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Asher Benson
Echoes
What if the thoughts in your head were not your own?
When Lieutenant Asher Benson suffered a traumatic brain injury while stationed in Iraq, his doctors warned him that the symptoms would be life altering. They had no idea. As Ash recovered, a never ending barrage of voices began echoing in his mind, effectively crippling his life. Mistakenly treated for PTSD, Ash was honorably discharged and now lives in self-imposed, drunken isolation.
Five years later, Ash is still struggling to rejoin society. His desperate, lonely existence is maintained by a meager disability check and gallons of alcohol. As he's finally learning to control his burden, and making progress with the girl next door, Ash is thrust back into a life he thought he'd left behind. When unidentified intelligence agents abduct him from his apartment, he is plunged into a world of espionage and assassinations.
A unique terrorist is operating on U.S. soil, and the government needs Ash, and the malady that has plagued him for half a decade, to find him.
When Lieutenant Asher Benson suffered a traumatic brain injury while stationed in Iraq, his doctors warned him that the symptoms would be life altering. They had no idea. As Ash recovered, a never ending barrage of voices began echoing in his mind, effectively crippling his life. Mistakenly treated for PTSD, Ash was honorably discharged and now lives in self-imposed, drunken isolation.
Five years later, Ash is still struggling to rejoin society. His desperate, lonely existence is maintained by a meager disability check and gallons of alcohol. As he's finally learning to control his burden, and making progress with the girl next door, Ash is thrust back into a life he thought he'd left behind. When unidentified intelligence agents abduct him from his apartment, he is plunged into a world of espionage and assassinations.
A unique terrorist is operating on U.S. soil, and the government needs Ash, and the malady that has plagued him for half a decade, to find him.
ebook
First published March 23, 2012
15 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Jason Brant
35 books280 followers"JASON BRANT" is an anagram for Bas Trojann, a former Bigfoot hunter who, after being abducted (and subsequently returned) by aliens, decided to hang up his ghillie suit and enter the world of professional arm wrestling. Despite back-to-back first place finishes in the South Dakota World International Championship League, Bas receded from athletics to invent cheese and give Al Gore the initiative to create the internet.
Nearly a decade after writing the bestselling self-help series, Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese (Cut into Four Pieces) for the Soul, Bas has left his life of notoriety and critical acclaim behind him to write existential, erotic poetry.
His wife washes their clothing on his abs.
Nearly a decade after writing the bestselling self-help series, Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese (Cut into Four Pieces) for the Soul, Bas has left his life of notoriety and critical acclaim behind him to write existential, erotic poetry.
His wife washes their clothing on his abs.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 27, 2012
I bought this book after reading all the good reviews. I don't download just any ebook, even the freebie ones (this one wasn't free for me, but it has been free in the past for promotional purposes, I think). I don't have a lot of time to read, so I'm picky. I'm also a big YA Fantasy fan, so for me to grab this book (different genre) says something. I found out about the author on Twitter, believe it or not. I miss 99% of the tweets that come my way, but I got lucky this time seeing Jason Brant's book mentioned.
What a great story! I laughed out loud a few times and smiled a lot. The whole time I kept thinking about what a great movie it would make, or a great series of movies. It's full of action and the plot is a concept that hasn't been done quite like this before, and not in this way. I wasn't sure about the ending, if it really was an ending or not, and I'm hoping it wasn't. I'd like to follow these characters some more. There were some minor editing issues, but they in no way detracted from the flow or the story. One of my favorite lines: "Is 90 good?" You have to read the book to understand. It was cute, though. I keep trying to think which actors I'd put in the various roles. That means I care about the characters, I care about the story, and I'm still thinking about it. That's always a good sign in a book!
After reading the book, I went to the author's website and read some of his blog posts. He's just as funny there as his writing is in this story. I hear it's his first work, so let me just say, wow. I'm impressed. Jason's gonna be big. Mark my words.
What a great story! I laughed out loud a few times and smiled a lot. The whole time I kept thinking about what a great movie it would make, or a great series of movies. It's full of action and the plot is a concept that hasn't been done quite like this before, and not in this way. I wasn't sure about the ending, if it really was an ending or not, and I'm hoping it wasn't. I'd like to follow these characters some more. There were some minor editing issues, but they in no way detracted from the flow or the story. One of my favorite lines: "Is 90 good?" You have to read the book to understand. It was cute, though. I keep trying to think which actors I'd put in the various roles. That means I care about the characters, I care about the story, and I'm still thinking about it. That's always a good sign in a book!
