to his hard stance against NASA. NASA, however has a discovery of meteoric proportions which could easily rob the momentum from Sexton. In a wise, political manuever, Pres. Herney calls upon intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton to be one of a select civilians to verify NASA's discovery. Not so coincidentally, Rachel is Sen. Sexton's somewhat estranged daughter who harbors hatred and bitterness towards her ruthless father.

The book's back cover has the following summary:

"When a new NASA satellite spots evidence of an astonishingly rare object buried deep in the Arctic ice, the floundering space agency proclaims a much-needed victory--a victory that has profound implications for NASA policy and the impending presidential election. To verify the authenticity fo the find, the White House calls upon the skills of intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton. Accompanied by a team of experts, including the charismatic scholar, Michael Tolland, Rachel travels to the Arctic and uncovers the unthinkable: evidence of scientific trickery--a bold deception that threatens to plunge the world into controversy. But she can warn the President, Rachel and Michael are ambushed by a deadly team of assasins. Fleeing for their lives across a desolate and lethal landscape, their only hope for survival is to discover who is behind this masterful plot. The truth, they will learn, is the most shocking deception of all."

Pulse-pounding? Not quite. But it is a good read. Very intriguing. And yet, dull at times. Nonetheless, if you're a Dan Brown fan, or simply wants to read something good, do read Deception Point.

In a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest, DUH!), I think this deserves an 8. Good plot and pacing but points off for being boring at certain parts and even more points off for the icky, cheesy and not so subtle romantic angle.