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Game Changer
The breathtaking new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of WIRED.
Kevin Quinn is a Secret Service agent who believes the president needs to die, and is determined to make this happen. But when Quinn becomes the most wanted man in America, he finds himself at the epicenter of an insidious and far-reaching plot. Are the Russians behind it? The Israelis? Some other powerful group? And why does Rachel Howard, a harmless civilian neuroscientist, appear to be the most critical piece of the entire puzzle?
Soon Quinn discovers a game-changing technology coveted by militaries around the world. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. For behind this advance is a breakthrough that is utterly disruptive: the ultimate game changer. A breathtaking capability with the greatest power to transform civilization the world has ever seen.
Game Changer is a smart thriller crammed with breakneck action, unexpected twists, mind-expanding science, and intriguing concepts readers will be contemplating long after they've read the last page.
"Richards is a worthy successor to Michael Crichton." (SF Book.com)
"Richards is a tremendous new talent" (Stephen Coonts) who can "keep you turning the pages all night long" (Douglas Preston)
Kevin Quinn is a Secret Service agent who believes the president needs to die, and is determined to make this happen. But when Quinn becomes the most wanted man in America, he finds himself at the epicenter of an insidious and far-reaching plot. Are the Russians behind it? The Israelis? Some other powerful group? And why does Rachel Howard, a harmless civilian neuroscientist, appear to be the most critical piece of the entire puzzle?
Soon Quinn discovers a game-changing technology coveted by militaries around the world. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. For behind this advance is a breakthrough that is utterly disruptive: the ultimate game changer. A breathtaking capability with the greatest power to transform civilization the world has ever seen.
Game Changer is a smart thriller crammed with breakneck action, unexpected twists, mind-expanding science, and intriguing concepts readers will be contemplating long after they've read the last page.
"Richards is a worthy successor to Michael Crichton." (SF Book.com)
"Richards is a tremendous new talent" (Stephen Coonts) who can "keep you turning the pages all night long" (Douglas Preston)
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2016
3383 people are currently reading
1437 people want to read
About the author
Douglas E. Richards
48 books1,738 followersWrite to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.
Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.
Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.
Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.
A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.
Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.
SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS
SERIES
WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)
MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)
SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)
THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)
STANDALONE NOVELS
QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT
Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)
TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)
OUT OF THIS WORLD
DEVIL'S SWORD
Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.
Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.
Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.
A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.
Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.
SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS
SERIES
WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)
MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)
SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)
THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)
STANDALONE NOVELS
QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT
Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)
TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)
OUT OF THIS WORLD
DEVIL'S SWORD
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
May 1, 2016
Game Changer is more of the same, and that's a good thing
Douglas Richards is obviously a genius. His stories are fascinating as well as compelling. He's kind of like the George Lucas of authors. We are absolutely blessed to live in a time that allows so many books to be enjoyed. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this, and all of his books.
Douglas Richards is obviously a genius. His stories are fascinating as well as compelling. He's kind of like the George Lucas of authors. We are absolutely blessed to live in a time that allows so many books to be enjoyed. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this, and all of his books.
January 18, 2021
It's not often I give up on a book less than a quarter of the way through, but I've had more than enough of this one. I can only assume the author's other books are a lot better than this one. Or perhaps people come for the torture porn, and stay for the rabid Islamophobia?
July 26, 2016
There are spoilers in this review.
I generally like this author but I don’t know if I was having an off day or it was just the subject matter, but I could not get into this book. I made myself continue reading….. and I kept falling asleep when I was reading at night. Now, in context, I do a lot of my reading at night and have stayed up all night, many nights, reading when a book captivates me. This, however, was not one of those books.
I felt like the main characters where not fleshed out enough. There was no substance to them. For example – Kevin and Rachel – we are told that they like each other and are feeling attracted to each other. We shouldn’t have to be told, we should feel it in the actions and thoughts of the characters.
