The Prince   The first in a planned series, The Tinieblas
Trilogy, The Prince is based on Machiavelli’s treatise with the
same title. The rise and fall of politicians and presidents in
20th-century Panama fuels the life of Kiki Sancudo. Kiki was a
former athlete, Olympian champion, Yale graduate, and faithful
son who learns about his country’s politics and is headed in
that direction when an opponent literally shoots him in the
neck, turning Kiki into what he himself calls a “plant,” a
quadriplegic. He spends his days plotting revenge against his
assassin, Nato Espino, whom he plans to torture and then kill in
a chilling way that makes the reader wonder if Nato will die of
fear before the actual act occurs.  This story of his life and
the political life of Panama is replete with constant takeovers,
especially that of his father who is considering a third attempt
at being elected president in spite of being deposed two times
previously. Corruption is rife, American interference is a
complicating issue, and tru