After reading the book, I went to the author's website and read some of his blog posts. He's just as funny there as his writing is in this story. I hear it's his first work, so let me just say, wow. I'm impressed. Jason's gonna be big. Mark my words.
June 9, 2012
I also hope that there is more stories coming, because it ended with so much potential left.I found this book because of Pixel of Ink. Elle Casey is exactly right in her review of this book. I was constantly laughing at the jokes made.
Is ninety good? Most definitely YES.
This book that reminds me of Savages by Don Winslow. If you haven't read either of these books you should go find them immediately.It’s the first time in a while that I didn’t see the twist coming until the characters found out. It made me feel real stupid because I’m usually questioning everyone’s motives and actions.
Ash is a character that I definitely connected with right out of the gate. I also hope that there are more stories coming, because it ended with so much potential left. But if this is Ash’s ending I think he did a pretty good job finding redemption that he wasn’t looking for.
Is ninety good? Most definitely YES.
This book that reminds me of Savages by Don Winslow. If you haven't read either of these books you should go find them immediately.It’s the first time in a while that I didn’t see the twist coming until the characters found out. It made me feel real stupid because I’m usually questioning everyone’s motives and actions.
Ash is a character that I definitely connected with right out of the gate. I also hope that there are more stories coming, because it ended with so much potential left. But if this is Ash’s ending I think he did a pretty good job finding redemption that he wasn’t looking for.
July 20, 2023
This was an entertaining quick read with an interesting story line. Most of the added humor was funny, but the main female character was not portrayed well, all boobs and no brain. The ending was not exactly what I expected, which I thought was good. I don't always like the stereotypical happy ending.
June 5, 2012
(“Holy F*** Balls!”) my favorite line of the book, lol!
This book is simplicity at its best. I love how it is written. There are no over descriptions and the story line is smooth. The main character, Ash, is just the kind of man I like, regardless of his penchant for big boobies and dumb girls. He is smart, as well as smart mouthed. The things he came up with and said had me laughing from the very beginning. I would pay to see a picture of what Ash looked like in Jason’s mind when he was in his “police uniform”!
The telepathy angle was actually down played, which made it seem all the more real. It was kind of freaky imagining that there were people out there that could do things like that. (If you want to know what those things are, you have to read the book! No spoilers here! =) Though I have to say I will never quite look at nursery rhymes the same way again.
The story starts off action packed and it never slows down. Every page has something new to draw you in. His characters are unique and filled with quirks. Nami, whose name Ash never seemed to get right, was one of my favorite characters. She might be small, but she is mighty, and she has a foul mouth that I enjoyed. I believe at one time she said, “We’re about to get kicked in the fart box.” I had to laugh at that because I have never heard that phrase before. I actually wrote that phrase down so I would not forget to mention it.
I have to say that I was not all that fond of the character Samantha (Sammy) at first. I like girls that kick ass but the way she was described at first was more like pretty with big boobs and “fairly dumb”. Her boobs are mentioned a lot lol, and even referred to as “fun bags”. Jason, you crack me up! I have to say that Sammy did redeem herself a few times though. She was very loyal and did everything she could to help out. She did not just curl into a ball and freak out which is what most dumb girls would do. By the middle of the book I was rooting for her and Ash because she is just so ditzy that she is extremely likable. She is also remarkably courageous. Go Sammy!
The fight scenes in this book actually had me cringing in sympathy. I could feel every kick, punch, and jab because Jason described them in chilling detail. I think you must have some experience in that category, Jason!
The plot was insane! In a good way, I mean. I am not usually that fond of government type action thrillers, but this was well thought out and very attention-grabbing. It has a believable edge to it. It also has edge-of-your-seat, can’t wait to turn the page, action. I actually think I will have to check out more books in this genre to see if they live up to Echoes.
The ending was OMG no! There has to be a sequel to this book. I have read some reviews of this book that says it would make a good movie or TV series and I have to agree. I would vote for TV series though because that way the suspense could be drawn out longer.
I highly recommend that you read this book. I have had the pleasure of speaking a few words with the author and he is just as funny in real life. I am inserting a link to this book on Amazon. If I have talked you into reading this book, once again let me say, please leave a review of the book where you bought it. Every review helps the author. He will probably even comment back, which is always cool.