And the subject matter, while interesting, it was written like I was back in college and learning about neuroscience. I understand the need to explain things to the reader audience, but to do so in such boring detail…it got old very fast.
And the main plot point – once we FINALLY got there….destroying religious beliefs in the brain in the form of a virus……nope…just not working for me.
I generally like this author but I don’t know if I was having an off day or it was just the subject matter, but I could not get into this book. I made myself continue reading….. and I kept falling asleep when I was reading at night. Now, in context, I do a lot of my reading at night and have stayed up all night, many nights, reading when a book captivates me. This, however, was not one of those books.
I felt like the main characters where not fleshed out enough. There was no substance to them. For example – Kevin and Rachel – we are told that they like each other and are feeling attracted to each other. We shouldn’t have to be told, we should feel it in the actions and thoughts of the characters.
And the subject matter, while interesting, it was written like I was back in college and learning about neuroscience. I understand the need to explain things to the reader audience, but to do so in such boring detail…it got old very fast.
And the main plot point – once we FINALLY got there….destroying religious beliefs in the brain in the form of a virus……nope…just not working for me.
August 8, 2016
My original Game Changer audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Long time trusted secret service agent Kevin Quinn suddenly decides to murder the President. When his plot fails, he becomes the most wanted man in America. Worst of all, everything he has ever known, everyone he has ever trusted is in doubt. Even his own memory can’t be trusted. On the run and out of ideas, he must discover the deeper plot that can alter men’s minds at will.
The action is pretty steady as Quinn follows leads and discovers the brilliant scientist who can help him explain his altered memory. His training and skills keep him alive more than a few times. Intertwined within the action is the philosophical question about how much technology is too much; should man do a thing just because he can. It is possible technology will allow mankind to implant knowledge directly into the mind, bypassing tedious years of study. But what if the information is false or biased?
Game Changer asks some very important questions about technology and what happens when science goes too far. It wraps it in an action based thriller, sometimes digressing into the philosophical arguments slowing the plot somewhat. It is a matter of taste. If the listener is interested in the overarching ideas, it will be worth the time; if just interested in the action, it may become distracting. It is a tight balance that most listeners should find entertaining while learning a little something about neuroscience and future technology.
Joe Hempel performs the story with his ample skill. His voice is a pleasure to listen to while he moves the story forward. The character voices are easily discernible and the accents are believable and not too heavy to interfere with the narration. An excellent performance that matches the story well.
Game Changer has plenty of action to keep most listeners interested. While it does slow in spots as the characters explain the science, it isn’t difficult to understand, written in a way most people should easily grasp. The ideas are at once plausible and frightening. Humankind may one day be planting memories in our brains. The ultimate question then is, what is reality? An interesting listen that should appeal to a broad audience.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
Long time trusted secret service agent Kevin Quinn suddenly decides to murder the President. When his plot fails, he becomes the most wanted man in America. Worst of all, everything he has ever known, everyone he has ever trusted is in doubt. Even his own memory can’t be trusted. On the run and out of ideas, he must discover the deeper plot that can alter men’s minds at will.
The action is pretty steady as Quinn follows leads and discovers the brilliant scientist who can help him explain his altered memory. His training and skills keep him alive more than a few times. Intertwined within the action is the philosophical question about how much technology is too much; should man do a thing just because he can. It is possible technology will allow mankind to implant knowledge directly into the mind, bypassing tedious years of study. But what if the information is false or biased?
Game Changer asks some very important questions about technology and what happens when science goes too far. It wraps it in an action based thriller, sometimes digressing into the philosophical arguments slowing the plot somewhat. It is a matter of taste. If the listener is interested in the overarching ideas, it will be worth the time; if just interested in the action, it may become distracting. It is a tight balance that most listeners should find entertaining while learning a little something about neuroscience and future technology.
Joe Hempel performs the story with his ample skill. His voice is a pleasure to listen to while he moves the story forward. The character voices are easily discernible and the accents are believable and not too heavy to interfere with the narration. An excellent performance that matches the story well.
