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Many readers found David Baldacci's Absolute Power to be a highly engaging and suspenseful political thriller, with a compelling plot that quickly draws the reader in. Reviewers frequently praised the original premise involving a burglar witnessing a crime committed by a powerful figure, noting its thrilling and adrenaline-filled nature. The story is described as well-crafted, complex, and full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engrossed from beginning to end. For many, it stood out as a strong debut novel for the author, showcasing his mastery of the thriller genre and his ability to create believable, strong characters. The book's exploration of themes like the abuse of power and political cover-ups was also highlighted as particularly timely and thought-provoking, even decades after its initial publication. Some audiobook listeners specifically enjoyed the narration.

Despite the compelling plot, a significant number of reviewers expressed frustration with the book's writing style, describing it as hackneyed, simplistic, bloated, and at times grammatically incorrect. Complaints included clichéd phrasing, awkward use of language, and dialogue that felt unnatural or unrealistic. Several readers found the prose to be overly wordy, with excessive descriptions and background information for numerous characters, leading to a slower pace in certain sections and an overall feeling that the book could have benefited from substantial editing to reduce its considerable length. Some also felt that the narrative structure was uneven, and the resolution or the final act of the story felt sudden, convenient, or lacked the intensity of the earlier parts, leaving them somewhat let down. A few critics also pointed to a perceived lack of depth or research in the author's descriptions of specific professional fields and raised concerns about the portrayal of violence.

Overall, Absolute Power is largely considered an entertaining and powerful political thriller, especially for fans of the genre. While its writing style may not appeal to all, particularly those who prefer more literary prose, the strength of its core story and intricate plot is often enough to overcome these perceived flaws for many readers. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy suspenseful narratives about Washington politics, power dynamics, and thrilling conspiracies, and who are willing to immerse themselves in a lengthy, action-packed read. Many consider it among Baldacci's best works, particularly as a debut, and it is frequently cited as a "page-turner" for audiences seeking an exciting and thought-provoking escape. Readers familiar with the movie adaptation often find the book to offer a more complicated and detailed experience.