The Life Engine

By: Rick Baker

Narrated by: Dylan White

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Ian Wolfe is not your typical CIA officer. A former Olympic decathlete whose face once graced the covers of teen magazines and cereal boxes, he was disgraced by a doping scandal, and now he is seeking to reinvent himself within America's intelligence community.

But Wolfe's first assignment could be his last, because it brings him face-to-face with April Gentry, world-renowned biologist and category four hurricane. Seeking to fulfill her late father's legacy, she will stop at nothing to bring a life-altering medication she discovered in the Amazon to market.

Both Wolfe and April's plans go awry when one of April's business partners hacks into sensitive spy satellite data. The CIA thinks April is involved and shuts down her operations. Wolfe suspects otherwise and offers to help April clear her name. There's just one catch: He'll have to defy the CIA to do it. Despite the fact April despises everything Wolfe represents, she agrees to his plan.

Pursued by every law enforcement agency in America, both Wolfe and April come to realize they may have misjudged the other and we see them drawing closer to each other while they are on the run. Meanwhile, far darker forces dog their trail in the person of Anakim Sebastian, a mysterious man who believes he is one of the angels of the apocalypse. Whatever else he may be, Sebastian is death incarnate, and he is coming for them.

What follows is a breathless adventure with action unfolding simultaneously on two continents. Pitting ancient arts and rituals against the modern techno world, little do the players realize the future of the planet - our life engine - hangs in the balance.

©2015 Rick Baker (P)2016 Rick Baker

The Life Engine

Dylan White narrates this book nicely.April is a biologist investigating a miracle cure.There is betrayal,espionage and a love story between these pages.It is well written, though I did lose the thread a bit.I was provided this book free by the author, narrator or publisher.

very different and intriguing!!

I received this audible edition for my honest review.. very different and enjoyable.. suspenseful. wondering what will happen next .. highly recommended

Five star read

This is a fast pace novel full of action and drama. If you like a great Adventure with likable characters excellent narration you will not be disappointed. I received this book at no cost from the author narrator or publisher for a honest review

The Life Engine

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”



This debut novel is an exciting listen. All the environmental impacted challenges are something to make you sit back and think, and say Whew! The author had to of spent a lot of time rehearsing for this work. Lots of twists and turns to keep you listening.




The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed.

I'm a Convert! Life Engine has much to commend it!

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

A thriller, full of action, exotic and more familiar locales, an ecological warning, great protagonists, an evil villian. Some strong language scattered moderately through the narration, so be forewarned if that's an issue. I would rank it in the top fifty in my library.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Life Engine?

The chase scenes. There are several. The descriptive skills on the locales. And as important, the well done narration by Dylan White.

What about Dylan White’s performance did you like?

In all the Audible books I own, I enjoy the narrators that have believable differences of voice for character dialogue, the ability to convey appropriate feelings - fear, excitement, anticipation, loss, joy, etc for story telling and continuity. Dylan White possesses those skills. Adding to the overall success of the writing.

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

Wolfe and Gentry, remember those names.

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable. I was skeptical that this could live up to what it promised. It works on many levels. I cared about the protagonists, I hated the villian, the mission(s) were enthralling. And there were several, what I'll refer to as "easter eggs" that were fun to discover. Again, an "Archer" reference to shooting technique and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" prop reference. Others? Give a listen.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com

Very professional

I've paid for many a worse novel than this. I was gifted this audio book in exchange for an honest review. This book really rivals a James Patterson novel in action and professionalism. Although somewhat predictable, it was a really fun ride getting to that predictable end. I looked up Dylan White to see what else he has narrated and it was slim pickin's. I was really surprised. This guy has a great career ahead of him! Perhaps the next Scott Brick!
The story is fast paced, well researched, interesting and definitely leaves you wanting more. Highly recommend for those who like an intelligent action adventure.

A Very Well Done Eco Thriller

Author Rick Baker really hit it out of the park with “The Life Engine.” I understand it’s actually his debut novel so he’s definitely set the bar high. In “The Life Engine” we have CIA agent with an infamous past, Ian Wolfe, paired with super driven, biologist, April Gentry. April is world renowned for her strong views on the planet, the world’s ecology and what we’re doing to it. So as you might imagine, she isn’t well liked by governments or corporations. Especially when April has no fear of exposing corporate greed and government corruption. Later, April discovers a potential life changing medicine in the Amazon. The ramifications of which, force “The Life Engine” to take a hard dramatic turn. With Ian Wolfe’s help April finds herself on the run and trying to both stay alive and clear her name.

I could easily see “The Life Engine” being made into a major motion picture. I know I would definitely go see it. I just hope when Rick Baker cuts that deal he makes sure he retains the power to keep Hollywood from ruining it when they write the screenplay version. Finally, this audio book was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review, courtesy of Audio Book Blast.

Strong Eco-Thriller

This book was clearly very well researched. The strong environmentalist stand was pretty awesome in my opinion. The story and the characters are very well written. Full of action, drama and wry humor that had me laughing out loud often. The end was just awesome. Loved it. This was a fun and entertaining read that I couldn't put down.

The narrator gave a wonderful performance. Very well done.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Spaceship earth with a twist

If you've ever been to Epcot in Disney world the life engine concept will be familiar (spaceship earth). Good setup and character development, nice plot twists, betrayals and more. The last few chapters will leave you clinging to the edge of your seat and laughing out loud at a few points. Can't wait for more! I received this audiobook from the author narrator or publisher for free via audiobookboom in exchange for an unbiased review

It Just Never Grabbed Me. . .

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not.

Would you be willing to try another book from Rick Baker? Why or why not?

Yes, I would love to try another. I would love to know that I would enjoy his other books.

What aspect of Dylan White’s performance would you have changed?

It just seemed a little bland to me.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

If it got good reviews I would watch it. Or I might watch it and go back and listen to the book again.

Any additional comments?

This book was donated to me by the author with the understanding that I post an honest, unbiased review.