Game Changer has plenty of action to keep most listeners interested. While it does slow in spots as the characters explain the science, it isn’t difficult to understand, written in a way most people should easily grasp. The ideas are at once plausible and frightening. Humankind may one day be planting memories in our brains. The ultimate question then is, what is reality? An interesting listen that should appeal to a broad audience.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
May 1, 2016
This book is extremely disturbing on a lot of levels. The idea that someone can get inside our heads, upsetting what is already a tenuous reality, is horrifying.
Well-written with great characters and a great dose of humor.
Well-written with great characters and a great dose of humor.
December 19, 2016
You can never go wrong with Douglas E. Richards' books if you enjoy hi-tech, just ahead of our time thrillers.
February 5, 2020
"What if it were possible to upload years of knowledge into your mind in hours? To become expert in multiple scientific fields, become an MD, or learn several languages — in a single day? The benefit to humanity would be immense. But so would the danger . . .
Rachel Howard is a brilliant neuroscientist trying to make this capability a reality. But when she crosses paths with Kevin Quinn, a Secret Service agent desperate to kill the president, she finds herself at the epicenter of an insidious and far-reaching plot. A plot centered on the ultimate game changer. An utterly disruptive scientific breakthrough with the greatest power to transform civilization the world has ever seen.
Game Changer is a smart thriller crammed with breakneck action, unexpected twists, mind-expanding science, and intriguing concepts readers will be contemplating long after they’ve read the last page."
Rachel Howard is a brilliant neuroscientist trying to make this capability a reality. But when she crosses paths with Kevin Quinn, a Secret Service agent desperate to kill the president, she finds herself at the epicenter of an insidious and far-reaching plot. A plot centered on the ultimate game changer. An utterly disruptive scientific breakthrough with the greatest power to transform civilization the world has ever seen.
Game Changer is a smart thriller crammed with breakneck action, unexpected twists, mind-expanding science, and intriguing concepts readers will be contemplating long after they’ve read the last page."
March 3, 2020
Scientific breakthrough told in simple language
The book was very educative in recent discoveries pertaining to human brain modification using technology for the benefit of human race. I like the way technical scientific jargon was explained in a simplified and entertaining manner.
However, the ending left me with a lot of questions unanswered such as what happens to the brain of the special agent.
I am going straight to read more books by this author and will introduce my friends to them.
The book was very educative in recent discoveries pertaining to human brain modification using technology for the benefit of human race. I like the way technical scientific jargon was explained in a simplified and entertaining manner.
However, the ending left me with a lot of questions unanswered such as what happens to the brain of the special agent.
I am going straight to read more books by this author and will introduce my friends to them.
May 4, 2016
Must read
This author takes time do extensive research before writing. Their is a lot to read about this subject at the end of the book. Russian and Israel relationship with America. I will be thinking and talking about this book for a long time.
This author takes time do extensive research before writing. Their is a lot to read about this subject at the end of the book. Russian and Israel relationship with America. I will be thinking and talking about this book for a long time.
April 1, 2022
Nanites or Nonsense
Secret Service Agent Kevin Quinn is guarding President Davidroy of the United States when something odd happens.
Quinn, overcome at the memories of the death of his wife at Davidroy's hands, he has poisoned the President's cocktail.
As Quinn watches, horrified, Davidroy offers his drink to the First Lady. Despite the intense rage Quinn holds for Davidroy, he can't bear to see anyone else killed.
Quinn shoots the cocktail out of the hand of the First Lady and is immediately seized as a threat to the President. The investigation into what caused the incident uncovers an astounding technology and neurological plot.
Author Douglas Richards creates another incredibly complex yet fascinating thriller looking into the cutting edge of AI technology and the proposed uses in the human brain.
Carefully written to reveal each new threat just when you thought it was safe, Game Changer will leave you gasping for air, checking your pulse and eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Highly recommended.
Secret Service Agent Kevin Quinn is guarding President Davidroy of the United States when something odd happens.
Quinn, overcome at the memories of the death of his wife at Davidroy's hands, he has poisoned the President's cocktail.
As Quinn watches, horrified, Davidroy offers his drink to the First Lady. Despite the intense rage Quinn holds for Davidroy, he can't bear to see anyone else killed.
Quinn shoots the cocktail out of the hand of the First Lady and is immediately seized as a threat to the President. The investigation into what caused the incident uncovers an astounding technology and neurological plot.
Author Douglas Richards creates another incredibly complex yet fascinating thriller looking into the cutting edge of AI technology and the proposed uses in the human brain.
Carefully written to reveal each new threat just when you thought it was safe, Game Changer will leave you gasping for air, checking your pulse and eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2019
Amazon will not allow me to rate this book. The author lost four stars on that post.
I enjoyed this book and think other readers will, too. If you have never thought about Matrix Learning, information delivered to the brain by artificial means, or thought remapping, it is time to give them some thought. I call this book science fiction and thriller, but it comes closer to the truth than ever imagined.
Thank you, Mr. Richards, for a good read.
I enjoyed this book and think other readers will, too. If you have never thought about Matrix Learning, information delivered to the brain by artificial means, or thought remapping, it is time to give them some thought. I call this book science fiction and thriller, but it comes closer to the truth than ever imagined.
Thank you, Mr. Richards, for a good read.
December 11, 2019
3.5 rating
December 1, 2019
An unexpected pleasure
I got the kindle version of this book as a free download and it sat unread for awhile. After finishing another book I was looking to try something different - I typically read epic and urban fantasy or sci-fi space operas, so this was a definite deviation from my usual read. It took a little while for me to get into the story, even though I was totally rooting for the protagonist, but then came the first big twist and I was hooked. The story ratcheted up and I was hard put to set the book down.
Some of the technical stuff gets a bit long winded, but the author does a great job of articulating the subject while keeping it interesting. And reading his notes at the end of the book regarding the real life science and historical facts he used in the story was fascinating.
I highly recommend this book. It’s well written, the characters are fun and the editing is superb.
I got the kindle version of this book as a free download and it sat unread for awhile. After finishing another book I was looking to try something different - I typically read epic and urban fantasy or sci-fi space operas, so this was a definite deviation from my usual read. It took a little while for me to get into the story, even though I was totally rooting for the protagonist, but then came the first big twist and I was hooked. The story ratcheted up and I was hard put to set the book down.
Some of the technical stuff gets a bit long winded, but the author does a great job of articulating the subject while keeping it interesting. And reading his notes at the end of the book regarding the real life science and historical facts he used in the story was fascinating.
I highly recommend this book. It’s well written, the characters are fun and the editing is superb.
October 29, 2016
@64% I'm done..
At 35% I was tempted to quit this book because it was nothing but a lesson in neuroscience. The lessons went on and on and on with Rachel and her 6 students or with Quinn, who had just kidnapped her. I mean, their conversation went on forever, like they were out for a drink, or sitting in the living room having a chat. It was really ridiculous. They didn’t even know each other for 30 minutes and here she was talking about neuroscience with him.
AND here was another author who likes the word “said” since he used it 1,115 times, in this 448 page book. God, I hate that freaking word when that’s all I read. THESAURUS, male authors, use a thesaurus and give your replies and statements some emotions. Good grief, is that so hard?
So, at 64% I’m done. The lessons on neuroscience have become toooo much for me. I like lots of dialogue in my books but when one person tells someone something and that dialogue lasts 3 or 4 pages long that’s a lot of dialogue, and when they are talking about something you have no idea about it becomes crazy trying to understand all that’s being said.
Anyway, IF it hadn’t had so many stupid lessons and it hadn’t been 448 pages it would have been a better book, IMO.
For those of you who are interested the F-bomb is used 15 times and there isn’t one iota of romance in this story, not even one silly kiss, according to my iPad search.
