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Kyle Achilles #1
Pushing Brilliance
HE DIDN'T DO IT.
He really didn't.
But proving it,
will be a killer.
Framed for murder and on the run, former Olympic biathlete Kyle Achilles is also in the crosshairs of assassins' guns. Why? He has no idea. He's fighting blind against two master strategists and one extraordinary invention--known as Brillyanc.
Achilles' only ally is the other prime suspect, a beautiful Russian mathematician who is either the best or worst person to ever enter his life. Katya was engaged to Achilles' brother -- before he died.
Chasing clues while dodging bullets, Achilles and Katya race around the globe, uncovering a conspiracy conceived in Moscow, born in Silicon Valley, and destined to demolish both the White House and the Kremlin. Along the way a lost soul finds purpose, a broken heart confronts forbidden love, and America gains a new hero.
Packed with heart-stopping surprises, paced by razor-sharp plotting, and populated with richly rendered characters, Pushing Brilliance will leave you breathless and longing for more.
He really didn't.
But proving it,
will be a killer.
Framed for murder and on the run, former Olympic biathlete Kyle Achilles is also in the crosshairs of assassins' guns. Why? He has no idea. He's fighting blind against two master strategists and one extraordinary invention--known as Brillyanc.
Achilles' only ally is the other prime suspect, a beautiful Russian mathematician who is either the best or worst person to ever enter his life. Katya was engaged to Achilles' brother -- before he died.
Chasing clues while dodging bullets, Achilles and Katya race around the globe, uncovering a conspiracy conceived in Moscow, born in Silicon Valley, and destined to demolish both the White House and the Kremlin. Along the way a lost soul finds purpose, a broken heart confronts forbidden love, and America gains a new hero.
Packed with heart-stopping surprises, paced by razor-sharp plotting, and populated with richly rendered characters, Pushing Brilliance will leave you breathless and longing for more.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
12294 people are currently reading
10187 people want to read
About the author
Tim Tigner
23 books1,051 followersTim began his career in Soviet Counterintelligence with the US Army Special Forces, the Green Berets. That was back in the Cold War days when, “We learned Russian so you didn't have to,” something he did at the Presidio of Monterey alongside Recon Marines and Navy SEALs.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Tim switched from espionage to arbitrage. Armed with a Wharton MBA rather than a Colt M16, he moved to Moscow in the midst of Perestroika. There, he led prominent multinational medical companies, worked with cosmonauts on the MIR Space Station (from Earth, alas), chaired the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and helped write Russia’s first law on healthcare.
Moving to Brussels during the formation of the EU, Tim ran Europe, Middle East, and Africa for a Johnson & Johnson company and traveled like a character in a Robert Ludlum novel. He eventually landed in Silicon Valley, where he launched new medical technologies as a startup CEO.
In his free time, Tim has climbed the peaks of Mount Olympus, went hang gliding from the cliffs of Rio de Janeiro, and ballooned over Belgium. He earned scuba certification in Turkey, learned to ski in Slovenia, and ran the Serengeti with a Maasai warrior. He acted on stage in Portugal, taught negotiations in Germany, and chaired a healthcare conference in Holland. Tim studied psychology in France, radiology in England, and philosophy in Greece. He has enjoyed ballet at the Bolshoi, the opera on Lake Como, and the symphony in Vienna. He’s been a marathoner, paratrooper, triathlete, and yogi.
Intent on combining his creativity with his experience, Tim began writing thrillers in 1996 from an apartment overlooking Moscow’s Gorky Park. Twenty years later, his passion for creative writing continues to grow every day. His home office now overlooks a vineyard in Northern California.
Tim grew up in the Midwest, and graduated from Hanover College with a BA in Philosophy and Mathematics. After military service and work as a financial analyst and foreign-exchange trader, he earned an MBA in Finance and an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the author. Tim loves to correspond with readers like you. You are welcome to reach him through Goodreads or directly at timtigner.com/contact
With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Tim switched from espionage to arbitrage. Armed with a Wharton MBA rather than a Colt M16, he moved to Moscow in the midst of Perestroika. There, he led prominent multinational medical companies, worked with cosmonauts on the MIR Space Station (from Earth, alas), chaired the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and helped write Russia’s first law on healthcare.
