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Brainrush #2
The Enemy of My Enemy
When a freak accident gave Jake Bronson near-superhuman mental powers and landed his loved ones in the crosshairs of an Islamic terrorist, the only way out was with guns blazing. But Jake was unable to put a stop to his nightmares or his murderous nemesis, Luciano Battista, in that ferocious showdown in the mountains of Afghanistan. Now the terror czar and his minions have brought the fight to American soil—along with the most terrifying bioweapon that has ever threatened the free world. They demand vengeance, and Jake’s family and friends are caught in the crossfire.
From California’s beaches and Mexico’s deserts to the depths of a raging underground river and the treacherous Venezuelan jungle, Jake and his unlikely alliance of combat veterans and gangsters wage a rolling war of wits, weapons, and indomitable will—to rescue those they love and to stop a madman’s bid for global conquest dead in its tracks.
From California’s beaches and Mexico’s deserts to the depths of a raging underground river and the treacherous Venezuelan jungle, Jake and his unlikely alliance of combat veterans and gangsters wage a rolling war of wits, weapons, and indomitable will—to rescue those they love and to stop a madman’s bid for global conquest dead in its tracks.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2011
388 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Richard Bard
21 books346 followersRichard Bard draws on his own experiences as a former USAF pilot and cancer survivor to craft compelling characters who risk it all for love and loyalty. Born in Munich, Germany, to American parents, he joined the United States Air Force like his father. But he left the service when he was diagnosed with cancer and learned he had only months to live. He earned a management degree from the University of Notre Dame and ran three successful companies involving advanced security products used by US embassies and governments worldwide. Now a full-time writer, he lives in Redondo Beach, California, with his wife and remains in excellent health.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 7, 2012
I was one of many readers that waited very excitedly for December 18, 2011 the release date of BRAINRUSH II, The Enemy of My Enemy and the birthday of the author Richard Bard. I started emailing Richard while reading Brainrush and while I hope I don't sound like Annie Wilkes, I feel like we became friends while I read Brainrush. Before the release of BRAINRUSH II, I would send Richard emails about my family and baking cookies for Christmas. He would provide mild teases for his new book. Now I have to address him:
Richard your new book did not disappoint. It was as exciting as playing a role-playing game and reading the most exciting thriller at the same time. All of the loose ends were tied up neatly. There wasn't some clumsy resolution forced into to any of the storylines. Jake Bronson's story ends here. Or does it?
I am torn here. Because things do conclude gracefully I am not sure I want the story to continue. I can allow myself believe that the future is positive; that what Jake saw in the second obelisk means that the world continues with a bright future. I am not even sure if I want to know if the Brainrush story goes on at this point. Brainrush II was enough of an E Ticket ride that I think I need a rest to enjoy it like a really good meal. I am not saying that as the reader I should control the story, Jake's story will tell you at some point if it is to continue. When that time comes I will be here waiting. Richard if you have other stories to tell, I will also be here ready to read your work since you have proved you are worth the wait. Thank you for the great E Ticket ride.
Richard your new book did not disappoint. It was as exciting as playing a role-playing game and reading the most exciting thriller at the same time. All of the loose ends were tied up neatly. There wasn't some clumsy resolution forced into to any of the storylines. Jake Bronson's story ends here. Or does it?
I am torn here. Because things do conclude gracefully I am not sure I want the story to continue. I can allow myself believe that the future is positive; that what Jake saw in the second obelisk means that the world continues with a bright future. I am not even sure if I want to know if the Brainrush story goes on at this point. Brainrush II was enough of an E Ticket ride that I think I need a rest to enjoy it like a really good meal. I am not saying that as the reader I should control the story, Jake's story will tell you at some point if it is to continue. When that time comes I will be here waiting. Richard if you have other stories to tell, I will also be here ready to read your work since you have proved you are worth the wait. Thank you for the great E Ticket ride.
July 28, 2012
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. This is so action packed I feel like I’m watching a movie in my head as I read. Hey out there in Hollywood, this would make an excellent movie, hint, hint.
Jake Bronson has a special gift or curse depending on how you look at it, created by an accident. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you need to read the first book.
