The Price To Pay
About
When democracy burns, who decides what rises from the ashes?
In the tranquil Republic of Amity, a single day of terror shatters the nation’s soul. The President is dead, Parliament reduced to rubble, and the island’s fragile democracy lies in ruins.
Into the chaos steps Adrian Marshall — soldier, statesman, reluctant saviour — charged by the Constitution to restore order under Martial Law. For two years, he will wield absolute power. What he builds in that time will define Amity’s future — or destroy it.
But enemies still move in the shadows: corrupt magnates, political opportunists, and one man whose quiet malice threatens to ignite the nation anew.
As Marshall’s sweeping reforms reshape society, his private journal reveals the cost of leadership — and the price a man must pay when he dares to stand alone.
The Price to Pay is a commanding political drama of conviction and consequence — a modern fable for an age that has forgotten the meaning of responsibility.
Praise for this book
Early Reader Responses (2018-19). “Political savviness and undertones of discord make this a thriller with brains… very good grammar and tight editorial skills.”
Early Reader Responses (2018-19). “A worthwhile read… a well-constructed political thriller with a different tinge.”
Early Reader Responses (2018-19). “Captivating… moves fast in parallel with the plot… well done.”
“Terrific. Intelligent. Thrilling. Smart, well-researched, and fast-paced… hard to stop reading.”
— William Bernhardt - (International bestselling author of the Ben Kincaid legal thriller series, plus the Red Sneaker series on the Craft of Writing.)
Top reviews from Australia
Helen Dardas
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended book.
Reviewed in Australia on 1 December 2025
The Price To Pay
By Eric J DrysdaleI have read this book twice.
The first reading was out of curiosity considering that I have never read dramas of political nature before. The fluent and easy to understand writing led me to devour the whole book in record time. However, as quantity and quality do not go hand in hand, I felt the need for a second read. This allowed me to clearly digest AMITY’s historical facts while keeping at all times, at the back of my mind, thoughts of MY AUSTRALIA. Reading serious subjects like this book can also be witty and humorous. Smiles and even silent laughter are allowed during the reading.Recommendation:
Hesitant readers can have the green light. Enjoy.
Helen Dardas
5.0 out of 5 stars This was a ripping yarn
Reviewed in Australia on 2 December 2025
This is what I would call "a ripping yarn" From the very first page an interest is formed and then once the main plot has been established the novel travels along at a fast pace.as this fascinating story unfolds. Congratulations to the writer (Eric J Drysdale) for a well structured book with intriguing sub-plots that take the reader on a nail biting journey of Love, Hate, Treason and Murder with adoring characters and hateful scroundles. This adventure takes place in a small country where great tragedy has struck. It is a well researched and intelligently written novel which I found hard to put down. Starting with a great and terrifying beginning and a beautiful and moving finish...
“The Price to Pay is a fast-paced and provocative tale… This appealing, intelligent narrative holds the reader’s attention until the story’s thoroughly surprising ending.” See Jim's complete review in Reviews - Reflections under "Early Reader Responses 2018-2019".
Reviewed in Australia on 8 December 2025. 5 Stars.
Format: Kindle
Congratulations to the writer on a well written book, it was a page turner which covered all the best bits of a great book. This adventure takes place in a small country where a great tragedy has occurred. Once you have started it’s hard to put down. You can see in every page the research and heart that has gone into this book. I enjoyed every page.
Early Reader Responses (2018-19). “Holy crap, that was great… you are obviously a well-read, intelligent individual… this book was awesome, keep up the great work.”
Early Reader Responses (2018-19). “An astonishingly knowledgeable and realistic political world, built with remarkable detail. The embedded quotations throughout add real texture and depth to an already impressive novel.” -
Early Reader Responses (2018-19). “Exceptionally well researched and seamlessly woven together. I rarely read fiction, yet this held me effortlessly — clear, engaging, and genuinely easy to read.” -