Moving to Brussels during the formation of the EU, Tim ran Europe, Middle East, and Africa for a Johnson & Johnson company and traveled like a character in a Robert Ludlum novel. He eventually landed in Silicon Valley, where he launched new medical technologies as a startup CEO.
In his free time, Tim has climbed the peaks of Mount Olympus, went hang gliding from the cliffs of Rio de Janeiro, and ballooned over Belgium. He earned scuba certification in Turkey, learned to ski in Slovenia, and ran the Serengeti with a Maasai warrior. He acted on stage in Portugal, taught negotiations in Germany, and chaired a healthcare conference in Holland. Tim studied psychology in France, radiology in England, and philosophy in Greece. He has enjoyed ballet at the Bolshoi, the opera on Lake Como, and the symphony in Vienna. He’s been a marathoner, paratrooper, triathlete, and yogi.
Intent on combining his creativity with his experience, Tim began writing thrillers in 1996 from an apartment overlooking Moscow’s Gorky Park. Twenty years later, his passion for creative writing continues to grow every day. His home office now overlooks a vineyard in Northern California.
Tim grew up in the Midwest, and graduated from Hanover College with a BA in Philosophy and Mathematics. After military service and work as a financial analyst and foreign-exchange trader, he earned an MBA in Finance and an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the author. Tim loves to correspond with readers like you. You are welcome to reach him through Goodreads or directly at timtigner.com/contact
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews
May 16, 2022
Solid, moving and well written. My favorite Tigner thus far. 9 of 10 stars
August 19, 2017
Pushing Brilliance is number one book in the Kyle Achilles.
Kyle is back in the states after traveling to a number of countries rock climbing after leaving her job a year ago. Now sailing with his parents and brother to celebrate his father’s birthday, he meets a woman and decides to spend the night with her rather than returning to the family’s boat.
The next morning his family is found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning. The only survivor on board: his brother’s fiancé, Katya.
Accident or Murder? News of their deaths come to him from the police who suspect he is responsible.
Prison gives one plenty of time to contemplate both questions and answers. Achilles wants out. He will search for who is responsible, with the improbable help of Katya. What they learn draws them further into a complex plan to control destiny as well as nations.
And complex it is. A powerful drug, secret meetings, an assassination plan. For a few key people, each may be worth killing for to protect their plan. First stop Moscow. Each clue brings more danger and more death.
It’s a great story. As the two progress, Kyle finds himself drawn inevitably toward Katya, against his will, since she was his brother’s future wife.
The action moves at a great pace between USA and Russia and keeps you guessing all the way, one thing is for sure, now reading my second Tim Tigner book, he fits in a lot of story in his books, full of twists and turns, nasty characters and I do enjoy his writing style.
By the end of the story, you will be looking forward to the next. There is definitely a next one too. With a few questions left unanswered, I have ordered The Lies of Spies to learn what Achilles decides to do next?
The author has several other thrillers available that have garnered rave reviews. With his background as a Green Beret, then business man stationed in Russia and other countries, you will understand how he shows Moscow so well. He’s lived and experiences much of what he writes—including the rock climbing!
Kyle is back in the states after traveling to a number of countries rock climbing after leaving her job a year ago. Now sailing with his parents and brother to celebrate his father’s birthday, he meets a woman and decides to spend the night with her rather than returning to the family’s boat.
The next morning his family is found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning. The only survivor on board: his brother’s fiancé, Katya.
Accident or Murder? News of their deaths come to him from the police who suspect he is responsible.
Prison gives one plenty of time to contemplate both questions and answers. Achilles wants out. He will search for who is responsible, with the improbable help of Katya. What they learn draws them further into a complex plan to control destiny as well as nations.
And complex it is. A powerful drug, secret meetings, an assassination plan. For a few key people, each may be worth killing for to protect their plan. First stop Moscow. Each clue brings more danger and more death.
It’s a great story. As the two progress, Kyle finds himself drawn inevitably toward Katya, against his will, since she was his brother’s future wife.
The action moves at a great pace between USA and Russia and keeps you guessing all the way, one thing is for sure, now reading my second Tim Tigner book, he fits in a lot of story in his books, full of twists and turns, nasty characters and I do enjoy his writing style.
By the end of the story, you will be looking forward to the next. There is definitely a next one too. With a few questions left unanswered, I have ordered The Lies of Spies to learn what Achilles decides to do next?
The author has several other thrillers available that have garnered rave reviews. With his background as a Green Beret, then business man stationed in Russia and other countries, you will understand how he shows Moscow so well. He’s lived and experiences much of what he writes—including the rock climbing!
March 30, 2018
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
You've already read this book. In fact, you've probably read several of these books: formulaic, spy thrillers. Step one: Attractive guy who has the skills to do just about anything. Check. Step two: a hot woman who is caught up in all the action. Check. Step three: Sexual tension. Check. Step four: Arbitrary timeline that forces everything to happen quickly before the clock counts down. Check.
If that wasn't enough to turn you off, what about the premise of the plot: a drug that makes you incredible smart. Have you already read this book, or saw the movie, or watch the TV series? Yeah, it's pretty freaking similar to Limitless, with only a small change to the side effects.
On top of all that, the whole book is obnoxiously sexist. The protagonist is constantly remarking (mentally) on how surprised he is that his female counterpart can do all the things she can do. It comes off as a compliment only if you had a very low standard by which to judge her from the beginning. Oh, she didn't crumple like a wilted flower? Remarkable woman!
I don't even think I need to say it at this point, but...
Skip it!
You've already read this book. In fact, you've probably read several of these books: formulaic, spy thrillers. Step one: Attractive guy who has the skills to do just about anything. Check. Step two: a hot woman who is caught up in all the action. Check. Step three: Sexual tension. Check. Step four: Arbitrary timeline that forces everything to happen quickly before the clock counts down. Check.
If that wasn't enough to turn you off, what about the premise of the plot: a drug that makes you incredible smart. Have you already read this book, or saw the movie, or watch the TV series? Yeah, it's pretty freaking similar to Limitless, with only a small change to the side effects.
On top of all that, the whole book is obnoxiously sexist. The protagonist is constantly remarking (mentally) on how surprised he is that his female counterpart can do all the things she can do. It comes off as a compliment only if you had a very low standard by which to judge her from the beginning. Oh, she didn't crumple like a wilted flower? Remarkable woman!
I don't even think I need to say it at this point, but...
Skip it!
August 2, 2016
Excellent book.
This book has everything I like to read about, thrills, mystery, biotechnology and politics. Reminded me my old time favorite "Flowers for Algernon" . Read everything this author wrote and keep them safely and dust free in the clouds. Every book has parts of his life experiences in his characters, but I had a hard time to connect with the Kyle Achilles. He experienced and learned lots of stuff from his backpacking travels, climbs walls, speaks Russian. Loved his family, now he has to find out why they were murdered and clear his name. For me really like this new character, he has to reach out to somebody and lift him up.
This book has everything I like to read about, thrills, mystery, biotechnology and politics. Reminded me my old time favorite "Flowers for Algernon" . Read everything this author wrote and keep them safely and dust free in the clouds. Every book has parts of his life experiences in his characters, but I had a hard time to connect with the Kyle Achilles. He experienced and learned lots of stuff from his backpacking travels, climbs walls, speaks Russian. Loved his family, now he has to find out why they were murdered and clear his name. For me really like this new character, he has to reach out to somebody and lift him up.
Read
December 19, 2017This is the first entry in the Kyle Achilles series.
Achilles is living the good life when his parents and his brother are killed and he is arrested for their murder. Promptly escaping from jail, he roams the world with his almost sister in law, finding it's all based on a wonder drug that is made by the Russians.
