What do you think?
Rate this book
Brainrush #7
Against All Odds
The highly anticipated series finale to the #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller Publishers Weekly called “a terrifically entertaining thriller!”
In this conclusion to Richard Bard’s popular Brainrush series, Jake Bronson’s family and friends face their biggest threat ever. The startling challenges revealed in No Refuge (book 6) are coming to a head, and the team must wrest every resource available to them in hopes of preventing a terror-driven cataclysm unlike anything America has seen.
But the menace from within America’s borders pales by comparison to the global threat revealed to 8-year-old Alex Bronson in a series of otherworldly visions. And Alex isn’t the only one targeted by the mind-bending revelations.
The stakes are higher than ever. The fates of America and the world hang in the balance, and Jake Bronson’s family and friends must risk everything to tip the scales against evil.
An “international thriller with soul.” Ideal reading for fans of Michael Crichton, Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Brad Thor, Dan Brown, Matthew Reilly, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn.
In this conclusion to Richard Bard’s popular Brainrush series, Jake Bronson’s family and friends face their biggest threat ever. The startling challenges revealed in No Refuge (book 6) are coming to a head, and the team must wrest every resource available to them in hopes of preventing a terror-driven cataclysm unlike anything America has seen.
But the menace from within America’s borders pales by comparison to the global threat revealed to 8-year-old Alex Bronson in a series of otherworldly visions. And Alex isn’t the only one targeted by the mind-bending revelations.
The stakes are higher than ever. The fates of America and the world hang in the balance, and Jake Bronson’s family and friends must risk everything to tip the scales against evil.
An “international thriller with soul.” Ideal reading for fans of Michael Crichton, Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Brad Thor, Dan Brown, Matthew Reilly, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn.
ebook
First published September 12, 2017
96 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Richard Bard
21 books346 followersRichard Bard draws on his own experiences as a former USAF pilot and cancer survivor to craft compelling characters who risk it all for love and loyalty. Born in Munich, Germany, to American parents, he joined the United States Air Force like his father. But he left the service when he was diagnosed with cancer and learned he had only months to live. He earned a management degree from the University of Notre Dame and ran three successful companies involving advanced security products used by US embassies and governments worldwide. Now a full-time writer, he lives in Redondo Beach, California, with his wife and remains in excellent health.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 9, 2017
How do I begin to review such a wonderful, emotional, edge of your seat book, series actually. This has been the best series I have ever read and I've read lots. I loved it and hated so bad to see it end. But all good things come to an end eventually. Right??
Jake and the gang went through a lot together. From saving the world to being marked as terrorist. Jake was wanted as a Global Terrorist and a price on his head, literally.
I won't give anything away in this book but you have to read it if you have read the other books in this series. This has been one hell of a ride from start to finish. From the killing of so many innocents to the heroes who saved the USA from certain destruction. Even throw in a few aliens and yes I mean outer space aliens. From being labeled a Global terrorist to a hero Jake Bronson always saves the day. He puts his life on the line and has even given it up a time or two. But you just can't keep a good guy down long.
His friends and family worked hard together to just be a normal family. I hope they have finally found that.
I hated so bad for this series to end. I am hoping that future books my Mr Bard include Jake and Alex and others so we can keep up with them.
I have laughed, cried and cringed reading this series. It's been a few years from start to finish but the final book was totally worth waiting for. It's awesome, wonderful. One you will keep with you for a while. Makes you think about how things can happen too. At least it does for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and I've tried hard to give it justice. There is so much that can be said about this book and the series but you have to read them for yourself to truly appreciate it all.
I loved it so much. Thank you Richard Bard for writing such a wonderful story. All of your fans loved it. I know that in my heart. Wonderful job. This series should be made into a movie. I am so series. It should be. It's that good...
Jake and the gang went through a lot together. From saving the world to being marked as terrorist. Jake was wanted as a Global Terrorist and a price on his head, literally.
I won't give anything away in this book but you have to read it if you have read the other books in this series. This has been one hell of a ride from start to finish. From the killing of so many innocents to the heroes who saved the USA from certain destruction. Even throw in a few aliens and yes I mean outer space aliens. From being labeled a Global terrorist to a hero Jake Bronson always saves the day. He puts his life on the line and has even given it up a time or two. But you just can't keep a good guy down long.
His friends and family worked hard together to just be a normal family. I hope they have finally found that.
I hated so bad for this series to end. I am hoping that future books my Mr Bard include Jake and Alex and others so we can keep up with them.
I have laughed, cried and cringed reading this series. It's been a few years from start to finish but the final book was totally worth waiting for. It's awesome, wonderful. One you will keep with you for a while. Makes you think about how things can happen too. At least it does for me.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and I've tried hard to give it justice. There is so much that can be said about this book and the series but you have to read them for yourself to truly appreciate it all.
