I bought it when it was first published in 1996. An incredibly gripping novel. So many plots, so many twists. Filled with bad guys, worse guys, and down right evil characters. Like many Clancy novels, EO pulls back the curtain behind everything from infectious diseases to the TO&E; of an Armored Cavalry Regiment. After several years, I bought a used copy and it consumed my entire weekend -- from Friday night to Monday night. I actually got weepy eyed during some parts -- Cathy Ryan as she was treating Ebola victims in Baltimore, the tactics of the North Carolina brigade as they clobbered the UIR forces.Just an amazing book. Worth reading...again. It is a long book though. The paperback weighed in at 1358 pages. I still can't believe I read the entire thing. lol.