As to the narrator: He was the main reason I lasted as long as I did. He did a great job and I would definitely listen to him again.
At 35% I was tempted to quit this book because it was nothing but a lesson in neuroscience. The lessons went on and on and on with Rachel and her 6 students or with Quinn, who had just kidnapped her. I mean, their conversation went on forever, like they were out for a drink, or sitting in the living room having a chat. It was really ridiculous. They didn’t even know each other for 30 minutes and here she was talking about neuroscience with him.
AND here was another author who likes the word “said” since he used it 1,115 times, in this 448 page book. God, I hate that freaking word when that’s all I read. THESAURUS, male authors, use a thesaurus and give your replies and statements some emotions. Good grief, is that so hard?
So, at 64% I’m done. The lessons on neuroscience have become toooo much for me. I like lots of dialogue in my books but when one person tells someone something and that dialogue lasts 3 or 4 pages long that’s a lot of dialogue, and when they are talking about something you have no idea about it becomes crazy trying to understand all that’s being said.
Anyway, IF it hadn’t had so many stupid lessons and it hadn’t been 448 pages it would have been a better book, IMO.
For those of you who are interested the F-bomb is used 15 times and there isn’t one iota of romance in this story, not even one silly kiss, according to my iPad search.
As to the narrator: He was the main reason I lasted as long as I did. He did a great job and I would definitely listen to him again.
February 14, 2017
This was an action packed story full of current day issues. There is much to ponder. Enjoyed and recommend.
August 10, 2017
Meh
I am a bonafide fan of Douglas Richards and have previously lauded his work. That said, this simply isn't his best stuff. The story just sort of meanders through time and scenes in equally improbable and at times all too convenient ways. There is a certain lack of continuity as if he couldn't quite make up his mind on the central theme or flow for the story. He also has his characters make some comments and calls that are so far out of their natural domain that they simply don't come through as sensible or believable. For example, a neuroscientist with absolutely no prior government or "black ops" experience, would never conceive to ask the question "can you get a black chopper here...?" Such a person wouldn't even know such a thing existed let alone ask for one to be sent her way. Along those same lines, in the face of an imminent nuclear threat, the entire US military establishment would be in an operational posture known as "Defcon 1" in which case getting any sort of military aircraft underway unnoticed by the chain of command is a virtual impossibility no matter how "black" the operators may be. This may seem to be a minor nitpick but it lends to the unbelievable nature of the story at large.
I'm still a fan of Mr Richards but would probably not include this novel in the "recommended reads" category.
Lastly
I am a bonafide fan of Douglas Richards and have previously lauded his work. That said, this simply isn't his best stuff. The story just sort of meanders through time and scenes in equally improbable and at times all too convenient ways. There is a certain lack of continuity as if he couldn't quite make up his mind on the central theme or flow for the story. He also has his characters make some comments and calls that are so far out of their natural domain that they simply don't come through as sensible or believable. For example, a neuroscientist with absolutely no prior government or "black ops" experience, would never conceive to ask the question "can you get a black chopper here...?" Such a person wouldn't even know such a thing existed let alone ask for one to be sent her way. Along those same lines, in the face of an imminent nuclear threat, the entire US military establishment would be in an operational posture known as "Defcon 1" in which case getting any sort of military aircraft underway unnoticed by the chain of command is a virtual impossibility no matter how "black" the operators may be. This may seem to be a minor nitpick but it lends to the unbelievable nature of the story at large.
I'm still a fan of Mr Richards but would probably not include this novel in the "recommended reads" category.
Lastly
October 12, 2017
Really Long Story. Decent Narration by Joe Hemphel (audible review)
Wow this was a long story. I felt like it would never end. It was okay. Some parts were better than others and some were just kind of way out there. LOL (I read paranormal books and think some of this matrix mind control was way out there) Although it was fiction, good thing too. I would certainly hate someone to implant false memories in my head.
It started out pretty good and exciting then kind of went down hill, picked back up a bit then back down hill. It seemed a bit too far fetched even for this genre. If mind manipulation like this was possible that would be scary. This could get a little confusing too sometimes. Like to reasearchy??? (I know that is not a word) So, you kind of get lost in what is going on. Oh and
Anyway, I think you really have to like this type of story to enjoy this book. I liked the main characters, Quinn and Rachel a lot. They were very likable. But this was a struggle to finish.
As for the narration, it was pretty good. A few times the narrator forgot to use the voice of the characters he was reading but for the most part he did a good job. I would listen to him again reading a completely different type of book.
Wow this was a long story. I felt like it would never end. It was okay. Some parts were better than others and some were just kind of way out there. LOL (I read paranormal books and think some of this matrix mind control was way out there) Although it was fiction, good thing too. I would certainly hate someone to implant false memories in my head.
It started out pretty good and exciting then kind of went down hill, picked back up a bit then back down hill. It seemed a bit too far fetched even for this genre. If mind manipulation like this was possible that would be scary. This could get a little confusing too sometimes. Like to reasearchy??? (I know that is not a word) So, you kind of get lost in what is going on. Oh and
Anyway, I think you really have to like this type of story to enjoy this book. I liked the main characters, Quinn and Rachel a lot. They were very likable. But this was a struggle to finish.
As for the narration, it was pretty good. A few times the narrator forgot to use the voice of the characters he was reading but for the most part he did a good job. I would listen to him again reading a completely different type of book.
August 5, 2017
You’ll find a better synopsis elsewhere, but briefly: A secret service agent attempts to assassinate POTUS believing the president is a psychopath who murdered his wife. The agent has been ‘mind controlled’ with some form of false memories and has never married. Also, some bad guys are planning to destroy the United States by burning the country to cinders. I must assume these two disparate issues meld into a plot … somewhere.
It is acceptable to expect the reader to stretch the imagination when absorbing fiction. But, Game Changer is expecting too much stretching. I tried, I really did. I actually listened to at least 8 hours of this book before I quit. The idea of memory modification as the basis for a fictional story is a good one, believable. But, the premise presented in this story is just plain silly. In addition, the book is clichè ridden with sappy comedic lines at inappropriate moments. I gave up eye rolling.
Narration by Joe Hempel is okay, no issues.
15 hours of listening in unabridged audio, released by Audible Studios in 2016.
Not my cup ‘o tea.
It is acceptable to expect the reader to stretch the imagination when absorbing fiction. But, Game Changer is expecting too much stretching. I tried, I really did. I actually listened to at least 8 hours of this book before I quit. The idea of memory modification as the basis for a fictional story is a good one, believable. But, the premise presented in this story is just plain silly. In addition, the book is clichè ridden with sappy comedic lines at inappropriate moments. I gave up eye rolling.
Narration by Joe Hempel is okay, no issues.
15 hours of listening in unabridged audio, released by Audible Studios in 2016.
Not my cup ‘o tea.
December 27, 2019
Two stars is the rating I give a book I consider quitting, but do not.
What I liked about the book was the pacing and the reasonable extrapolation of how scientific advances might play out in the near future.
The first time I almost quit the book was near the beginning when one protagonist missed a very obvious solution to a problem. This would not be so bad if so much of the book wasn't spent telling us how smart every character was. So many times a character would come up with an idea then the other characters would tell us what a great idea it was. If felt like the author was taking every opportunity to congratulate himself on his own cleverness.
There was another aspect of the book that I found very off-putting, but I won't say what it is because I am not sure, and would only accuse someone of this if I was more certain.
What I liked about the book was the pacing and the reasonable extrapolation of how scientific advances might play out in the near future.
The first time I almost quit the book was near the beginning when one protagonist missed a very obvious solution to a problem. This would not be so bad if so much of the book wasn't spent telling us how smart every character was. So many times a character would come up with an idea then the other characters would tell us what a great idea it was. If felt like the author was taking every opportunity to congratulate himself on his own cleverness.
