Fracture Gradient

From April 2013 QST magazine from the ARRL, The national association for Amateur Radio.

This is a hard story about hard men who think for themselves, won't back down, and don't bend to the wishes of others. How would the world react to an alternative energy discovery with the potential of providing an unlimited supply of nearly free energy? Could the United States government be trusted to help develop the concept and responsibly control its introduction to the world?Fletcher Boyd and Hollis Cade learn some hard lessons when their naive expectations clash with the harsh reality of economic might, and threaten the international balance of power. It's about quick-learning, action-oriented men who take responsibility for their actions and are willing to die for principles and each other.. Can a few ruggedly individualistic underdogs withstand a massive assault from highly-trained government operatives and international corporations hell-bent on controlling their discovery?Fracture Gradient is their exciting story of discovery, hope, greed, disappointment, danger, and deceit. It's a vigorous, rousing, and sometimes brutal foray into economic gamesmanship where potential reward matches risk and losers don't live to tell.Looking for a touchy-feely story that makes you warm and fuzzy? Fracture Gradient isn't for you

B. Hadley said Fun look into the 1980's oil industry. The story is set in the oil industry, of which I know nothing about. Because of that, the first quarter of the book took me a while to get through. Lots of moving parts to keep track of (typical for a good story), but not over-whelmingly technical. About halfway through, it became one of those books I couldn't put down. The characters were interesting and likable, the villains were appropriately evil and the geographic references accurate (something lazy writers goof up, which will ruin a book for me). Having a map of Texas on hand might help as you read. If you enjoy Tom Clancy (the Jack Ryan st. Great read! Couldn't put it down! Jim McCullough's book grabs you and won't let you go. His description of the action scenes and confrontations was incredible. I got so excited that I was reading so fast and skipped some of the text here and there, having to go back and re-read the scene again. It was worth doing. I could actually see the action take place in my mind and visualize the landscape and the people as they took part in the action. It was thrilling. I don't think I have ever read a book that so perfectly describes this type of action, to the point of actually seeing it as a movie in your mind. Hopefully, that will happe. Must read! Great book!