Fast, exciting read, though the protagonists seem a bit too good to be true, even compared to Mitch Rapp and the like.
Achilles is living the good life when his parents and his brother are killed and he is arrested for their murder. Promptly escaping from jail, he roams the world with his almost sister in law, finding it's all based on a wonder drug that is made by the Russians.
Fast, exciting read, though the protagonists seem a bit too good to be true, even compared to Mitch Rapp and the like.
March 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this. Sure it’s kind of like James Bond where all the women are gorgeous and Achilles can do absolutely anything. So you just sit back and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it was! I will definitely read more in this series.
August 8, 2018
a great little action packed adventure/mystery.
December 28, 2017
This book started out well enough and I appreciate the authors attempt to create a complex plot. But his efforts reminded me of the difference between a master of this genre (such as Lee Child who is the author I think Tim Tigner is trying to be) and an amateur. It didn’t take too long into the book for it to all go bad. The conflict at the heart of this plot is so absurd that it’s impossible to suspend belief. And in terms of character development, there was none. The only purpose for ANY other character was simply to ask the hero a series of questions, and which allowed him to show is superior intellect in each answering response. His sidekick is a beautiful Russian mathematician (just typing that made my keyboard sick) whose only purpose, literally, was to ask him questions that allowed him to showcase his intelligence, even in the area of mathematics, IN WHICH SHE HAS HER PhD. And oh, on a few occasions to don some slinky attire and use her sexuality to lure some bad guys (and sometimes it’s her own idea to do this, because in spite of the authors repeated mentions of her intelligence, this is all she can contribute to the chase). I finished this only to see the depths to which it could descend. At the end it got oddly nationalistic (the character, on several occasions, speaks of his actions as needed to save “my president.”). And while it was nationalistic, at the end it was also sort of anti-democratic with talk of needing people like the main character to work outside the law in order to save democracy (and the cliched comments about the uselessness of politicians, which is necessary if one is going to use them as stereotypical clueless literary devices on which to heap scorn). I listened to the audio version of this book, and while I do love Dick Hill, his voice is a little too old for this character, and because he is equated in many people’s minds with the character of Jack Reacher, using him here for such a wannabe character may not have been the best choice.
January 13, 2019
It was a very entertaining book, I'll read more because I want to see the development of Kyle Achilles. Enjoyable read.
August 24, 2015
This was the first Tim Tigner book that I've read and it won't be the last. I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to more with the characters. Great action throughout and a wonderful plot. I love action thriller books and this one fit the bill.
October 10, 2018
This is a mystery thriller. There were things I liked about this one and things that didn't quite work. I liked the overall narrative style in this one. It was kind of entertaining. The MC wasn't a "deep" character. He always had the answer, the girl, never ruffled, and managed to look good at all times.
The opening started off strong. However, after that things seemed a little off. For having just experienced such a severe loss and then being the only suspect and being jailed for it, he (the MC) was completely unaffected by it all. He chalks it up to his amazing training. That only goes so far because the female MC, also suffers from that very same affliction and hasn't experienced such training. She sounds like a mini version of the MC. 3 stars.
The opening started off strong. However, after that things seemed a little off. For having just experienced such a severe loss and then being the only suspect and being jailed for it, he (the MC) was completely unaffected by it all. He chalks it up to his amazing training. That only goes so far because the female MC, also suffers from that very same affliction and hasn't experienced such training. She sounds like a mini version of the MC. 3 stars.
July 9, 2017
Wow, just wow!
I could not read this fast enough. Kyle comes across as Superman and charming hunk, capable of amazing feats and a mind to match. I won't rehash the plot, but it involves a former CIA agent, murder in his family, a lovely dame in distress, a mind enhancing drug and those darn Russians. It moves fast and satisfies in the end. Just read it already!
I could not read this fast enough. Kyle comes across as Superman and charming hunk, capable of amazing feats and a mind to match. I won't rehash the plot, but it involves a former CIA agent, murder in his family, a lovely dame in distress, a mind enhancing drug and those darn Russians. It moves fast and satisfies in the end. Just read it already!
October 12, 2018
The whole plot revolves around how brilliant the two protagonists are, especially Achilles (!), but he keeps doing things that he himself calls foolish (e.g. walking into traps after he knows the exact same bad guys have ID’d him and are are tracking him with facial recognition software). A little nonsense in a spy thriller is necessary but repeated face-slapping nonsense is painful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
The only thing way of getting my nails hopes hair cut
The wonly best fact I can have it on my the first place time to get the chance to win the league in is a great
The wonly best fact I can have it on my the first place time to get the chance to win the league in is a great
February 5, 2018
Usually when I read a book on audible I listen at 1.10x speed which seems about right for me. If it gets pretty boring, I up the speed to 1.25x. On rare occasions when the book gets SUPER boring, I crank the speed up to 1.5x which makes the narrator sound like a Chipmunk on crack. When I [finally] finished Pushing Brilliance, I was at 1.75x! This book should have been named Pushing Boringilliance.
I mean, it started well enough, some good action, an apparently good story line. I liked Tim Tigner's last book, so had high hopes for this one. Then I got to the middle 75% of the book which consisted mostly of Kyle Achilles and his deceased brother's girlfriend Tatya going around various places investigating. This turned into pages and pages of boring dialogue with no or little action, blah, blah, blah....come on already Kyle! Can you please solve this mystery more quickly and talk less while you are doing so?
By the end of the book [1.75x], the story and action became interesting again, but by then I just wanted to be done with it. Why didn't I just stop reading the book, you ask? Because I'm trying to read 50 books this year and I couldn't afford the lost time of starting another one.
I mean, it started well enough, some good action, an apparently good story line. I liked Tim Tigner's last book, so had high hopes for this one. Then I got to the middle 75% of the book which consisted mostly of Kyle Achilles and his deceased brother's girlfriend Tatya going around various places investigating. This turned into pages and pages of boring dialogue with no or little action, blah, blah, blah....come on already Kyle! Can you please solve this mystery more quickly and talk less while you are doing so?
By the end of the book [1.75x], the story and action became interesting again, but by then I just wanted to be done with it. Why didn't I just stop reading the book, you ask? Because I'm trying to read 50 books this year and I couldn't afford the lost time of starting another one.
June 25, 2019
This is book one of the Kyle Achilles series.
What would you pay for a drug that would increase your IQ by 20 points? Brillyanc is just such a drug. It is being developed by Vitalis, a drug company, which is owned by Kyle Achilles father and brother. Kyle's father, brother and step-mother are killed on a yacht they are staying on. Kyle and his brother's fiance, Katya are both suspects to the murder. Kyle's fingerprints are on the tools and carbon monoxide hose that were used in the murders so he is jailed.
He has to find a way out of prison to find out who killed his family and why. Evidence points him to Moscow so he works with Katya, the Russian fiance of his dead brother to chase down the mystery in Russia, Washington DC and SF.
Lots of twists and turns. Constant action. Kyle is a former CIA agent so he uses his background to help him hunt down the killers and a international plot to bring down the USA. Fun read. Looking forward to reading the other Kyle Achilles books.
What would you pay for a drug that would increase your IQ by 20 points? Brillyanc is just such a drug. It is being developed by Vitalis, a drug company, which is owned by Kyle Achilles father and brother. Kyle's father, brother and step-mother are killed on a yacht they are staying on. Kyle and his brother's fiance, Katya are both suspects to the murder. Kyle's fingerprints are on the tools and carbon monoxide hose that were used in the murders so he is jailed.
He has to find a way out of prison to find out who killed his family and why. Evidence points him to Moscow so he works with Katya, the Russian fiance of his dead brother to chase down the mystery in Russia, Washington DC and SF.
Lots of twists and turns. Constant action. Kyle is a former CIA agent so he uses his background to help him hunt down the killers and a international plot to bring down the USA. Fun read. Looking forward to reading the other Kyle Achilles books.
