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Tortugas Rising
A Thrill a Minute! (If you read fast enough.)In the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, on a chain of manmade islands, Steve Bennett finds himself thrust into a world he doesn’t understand. An unexpected inheritance places him among the world’s wealthiest people. His best friend, Paul, is more than happy to stand by him as Steve works through his newfound affluence. Right until the pair stumbles upon a secret that could change the world forever.The Action Never Stops! (As long as you keep reading. Don’t be a quitter.)Their discovery puts the two friends in the sights of conspirators and killers that will stop at nothing to see their plans fulfilled. Steve and Paul must evade the killers, escape the islands and save the world. Of course, they have no training, no allies and no idea what they’re doing. They’re not really in the best shape. And, Paul’s really not the brightest guy.The Pages Turn Themselves! (Actually, that’s not true. You still have to do that.)The action unfolds across the chain of luxury islands with boat chases, car chases, blazing guns, beautiful women, charging rhinos, castles (okay, it’s just one castle) daring escapes, dirty limericks, deadly villains and more.Read the thrilling adventure that spent over a year at the top of the charts.Read Tortugas Rising.
266 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2011
57 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Wallace
67 books395 followersBenjamin Wallace lives in Dallas, Texas where he complains about the heat—a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 24, 2012
This was a fun, fast read, and one I recommend if you want something light and humorous. Wallace does what too many writers fail to do: he writes humor well. Some of his one-liners are priceless because they're so spot-on.
I withheld the fifth star because, even after finishing the book, I don't know why the opening pages are there. They might be a spoof on nonfiction books that place the tensest chapter first in order to snag readers, and then begin at a time well in advance of that climax, but it's a technique I don't care for in nonfiction and in Tortugas Rising, the technique doesn't work here, either. In fact, sadly, its placement might discourage potential readers as the writing isn't as finely crafted as the prose in the main body of the work.
I withheld the fifth star because, even after finishing the book, I don't know why the opening pages are there. They might be a spoof on nonfiction books that place the tensest chapter first in order to snag readers, and then begin at a time well in advance of that climax, but it's a technique I don't care for in nonfiction and in Tortugas Rising, the technique doesn't work here, either. In fact, sadly, its placement might discourage potential readers as the writing isn't as finely crafted as the prose in the main body of the work.
October 17, 2011
This is the first I've read by the author and I have to say I loved it. It had my heart pounding with anticipation, whilst also making me laugh. I really enjoyed the fact that the two main characters are just two average men that you could quite easily pass on the street. The pace throughout the book is extremely fast, and there is so much different stuff going on it is completely impossible to be bored by this. In my opinion it's a must read, it really is well worth the time.
May 6, 2016
This turned out to be an excellent read but it was very slow for the first part of the book. A good story with good characters and I did enjoy this modern day conspiracy.
June 20, 2020
Action packed, funny, and just the right length.
This book answers the question "what do you do when you inherit billions of dollars from a father you didn't know you had?"
The answer is apparently get caught up in a world of lavish luxury and deadly plots.
The characters in this book are the typical character types that this author is known for, the reluctant hero, the comic relief side kick, the woman who is more capable then the men, and the evil power hungry guys.
One might say these are cliches, but this author has made a career of making this work. They never feel tacked on and are always developed in a natural way. It just works.
Also, in typical Wallace fashion, the main characters back story is not given in the beginning and is instead doled out a little bit at a time throughout the book, sometimes by 1 off characters who do not appear in the main plot. It makes a nice break from the action and also gives a glimpse of how others react to the main character.
The plot is simple, over all, but detailed in execution. Nothing is glossed over and the story happens as it unfolds. There is nuances and complications with a larger than life consequences, and it all fits into the neat little plot. It never feels too contrived and always keeps moving.
The audiobook is about six and a half hours long, and is just about the right length. I could have done for a tad shorter, like 15 mins or so, but overall, a good length for this type of book. This is a fast paced action book, and after too long of this it too much action and not everything else.
The book is narrated by the amazing Phil Thron, and he brings his A game again. Just an amazing narrator, with a wide range of voices, male and female, perfect comedic timing and heart when it's called for. I'm pretty sure this guy could do the phone book and have me rotflol'ing.
All in all a great book. I was unsure about it going in, because it's not the usual for me, being mostly a sci fi reader. But I knew Benjamin Wallace and Phil Thron wouldn't let me down, and I was right!
This book answers the question "what do you do when you inherit billions of dollars from a father you didn't know you had?"
The answer is apparently get caught up in a world of lavish luxury and deadly plots.
The characters in this book are the typical character types that this author is known for, the reluctant hero, the comic relief side kick, the woman who is more capable then the men, and the evil power hungry guys.
One might say these are cliches, but this author has made a career of making this work. They never feel tacked on and are always developed in a natural way. It just works.