Richard Bard has learned how to take a story and make it enough of a roller coaster ride that you are holding on waiting for the next drop. He has added enough current events to make the story very believable. It is not only an action roller coaster, but also at times an emotional rollercoaster. Through this book we get to read about terrorists, drug cartels, gang members, and other unsavory people. I can travel to places through his books that I will probably never be able to travel to. I get the thrill of watching Jake come to the rescue once again. In the end the book leaves us with a satisfying conclusion, yet yearning for the next book. Hurry please, and thank you.
Jake Bronson has a special gift or curse depending on how you look at it, created by an accident. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you need to read the first book.
Richard Bard has learned how to take a story and make it enough of a roller coaster ride that you are holding on waiting for the next drop. He has added enough current events to make the story very believable. It is not only an action roller coaster, but also at times an emotional rollercoaster. Through this book we get to read about terrorists, drug cartels, gang members, and other unsavory people. I can travel to places through his books that I will probably never be able to travel to. I get the thrill of watching Jake come to the rescue once again. In the end the book leaves us with a satisfying conclusion, yet yearning for the next book. Hurry please, and thank you.
January 26, 2012
Jake Bronson is just starting to get his life back together when an old enemy surfaces. The danger is up close and personal, with a mastermind that's just out of reach. Jake will be forced to fight back, or watch the people he cares about suffer the consequences.
With the extermination of America on the agenda, Jake will be forced to put his friends in danger. In a desperate attempt to stop a madman, even the lives of his family and friends may be a small price to pay.
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As I stated in the review for the previous book, this needs to be a movie. It's beyond good. The last line in this book left me with chills. Getting to that last line was a heart-pounding pleasure.
This book takes multiple genre and deftly bottles it up into an addicting substance. Take a sip and you'll wake up having guzzled the entire book.
I'm giving it five stars, simply because I couldn't give it more.
--Rush
With the extermination of America on the agenda, Jake will be forced to put his friends in danger. In a desperate attempt to stop a madman, even the lives of his family and friends may be a small price to pay.
------------------
As I stated in the review for the previous book, this needs to be a movie. It's beyond good. The last line in this book left me with chills. Getting to that last line was a heart-pounding pleasure.
This book takes multiple genre and deftly bottles it up into an addicting substance. Take a sip and you'll wake up having guzzled the entire book.
I'm giving it five stars, simply because I couldn't give it more.
--Rush
February 17, 2012
Loved, loved, loved this book. It was a fun, emotional, exciting read. The characters are people I would like to know and have a beer with. I cared about them and wanted them to succeed. Much to my chagrin at one point on the bus I had to wipe a tear of tension and sadness away! I love it when storytellers can make me feel something about stories and characters from their imagination. This author puts just the right amount of sci-fi, international spy intrique, action and character development for me. Some books I plug away at reading them during my commute (on the bus) and at bedtime. This book, however, made me neglect chores, errands, bedtime, work, etc until I was finished! Thankfully Brainrush III won't be out for a while so I can get caught back up on my work and chores!
January 16, 2012
Just as good, if not better, than Brainrush. High-energy, constant action from beginning to end. The terrorist sheik lived and is back with a vengeance. Great characters that have grown and evolved with the story. New characters, some good twists and turns, and an excellent plot. Loved it! Thank you for the great ride, Mr. Bard.
Kudos for not killing the dog as some would have done for the emotional reaction!
Kudos for not killing the dog as some would have done for the emotional reaction!
July 24, 2012
I got suckered into getting the first book because it was free on Kindle. Oh my, what a thriller! I finished the first book in 3 sittings. I did not hesitate downloading the 2nd book at all and consumed it well into the night. What an exciting ride! It's a quick read, fast paced, and action-packed from start to finish! Sadly now i'm biting my nails and eagerly waiting for the 3rd installment! Can hardly wait!
September 21, 2012
Excellent read....full of very surprising & unexpected twists. I highly recommend this read...you will not believe the ending! Richard has become one of my new favourite Authors.
October 25, 2018
Excellent Continuation. This book continues the storyline and pacing from the previous book and raises the stakes quite a bit in the process. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one, but as this is the second book in the series, you really do need to start from the beginning.
I wound up dinging this one a star because of the author's continued miscommunication about guns. The vast majority of which do not have "clips", they have "magazines". And there are *few* fully automatic pistols, virtually none of which even military contractors would be allowed to have on the streets of the United States. So while the author continually refers to characters having "automatics", they really should be "semi-automatics" or even just "pistols" or "sidearms".
All that said, this series is a solid thriller with elements of scifi - if you like either genre, you may well like this series and I absolutely recommend checking it out.
I wound up dinging this one a star because of the author's continued miscommunication about guns. The vast majority of which do not have "clips", they have "magazines". And there are *few* fully automatic pistols, virtually none of which even military contractors would be allowed to have on the streets of the United States. So while the author continually refers to characters having "automatics", they really should be "semi-automatics" or even just "pistols" or "sidearms".
All that said, this series is a solid thriller with elements of scifi - if you like either genre, you may well like this series and I absolutely recommend checking it out.
September 16, 2019
Great writing
I am loving this series. I was drawn in by book 1 and book 2 doesn't let up, keeping me enthralled all the way through. I love his characters and the way he really makes them part of the story
I am loving this series. I was drawn in by book 1 and book 2 doesn't let up, keeping me enthralled all the way through. I love his characters and the way he really makes them part of the story
March 3, 2017
When we last left Jake Bronson, he was in the mountains of Afghanistan and ready to head back to his friends, after killing the terrorist, Battista, and possibly releasing a beacon that will allow aliens to think we (the human race) are ready and grown up enough to deal with alien beings. Of course, we're not, and the result of them coming will probably end in our destruction.
When the story picks up, Jake is back in the USA, teaching people how to fly, and living with Francesca and Sarafina. On his latest training session, his student turns out to be yet another terrorist in league with the thought-dead Battista, who then tries to kill him, as well as Francesca and Sarafina. This starts the next chapter in Jake's life of no peace and constantly being on the run for his life, and those of his friends.
I did struggle a little in some parts of this book, because it felt like the author just kept throwing more problems in the way of our plucky heroes, and I just wanted one damn thing to go right for them. Full of action packed chases, a tight suspenseful story that twists and turns in every way you could imagine (and some you couldn't), and believable dialogue, The Enemy of My Enemy is a fantastic installment in the Jake Bronson series, and you will find yourself reaching for book three as soon as you finish.
I should also add that I listened to this via Audible, and RC Bray does yet another amazing job of bringing the story to life. His character voices are very varied and easy to distinguish, and I'll even give him a 8 out of ten for his Aussie accent - it wasn't perfect but it's the closest I've come across in some time.
When the story picks up, Jake is back in the USA, teaching people how to fly, and living with Francesca and Sarafina. On his latest training session, his student turns out to be yet another terrorist in league with the thought-dead Battista, who then tries to kill him, as well as Francesca and Sarafina. This starts the next chapter in Jake's life of no peace and constantly being on the run for his life, and those of his friends.
I did struggle a little in some parts of this book, because it felt like the author just kept throwing more problems in the way of our plucky heroes, and I just wanted one damn thing to go right for them. Full of action packed chases, a tight suspenseful story that twists and turns in every way you could imagine (and some you couldn't), and believable dialogue, The Enemy of My Enemy is a fantastic installment in the Jake Bronson series, and you will find yourself reaching for book three as soon as you finish.
I should also add that I listened to this via Audible, and RC Bray does yet another amazing job of bringing the story to life. His character voices are very varied and easy to distinguish, and I'll even give him a 8 out of ten for his Aussie accent - it wasn't perfect but it's the closest I've come across in some time.
April 23, 2013
More nonstop Brainrush thrills
I loved "Brainrush #1" and I'm usually not that taken with series books. I tend to prefer stand-alone novels. But this series is exciting, faster than a speeding bullet, over-the-top thrills. And besides that, the characters are ones you can visualize and empathize with.
"Brainrush #2" is just as good as #1 is and that's saying something. Bad guy Battista makes it back and he is one nasty piece of work. The characters move around again - California, Mexico, Nevada, Venezuela - and all the while protagonist Bronson uses his paranormal talents acquired in book #1 to protect himself and his friends and loved ones.
I'm claustrophobic and Bard keeps taking us to confined spaces. This time it's another cave system and what a ride! Techno toys, Area 52, very dastardly chemical warfare, jihadists - hold on for the ride.
I am lucky enough to be getting an Advanced Reading Copy of "Brainrush #3: Beyond Judgement" so I'll be checking my mailbox extra close this week. It is due out to the general public in July 2013 so mark it on your daytimer to order or pre-order your copy. This series is THAT good.
