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The Life We Lead: Ascending
The Life We Ascending is the first in a series about the life of a talented young man trying to do what is right in bringing down the world’s largest drug cartel from the shadows while attempting to have a sense of a normal life. Even as his life seems to be ascending to great hieghts can he truly deal with the stress of it all?
James, a college student, is on the brink of graduation and also is a member of the group. The group is an organization of extremely talented individuals that use their skills to make the world around them a better place by doing things that the FBI/CIA or even police simply can’t. One of the aspects that allows the group to be so successful is the fact that the vast majority of it’s members are under the age of 25.
Having been with the group for a significant period, James is often entrusted with the most difficult operations because he has time and again proven his superior abilities in maneuvering from the shadows while keeping his everyday life in balance.
James has selected his long time partner Daen to help gather some additional information on the Spara family. The Spara’s are known as a significant player in there heroin world that have ties in Russia, Italy and South America. What is unknown is why these factions are working together, but that is where James and Daen come in.
During the course of their work, James begins to unravel the mysterious connection by saving the life of a former KGB officer who helps him make a connection to some Chinese individuals with prior dealings with the Spara family. These connections prove to be far more sinister than James could have imagined despite the warnings he receives.
Now faced with the Spara’s and eliminating the Chinese, James has his work cut out for him while dealing with moving away from home and starting a career in ‘the real world’. To add to this he falls in love for the first time with a beautiful young woman named Carissa. She is enough to make him want to give it all up and pursue his own version of heaven on Earth.
James, a college student, is on the brink of graduation and also is a member of the group. The group is an organization of extremely talented individuals that use their skills to make the world around them a better place by doing things that the FBI/CIA or even police simply can’t. One of the aspects that allows the group to be so successful is the fact that the vast majority of it’s members are under the age of 25.
Having been with the group for a significant period, James is often entrusted with the most difficult operations because he has time and again proven his superior abilities in maneuvering from the shadows while keeping his everyday life in balance.
James has selected his long time partner Daen to help gather some additional information on the Spara family. The Spara’s are known as a significant player in there heroin world that have ties in Russia, Italy and South America. What is unknown is why these factions are working together, but that is where James and Daen come in.
During the course of their work, James begins to unravel the mysterious connection by saving the life of a former KGB officer who helps him make a connection to some Chinese individuals with prior dealings with the Spara family. These connections prove to be far more sinister than James could have imagined despite the warnings he receives.
Now faced with the Spara’s and eliminating the Chinese, James has his work cut out for him while dealing with moving away from home and starting a career in ‘the real world’. To add to this he falls in love for the first time with a beautiful young woman named Carissa. She is enough to make him want to give it all up and pursue his own version of heaven on Earth.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2014
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1088 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 13, 2021
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I tried several times to get through the Kindle version, but it just wasn't working for me. The story didn't grab me. So I checked to see if there was an audible version, and there was. It was narrated by the author. It was one of the most painful narrations I've ever listened to. The story itself was typical and cliche, and the voices were exaggerated and cliche. I listen to books on a higher speed, and the women's voices all sounded like Mickey Mouse impressions. I wasn't a big fan of the story or the writing, but I wish the author all the best in his writing career.
April 2, 2018
I won this as a goodreads giveaway which I thank them for.
The story was okay but I would of given it 4 stars, if it had an ending to it.
Don't care to spend time reading and not have any closure at the end.
So I guess I can make up my own ending which is the main character and his girlfriend are blown up by a bomb. The end.
Doubt that I will read this author again, I like an ending to a story and it didn't say it was a series.
The story was okay but I would of given it 4 stars, if it had an ending to it.
Don't care to spend time reading and not have any closure at the end.
So I guess I can make up my own ending which is the main character and his girlfriend are blown up by a bomb. The end.
Doubt that I will read this author again, I like an ending to a story and it didn't say it was a series.
August 19, 2021
I am so happy I came across this book. It is a thriller in true sense. The characters and the setting of the book, were unique and amazing. It was the perfect blend of romance and suspense. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with interest in crime thrillers! Must read from my end. The book was so good that I felt like reading it on and on. Do give it a read yourself, you will fall in love!
September 11, 2021
a fast action read
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. A lot of action and intrigue and overall a fun read. My one issue would be there was no real ending. It was almost a to be continued type ending. Other than that it was well written and kept my interest.
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. A lot of action and intrigue and overall a fun read. My one issue would be there was no real ending. It was almost a to be continued type ending. Other than that it was well written and kept my interest.
April 5, 2018
The writing was a bit choppy, but the story was awesome! Left me wanting to hear more about James. Hope there is a sequel soon.
October 6, 2017
Daen (aka Bryan Douglas) & Petior (ex-KGB) were enjoying the shots of vodka the bartender had set on the bar.