I loved it so much. Thank you Richard Bard for writing such a wonderful story. All of your fans loved it. I know that in my heart. Wonderful job. This series should be made into a movie. I am so series. It should be. It's that good...
October 28, 2018
Satisfying Conclusion. This was designed to be the conclusion of this series, and it does an admirable job of that - other than the whole cash grab issue of separating one story into two books. In this back half of the tale begun in the previous book, we spend the first half resolving the issues that ramped up in the back half of the book before it, before pivoting to the battle begun in the front half of the prior book. And it is this back half where virtually anyone who has ever fought by Jake Bronson's family's side comes back for one epic battle against one last group of people tied to Luciano Battista, the bad guy from the very first book. This book wraps up the series nicely while allowing the possibility that at least some characters could come back in a future series... or not. Overall a truly satisfying conclusion to what should have been a 5 book series, rather than the 7 book series it currently exists as.
September 9, 2017
Richard Bard they don't need Jake and Alex's brain they just need to probe yours! How in the world do you think of the things you write? You make your books such an edge-of-your-seat read that I cannot wait to see what comes out next!!
Your biggest fan Liz
Your biggest fan Liz
February 3, 2018
I started this series when it first came out because it was free. Not my genre and an author I’d never heard of. I was hooked immediately and when the last book came out I decided to start the series over and read the whole thing again before I read this last one, “Against All Odds.” Great decision!
All of the characters come alive and the intensity of the action keeps me turning pages long after I should be sleeping. Jake and friends never disappoint as they race around the globe saving mankind, defeating terrorists and beating the odds. I’m not familiar with military jargon, types of weapons, or capabilities of the aircraft involved but that doesn’t distract from my enjoyment of the story.
The variety of ethnicities, backgrounds and even handicaps of the characters adds a layer of interaction not often portrayed. My only complaint is that Francesca became almost a shadow character by the last book and wasn’t as strong of a presence as she was earlier. Lacey and Skyler made up for that, however.
I’d love to see this series become a movie franchise. Of course when I say I want a movie I mean I want it to be exactly the same as each book, no short cuts, and that’s not likely to happen! There could also be a Pete and Skyler spin off and I’d love to see what happens as Alex grows up.
All of the characters come alive and the intensity of the action keeps me turning pages long after I should be sleeping. Jake and friends never disappoint as they race around the globe saving mankind, defeating terrorists and beating the odds. I’m not familiar with military jargon, types of weapons, or capabilities of the aircraft involved but that doesn’t distract from my enjoyment of the story.
The variety of ethnicities, backgrounds and even handicaps of the characters adds a layer of interaction not often portrayed. My only complaint is that Francesca became almost a shadow character by the last book and wasn’t as strong of a presence as she was earlier. Lacey and Skyler made up for that, however.
I’d love to see this series become a movie franchise. Of course when I say I want a movie I mean I want it to be exactly the same as each book, no short cuts, and that’s not likely to happen! There could also be a Pete and Skyler spin off and I’d love to see what happens as Alex grows up.
September 12, 2017
I think the most commonly repeated phrase I used while reading this book was "Say it isn't so." Characters I had grown to love were constantly in peril and it looked like they were goners for sure. I won't reveal any outcomes in order to not spoil it for others, but suffice it to say that the reader will be well advised to keep on reading.
"Against All Odds" is the seventh and final installment in the Jake Bronson series and it is worthy of its status as a conclusion. Jake and his family and friends find themselves in many tight spots at the hands of terrorists and mercenaries all seeking their heads - literally. How they survive is the stuff of legends and this series should go down as one of the all-time greats in the thriller genre.
What I found interesting in this series are the activities of the kids - Jake's son and the others - who demonstrate bravery way beyond their years. I don't know if this thread will generate a sequel series or not (I hope it does), but it adds a unique flavor to the action.
This book, and series, has all the elements good thrillers need - mystery, action, intrigue, and plenty of really bad guys (and gals). I highly recommend this series. Five huge stars.
"Against All Odds" is the seventh and final installment in the Jake Bronson series and it is worthy of its status as a conclusion. Jake and his family and friends find themselves in many tight spots at the hands of terrorists and mercenaries all seeking their heads - literally. How they survive is the stuff of legends and this series should go down as one of the all-time greats in the thriller genre.
What I found interesting in this series are the activities of the kids - Jake's son and the others - who demonstrate bravery way beyond their years. I don't know if this thread will generate a sequel series or not (I hope it does), but it adds a unique flavor to the action.
This book, and series, has all the elements good thrillers need - mystery, action, intrigue, and plenty of really bad guys (and gals). I highly recommend this series. Five huge stars.
September 15, 2017
Against All Odds finds Jake Bronson, together with his whole family and entire group of unusual friends fighting one last HUGE and shocking terrorist attack on the US. Never in the history of our states has such a clever plan been devised, and it will kill tens of thousands in one fell swoop.
In an ultra exciting and extremely moving book, the Bronsons go through Hell and High Water to save the country they love and clear their names. The reader will experience every bit of the highs and highers as they read the final tale in the Brainrush Series.
I have enjoyed every moment with Jake Bronson, his family and friends and shall mourn the ending of the story line like I did the ending of my own series ending. It is like losing a great friend. Richard Bard has outdone himself in finishing off the series, one that will not be soon forgotten!
~ Taborri Walker, author of the Earth Maid series on Amazon
In an ultra exciting and extremely moving book, the Bronsons go through Hell and High Water to save the country they love and clear their names. The reader will experience every bit of the highs and highers as they read the final tale in the Brainrush Series.
I have enjoyed every moment with Jake Bronson, his family and friends and shall mourn the ending of the story line like I did the ending of my own series ending. It is like losing a great friend. Richard Bard has outdone himself in finishing off the series, one that will not be soon forgotten!
~ Taborri Walker, author of the Earth Maid series on Amazon
December 13, 2018
A terrific finish to the whole Brainrush series that results in Jake, a man with a special talent who has escaped death multiple times, going to find out the source of his power. He goes to Brazil to find his son and a being from another planet who came to judge the earth and its inhabitants' actions . This is quite a story and unbelievable in part but because of the pace it is written and the speed I plowed through the pages, I really couldnot put it down. ( I have lots of Christmassy stuff to do, but i had to read this one.) I also had to chew on lots of snacks to finish this as my teeth were somewhat clenched in part during this readubg. I will blame the author for my gain in calories- ha ha. The characters were those that I grew to admire and get connected too as the story traveled through the series, I felt the ending did answer most of my questions, but I was a little sad to put this one down. I sort of wanted to characters to live on..I should have rated it a 4.5
September 11, 2017
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the final "ride"!! Just when I thought Jake and his friends had gotten the best of the terrorists a twist came. Richard Bard is a fantastic author!! He weaves and puts so much into his books at the end I am still wanting more but alas this is the final in the series.
For anyone who wants a thrill ride this series is a must!! One can't help but root for the good guys but Richard gives you twists that keeps the suspense building.
I rate him on a par with another author I like--David Baldacci. If you like Baldacci you'll love the Brainrush series!!
If there were more than 5 stars it would get the most allowed to an author.
For anyone who wants a thrill ride this series is a must!! One can't help but root for the good guys but Richard gives you twists that keeps the suspense building.
I rate him on a par with another author I like--David Baldacci. If you like Baldacci you'll love the Brainrush series!!
If there were more than 5 stars it would get the most allowed to an author.
June 12, 2018
Excellent ending to a cracking series
When I started this final book in the series I wondered how the author could possible unravel all the snares that entangled the heroic family at the centre of it.
He managed it, and brought the series to a most satisfactory conclusion . . . about which I’m not going to say a thing for fear of spoilers. All I can say is that the Bronson family and their friends face extreme danger time after time, with every man’s hand against them and only their own wits and ingenuity to pull them through. Do they all make it through to the end? You’ll have to read it and find out.
When I started this final book in the series I wondered how the author could possible unravel all the snares that entangled the heroic family at the centre of it.
He managed it, and brought the series to a most satisfactory conclusion . . . about which I’m not going to say a thing for fear of spoilers. All I can say is that the Bronson family and their friends face extreme danger time after time, with every man’s hand against them and only their own wits and ingenuity to pull them through. Do they all make it through to the end? You’ll have to read it and find out.
September 11, 2017
A fitting finale to the Brainrush series, see's Jake, family and friends facing threats both at home and from the stars. This book is split into two parts, the first follows Jake and Alex as they are pulled towards Brazil by a strange force, who created the mini and have been watching earth from a far. The second part, has the whole gang back together facing an unprecedented terrorist attack. This book brings the series to an end nicely and it was nice that a lot of characters from the series were in on the final show down. Looking forward to Richard's new series, it has a lot to live up to.
November 12, 2017
Great read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Loved it and I was on the edge of my seat. Sorry to end the series. Maybe Alex will be back at age 18. Thank you for a good run. I would recommend this to everyone, a nice series to introduce readers to sci-first that didn't fall into fantasy or terribly gory reading. Nice emphasis on family, dedication to integrity and loyalty to friends. Thank you for a refreshing change. Well worth the five stars for representing those values that are not often found in our society.