Jason, I loved the book. I am looking forward to the sequel. (Please let there be a sequel!) =)
For more Reviews of other great books go to http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com/
This book is simplicity at its best. I love how it is written. There are no over descriptions and the story line is smooth. The main character, Ash, is just the kind of man I like, regardless of his penchant for big boobies and dumb girls. He is smart, as well as smart mouthed. The things he came up with and said had me laughing from the very beginning. I would pay to see a picture of what Ash looked like in Jason’s mind when he was in his “police uniform”!
The telepathy angle was actually down played, which made it seem all the more real. It was kind of freaky imagining that there were people out there that could do things like that. (If you want to know what those things are, you have to read the book! No spoilers here! =) Though I have to say I will never quite look at nursery rhymes the same way again.
The story starts off action packed and it never slows down. Every page has something new to draw you in. His characters are unique and filled with quirks. Nami, whose name Ash never seemed to get right, was one of my favorite characters. She might be small, but she is mighty, and she has a foul mouth that I enjoyed. I believe at one time she said, “We’re about to get kicked in the fart box.” I had to laugh at that because I have never heard that phrase before. I actually wrote that phrase down so I would not forget to mention it.
I have to say that I was not all that fond of the character Samantha (Sammy) at first. I like girls that kick ass but the way she was described at first was more like pretty with big boobs and “fairly dumb”. Her boobs are mentioned a lot lol, and even referred to as “fun bags”. Jason, you crack me up! I have to say that Sammy did redeem herself a few times though. She was very loyal and did everything she could to help out. She did not just curl into a ball and freak out which is what most dumb girls would do. By the middle of the book I was rooting for her and Ash because she is just so ditzy that she is extremely likable. She is also remarkably courageous. Go Sammy!
The fight scenes in this book actually had me cringing in sympathy. I could feel every kick, punch, and jab because Jason described them in chilling detail. I think you must have some experience in that category, Jason!
The plot was insane! In a good way, I mean. I am not usually that fond of government type action thrillers, but this was well thought out and very attention-grabbing. It has a believable edge to it. It also has edge-of-your-seat, can’t wait to turn the page, action. I actually think I will have to check out more books in this genre to see if they live up to Echoes.
The ending was OMG no! There has to be a sequel to this book. I have read some reviews of this book that says it would make a good movie or TV series and I have to agree. I would vote for TV series though because that way the suspense could be drawn out longer.
I highly recommend that you read this book. I have had the pleasure of speaking a few words with the author and he is just as funny in real life. I am inserting a link to this book on Amazon. If I have talked you into reading this book, once again let me say, please leave a review of the book where you bought it. Every review helps the author. He will probably even comment back, which is always cool.
Jason, I loved the book. I am looking forward to the sequel. (Please let there be a sequel!) =)
For more Reviews of other great books go to http://cynthiashepp.wordpress.com/
October 2, 2012
(Review by Lisa Metlak for Editor's Cove)
Asher Benson is a soldier who found himself discharged, unemployed and suffering from a condition that he never wanted and cannot control – mind reading. Just when he decides that alcohol isn’t going to help him with his situation – or the girl next door – he is drafted to help the same government that turned its back on him. Ash’s mission is to stop the rampage of a man with an enhanced version of the mind reading abilities Ash has – before he kills the President of the United States.
My enjoyment of this book can be attributed to the good descriptive writing of the events more than the plot or even the events themselves. The writer had a good grasp of how to paint the scene without being overly descriptive. I liked how the characters and their thoughts were not perfect (or even “politically correct”). Ash was both a gentleman and a cad, and while the “love interest” was more of a ditz than I prefer in my female characters, the author more than made up for it by inserting the sarcastic, strategic and funny Agent Nami.
Overall, if I had to describe this book in one word, it would be “un-believable” because of the wholly improbable situations and near-escapes that the characters experienced – it seemed more a script sample for a Hollywood action movie than a novel. However, I laughed quite a bit throughout the book at genuine reactions of the characters that were, actually, believable. It was nice to read a book that is totally out of the norm like that – including the surprise ending that I truly did not see coming.