James (21, aka Steven Lewis, Sparas Russian mafia, heroin distributor) did not have anything to drink.
Daen & James had come to Russia to investigate a major drug cartel operation.
What were the 2 of them questioning Nikolias about?
James & Daen had landed at Dulles Airport. James was headed to Pittsburgh U, & Daen was headed to the U of Virginia.
Finals were over & James & Daen found out Nikolias had been taken hostage.
James & Amber (athletic instructor) wee sparing.
Tariq was impressed with her.
Korey (mom, admin. asst.) was throwing a pizza party.
Dan the DJ was selectin/blaring a variety of tunes.
Korey 2 kids: Heather (daughter), Lance (son), Byron Tim, James, Melissa, Isaac, & Scott, were all there having fun.
Pittsburgh, PA. Major Ian Doyle informed James Operation Jericho was renamed Operation Joshua.
Baker Building; Aberdeen. James & Calvin listened to Dr. William Watterson (U of Cambridge)
lecture.
Regan (Calvin’s GF) introduced herself to James.
Carissa Tate (GF, Royal Bank of Scotland) was moving in with James.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written adventure book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Well it started off with a bang but then went south. That said I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Storycartel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
James (21, aka Steven Lewis, Sparas Russian mafia, heroin distributor) did not have anything to drink.
Daen & James had come to Russia to investigate a major drug cartel operation.
What were the 2 of them questioning Nikolias about?
James & Daen had landed at Dulles Airport. James was headed to Pittsburgh U, & Daen was headed to the U of Virginia.
Finals were over & James & Daen found out Nikolias had been taken hostage.
James & Amber (athletic instructor) wee sparing.
Tariq was impressed with her.
Korey (mom, admin. asst.) was throwing a pizza party.
Dan the DJ was selectin/blaring a variety of tunes.
Korey 2 kids: Heather (daughter), Lance (son), Byron Tim, James, Melissa, Isaac, & Scott, were all there having fun.
Pittsburgh, PA. Major Ian Doyle informed James Operation Jericho was renamed Operation Joshua.
Baker Building; Aberdeen. James & Calvin listened to Dr. William Watterson (U of Cambridge)
lecture.
Regan (Calvin’s GF) introduced herself to James.
Carissa Tate (GF, Royal Bank of Scotland) was moving in with James.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written adventure book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Well it started off with a bang but then went south. That said I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Storycartel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
December 21, 2014
I loved this book. It made my 10 hour moving trip enjoyable. James, What can I say about James? He is just something else. I loved his personality. He had to take on multiple Personas to bring down a drug ring (and some!). I really enjoyed his accents. They were very well done. I found myself reading all of His parts in different voices. I almost never do that. In the book He gets matched up with a quirky partner. I thought Tim was the perfect balance in this book. I felt the characters were believable. That is always a huge deal to me. His relationship with ‘Risa’ was great. Just enough romance to keep the book going. I love George’s writing style. I’m really looking forward to what he has to offer in the future. 5/5
April 11, 2018
This was the first time I have read anything by this author. I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I liked the storyline in general but I had a little trouble following where the characters were part of the time. There are lots of locations used. I did think it got easier as I got into the flow of the story. The characters were interesting and fairly well developed. There seemed to be a few tangents that the story took that I didn't see as necessary. The book kind of left me hanging at the end and from what I can tell maybe it will become a 1st in a series.
The book definately filled the thriller description with lots of action. Since it was fairly involved not what I call a quick easy read. Overall I felt the story was good.
The book definately filled the thriller description with lots of action. Since it was fairly involved not what I call a quick easy read. Overall I felt the story was good.
February 21, 2017
Danger, suspense and a touch of romance. This debut novel by George Nagle has enough action to satisfy thrill-seekers and a protagonist worth rooting for. The pace was a bit uneven, but the story had enough twists to hold my interest and the plotting held together. A promising first novel. I look forward to reading the sequel.
I received a courtesy copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a courtesy copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2018
***won this as a goodreads giveaway***
this was the 1st book I have read by George Nagle. I enjoy this genre. the story was fast paced and interesting however, I feel as though I missed the ending or potentially a lead for a sequel..I went back and reread the last few chapters and still wasn't sure if I missed something.
although lacking an ending vs. just dropping off, the storyline was great
this was the 1st book I have read by George Nagle. I enjoy this genre. the story was fast paced and interesting however, I feel as though I missed the ending or potentially a lead for a sequel..I went back and reread the last few chapters and still wasn't sure if I missed something.
although lacking an ending vs. just dropping off, the storyline was great
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January 21, 2019I loved this book! Fast pace & full of action. I hated to have it end especially since it's not finished. Now I have to find the next book....
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews