The second book in the trilogy that inspired the hit Netflix series House of Cards After scheming his way to power in House of Cards newly elected Prime Minister Francis Urquhart takes on the new King The role of the monarchy in modern Britain comes under scrutiny as Prime Minister Francis Urquhart threatens to expose Royal secrets when his plans are blocked by the idealistic new King Their differences of opinion quickly degenerate into open hostility The battlefield ranges from architecture to the underprivileged; the battle is fought with rigged opinion polls manipulated newspaper headlines sexual scandal & economic brinkmanship as Urquhart sets out to destroy not only the King's family & friends but even the King himself Continuing the dark tale of greed corruption & unquenchable ambition To Play the King reveals that no matter the country politics intrigue & passion reign in the corridors of power This blood & thunder tale lifelike & thoroughly cynical certainly carries the ring of authenticitya great triumph The Independent