Breakthrough

By: Michael C. Grumley

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

One of the greatest breakthroughs in human history. A secret that was never supposed to be found. And a crisis that cannot be stopped. 

Deep in the Caribbean Sea, a nuclear submarine is forced to suddenly abort its mission under mysterious circumstances. Strange facts begin to emerge that lead naval investigator John Clay to a small group of marine biologists who are quietly on the verge of making history. 

With the help of a powerful computer system, Alison Shaw and her team are preparing to translate the first two-way conversation with the planet's second smartest species. But the team discovers much more from their dolphins than they ever expected when a secret object is revealed on the ocean floor. One that was never supposed to be found. 

Alison was sure she would never trust the military again. However, when an unknown group immediately becomes interested in her work, Alison realizes John Clay may be the only person she can trust. Together, they must piece together a dangerous puzzle, and the most frightening piece is the trembling in Antarctica. 

To make matters worse, someone from the inside is trying to stop them. Now, time is running out...and our understanding of the world is about to change forever.

©2013 Michael C. Grumley (P)2018 Recorded Books

It depends on what you want

This book has an interesting premise and the author does a workmanlike job of writing action scenes. If that's all you're looking for, go for it.

If you're one of the few tech-thriller readers who hopes for an author who is also a writer, look elsewhere. This book has the standard cardboard characters and exposition via clunky dialogue.

If you're one of the larger group of tech-thriller readers who wants the tech and science to be reasonably credible, or at least not clearly wrong, also look elsewhere. One shouldn't write deep-sea action scenes without researching how the "bends" works, shouldn't write about astrophysics while thinking amino acids are made in supernova explosions, and in the case of this author, shouldn't write about convergent evolution or wave mechanics at all.

The narration is fine. Scott Brick knows what he's doing and is good at it.

I wanted to enjoy this but....

Scott Brick is wonderful and the reviews made my excited about this book. I just couldn't finish it, though. The premise was stretched too far and frankly the only two female characters were permanently angry and bitter. The other characters weren't engaging enough to overcome the other plot flaws so I eventually gave up. I've only 'quit' a very few books over the years.

Disappointed.

I wanted to like this

The story was overburdened and dealt several fatal blows by asking the listener to suspend science and knowledge of fundamental laws of nature, biology and physics too many times. There were too many gaps left unfilled, and perhaps a central theme or two too many. For me, it was a disappointing listen, made so more by a weak ending. Sorry. Scott Brick's read was the high point of the experience.

So Dumb

I am often mislead by the reviews and it is aggravating. So many reviews touting how wonderful this book is and it is crap. I read a book a few years ago about a special forces team that was teleported into a future zombie apocalypse. Complete surprise to the Green Berets but they were able to navigate an environment crawling with zombies and no one died. There was even a supporting character, a aircraft mechanic that was mobbed by zombies but somehow survived and ended up moving to a safe zone and living happily ever after with his family. This book and that book are the same. The dolphin with a nuclear suicide vest survives the nuclear explosion without explanation. Best friend with 3 bullets put into his chest by a Delta team survives. Yeah, it was that kind of book. Unbelievable, illogical, cataclysmic and no one dies.

good yarn; but...

made less enjoyable for this retired naval officer, engineer, diver by the many technical errors. a recommendation -- get a few folks with subject matter expertise to proof your next draft. they will be value-add to your gripping and interesting future novels. I look forward to reading.

Asking for a refund

I bought this book because it was pushed heavily by Audible and one of the Audible editors. What a mistake. I see that I the book has received strong ratings from others, but after listening to 2 hours, I can't take any more; I never do this but I am asking for a refund.

The book is poorly written. The characters are flat and boring. The "science," at least as far as I got, is superficial. The description in one thread of determining that a computer system is deconstructing dolphin language, laughably naive.

An A+ from beginning to end

I loved this book. There was nothing complicated about it, and yet it came off as thoroughly researched and expertly designed. I have been genre shifting a lot lately, cruising from one universe to another. Stumbling upon this series gave me exactly what I was looking for: a story that holds my interest throughout while not making me put in a lot of work. The characters are likable. The plot is enjoyable. The settings make me want to grab my passport and snorkel. Thanks for your hard work, Michael.

Also: Scott Brick is, hands-down, my favorite narrator. He was an excellent choice for this series.

Great Breakout Novel

If you like thrillers ala Baldacci or Cussler, you'll love this story. It's afresh plot, which in itself is unique in this genre, nicely paced with characters that seem real. The only complaint I can voice is that the story isn't set up for sequel. However, I'm looking forward to the next one

EXCELLENT !

Did not want the book to end. Scott Brick is the best narrator. Can’t wait to read more Michael Grumley

Riveting

I really liked this book, and I am picky. Interesting science was knitted around taut action. I would enjoy having coffee with the main characters as well.

Thoroughly enjoyable adventure

I enjoyed the storyline and this was enhanced by the excellent narrator Scott Brick. Great listen.

Dolphin Speak

A little slow starting but picked up a quarter the way along. I felt myself wanting to smack one of the presidents men and tell him what an idiot he was. I thought it was great the way a programme was invented to talk to two dolphins in captivity who were pressed into service by the nasty man in the white house. The book is mostly thriller with some Science Fiction thrown in. Not nail biting but very enjoyable.

Well worth a listen

A bit of a change from my usual listening but overall a good story, good characters and good narration. Ending felt a little rushed but still enjoyable and will be looking out for other books from author.

Its OK but......

I enjoyed the book as a bit of easy listening fiction but I found it a bit too far fetched and silly in places. There are some nice moments that make you self reflect on how we treat animals and the planet. Scott Brick is excellent as always and is by far my favourite narrator. I think if this book was made into a film it would be a B-movie at a push. This is
a personal opinion of course, give it a go it maybe right up your street.

one of the most enjoyable books I've listened to

I was pleasantly surprised by this book (and it's sequel that I just HAD to listen to). The author was new to me and the book cover didn't really invite me in, but I was quickly engaged and eager to hear more. I think you will be too...

Enjoyable

For a debut novel I really enjoyed it. Scott Bricks narration was as usual excellent.

Breakthrough

couldn't stop listening excellent story, plot is ingenious, the characters are worth investing your time.

Engrossing page turner

I listened to this Sci-fi/Eco/Adventure thriller whilst driving a 300 miles there and back trip. The miles just slipped by as I was totally engrossed in the plot. I have already purchased book 2 in the series and can’t wait to be reintroduced to the characters. This book would suit anyone interested in the above genres- old or young, male or female.

cracking first novel

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Scott Brick. It was an excellent story which introduced characters that I hope will appear in future books. The story developed well and I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Scott Brick as ever is an excellent story teller.

Thoroughly enjoyable adventure novel.

Very Cussler-esque with the nautical and sci-fi themes. Great escapism and I'll definitely be listening to more from this author.