Ben Bova, author of more than 50 novels and nonfiction books, has written a modern-day technothriller in Power Play. Dr. Jake Ross is an astronomy professor at a big university who is reluctantly recruited as a science adviser to Senate candidate B. Franklin Tomlinson. Tomlinson needs an issue to win the election, and Jake comes up with MHD, or magnetohydrodynamics, an extremely efficient electrical production technology in development by university researchers.
Jake mixes with politicians, public relations specialists, engineers and mob-connected wise guys, trying to stay afloat in a rough sea of politics and interpersonal relationships. (All parties hurl mud here politically; no one is left unsullied.) He's attracted to Glynis, a graduate student working with another professor, but still winds up seduced by a PR flack connected to the campaign. Meanwhile, the engineer in charge of the MHD rig in the nearby coal mining town is also interested in Glynis, warning Jake off.
Bova uses his comfort with science and technology to inform the fast-paced story, stopping rarely for more than a cursory examination of the supporting characters. The science behind MHD is compelling, showing how important energy is to our society on a local and national level. Overall, Power Play is a well-written novel of practical science with a nice overlay of thriller fiction for non-science fans. --Rob LeFebvre, freelance writer and editor