Power Play, by Joseph Finder, is a book full of a very specific charm. The strong male protagonist uses his ingenuity, wit, and determination to save the day and rescue the damsel and takes the reader for an engaging and suspenseful ride along the way. The story explores social politics and dynamics in the business world, as well as what bigwigs do when the lives they play with suddenly get a little too close to their own. An incredibly well-researched book, Power Play is influenced by real company and military tactics commonly employed in the real world. In the afterword, Finder reveals that he was in close contact with several experts on many aspects of the situation in the novel, some of whom most people wouldn’t think to ask the expertise of. He wanted the book to be as life accurate as possible, and his dedication does wonders for the reader’s immersion. Standing out with Finder’s dedication to realism is his work with character. Every character is interesting and, in some way, unique. Even the characters who don’t play large roles, Finder makes sure to give personality, goals, and interest to. No one is just the role they play, they’re all people with lives and loved ones to look after. There is pretty strong “Sigma Male” messaging in the book, often showing how a subtler and more solo approach can be more effective in delicate situations. The main character is observant, swift, and independent, and is greatly contrasted to his self-centered, slow, and group-focused colleagues. He takes care of business and is smart about it. I would give this book four out of five stars, mainly because there was something very charming in the style and the independence and strength of the main character. In situations where his opposition thinks they have him hemmed in; he consistently thinks outside the box of their ideal situation to achieve his goals. It’s a classic independent underdog story, where the underdog really isn’t as down and out as he makes people believe, and I really enjoyed it.