Asher Benson is a soldier who found himself discharged, unemployed and suffering from a condition that he never wanted and cannot control – mind reading. Just when he decides that alcohol isn’t going to help him with his situation – or the girl next door – he is drafted to help the same government that turned its back on him. Ash’s mission is to stop the rampage of a man with an enhanced version of the mind reading abilities Ash has – before he kills the President of the United States.
My enjoyment of this book can be attributed to the good descriptive writing of the events more than the plot or even the events themselves. The writer had a good grasp of how to paint the scene without being overly descriptive. I liked how the characters and their thoughts were not perfect (or even “politically correct”). Ash was both a gentleman and a cad, and while the “love interest” was more of a ditz than I prefer in my female characters, the author more than made up for it by inserting the sarcastic, strategic and funny Agent Nami.
Overall, if I had to describe this book in one word, it would be “un-believable” because of the wholly improbable situations and near-escapes that the characters experienced – it seemed more a script sample for a Hollywood action movie than a novel. However, I laughed quite a bit throughout the book at genuine reactions of the characters that were, actually, believable. It was nice to read a book that is totally out of the norm like that – including the surprise ending that I truly did not see coming.
August 14, 2012
Jason Brant is quickly becoming one of my favorite Indie Authors. His books are action packed with quick witted humor, and Echoes is no exception. The characters were likable- even the stupid big breasted bimbo. It had great twists and turns, keeping you guessing on what was coming next, and the ending was a shocker. Hollywood needs to snatch this guy up and let him make some movies, because all his work would lend well to the big screen, and let's face it, the movie industry needs all the help they can get! 5 stars.
December 1, 2012
Jason Brant has great skill for making you feel part of the environment that he's created. The room tends to fall away,you forget that you're in your living room and not in some grubby hotel room or at the Washington Monument. This book was no exception. It was action packed and funny. Yet another masterpiece by this awesome author!
May 6, 2018
This is the second book that I've read by Jason Brant, the first being "The Gate." Really enjoyed this, normally something dealing with telekinesis wouldn't jump out at me. Really glad I dove into this. Mr. Brant's writing style is such that you get gripped quickly, and connect to the characters. My enjoyment of "The Gate" wet my whistle for another entry by the author. Since I read this as Kindle, I had to look up the equivalent page length, and it translates to 140 pages in paperback.
May 7, 2023
So so
This was a good read. It had all a person needs to enjoy it. I won't give the ending away.
This was a good read. It had all a person needs to enjoy it. I won't give the ending away.
November 14, 2013
"I'm going to be really pissed if he kills me." <------- I could not stop laughing at that line. It was so stupid, but so funny. And, I'm glad I'm one of the
people who's on the bandwagon of enjoying this terrific story. Oh, I fell in love with Nami's personality. She was so refreshing in the mist of volatile
danger. The bantering between Nami and Ash never failed with making me laugh.
And pause.... I could not understand why some reviewers complained
the story had too much violence. I mean, seriously... what alien planet are you from to not like Team: Fictional Action Violence? (O.o ) just kidding... Anyway,
for me, the story flowed perfectly from one scene to another. There were no gaps or moments that I didn't understand. The author executed this short story
wonderfully and with a fantastic plot, a great group of characters that I couldn't help but root for, and in your face action; I was right there in Ash's
world.
**** SPOILER ALERT... Sort Of *****
I do wish the author had added the visual scenic dialogue, ( I don't know how to explain it). I guess a prologue giving the events, ( actually being overseas)
with Murdock and Ash and having their story play out of what they went through prior to them finally meeting. <------ I hope that made sense.
Anyway, I'm Team: JB now. This is the 3rd book I've read from this author and ... -shrugs- I love his writing style! This was an awesome story and I do
hope there will be more of Ash, Sam, and Nami.
people who's on the bandwagon of enjoying this terrific story. Oh, I fell in love with Nami's personality. She was so refreshing in the mist of volatile
danger. The bantering between Nami and Ash never failed with making me laugh.
And pause.... I could not understand why some reviewers complained
the story had too much violence. I mean, seriously... what alien planet are you from to not like Team: Fictional Action Violence? (O.o ) just kidding... Anyway,
for me, the story flowed perfectly from one scene to another. There were no gaps or moments that I didn't understand. The author executed this short story
wonderfully and with a fantastic plot, a great group of characters that I couldn't help but root for, and in your face action; I was right there in Ash's
world.