I loved "Brainrush #1" and I'm usually not that taken with series books. I tend to prefer stand-alone novels. But this series is exciting, faster than a speeding bullet, over-the-top thrills. And besides that, the characters are ones you can visualize and empathize with.
"Brainrush #2" is just as good as #1 is and that's saying something. Bad guy Battista makes it back and he is one nasty piece of work. The characters move around again - California, Mexico, Nevada, Venezuela - and all the while protagonist Bronson uses his paranormal talents acquired in book #1 to protect himself and his friends and loved ones.
I'm claustrophobic and Bard keeps taking us to confined spaces. This time it's another cave system and what a ride! Techno toys, Area 52, very dastardly chemical warfare, jihadists - hold on for the ride.
I am lucky enough to be getting an Advanced Reading Copy of "Brainrush #3: Beyond Judgement" so I'll be checking my mailbox extra close this week. It is due out to the general public in July 2013 so mark it on your daytimer to order or pre-order your copy. This series is THAT good.
December 27, 2012
Great book. I have read the first book also. Interesting premise with the haero. His brainb has been changed some how. During an MRI in the first book there was an earthquake and the machine was damaged and ...... I throughly enjoyed both books and am looking forward to book three due out this comming sumer.
November 23, 2012
After enjoying the first book I thought this one would be a good read also. But I was disappointed. I became so bored with it that I skipped a couple of chapters just to see if it would get any better. Never really did.
July 5, 2014
This series is so good, I just love it. It's full of action, twists and excellent writing. I'm anxious to start the next book and see where this goes. If you haven't read these books yet, you must, go do it now.
August 10, 2016
This sequel was every bit as good as the original.....perhaps even a bit better.
April 6, 2013
Great read, can't wait for BRAINRUSH III - have it on pre-order!
April 26, 2012
Another excellent read! Combines action, sci-fi and more! I think both of these would make fantastic block-buster movies as well!
October 11, 2012
That was one hell of a good book. It is virtually impossible to finish this book and not want to pop the cover on book three immediately!
March 19, 2013
... wow again!! This series is first-class entertainment. I had to remind myself to breathe!!
April 6, 2013
Nonstop drama. Intrigue, conflict, a little sci-fi... my only complaint is the wait for the 3rd book.
June 4, 2017
Great!
Just when you think you have it all figured out, wham a change. Great on the edge of your seat excited thriller. Better than book one.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, wham a change. Great on the edge of your seat excited thriller. Better than book one.
August 20, 2012
I love this book. Great characters, great plot, lots of unexpected twists and turns.
December 5, 2018
Well, The Enemy of My Enemy certainly held up its part of the bargain as Book 2 in the series, by being as good as the first book. Loaded with fast paced action, thrills, suspense, and so much more. Highly recommend this series in which Richard Bard lives up to his reputation of a gifted Author again in Book 2. Found myself having to take breaks because plot is so intense and as I deep breathed though Book 1, so I did with Book 2 as well! It takes a lot to make me to yield my belief system to any writer but THIS AUTHOR has me by first few pages and “living his story” is far superior to living mine in that it has the reader “living” the story. This book breathes life into the world of explaining those who have certain “gifts” and the costs they pay which can be daunting and as told in a story such as the one Book 2 yields, certainly drills that one price they pay home to the reader. Start to finish, a great read! HIGHLY recommend if you enjoy twists and turns and excitement and suspense, and details you just have to read to believe how great a read this book is.
I SO look forward to the next book in this series. Won’t be at all surprised if this series were to become a movie or t.v. series. Who would play Jake the main character in Book 2 became a question in this readers mind as I read this great read. Fun and fabulous read!!!
I SO look forward to the next book in this series. Won’t be at all surprised if this series were to become a movie or t.v. series. Who would play Jake the main character in Book 2 became a question in this readers mind as I read this great read. Fun and fabulous read!!!
October 9, 2025
Non stop action for Jake Bronson, who, in book one, had been suffering from terminal cancer until an accident in an MRI gave him super human powers.
This brought him to the attention of a corrupt scientist who kidnapped him and brought him to a private hospital in Italy where Jake met and befriended two gifted children. He also fell hard for the scientists assistant, Francesca.
