A Better World

The Brilliance Trilogy, Book 2

By: Marcus Sakey

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

The brilliants changed everything.

Since 1980, 1% of the world has been born with gifts we'd only dreamed of. The ability to sense a person's most intimate secrets, or predict the stock market, or move virtually unseen. For thirty years the world has struggled with a growing divide between the exceptional...and the rest of us.

Now a terrorist network led by brilliants has crippled three cities. Supermarket shelves stand empty. 911 calls go unanswered. Fanatics are burning people alive.

Nick Cooper has always fought to make the world better for his children. As both a brilliant and an advisor to the president of the United States, he's against everything the terrorists represent. But as America slides toward a devastating civil war, Cooper is forced to play a game he dares not lose - because his opponents have their own vision of a better world.

And to reach it, they're willing to burn this one down.

From Marcus Sakey, "the master of the mindful page turner" (Gillian Flynn) and "one of our best storytellers" (Michael Connelly), Book Two of the Brilliance Saga is a relentless thrill ride that will change the way you look at your world - and the people around you.

©2014 Marcus Sakey. (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

What you'd expect from the second in a trilogy

This book continued the fast pace action of the first, but without the bonus multiplier of novelty, its flaws were a little more apparent. For instance, the characters are all pretty flat and don't develop at all, and we only met a few new people. Some of the side characters only serve a plot purpose (e.g. Cooper's kids. There's no mention of their reactions to all the horrors they're seeing other than "the kids looked pale and held Natalie's hand.") Cooper's over the top macho-ism and boy scout tell the truth-ism got old quickly.

All the same, the series is still very entertaining, and I will definitely buy the third audiobook.

wow 5 stars all the way. can't wait for 3rd

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Have downloaded thousands of books from Audible, but this is my first review - because it and the now series - is excellent, thoughtful and unique. It had been awhile since I had listened to the first book, so decided a re-listen might be in order.. The re-listen was just as great and thought why not! Wow, NOW I can't wait until I can pre-order Book #3

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nic Cooper of course and Shannon. Cooper for his dedication to truth, family and America - Shannon because her heart and mind were open enough to discover the truth and act with determination and for humanity and America.

What does Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

interpreting words - intention - vision of the book with intensity and emotion

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

Cooper's conflict, basis and decision to release video and subsequent evaluation, reflection, dialog.

Any additional comments?

would like to know more about author.

Can't wait for #3. Cooper is James Bond with....

John McClane from Die Hard. Smart, sexy, but also a legit BadA**. I set a reminder on my calendar for May. I HOPE book 3 is out by then!

Engaging storyline

I would definitely recommend this book and have already downloaded the last book in the trilogy. It is truly a scary idea that the White House could fall so easily.

Awesome series

This book is great, although I will still say the first is the best. Overall the series is really compelling and I’m hooked. I’ll be reading the third. This is a really unique story and the author has created some very cool characters. Enjoy!

maybe it's because I have a newborn...

So I have a newborn, and Marcus Sakey managed to put to words all the feelings I would have if I was in a similar situation, all the feelings I think I would have if she was older, and I was in a similar situation, and manages to keep it all super riveting. great read, feeding top 3 of my favorite series on audible.

Was Not Disappointed

Two thumbs up from this finicky reader! More non-stop action, what-if scenarios and plenty of twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next installment!!!

Brilliance Trilogy

Loved this Trilogy. Highly recommend to everyone who loves scifi, intrigue, thrillers, political reading, audio.

An intelligent action read!

The writer uses an enthralling alternate future to draw parallels to our present. The brilliance saga is entertaining and entirely believable. It will make you question the motives and morals of those in power; and forces you to see issues from a new perspective.

Not as good as the first.

It had a different flow or style that took some getting used too. I listen at 1.5x and I got lost a bit with all the things going on.