Also, in typical Wallace fashion, the main characters back story is not given in the beginning and is instead doled out a little bit at a time throughout the book, sometimes by 1 off characters who do not appear in the main plot. It makes a nice break from the action and also gives a glimpse of how others react to the main character.
The plot is simple, over all, but detailed in execution. Nothing is glossed over and the story happens as it unfolds. There is nuances and complications with a larger than life consequences, and it all fits into the neat little plot. It never feels too contrived and always keeps moving.
The audiobook is about six and a half hours long, and is just about the right length. I could have done for a tad shorter, like 15 mins or so, but overall, a good length for this type of book. This is a fast paced action book, and after too long of this it too much action and not everything else.
The book is narrated by the amazing Phil Thron, and he brings his A game again. Just an amazing narrator, with a wide range of voices, male and female, perfect comedic timing and heart when it's called for. I'm pretty sure this guy could do the phone book and have me rotflol'ing.
All in all a great book. I was unsure about it going in, because it's not the usual for me, being mostly a sci fi reader. But I knew Benjamin Wallace and Phil Thron wouldn't let me down, and I was right!
June 26, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Damn it, it's just so shiny."
A deliciously funny story set, mostly, on a group of man made islands, each of which promises to be the ultimate, exclusive domain of some of the most rich and famous. The unlikely heroes are two close friends, one of whom had unexpectedly, and reluctantly, inherited millions from a father he'd never met, the other the man determined to spend it for him. Closer to each other than brothers, the dialogue between them is fast and often funny, and this attitude extends to action, also.
An opening chapter sets the scene for excitements and violence to come amidst the lush vegetation of the designer islands but is really unecessary, especially as it is later never explained. What follows after is far more relevant: the introduction of the main players, human and location, before the adventure itself begins. It is a fast and colourful comedic read. Narration by Phil Thron compliments this all perfectly, individuals seperately voiced, reading speed geared to the action pacing and a warm presentation which adds to the smiles of the comedic banter.
I have only recently discovered author Benjamin Wallace so was delighted when, at my request, the rights holder of Tortuga Rising freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I truly loved this fast, funny story. More, please.
"Damn it, it's just so shiny."
A deliciously funny story set, mostly, on a group of man made islands, each of which promises to be the ultimate, exclusive domain of some of the most rich and famous. The unlikely heroes are two close friends, one of whom had unexpectedly, and reluctantly, inherited millions from a father he'd never met, the other the man determined to spend it for him. Closer to each other than brothers, the dialogue between them is fast and often funny, and this attitude extends to action, also.
An opening chapter sets the scene for excitements and violence to come amidst the lush vegetation of the designer islands but is really unecessary, especially as it is later never explained. What follows after is far more relevant: the introduction of the main players, human and location, before the adventure itself begins. It is a fast and colourful comedic read. Narration by Phil Thron compliments this all perfectly, individuals seperately voiced, reading speed geared to the action pacing and a warm presentation which adds to the smiles of the comedic banter.
I have only recently discovered author Benjamin Wallace so was delighted when, at my request, the rights holder of Tortuga Rising freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I truly loved this fast, funny story. More, please.
October 11, 2019
Warning: Maybe minor spoilers if you think too much about what I'm saying is in the book...
This was an action movie in book form. One of the most fun books I've ever read/listened to.
I won't go into the plot, because it's pretty standard for a comedy action thriller, but you don't need a fresh story to have fun. Needless to say, it has everything you could possibly want in an action story: guns, girls, mercenaries, car chases (funny ones at that), evil tycoons, helicopters, two bumbling idiots caught in a plot to "take over the world", secret agents, explosions, all set on an island paradise complete with a resort/casino that makes you wish you had the money to go there.
As for the two main characters, I like how they go from everyman joes to action heroes, but it is realistic how they progress into that. And one of them is super hilarious, and annoys the villains with how crafty and just outright frustrating and ADHD he is, and this actually kinda annoys the reader in a good way too. Like you want to wring his neck too ha ha. It's fun though! He's really likeable.
There's some fun character growth, great humor, and some predictable but fun twists as well. I think I'll read it again! I wish there were more books like this!
This was an action movie in book form. One of the most fun books I've ever read/listened to.
I won't go into the plot, because it's pretty standard for a comedy action thriller, but you don't need a fresh story to have fun. Needless to say, it has everything you could possibly want in an action story: guns, girls, mercenaries, car chases (funny ones at that), evil tycoons, helicopters, two bumbling idiots caught in a plot to "take over the world", secret agents, explosions, all set on an island paradise complete with a resort/casino that makes you wish you had the money to go there.
As for the two main characters, I like how they go from everyman joes to action heroes, but it is realistic how they progress into that. And one of them is super hilarious, and annoys the villains with how crafty and just outright frustrating and ADHD he is, and this actually kinda annoys the reader in a good way too. Like you want to wring his neck too ha ha. It's fun though! He's really likeable.