In this book Jake, Francesca and the children have escaped the hospital and scientist, but now they are in trouble with an evil jihadist Sheik who wants to put chemicals in the water supply of Los Angeles and render the “infidels” unable to reproduce!
Jake enlists the help of his former military buddies to foil their evil plans. The fight takes them all over the place from Europe to the jungle in Venezuela with stops in military bases, secret desert prisons, and gang headquarters in LA. This is one exciting, action adventure. The series is getting better with every book.
This brought him to the attention of a corrupt scientist who kidnapped him and brought him to a private hospital in Italy where Jake met and befriended two gifted children. He also fell hard for the scientists assistant, Francesca.
In this book Jake, Francesca and the children have escaped the hospital and scientist, but now they are in trouble with an evil jihadist Sheik who wants to put chemicals in the water supply of Los Angeles and render the “infidels” unable to reproduce!
Jake enlists the help of his former military buddies to foil their evil plans. The fight takes them all over the place from Europe to the jungle in Venezuela with stops in military bases, secret desert prisons, and gang headquarters in LA. This is one exciting, action adventure. The series is getting better with every book.
April 16, 2019
I'm a sucker for these kinds of characters and book one was a great start. I enjoyed book two as well, but felt the use of "just about to do something important, but someone interrupts" was a bit naff. I like that these are relatively clean to read. A bit of gore here and there but not too bad and the language is mild. I really admire an author that can get tough characters to look that way without making them foul-mouthed. Yeah maybe realistically they would be dropping f bombs everywhere (I would in these circumstances!) but nobody really needs to read that stuff. If you're a fan of Matthew Reilly's Seven Ancient Wonders, but it was a bit too OTT for you, then give the Brainrush series a try.
March 12, 2018
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of the trilogy of this series.
The 3 stories of this set are intense and action-packed, with s grest story line that is multi layered, looking at different events in the same timeline, through different characters eyes.
The normal good versus bad scenarios, is not new, and a James Bond or Bruce Willis feel is not without true intent from the author, I am sure. However, the leadership of one man, changed by fate, with a small, very talented group of friends and allies, to go up against incredible odds, is what makes these stories memorable.
The 3 stories of this set are intense and action-packed, with s grest story line that is multi layered, looking at different events in the same timeline, through different characters eyes.
The normal good versus bad scenarios, is not new, and a James Bond or Bruce Willis feel is not without true intent from the author, I am sure. However, the leadership of one man, changed by fate, with a small, very talented group of friends and allies, to go up against incredible odds, is what makes these stories memorable.
May 2, 2019
Wow! This book picks right up where the first book left off. This one is even more intense than the first. I had a difficult time putting this one down! Lots of action and adventure. Just when you think the situation can't become anymore intense...boom! the author throws another curve! The characters travel from California to the Mexican desert to the Venezuelan jungle in this installment and face many difficult obstacles. Will they succeed in their mission to prevent jihadists from launching an evil plan to destroy America? Pick up a copy and decide for yourself!! Highly recommended! I'm eager to read the next in this series.
May 2, 2018
Prose reminds me of prose from a century ago. The narrator seems to be perfect, as he solves problems and gains powers bossing other perfect guys. I thought at first he would find out his empire that he loved were the bad guys, but by the time I gave up, it doesn't look like the case. It an interstellar empire and wars between secret wizards and sorcerers who want to rule it. The narrator is obviously the superman who will win. I haven't read the first book in this series and gave up with the 2nd one.
June 1, 2018
I am not sure how I finished this. The premise is ridiculous. The plot is as manufactured as an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel from a century ago, which is fine if you're reading John Carter or Tarzan for the sake of nostalgia. This is absolutely the worst book I've read in years. I have a feeling that people who give this drudgery of a novel 5 stars also really enjoy the literary precision of writers like Dan Brown and James Patterson.
October 1, 2017
Brillant
I love the Jake Bronson and his friends series please continue to write and l will read. Lots of action, good and bad people all crafted together in an exciting fast paced thriller. One practically holds one's breath as things hurl along. Mr Bard is a great story teller and holds the reader enthralled. So on to the next instalment, can't wait.
I love the Jake Bronson and his friends series please continue to write and l will read. Lots of action, good and bad people all crafted together in an exciting fast paced thriller. One practically holds one's breath as things hurl along. Mr Bard is a great story teller and holds the reader enthralled. So on to the next instalment, can't wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews