The Survivor

By: Gregg Hurwitz

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Nate Overbay, a former soldier suffering from PTSD and ALS, goes to an 11th-floor bank and climbs out the bathroom window onto the ledge, ready to end it all. But as he’s steeling himself to jump, a crew of gunmen bursts into the bank and begins viciously shooting employees and customers. With nothing to lose, Nate climbs back inside, confronts the robbers, and with his military training, starts taking them out, one by one. The last man standing leaves Nate with a cryptic warning: “He will make you pay in ways you can’t imagine.” Soon enough, Nate learns what this means.

He is kidnapped by Pavlo, a savage Ukrainian mobster and mastermind of the failed heist. Now blocked from getting into the bank vault to retrieve the critical item inside, Pavlo gives Nate a horrifying ultimatum: Either break in and acquire the item or watch Pavlo slowly kill the people Nate loves most - his estranged wife, Janie, and his teenaged daughter, Cielle. Nate lost them both when he came back from Iraq broken and confused. Now he’s got one chance to protect the people he loves, even if it’s the last thing he is able to do.

©2012 Gregg Hurwitz (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Good Read

Slow start but after I got into it a little ways I couldn't stop listening.

Took some time but was worth the wait.

Give it some time to develop as it is a different story than I usually read. Suspencful ending just took a lot of time to get there.

A pretty good listen

Scott Brick is one one the narrators I enjoy the most and he does not disappoint here. That said, the story is a mixed bag. Hurwitz does a great job of conveying the emotions and struggles within a family. But I also agree with many of the negative reviews that the main character repeatedly makes dumb decisions that that increase the peril. Still, the story moves along briskly.

Well written but you must suspend reality

This is an enjoyable book. But it is truly fiction and you must allow for some significant plot leaps. As always, Scott Brick is a wonderful narrator.

Another Hit For Gregg Hurwitz

Where does The Survivor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Absolutely! Wow. What a journey! I literally just finished this story and I my heart is still pounding. This story is a thrill-ride that goes from 0 to 60 in just a matter of minutes. It is deeply emotional and action-packed.

It begins with Nate Overbay's reluctant yet heroic reaction to a deadly bank heist, and quickly escalates into a harrowing fight to save his and his daughters life. He's trying to do this while having to both confront his own mortality AND sort through some very personal demons. Trust me, Nate's got alot on his plate. There are a few moments of respite, but it never truly stops.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick just has a great voice and he really knows how to draw out the emotion of a story. I always feel like I'm right there in the book when he's narrating.

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

The Survivor, Never underestimate a man with something to live for.

Any additional comments?

This book was a necessary reminder of how much we take for granted everyday. Little things, like not living in a constant state of fear every time you leave your home. It really made me more grateful to the men and women on the front lines in the US Armed Forces who fight, quite literally, for our freedoms everyday. These men and women sacrifice more than I could ever understand or know. If any veterans read my review, it seems quite inadequate to say, but thank you.

Wow

I'll be honest, I went into this novel thinking it was a cheap thriller, and in many ways it was... But the details that went into describing the effects of PTSD and ALS really brought this story to another level. This novel had a *bit* less action than I was expecting but the writing was strong enough that it kept me thoroughly entertained from end to end.

GOOD LISTEN -

What did you like best about The Survivor? What did you like least?

Interesting story line, good pace, I'm a fan of narrator, Brick always a great preformance. I thought the ending was a little predictable but well worth the listen.

LIke a breath of fresh air

What did you love best about The Survivor?

The pacing is excellent. The story is enjoyable and believable. The hero is intensely human, full of weaknesses and hidden strenghts. His struggle with his own demons reminds me of Shakespeare.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like the hero, can't remember his name. And the daughter.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Scott Brick's voice is grating at first but it applies well to this script.

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

Nope.

Yes, take out the daughter

Any additional comments?

I loved this book. It was so fast moving with twists and turns. I agree the daughter is a whiny, spoiled brat.

Think I have found a new love...Greg Hurwitz

WOW...I read the reviews before purchasing this book, but never dreamed it would be so good. Well written, touching, humorous and packed with suspense...you won't be able to stop listening.