**** SPOILER ALERT... Sort Of *****
I do wish the author had added the visual scenic dialogue, ( I don't know how to explain it). I guess a prologue giving the events, ( actually being overseas)
with Murdock and Ash and having their story play out of what they went through prior to them finally meeting. <------ I hope that made sense.
Anyway, I'm Team: JB now. This is the 3rd book I've read from this author and ... -shrugs- I love his writing style! This was an awesome story and I do
hope there will be more of Ash, Sam, and Nami.
July 27, 2012
What if the thoughts in your head were not your own? When Lieutenant Asher Benson suffered a traumatic brain injury while stationed in Iraq, his doctors warned him that the symptoms would be life altering. As Ash recovered, a never ending barrage of voices began echoing in his mind, effectively crippling his life. Mistakenly treated for PTSD, Ash was honorably discharged and now lives in self-imposed, drunken isolation. Five years later, Ash is still struggling to rejoin society. As he's finally learning to control his burden, and making progress with the girl next door, Ash is thrust back into a life he thought he'd left behind. When unidentified intelligence agents abduct him from his apartment, he is plunged into a world of espionage and assassinations. A unique terrorist is operating on U.S. soil, and the government needs Ash, and the malady that has plagued him for half a decade, to find him. (The terrorist can not only read others' thoughts, but control people to do what he tells them--Ash has to intervene when the terrorist tries to assassinate the president...)
April 11, 2012
I almost hate writing this review because I’m the very first one on goodreads to do so. As a frequenter of Amazon’s cheap and free Kindle selection, however, I always appreciate it when people take the time to talk about what they have read so I have more to go from besides the token blurb.
Reading this book helps me realize that I give authors a lot of slack in certain genres but not in others. I would categorize this book as adult action/thriller. As it turns out action/thriller is not my favorite genre so I’m more particular about what really grabs me; this one simply didn’t do it for me.
Pros:
Short, easy read
Fast paced
Mind-reading aspect
Fairly funny
Cons:
Surface characters
Unbelievable story
Foul language
Reading this book helps me realize that I give authors a lot of slack in certain genres but not in others. I would categorize this book as adult action/thriller. As it turns out action/thriller is not my favorite genre so I’m more particular about what really grabs me; this one simply didn’t do it for me.
Pros:
Short, easy read
Fast paced
Mind-reading aspect
Fairly funny
Cons:
Surface characters
Unbelievable story
Foul language
May 31, 2012
I also read lots of free books. Many free e-books change status so editing and characters are important. If foul language is a bother then this one should get a pass. The premise of the book was interesting and I didn't read the reviews. My error. Having said all that-it was an ok read. It was short and didn't take much thought. Hopefully the author will give more depth to future efforts.
June 18, 2012
An easy read that will keep your attention. Good humor sprinkled throughout and a good spattering of character types. Not suspenseful per se but a good read nonetheless. There are some typos but I'm giving this book five stars because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. If you are looking for a deep storyline or perfect writing then don't get this book, but otherwise enjoy.
February 17, 2013
A man becomes a telepath due to injuries he sustained in Iraq. He is taken prisoner by a team from a secret organization in the US to aid them in recapturing another telepath who is slaughtering forces in Washington DC. The plot is formulaic and the action extensive, but there was no real character build up. I am not a big fan of the paranormal and lost interest early on.
August 1, 2012
really good short story. I think if it was a full sized novel then there would've been more time to make the story line a little more believable by adding more facts and background to it. Still it was really interesting and I read it in less than 24 hours so I can't complain at all! Made me think, "damn that's a scary thought" throughout the whole thing.
September 6, 2012
For a genre I don't normally read I really enjoyed this book. It came highly recommended and didn't disappoint. Jason's characters were believable from the Ditzy Blond with boobs to the guy who can only see the boobs and misses the brains (or lack there of). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone wanting a fast paced read.
June 5, 2012
Interesting premise. This novella has lots of over-the-top action, but little character development and no real resolution. Perhaps this is a prequel to a novel? Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable quick read for a lazy afternoon.
June 3, 2012
Interesting short story - action packed - fun characters.
November 18, 2014
A little more gory than I prefer.... more in the horror genre...
July 5, 2012
I know why I got this one for free.
August 17, 2012
See my Blog, for review.
November 5, 2014
Far too short, but good.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews