• Brainrush, a Thriller (Brainrush Series Book 1)

  • By: Richard Bard
  • Narrated by: R.C. Bray
  • Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (1,141 ratings)

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Brainrush, a Thriller (Brainrush Series Book 1)

By: Richard Bard
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
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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)

What listeners say about Brainrush, a Thriller (Brainrush Series Book 1)

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    454
  • 4 Stars
    393
  • 3 Stars
    176
  • 2 Stars
    67
  • 1 Stars
    51
Performance
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
    24
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Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
    168
  • 2 Stars
    58
  • 1 Stars
    47

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Keeps you engaged

The story was very interesting but the narrator got annoying at times when he spoke with an accent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I have found a new author

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

It is amount my favorite!

What did you like best about this story?

The Sci-Fi thinking of the author

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

He was very "into" the book.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I look forward to listening to Brainrush II

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great story...with one request

In future publications please use person first language. Instead of autistic boy, please use the correct form of "the boy with autism.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

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

Keeps you on the edge of your seat! Can't put it down!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Can't pick just one, the whole team was awesome!
Very strong bond amongst all members!
Money didn't matter! Just watch your brother's back while achieving the goal!

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

Excellent reader! I hope he's the reader to all my books!

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

When Tony tucked little Serafina in his chest & he would not give her up!

Any additional comments?

This is a MUST read! Now I'm on to the 2nd book!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good first novel.

If you could sum up BRAINRUSH, a Thriller in three words, what would they be?

I enjoyed this story. I liked the development of the talent that the main character developed. Since I don't want to give away anything of the story, I will stop. Worth the credit.

Only negative is how with each new chapter the author seemed to think we needed to be to told where the upcoming action was going to take place--even if it is a continuation of action from chapter just ending. Seemed like he didn't trust the reader (listener) to be smart enough to follow and keep our place. A minor annoyance.

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

If I enjoy a book, then I always want to continue and experience the ending.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Paranormal Thriller with a Scifi Teaser

When you think of radical, fundamentalist terrorists I know what comes to mind...the most technologically and well trained military and scientific force in the universe...no? Oops, because that's the basic premise behind Brainrush.

The Good:
1. The premise is great. A freak accident gives the hero a super-brain.
2. The first scene in which the protagonist uses his newly acquired awareness and eidetic memory. Very well written, witty, and simply fantastic.

The Not-So-Good
1. Everything after the first scene in which the protagonist uses his newly acquired powers.
2. The protagonist's powers quickly expand to telepathy and telekinesis, and the author seems to forget about the protagonist's memory and awareness advantages, because they cease to play an important part of the story.
3. The absolute cluelessness of world governments and the military
4. The inclusion of alien artifacts

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

WOW!!!

Great Action. True "page turner" - characters well defined. Plot was somewhat simple but also easy to follow - very little "rewinding" required. Just a gr8 listen. Narrator did an excellent job of turning the printed pages into a cerebral video for the listener. All in all, a great, fun "listen." Definitely five star in all categories for pure recreational reading.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A fun thriller with a touch of sci-fi

A fun and fast-paced thriller. First time I have ever heard Bray narrate, his reading is a bit hurried for me but no annoying interruptions or heavy breathing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Awsome sci-fi thriller!!!

What did you love best about BRAINRUSH, a Thriller?

It's a tie between the non-stop action and R C Bray narration. I have a "wandering" mind and I frequently find myself pressing the rewind button on my mp3 but with Brainrush, I did not press the rewind button one time! Finished the book in a day and 1/2. Will definitely pick up book 2 in the series!

What did you like best about this story?

The bonds between the characters. I have read so many books where it's "every man for themselves" and "better you than me" which isn't that bad by the way, it just gets old after a while. The characters in Brainrush were willing to die for one another and that made the book that much more enjoyable.

Have you listened to any of R. C. Bray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not but his narration was spot-on excellent. It was truly one of the best narrative jobs I've ever heard. Great job R.C. Bray!!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I had an extreme reaction to get Brainrush 2 A.S.A.P.

Any additional comments?

No, this is first review and I'm tired.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

What a rush

What a great concept. Great character and excellent story that moves along quickly. The audiobook was well worth the extra cost. Thanks!

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