Brainrush, a Thriller (Brainrush Series Book 1)

By: Richard Bard

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Listed in The Wall Street Journal as the number-one Bestselling Action/Adventure in their "Readers Guide to Self-Published Big Sellers" (December 9, 2011).

When terminally ill combat pilot Jake Bronson emerges from an MRI with extraordinary cognitive powers, everyone wants a piece of his talent - including Battista, one of the world's most dangerous terrorists. To save his love and her autistic child, Jake is thrust into a deadly chase that leads from the canals of Venice through Monte Carlo and finally to an ancient cavern in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan, where Jake discovers that his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.

An original weave of current events bound by colorful locations and cutting-edge technology, Bard's novel is a must-listen for fans of Michael Crichton, James Rollins, Clive Cussler, and Brad Thor. A dynamic mix of fast-paced action and thought provoking soul, this book challenges the listener to keep pace with every sharp turn and shocking twist. Acclaimed by fans of action, sci-fi, and political thrillers alike, Brainrush is one of the most innovative and entertaining books of the year.

Brainrush was in the top 10 of the Amazon - USA Top-Rated List for over four months straight. The sequel, Brainrush II, The Enemy of My Enemy, was released in December 2011 to rave reviews. Within a few weeks it became the number-one Top-Rated Action/Adventure stories on Amazon.

©2009, 2011 Richard A. Bard (P)2011 Richard Bard

Critic reviews

" Brainrush explores the bonds of friendship while pushing the boundaries of science, creating a compelling, action-packed thriller with a climax that's a knock-out!" (C.J. Lyons, New York Times best-selling author)"A terrifically entertaining thriller with three finely executed set pieces strung together with nice characterization. Especially successful is Bronson, an amiable, low-key tough guy able to rescue his princess, survive brutality, and retain a sense of humor." ( Publishers Weekly)

Throughly Entertaining

Would you consider the audio edition of BRAINRUSH, a Thriller to be better than the print version?

I very much enjoyed the audio version.

What did you like best about this story?

The premise that a shock to the brain could unlock hidden talents.

What does R. C. Bray bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As with most talented actors, you get the impression of the charachers feelings, when the passage is presented in a dramitic fashion.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes, this was a very good book and if I could have heard it all at once .... but I did listen day after day with enthusiasm.

Any additional comments?

I think I am ready for the second installment but.... if it is as good as I expect I may wait for the third book and then have a real BRAIN Rush!

Unbelievable action story

The performance was fine, but the story was too stupid. The bad guy is a scientist, is religious and is a terrorist mastermind, and has tons of money and henchmen, including a right-hand man who is extra cruel. The good guy is super bad-ass, has other loyal bad-ass friends, etc. Anyway, the characters are extremely caricature and the story is a selection of typical cartoon plots. This would have been better if it sends itself up like Austin Powers, but since it takes itself seriously, it's just another lower than average pulp action hero story.

Had me from the start

Hard to find a book my husband and I both agree on, this is one we do. Just bought book 2 Narrator was really good.

Different spin on brain injuries

The main character goes through a lot. interesting storyline. I will read the others that follow.

Fast Paced Thrill Ride

I have had this book buried on my Kindle for quite some time and forgot it was there. I purchased the audiobook and decided to give it a try. All I have to say is why in the world did I wait so long?! This was an excellent book that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was fascinated by Jake and his abilities and loved the different settings in the story. l was very sorry when the story was over, but was thrilled to see that there are more books in the series.

Great story, strange ending.

Best reader I've ever heard. Story was filled with action very fast paced and great detail. Just didn't expect the weird ending, it didn't feel like it fit with the rest of the book.

an everyday hero willing to lose everything

Jake Bronson has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time, this time it’s terminal, during a routine MRI scan to determine his life expectancy an earthquake hits and Jake will never be the same again. His new found intellect and skills have been captured on TV and soon everyone wants to know all about Jake, no one than Luciano Battista who is a terrorist posing as a scientist, his plans will have you worried for the future. Jake and his friends travel across the world, fighting enemies and trying to save the girl – because let’s face it, what action story doesn’t need an everyday hero willing to lose everything for those he cares for. The action is non-stop. The writing is fantastic and it is hard to believe that this is a debut book by author Richard Bard. It has an ending that will have you crying out for more, luckily four more books are available at all good book stores right now.

R.C. Bray’s performance had me cheering, smiling, crying and laughing – the delivery of some lines had me laughing out loud and thinking ‘Only Bray could have made me have that reaction’. He has such a talent for immersing the listener in the story that you just want to clear your schedule so you can listen intently to every word and enjoy the wild ride.

I think the team up of author and narrator for this audio book is absolutely perfect and I’m so pleased to see that they are together for each of the next four audio books in the series, which are available on audible, I highly recommend you go and grab them now. I’m already warming up the audible app for book 2 – ‘The Enemy of my Enemy’ – the review will be forthcoming, keep your eyes peeled.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at audiobookreviewer dot com

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A Roller-Coaster!

Would you consider the audio edition of BRAINRUSH, a Thriller to be better than the print version?

I loved the ebook, but I enjoyed the audio version even more. The narrator is amazing! He really brings the characters to life.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved all the twists and turns. I never knew what was going to happen next.

What about R.C. Bray’s performance did you like?

Mr. Bray is a true performer. The accents were spot on.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What a rush!

Any additional comments?

I can't wait or the sequel!

Mash up. Action, Comic, Sci-fi

This book has the feeling of a mash up of several different genres.
It has the action fight against terrorism aspect, it has a flair of comic
book super hero, and it includes the alien sci-fi angle. This book feels
as if it is trying to find the cross section of people that are into the action
books like the Jack Ryan series, or James Bond. But who are also into
comics, and space aliens. If you like these kinds of books on there
own then this might be an interesting read for you. It was different enough
to keep me interested. I thought the narrator did a good job at bringing the
characters to life, and was easy to listen to. This book may not make my
all time best list but it was worth a listen.

Unleashing the Power of your Brain

Where does Brainrush, a Thriller rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a very good story. The thought that such a strange accident could open up powers of your brain would be really cool

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

R.C. Bray does such a great job with all the characters and can be just as good if he is playing an Italian person, American, or Afghani bad guy

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the mercenaries rescued Francesca & the little girl from the mountains of Afghanistan.

Any additional comments?

Please look up R.C. Bray in Audible's search engine. Everything he narrates is excellent and you will not be sorry.