There was another aspect of the book that I found very off-putting, but I won't say what it is because I am not sure, and would only accuse someone of this if I was more certain.
May 11, 2021
I don't even know where to start with this book. I would have given it 1 star, but that's reserved for books I simple can't finish. The book really needed another edit or 2, the content and story were compelling but Richards gets in his own way. He over explains concepts and his dialogue needs help. Its cringeworthy at times, people just wouldn't say or think those things. I won't even go into the relationship between the main characters other than to say it's forced and awkward. Now with all that said, I will look at his newer books to see if he has improved his writing or editing. The detail he goes into on his subjects matter is very good. Which is the main reason I finished the book.
May 4, 2016
Another fast paced adventure, destined to join Richard's long line of best sellers
Another winner!
I couldn't put the book down...I went from absolutely certain of situation, understood the rationale and was 100% with Quinn and sharing his rage...to WHAT?????
What just happened, huh...OMG...how does Richard come up with such wonderful adventures and plots and twists so consistently!
This book is sure to rank right up there with Cure, Brain Web and every other one of his books that I had a hard time putting down. .....not to rush him, but I can't wait for the next group of characters and the next adventure!
Another winner!
I couldn't put the book down...I went from absolutely certain of situation, understood the rationale and was 100% with Quinn and sharing his rage...to WHAT?????
What just happened, huh...OMG...how does Richard come up with such wonderful adventures and plots and twists so consistently!
This book is sure to rank right up there with Cure, Brain Web and every other one of his books that I had a hard time putting down. .....not to rush him, but I can't wait for the next group of characters and the next adventure!
November 20, 2017
Fascinating subject and interesting concept that misses the mark I think. It plods along and slows down in some places. Because the story transpires in such a short period of time, but the backstory is rather complicated, much of the book is spent having people explain what happened in the past, often while constrained by zip ties. Not enough of the book is devoted to the "thrill" part of this self-described thriller. I did enjoy Richards' explanation of his research and the science behind the plot at the end of the story.
March 31, 2020
2,5 stars. I had high hopes for this book. It started very strong out the gates with an interesting premise. Things went down hill will a series of unlikely events, coupled with the constant, never-ending adoration and hero-worship of the leading neuroscientist in the world! By the end I couldn’t wait for the book to end so I’d be put out of my misery. The neuroscience focus was fascinating but weak character dialogue tripped up its potential.
April 14, 2023
Let me preface by saying that I am a huge fan of Douglas Richards. I just finished listening to the Audible version of this book. This is definitely not among the author’s best works. I would probably rate the writing three out of five stars. However, my two star rating includes the narration. The narrator of this book mispronounced many words to the point of actually replacing what the author wrote with other words. it was simply awful.
July 17, 2017
Well, it just took way too long to get to the end. I mean,for real! The author went into so much detail that I found myself getting tired.
If he would have stuck to the plot and just skimmed the deets, it would have been good. But, it was way toooooo detailed for me. Love the plot, didn't like details.
If he would have stuck to the plot and just skimmed the deets, it would have been good. But, it was way toooooo detailed for me. Love the plot, didn't like details.
August 25, 2019
A near future novel surrounding the manipulation of brain functions. I felt the story was short on action and long on dialogue. There were full chapters of explanation discussion between characters. Neuroscience is complex but the dialogue seemed to go on far too long in my humble opinion. The plot was interesting but the rest was full of cliches and over the top.
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June 8, 2016Did not finish book. Was not what I expected when I chose it.
June 13, 2017
Typical bad writing -- male, soulness, superficial.
June 9, 2019
Not sure why but I just couldn't get into this book. The plot sounded good but the characters were so one dimensional, at least for me.
February 10, 2020
The story is ok but it's very heavy on conversation details while all the action scenes are very shallow. It is also basically a propaganda book for israel the world's best savior
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