December 7, 2017
4.5 stars.
This book is a conspiracy theorists' wet dream. Completely far-fetched but you know that going in - right? It was a lot of fun. Kyle Achilles, a former Olympic biathlete and covert operative is framed for the murder of his family. To clear his name he must find the real killer, or killers. But where to start? He has very little to go on. His only ally is his dead brother's fiancée, Katya, a brilliant Russian mathematician.
They start with his father's and brother's failed business venture and begin an adventure that spans the globe and takes them into all kinds of danger. This was a highly entertaining and slightly plausible bit of escapism that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I'll be reaching for book 2 very soon. Good work Mr Tigner.
This book is a conspiracy theorists' wet dream. Completely far-fetched but you know that going in - right? It was a lot of fun. Kyle Achilles, a former Olympic biathlete and covert operative is framed for the murder of his family. To clear his name he must find the real killer, or killers. But where to start? He has very little to go on. His only ally is his dead brother's fiancée, Katya, a brilliant Russian mathematician.
They start with his father's and brother's failed business venture and begin an adventure that spans the globe and takes them into all kinds of danger. This was a highly entertaining and slightly plausible bit of escapism that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I'll be reaching for book 2 very soon. Good work Mr Tigner.
December 8, 2017
is not brilliant.
Starts out okay, shocking crime, set up, seems hopeless. Then the battles start, strategy by strategy and hit by hit. Read a few/several and they got boring. I get that mapping these things out is important and working out the logistics of a fight is necessary, but the reader doesn't have to get every blow to follow who's winning and who is dead. See Gemmell for how to do it right.
Skipped to the end and okay, of course Achilles prevails because this is book #1. Not going to bother with book 2.
Starts out okay, shocking crime, set up, seems hopeless. Then the battles start, strategy by strategy and hit by hit. Read a few/several and they got boring. I get that mapping these things out is important and working out the logistics of a fight is necessary, but the reader doesn't have to get every blow to follow who's winning and who is dead. See Gemmell for how to do it right.
Skipped to the end and okay, of course Achilles prevails because this is book #1. Not going to bother with book 2.
October 16, 2016
thrills, mystery, politics, realistic characters! what more could you want? how about 20 IQ points? what would you do to get them?
great read! don't miss this one.
great read! don't miss this one.
May 2, 2018
Good read
This book had many positive aspects but way too much detail; a convoluted plot, and an ending that found personally unsatisfying.
This book had many positive aspects but way too much detail; a convoluted plot, and an ending that found personally unsatisfying.
June 24, 2018
The book and the author's bio read with the same over the top sensibility. The world of espionage is over the top, so perhaps the plausibility factors here are greater than they seem.
This is an enjoyable read, and yet, I the reader became exhausted with the no-touch romance between the hero and heroine. I wanted her to step out of her stereotypical female role and tell him, hands off. I was in love with your brother. There is no way I am going to dishonor his memory by getting into bed with you. Sorry, even if you think he would have wanted our mutual happiness. As in, ick. The idea of falling in love with your dead sibling's fiancé is like falling for a celibate priest. One of the two needs to say NO.
The premise of a drug that boosts the IQ by a good percentage is interesting, but the premise that becoming that much "smarter" would give politicians an edge in leadership doesn't seem plausible. Political skills are an interesting set. More than ever before, we see that being successful in that realm has everything to do with media manipulation and face work. How you look to the audience.
The assassins running amok, appearing all over the place, I guess that really does happen in the real world where certain countries I will not mention are concerned.
I guess in part our political climate today is so devastatingly affected by bad actors on the world stage that some of that is always playing in the background for me, and when I read fiction addressing that, I would like to see more recognizable characters and background and incidents. But that's just me.
This is an enjoyable read, and yet, I the reader became exhausted with the no-touch romance between the hero and heroine. I wanted her to step out of her stereotypical female role and tell him, hands off. I was in love with your brother. There is no way I am going to dishonor his memory by getting into bed with you. Sorry, even if you think he would have wanted our mutual happiness. As in, ick. The idea of falling in love with your dead sibling's fiancé is like falling for a celibate priest. One of the two needs to say NO.
The premise of a drug that boosts the IQ by a good percentage is interesting, but the premise that becoming that much "smarter" would give politicians an edge in leadership doesn't seem plausible. Political skills are an interesting set. More than ever before, we see that being successful in that realm has everything to do with media manipulation and face work. How you look to the audience.
The assassins running amok, appearing all over the place, I guess that really does happen in the real world where certain countries I will not mention are concerned.
I guess in part our political climate today is so devastatingly affected by bad actors on the world stage that some of that is always playing in the background for me, and when I read fiction addressing that, I would like to see more recognizable characters and background and incidents. But that's just me.
February 28, 2018
A young ex-CIA agent and former Olympian is framed for his family's murder. He enlists the aid of his old contacts to break out of jail. Then, he teams up with his dead brother's brilliant, gorgeous fiancee (after whom he's subconsciously lusted for a while) to find the true killers, the motive, and to clear his name.
The daring effort takes them as far as Ukraine/Bellarus/Russia and at last uncovers a sinister plot targeting the highest levels of US government. Will they be able to stop it in time?
Not a bad read, not a great read. It's difficult to care much about our heroes, which keeps this book clear of 4-star territory. If I'm thin on reading options at any given moment, I may check out the 2nd book in this series.
The daring effort takes them as far as Ukraine/Bellarus/Russia and at last uncovers a sinister plot targeting the highest levels of US government. Will they be able to stop it in time?
Not a bad read, not a great read. It's difficult to care much about our heroes, which keeps this book clear of 4-star territory. If I'm thin on reading options at any given moment, I may check out the 2nd book in this series.
September 4, 2016
I love to search out new authors that are as good an inspiring as my favourites and I just found one! To compare some of my favourite authors include: James Rollins, Lee Child, Brad Thor, Vince Flynne, Ben Coes, Michael D O'Brien to name a few. Tim Tigner is now also one of them. This story was great had action, science, geo-political topics and a great set of Characters! Give this book a try you will not be disappointed.
The audiobook was narrated by Dick Hill who did a great job, at times I thought I was listening to the next Jack Reacher novel. I can't wait to listen to the next one!
The audiobook was narrated by Dick Hill who did a great job, at times I thought I was listening to the next Jack Reacher novel. I can't wait to listen to the next one!
December 6, 2017
This is one of the best of Tim began. Tim began his career in Soviet Counterintelligence with the US Army Special Forces, the Green Berets. That was back in the Cold War days when, “We learned Russian so you didn't have to,” something he did at the Presidio of Monterey alongside Recon Marines and Navy SEALs.
June 11, 2017
Undeniably Exquisite!
What next is the question! The writer poses with such intelligence...... Just enough romance to keep it spicy...Love the ride
What next is the question! The writer poses with such intelligence...... Just enough romance to keep it spicy...Love the ride
October 18, 2017
A gritty, exciting and thrilling tale of murder, espionage, and corruption
Tim Tigner has just joined my list of authors to look out for. Pushing Brilliance is an action thriller that follows ex CIA Agent (and former Olympic athlete) Kyle Achilles. The plot is exciting and wonderfully constructed, leading us across the globe from east and west USA to the center of government in Russia.
Each time I need to select my next read it’s not an easy task. For some unknown reason, there have been too many times this year where I have made some unwise choices and been disappointed. The result, wasted time that could have been better utilized and a reduction of reviews I have posted this year.
As soon as I read the first chapter or Pushing Brilliance (as part of my decision to buy), I was hooked by the potential that it promised. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, It was a good choice and one for which I am grateful.
The author’s great research and attention to detail are evident as the plot moves from one twist to the next. Its underlying message of good over bad had me just as keen to find the answers as the protagonists. I wanted to be there beside them every step of the way as Katya joins Achilles to prove his innocence and solve the murder of his family.
