UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake

By: Lincoln Cole

Narrated by: Stephanie Dillard

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

When mercenaries kidnap two drone operators and steal the software that can control drones anywhere in the world, Kate Allison is called to action to try and stop them before they can use the drones against civilians. A woman with a sordid history, Kate is trying to make up for past mistakes.

She teams up with the unlikeliest of partners in her mission: Lyle Goldman, the application developer who designed the drone software. He's her only hope of finding a way to shut down the mercenaries and figure out who is behind the attack. Unfortunately, Lyle is also being hunted by the FBI in connection with the stolen software and is being framed for the crime.

Can they stop this attack and clear Lyle's name before it is too late?

©2015 Lincoln Cole (P)2016 Lincoln Cole

Short Techno-Thriller Rivals Full Length Novel!

This fast paced techno-thriller may be short, but delivers an action packed, thought provoking plot with intense pulse pounding moments, humor and interesting characters. It has all the classic elements for a awesome thriller, kidnappings, double crossing, computer hacking, and a devious plot, but also adds in refreshing twists, drones and a couple of unlikely heroes.

I find audios under five hours can be hit or miss, and this was a hit! For a short story, Lincoln Cole delivered a well written plot that rivals full length novels. I loved how Lincoln took the concept of a drone hi-jacking to use in an attack and ran with it. Drones are becoming increasingly popular, and it's a little scary, and not too far fetched to imagine this new technology being used to carry out attacks. This story follows several different characters. Two team up in an unconventional way to work together to stop a group of mercenaries from obtaining their goal. It's fast paced, never dull, and has great characters. Kate was my favorite, I loved all her dry humor.

The narration was fantastic! The editing wasn't a 100% perfect; however, Stephanie Dillard's performance was stunning, lively, had a great pace, brought each word to life, and she nailed all the accents!

I received this audio in exchange for an honest review. Overall, it's a great audio, fast paced, well worth the time, and an awesome KU/whispersync deal!

Fast Paced! Action Packed!!

This story may be on the shorter side but it's packed full of action, fast paced, and never a dull moment! Lincoln Cole doesn't waste anytime getting to the point with this one and grabs the listener right from the start. The story follows several characters and groups as each have their own agenda, some more evil than others. Kate our lead character has been doubled crossed but is determined to stop them. She was tough as nails, smart and hilarious! I loved all her witty sarcastic remarks.

Stephanie Dillard did a great job with the narration and brought the story to life.


This story was surprisingly better than I expected and very entertaining to listen too. I received this audio in exchange for an honest review.

A fairly short action packed book

Any additional comments?

I was offered a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.

A band of mercenaries kidnap two drone operators and gets access to a software to control drones all over the world. Fearing that they will be used to kill civilians, Kate Allison will try to stop them, and will count with Lyle Goldman's help, who has been caught in the middle of it and framed for murder.

This is a relatively short novel but it is action packed, without a moment of boredom. For stories like this one I am used to longer novels, but Lincoln Cole has been able of capturing a quite complex story in under 4 hours. I would have liked more developed characters, but with this short length it was just not possible, and I think Cole is leaving things for us to discover in future books. The end of the book felt a bit rushed, but in general, there are not many idle moments. If you are looking for a thriller with an almost instant gratification, this is your book.

Stephanie Dillard  did a great job with voices, and especially with accents. Her narration was clear and expressive, and it was an added value to the text.

This is my second book by Lincoln Cole, since I have first read Ripples Through Time, which I also recommend. They are completely different books, but I see that Lincoln Cole excels at several styles. One thing is sure: you will see more reviews of his books here.

Short and strikes a good tone

If you could sum up UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake in three words, what would they be?

The three words I'd use to describe UAV would be Drone, Action and knowledge.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending left me wanting book 2 to be more based around Kate and her adventures.

Have you listened to any of Stephanie Dillard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other Stephanie Dilard performances but I'd be willing to give her a second chance because her performance with this book was great.