There's some fun character growth, great humor, and some predictable but fun twists as well. I think I'll read it again! I wish there were more books like this!
September 15, 2017
‘Tortugas Rising’ is a non-stop action packed book with a bit of humor mixed in. The plot is well thought out with a few twists I didn’t see coming thrown in. The characters are fun and interesting if a bit static but they are great to get to know. The writing is great and the author really makes you feel as if you’re right there in the Tortugas with them. It was tons of fun.
May 22, 2020
So much fun. It's a crazy madcap adventure full of twists and turns. The main characters are fun and likeable and the evil characters are delightfully evil. I listened to it as an Audible book and it's a wonderful book to listen to.
March 27, 2018
very good
April 30, 2018
This was a fun read. Good guys you like and bad guys you don’t. A little humor and a fun time.
April 9, 2020
Tortugas Rising is a fast-paced, short read that relates a tale of a new millionaire and his more down to earth buddy. There is a lot of action and humor, but the characters are just that - characters, with little depth. The plot is a bit out there, but that does not matter. The story flows nicely as action packs every page. A fun read.
November 28, 2021
Silly fun :)
January 20, 2020
This book was a lot of fun to listen to.
It's the kind of book that could easily be made into a movie.
It's the kind of book that could easily be made into a movie.
October 3, 2013
This is a fun, thriller type novel that stars Steve and his pal Paul. Steve has inherited lots of money from his father who he did not know existed until after his death. He decides to go to a chain of man-made islands in the Gulf of Mexico that his father had invested in to check on the investment and have a little vacation. He brings along his friend, Paul, who is a funny character. Things go wrong, though, and they end up getting chased, shot at, threatened, almost trampled by rhinos, etc. They find themselves in the midst of a conspiracy that threatens the USA with dire results. Steve and Paul, along with a couple of lady friends that they meet, are forced to do whatever they can to survive but also to try to stop the conspiracy. The book is humorous and light hearted.
I won this copy in one of the Goodreads giveaways.
I won this copy in one of the Goodreads giveaways.
February 8, 2017
What a romp this was. Two of the most unlikely heroes you could find. A real page turner. (I voluntarily reviewed this free ebook).
October 17, 2011
I had high hopes for this book. The description of it on the Kindle Daily site made it an easy pic for $1.99 but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to its promise. I enjoyed how off beat the book was, having an out of the box story though I was able to figure out what was going to happen pretty quickly, but the author had an juvenile style to his writing. I wouldn't say don't bother to read this book because it was cute, but I wouldn't recommend it, either.
October 29, 2011
Lions, zebras, and rhinos, oh, my! I LOVED this book! Not many authors can make you laugh out loud while their characters are in the middle of a life-or-death shoot-out. This book has it all: humor, action, eco-terrorists, insanely rich people (insane being the operative word), beautiful scenery, and a little romance. Oh, and wild animals. This is a fast-paced story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
January 15, 2012
What a fun read. Someone is getting the very very wealthy to invest
in Imagi Nation, his name for the project, which is a series of man
made islands in the Gulf of Mexico, you can own your own island, make
your dream come true, have whatever you want built on it, full security,
bla bla bla. Two regular Joe's end up going to the islands on a so called
vacation that turns into the vacation from hell. The fun is that they
are regular guys. Quite a different stroke on a plot. It was fun.
in Imagi Nation, his name for the project, which is a series of man
made islands in the Gulf of Mexico, you can own your own island, make
your dream come true, have whatever you want built on it, full security,
bla bla bla. Two regular Joe's end up going to the islands on a so called
vacation that turns into the vacation from hell. The fun is that they
are regular guys. Quite a different stroke on a plot. It was fun.
April 1, 2016
SPOILERS
Sorry, I can't find anywhere in the app version of Goodreads to hide a review for spoilers.
It's a bit sloppy in places - not just minor errors but bits of story that go nowhere, like: what was with that first chapter? and why did Steve's dad never speak to him and then leave him billions of dollars and an island?
That said, it was fast-paced and fun to read and I would have given it a 3.5 if I could.
Sorry, I can't find anywhere in the app version of Goodreads to hide a review for spoilers.
It's a bit sloppy in places - not just minor errors but bits of story that go nowhere, like: what was with that first chapter? and why did Steve's dad never speak to him and then leave him billions of dollars and an island?
That said, it was fast-paced and fun to read and I would have given it a 3.5 if I could.
April 7, 2018
The story started off a bit pointless for me, but there was plenty of humor to keep me reading and laughing, and once the inciting incident set off, the story kicked into an immediate adrenaline-ride with plenty more laughs. As always Benjamin Wallace's dialogue is amazing.
Read
April 22, 2014This was a really fun, fast paced read! I didnt know how well i like d it at first, but as i kept reading the excitement mounted!
November 29, 2014
Tremendously fun, action-packed story that had me giggling uncontrollably at times.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews