Reviews - When Power Fails
When Power Fails
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (08/2024)
When Power Fails is a corporate thriller about a powerful businesswoman fighting to save her AAA-rated company from cyber-attacks and organized crime as she attempts to expand her global supermarket chain through a major acquisition. As book eight in The Multima Saga by Gary D. McGugan, readers can expect a high-stakes narrative blending international suspense and complex character dynamics in the world of global commerce.
Suzanne Simpson is about to pull off the biggest acquisition in the Multima Corporation’s history. The only thing standing in her way is obtaining a $6 billion loan from a banking consortium. Well, perhaps that’s not quite everything blocking her success – she also discovers that the company she’s acquiring has deep ties to the Yakuza, Japan’s notorious crime syndicate.
A malicious chain of events, including a potentially devasting cyber-attack on Multima’s networks, further complicates her efforts.
Suzanne must be ever diligent, fighting external forces intent on destroying her company while also dealing with internal conflicts and misplaced trust. As the pressure intensifies, Suzanne finds herself in a fight that goes above securing the acquisition. She’s battling to ensure Multima Corporation’s survival and to protect her own hard-earned position within the company. The stakes have never been higher, with every decision carrying potentially dire consequences.
And, while the high-stakes and looming threats form the backbone of “When Power Fails,” for me, it’s the characters who truly bring this thriller to life. To name a few:
Suzanne Simpson is the prominent lead in this story; her ambitions soaring to bring the Multima Corporation to new levels. She’s one of the most powerful female characters I have ever met, and it’s all in her subtle management style. She has a knack for delivering even the toughest messages with a calm that’s almost unnerving to get her point across. The measured tilt of her head, the slight arch of an eyebrow – there’s no mistaking, she means business.
Serge Boisvert is Suzanne’s partner in both life and business as Multima’s chief security officer. Serge brings a necessary intensity to his role. His responsibilities have multiplied in this story to extend far beyond typical corporate security, demanding constant vigilance as threats lurk physically and digitally. Together, Suzanne and Serge form a “power couple” if you will, at the pinnacle of the corporate world.
Meanwhile, Fidelia Morales, the shrewd leader of The Organization, finds herself in an unusually precarious position with unseen forces threatening her control. She proves early on she can handle as much punishment as she gives, but as she plots against Multima, she must also navigate treachery within her own ranks and counter the moves of the elusive Shadow.
Secondary characters like Gordon Goodfellow and Amber Chan spice up the story with betrayal and revenge, their actions twisting the plot in unexpected ways. All in all – a stellar cast of characters!
Relevant themes in the story include corporate power and ambition, organized crime in the business world, cyber-security and technological threats, and trust and betrayal. But McGugan’s characters also address a growing real-world concern: the rising cost of groceries. The story reveals that it’s not simply a case of greedy CEOs inflating prices for profit. Instead, we’re shown a complex web of factors such as global market shifts, climbing production costs, supply chain hiccups, and even climate change’s fingerprints on agriculture. I thoroughly enjoyed learning what I’m sure was meticulously researched on the author’s part about this sobering yet enlightening look at an issue that affects us all.
Gary McGugan continues to raise the bar with each new novel, and his fans are fortunate that he has been consistently delivering a new adventure every year.
When Power Fails is no exception and may well be one of the strongest entries in the series. The novel maintains a brisk pace, balancing corporate intrigue with personal drama. McGugan ratchets up the tension; the stakes are higher, the drama more intense, the betrayals cut deeper, and the antagonists are more ruthless than ever.
While When Power Fails stands as a gripping read on its own, I highly recommend starting with “Three Weeks Less a Day,” the first book in the series and my personal favorite. Experiencing the series from its inception allows readers to fully appreciate the character development and intricate plot threads McGugan has woven throughout this remarkable series. For those who enjoy corporate thrillers with depth and complexity, McGugan’s work is not to be missed.
...
When Power Fails
Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater for Feathered Quill
Review Date: August 12, 2024
When unrelenting enemies are determined to bring your empire down, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s find out more in When Power Fails, the 8th book of the Multima Saga by Gary McGugan.
The story opens with Suzanne Simpson, the CEO of the multinational conglomerate Multima, having just negotiated a transformative acquisition of Jeffersons Stores, a major supermarket chain in the American Southwest. With the ink barely dry on the contract, Suzanne and her top team must confront a daunting array of challenges, from integrating the new business to securing the financing required to close the deal on an impossibly short timeframe.
Complicating matters further is the looming threat of a devastating cyberattack orchestrated by Fidelia Morales, the head of a ruthless criminal organization known as "The Organization." As Suzanne and her chief of security, Serge Boisvert, work tirelessly to fortify Multima's computer systems against the impending cyberattack, a new complication arises - the discovery of a troubling connection between one of their most trusted executives, Gordon Goodfellow, and Amber Chan, a rising executive brought in to lead the Jeffersons Stores integration.
Unknown to Multima’s management team, Amber is secretly colluding with the Japanese Yakuza crime syndicate, plotting to sabotage Multima. Torn between loyalty to his employer and his growing affection for Amber, Gordon finds himself descending down a treacherous path of moral compromise, his judgment clouded by passion and the lure of personal gain.
As the deadline to complete the Jeffersons Stores integration approaches, Multima faces a series of attacks - a bombing at one of its stores in Houston, an attempted drone strike on Suzanne's home, and relentless hacking attempts on their systems. It becomes clear that Suzanne and her team are facing a convergence of nefarious forces, each with their own agenda - the Yakuza, a Russian crime syndicate, and a sinister American figure known only as "the Shadow."
When Power Fails by McGugan is the 8th installment of the Multima Saga, a thrilling series that delves into the high-stakes world of the fictional global conglomerate, Multima Corporation. In this latest book, readers are plunged into a battle for power and control.
Set against the backdrop of a global conglomerate, this novel delivers suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking examinations of power and greed, the limits of loyalty, and the price of ambition.
McGugan's narrative balances the high-stakes corporate drama with the deeply personal struggles of its characters, particularly Suzanne's journey as she navigates the sacrifices and compromises required to wield power in the modern business world. Her relationship with Multima's chief of security, Serge Boisvert, adds an emotional depth to the narrative as the couple navigates the challenges of their personal and professional lives.
While the intricate web of plot threads and character perspectives can at times feel overwhelming, McGugan's storytelling remains compelling, transporting readers into the treacherous world of corporate espionage, international organized crime, and the devastating consequences of technological vulnerabilities.
Quill says: A thrilling addition to the Multima Saga, When Power Fails is a corporate espionage thriller that serves as an examination of power, greed, loyalty, and the price of ambition in the highest echelons of the business world.
...
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers’ Favorite
In Gary D. McGugan's eighth book in The Multima Saga, When Power Fails, Suzanne Simpson had signed a contract to take over Jeffersons Stores. Suzanne’s company, Multima Corporation, needed 6.36 billion dollars within the next nine days to propel itself to the forefront of the international business community. Jeffersons Stores was owned by Suji Corporation, which was a member of the organized crime syndicate, The Organization.
Later that evening, Suzanne woke up. As she turned on the kitchen lights, she heard muffled voices, and a car drove from her house to the road. Multima Corporation was an innocent player in a worldwide war between criminal organizations. The greatest cybersecurity attack was about to be launched to bring Multima Corporation to its knees by demanding a ransom.
Gary D. McGugan's When Power Fails captured my attention from the beginning to the conclusion.
This gripping story was action-packed, suspenseful, and full of thrills. I was always on the edge of my seat because I had no idea what would happen next. There were several surprising twists and turns in the plot that I did not expect. The events were described in an engaging and occasionally vivid manner. I could not put the book down, but I also wanted to take my time reading to avoid it ending too soon. The characters had deeper personalities than what a first glance revealed, and they were realistic.
The story was brilliantly written and had several subplots that came together. I was engrossed in a world of espionage, power, and danger.
...
Reader Views - Lily Andrews - When Power Fails, book eight of The Multima Saga, is a gripping fiction thriller by Gary D. McGugan. In the story, a complex network of deceit and deep conflict threatens to topple a big acquisition by the fourth-largest supermarket chain in the world, which has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Suzanne Simpson, Multima Corporation's largest shareholder and therefore holder of the most voting rights, is seeking the acquisition of Jeffersons Stores, a major player in the US Southwest. She sees this as a tremendous opportunity that will catapult Multima Corporation to the forefront of the global business world. The Jeffersons institution is currently owned and operated by the Suji Corporation, a Yakuza-affiliated organized criminal gang. Suzanne does not realize, though, how deeply embedded the Yakuza is in Jefferson culture.
Information regarding another renegade organization controlling Suji emerges after the acquisition. Suzanne is apprehensive that the organization will be outraged by Multima's small payment to Jefferson's Stores' book value.
Soon after, there are allegations that its leader has been slain and that a new leader has taken over, who intends to breach Multima's computer networks with the help of a dedicated technological team that works around the clock. According to an FBI source, he intends to launch the biggest known coordinated security assault in history and demand a ransom, which may cripple Multima Corporation. When information on an unexpected player becomes available, Suzanne is horrified to see the scope of the conspiracy and realizes she is going down a path she has long feared.
This tale revolves around profound betrayal, charm, guile, and resistance. The main character is an extraordinary woman with unwavering financial acumen, a readiness to take calculated chances, and a fierce desire to build her firm to new heights. Her path is fraught with difficulties, yet she remarkably seeks help. However, she has a tendency to trust the wrong people.
Notably, this is a compelling novel that plays on the reader's deepest fears. Bombs that almost go off, mysterious letters that emerge from strange places, and plans to kidnap women from developing nations all give the reader the impression that someone somewhere is surreptitiously pulling numerous threads to inflict even more havoc.
The book's plot is tightly wound and intricate. The writer possesses a skill for crafting precisely timed, intricately woven moments of suspenseful drama that build to an unexpected climax.
Although the first installment is the recommended place to start, When Power Fails by Gary D. McGugan may be read as a standalone as well. This novel and the entire The Multima Saga series are perfect for fans of action & adventure, suspense, and crime stories.
...
When Power Fails
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite
Basking in the success of closing the deal on the hostile takeover of Jeffersons Stores, Suzanne Simpson immediately plans to expand Multima Corporation's global interests. The first step in such a delicate process involves securing a loan that may make or break her grand plans. Suzanne is so focused on this task that she seemingly ignores a growing problem within the ranks of her loyal staff. Some of her old rivals are unhappy with settling for crumbs and plan to destroy her empire from within.
Can Suzanne once again weather the storm and prove she is the master tactician, or will her old nemesis, Fidelia Morales, find a way to destroy everything she has built? Only time will tell in Gary D. McGugan's When Power Fails.
The eighth installment in Gary D. McGugan's entertaining Multima Saga series, When Power Fails is a gripping story that draws inspiration from the real threat that organized crime poses to the growth of lawful businesses worldwide. He keeps most of the characters from the first two parts, focusing the action once more on two strong women on opposite sides of the legal spectrum.
Fidelia's and Suzanne's origin stories are thorough and skillfully integrated into the larger narrative's continuity while including significant incidents from their past adventures that brought them to their current position. The attention given to Suzanne's romantic life has grown, which gives her portrayal as a flawed leader who prioritizes loyalty over effectiveness in managing her subordinates more nuance. In addition, Fidelia's recent experiences explain her brutal nature toward her people.
These all result in exciting dialogues between the characters, drawing readers in and allowing them to guess which leadership style will ultimately prevail. By thoroughly explaining the story's business and bone-crunching action sequences, among other elements, McGugan enhances his storytelling style. He creates encounters that will leave even the most ardent crime genre enthusiast speechless. Read as a stand-alone or as part of an incredible series, McGugan's When Power Fails is an exciting blend of business, pleasure, and violence that will captivate fans of crime and suspense.
---
GoodReads, Lily A. - This tale revolves around profound betrayal, charm, guile, and resistance. The main character is an extraordinary woman with unwavering financial acumen, a readiness to take calculated chances, and a fierce desire to build her firm to new heights. Her path is fraught with difficulties, yet she remarkably seeks help. However, she has a tendency to trust the wrong people. The book's plot is tightly wound and intricate. The writer possesses a skill for crafting precisely timed, intricately woven moments of suspenseful drama that build to an unexpected climax. Although the first installment is the recommended place to start, "When Power Fails" by Gary D. McGugan may be read as a standalone as well. This novel and the entire "The Multima Saga" series are perfect for fans of action & adventure, suspense, and crime stories.
...
Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers’ Favorite
When Power Fails by Gary D. McGugan is an exhilarating technothriller that continues the Multima Saga. The story starts in Montreal, in April 2023. The multinational Multima Corporation led by its CEO and owner Suzanne Simpson acquired its rival Jeffersons Stores for a fraction of its price. But before Suzanne and Multima’s top management could celebrate, they were confronted with major surprises.
Integration of the Jeffersons Stores into Multima’s business had to compete for priority with a sudden technological threat that could bring down Multima Corporation’s computer system. The Canadian government pressured Multima and other supermarkets to make their products affordable amidst the rising inflation. Suzanne’s security was threatened. A couple of Multima’s most capable top managers indulged in adultery, risking being fired. Will Multima overcome these challenges?
I was delighted to discover Gary D. McGugan’s When Power Fails.
This eighth novel in the Multima Saga reads perfectly as a standalone. I experienced the familiar exhilaration of my favorite thrillers by Arthur Hailey. Like Hailey, Gary focuses on a specific industry – a major international supermarket chain. But Gary’s novel offered the extra perks of being set in the current time and packed with all the tricks and treats of modern technology.
Every episode was suspenseful, and I liked how the plot threads weaved the intricate storyline. The action speedily advances to the unexpected but satisfying ending, upholding healthy Christian morals and business ethics. This brilliant novel will appeal to action thriller fans. The fleeting episodes of violence and sex make this book inappropriate for junior readers.
...
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite
Suzanne Simpson, the CEO of Multima Corporation, a chain of supermarkets all over the Americas and Europe, thought she had it all wrapped with her most recent deals, but she was just about to find out how far from the truth this was.
After a hard-fought battle, Multima had acquired the Jeffersons Stores, a major player in the US Southwest market and owned by Suji Corporation, the Yakuza’s very own company. They had also narrowly secured billions of dollars in loans for the integration of the Jeffersons Stores into Multima. However, downplaying the depth of the Jeffersons Stores’ affiliation with the Yakuza might have been their biggest mistake.
Apart from several attempts on Suzanne’s life, Multima learns that the Yakuza were planning to launch the world’s largest cybersecurity attack on Multima. But perhaps this might be the least of their worries. What exactly does Fidelia Morales, the leader of The Organization, a global crime syndicate that controlled the Yakuza, have in store for Multima? Will Suzanne and her company survive the imminent tornado of trouble coming her way? Find out in Gary D. McGugan’s When Power Fails: Book 8 in The Multima Saga.
If you are looking for a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller, Gary D. McGugan’s When Power Fails is just the right pick for you.
McGugan once again weaves an intriguing plot and features a dynamic and exciting cast, all the way from business-savvy executives to conniving, ruthless crime bosses and scheming underdogs. McGugan has a knack for whipping up suspense in the story. This is done through remarkable attention to detail which always seems just enough not to bog down the pace of the plot, and jaw-dropping plot twists.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat.
The evocative descriptions colorfully brought the scenes to life, hurling me into the unsparing worlds of business and crime, which are interwoven by the frail threads of trust, loyalty, and grit, their fabric threatening to break under the weight of love, lust, deceit, secrets, blackmail, money, power, and betrayal.
Suzanne might be a formidable and shrewd CEO, but is she up for a duel with an enemy that lurks closer than she thinks? This stand-alone read is an incredible addition to The Multima Saga.
Just a few select reviews from goodreads. To read more or to add your reviews, please click here.