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

The climax of the book did make me cheer out loud while listening.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Charged up and ready to rock!

Would you listen to UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake again? Why?

I would because it moves really fast and was exciting. A lot of stuff was happening, but it wasn't hard to keep up with. It just avoided extra details!

What other book might you compare UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake to and why?

I would compare it to anything by Jim Butcher and action stories with a little something extra.

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

She does character accents and voices that are awesome and really kept my attention. She did a fantastic job with it and made it funny.

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

It made me laugh out loud a couple of times, though luckily I was just in my car so it wasn't too embarrassing...

Really great performance!

Would you consider the audio edition of UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake to be better than the print version?

I think it is about as good as the print version, and the cover is freaking awesome

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the characters and the way the narrator brought them all to life.

Have you listened to any of Stephanie Dillard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't heard anything else by her, but this one was great.

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

It was full of action, and I laughed at certain parts (like the warehouse!). Didn't make me cry though

Any additional comments?

Short quick listen and read but really good.

Loved it!

If you could sum up UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake in three words, what would they be?

Super awesome book!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I thought kate was awesome because she was a fighter and could take care of herself

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

She does great dialogue and brought the characters to life.

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

Not really, the book is kind of short but a fun listen!

Any additional comments?

nope

Short and strikes a good tone

If you could sum up UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake in three words, what would they be?

Super good book

Have you listened to any of Stephanie Dillard’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, Stephanie Dillard did a good job with the narration

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

Short quick listen and read but really good

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

Nice story, looking forward for the follow up!

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

I don't have a friend that's interested in this genre sadly.

Would you be willing to try another book from Lincoln Cole? Why or why not?

Yes, I would try another book. I would also listen to the rest of this series.

What three words best describe Stephanie Dillard’s performance?

Quite nice performance.

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

Not really.

Keep watching the skies

This was a very quick listen as it grabbed me in the first scene and did not let go. There was so many good, descriptive action scenes but the first one definitely was my favourite. From that point I just knew that this would be a quick listen for me. Without giving too much away the plot was action packed and quite techie but give the author some credit as the reader is not bogged down with boring details or over descriptions of techie situations. It had a good mix of characters and they were well rounded. The narrator does a good job of making each unique and distinguishable with voices and tones. I enjoyed this quick listen during a plane ride oddly enough. Can't wait to se what happens in the series. I hope the other books are released in audiobook format. I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review via Audiobook Boom.

Lots of awesome action!

What made the experience of listening to UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake the most enjoyable?

I loved the action and the pace of the story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kate was awesome

Which character – as performed by Stephanie Dillard – was your favourite?

Kate by far was my favorite

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Drones, drones, drones!

"Things will never go back to normal"

Any additional comments?

This relatively short book packs more thrills, action and excitement into its pages than many over twice it's length. After the first few minutes, I found myself totally absorbed and listened to the book in one sitting.
From the very start, we are thrown right into the lives, and situational locations, of numerous protagonists and the story takes us to meet seemingly unconnected people in scattered places. But all quickly converge into one of the fastest paced, exciting books I have read/ heard. And it is quite terrifyingly believable.

This quickly changing cast of characters throws an enormous weight of voice diffentiation on narrator, Stephanie Dillard, and she does an amazing job, bringing life to each person as well as keeping the text fast flowing. My only criticism of her performance is the rendering of the much featured Cockney, Francis: I am not sure what accent she has given him but it certainly never came out of London. Overall, though, she was magnificent and added enormously to the power of the book.
This is one book I can honestly recommend to all who enjoy ruthless action, combined with tense excitement. I will personally be looking out for more by this author, Lincoln Cole.

Great Story!

What did you like most about UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake?

I loved the characters! Kate had such a great sense of humour that I was completely hooked by her alone!

What was one of the most memorable moments of UAV, Book 1: Horizon's Wake?

Probably the ending fights when they took on the mercenaries. It was super action packed!

What does Stephanie Dillard bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

She did great voices and brought the characters to life!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Drones are out to get us!