I was firmly caught up in the web of mystery and intrigue and I have already purchased a copy of The Lies of Spies (Kyle Achilles #2) so I can continue the adventure.
In a Nutshell
Pushing Brilliance is a gritty, exciting and thrilling tale of murder, espionage, corruption, and the insatiable human thirst for power. Recommended for readers who love the thrill of the chase peppered with unexpected twists and turns.
Tim Tigner has just joined my list of authors to look out for. Pushing Brilliance is an action thriller that follows ex CIA Agent (and former Olympic athlete) Kyle Achilles. The plot is exciting and wonderfully constructed, leading us across the globe from east and west USA to the center of government in Russia.
Each time I need to select my next read it’s not an easy task. For some unknown reason, there have been too many times this year where I have made some unwise choices and been disappointed. The result, wasted time that could have been better utilized and a reduction of reviews I have posted this year.
As soon as I read the first chapter or Pushing Brilliance (as part of my decision to buy), I was hooked by the potential that it promised. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, It was a good choice and one for which I am grateful.
The author’s great research and attention to detail are evident as the plot moves from one twist to the next. Its underlying message of good over bad had me just as keen to find the answers as the protagonists. I wanted to be there beside them every step of the way as Katya joins Achilles to prove his innocence and solve the murder of his family.
I was firmly caught up in the web of mystery and intrigue and I have already purchased a copy of The Lies of Spies (Kyle Achilles #2) so I can continue the adventure.
In a Nutshell
Pushing Brilliance is a gritty, exciting and thrilling tale of murder, espionage, corruption, and the insatiable human thirst for power. Recommended for readers who love the thrill of the chase peppered with unexpected twists and turns.
June 22, 2016
I'm really excited about this book, and the introduction of Kyle Achilles and other recurring characters in the Achilles series.
Like my other thrillers, PUSHING BRILLIANCE draws heavily on my background, namely my extensive work in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry, and my international service in and out of uniform. The incredible technologies in this thriller are actually credible. In the back of the novel, I site references, but I don't want to provide any spoilers up front.
I owe a special thanks to the Goodreads community for all the kind assistance provided by my fantastic group of beta readers. You're great! I also want to give a shout out to Bryon Quartermous, my editor, for his superb work in making PUSHING BRILLIANCE better.
I hope you enjoy it.
Like my other thrillers, PUSHING BRILLIANCE draws heavily on my background, namely my extensive work in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry, and my international service in and out of uniform. The incredible technologies in this thriller are actually credible. In the back of the novel, I site references, but I don't want to provide any spoilers up front.
I owe a special thanks to the Goodreads community for all the kind assistance provided by my fantastic group of beta readers. You're great! I also want to give a shout out to Bryon Quartermous, my editor, for his superb work in making PUSHING BRILLIANCE better.
I hope you enjoy it.
Read
October 19, 2017I am following the Amazon free giveaways, and from time to time I do stumble upon an unknown author (to me), that otherwise I am sure I wouldn’t get a chance to read his books. That was the case with Tim Tigner . Introducing (to me) his hero “Kyle Achilles”. It is a very fast pacing book. Lots of twists. The only reason I couldn’t give it a 5 Star was the fact his hero was too Superman for my taste. Too many of the actions were far from looking real in our real world. I know it is a book, and it can be a bit imaginative. But for me there was too much of it.
April 13, 2018
This is a highly unusual and intrepid (what else?) hero. He's a free climber, a skill which comes in mighty handy during his spy adventures. He was also an Olympic gymnast before being recruited by the CIA. His partner-in-crime is a mathematics professor who has no experience with this kind of business, but is as smart and gutsy as they come. All in all, a brilliant read (pun intended, although not a particularly good one) International intrigue, a story that runs all the way to Russia and back, genetically engineered weapons, oh, what a fun ride!
December 18, 2017
Brilliant story - no pun intended. The plot, the characters, the pace and rhythm of the story made excellent reading and it was thoroughly entertaining
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