Loved it and I was on the edge of my seat. Sorry to end the series. Maybe Alex will be back at age 18. Thank you for a good run. I would recommend this to everyone, a nice series to introduce readers to sci-first that didn't fall into fantasy or terribly gory reading. Nice emphasis on family, dedication to integrity and loyalty to friends. Thank you for a refreshing change. Well worth the five stars for representing those values that are not often found in our society.
October 7, 2017
What a nail biter
I will really miss Jake and his family. They certainly earned a rest. In my opinion this was the most suspenseful of the Brainrush series although my favorite is still book 1. Richard Bard is a very,very talented and dynamic writer. In my opinion on a level with the likes of Dean Koontz. He however is too modest to believe. After a well deserved rest I sincerely hope he will come back with ssh something to rival Brainrush.
I will really miss Jake and his family. They certainly earned a rest. In my opinion this was the most suspenseful of the Brainrush series although my favorite is still book 1. Richard Bard is a very,very talented and dynamic writer. In my opinion on a level with the likes of Dean Koontz. He however is too modest to believe. After a well deserved rest I sincerely hope he will come back with ssh something to rival Brainrush.
October 30, 2017
What a ride. The characters are so real and bigger than life. Hated to see this series end and hope that the author takes the upcoming generation for a saga of its own! The growth of the author over the series hass made it imperative to continue throughout. It is worth going back for a second read.
November 27, 2017
A thrilling conclusion to the series. I'm sorry to see it end. That said, things were wrapped up in a complete and entirely satisfying way. No small feat when there are seven books to deal with. That's a lot of adventures—and most important in my mind, a lot of characters. Action, thrills, chills, and even some threats of tears. Everything I look for in a great action book/series.
February 26, 2019
As with all very long series books, this one got a little old. There was a lot of excitement but the usual, he gets caught, they save him. They get caught, he saves them. I enjoyed the book but I am glad I finished this series so I can get to something not quite so exciting.
I'd recommend this series if you love adventures, guns and ammo and various weapons of mass destruction.
I'd recommend this series if you love adventures, guns and ammo and various weapons of mass destruction.
June 9, 2019
What a brainrush!
Just finished the entire series and loved it. Mr. Bard kept the action going and my adrenaline flowing. All the different locales were great! After finishing book 5 I was ecstatic to find out there was also a 6 and a 7. The author writes from his soul and is a true American! Too bad he lives in CA but nobody’s perfect.
Just finished the entire series and loved it. Mr. Bard kept the action going and my adrenaline flowing. All the different locales were great! After finishing book 5 I was ecstatic to find out there was also a 6 and a 7. The author writes from his soul and is a true American! Too bad he lives in CA but nobody’s perfect.
September 28, 2019
Awesome series!
This was the most interesting storyline with the most plot twists and turns, fantastic scenes, exciting action and interesting characters I think I've ever read! Great writing kept the suspense going from book to book, and interesting characters kept my complete interest.
This was the most interesting storyline with the most plot twists and turns, fantastic scenes, exciting action and interesting characters I think I've ever read! Great writing kept the suspense going from book to book, and interesting characters kept my complete interest.
June 12, 2020
Spectacular series
This 7 book series was a non stop page turner. As soon as I finished Brainrush I purchased the set and didn’t stop reading until the last page. Full of action, romance, aliens and so much more. And the best part, you could believe that all the events could really happen. Excellent reading!!!
This 7 book series was a non stop page turner. As soon as I finished Brainrush I purchased the set and didn’t stop reading until the last page. Full of action, romance, aliens and so much more. And the best part, you could believe that all the events could really happen. Excellent reading!!!
September 19, 2017
Against All Odds
Excellent book. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Excellent story line kept your interest and attention making it hard to put down. This is an excellent series of must reads every book held your interest.
Excellent book. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Excellent story line kept your interest and attention making it hard to put down. This is an excellent series of must reads every book held your interest.
April 26, 2018
GREAT FINISH !
After reading the first two books free, I absolutely had to finish this series, so I bought the next five. Now I have to go back and purchase books 1 & 2 so I can have the whole series in my library. Believe me, IT IS WORTH IT!
After reading the first two books free, I absolutely had to finish this series, so I bought the next five. Now I have to go back and purchase books 1 & 2 so I can have the whole series in my library. Believe me, IT IS WORTH IT!
July 11, 2018
Brainrush series
I loved all 7 books. They were exciting it was hard putting them down when you pick up the books to read. They kept you on the edge of your seat. Would recommend these books to all my friends. Thank you
I loved all 7 books. They were exciting it was hard putting them down when you pick up the books to read. They kept you on the edge of your seat. Would recommend these books to all my friends. Thank you
July 17, 2018
Series was one of the best I have read. The worst thing was waiting for the books to come out
I gave five-stars because I believe that the suspense,romance,danger,twists and turns, and even aliens. Who would not enjoy this !!!!!
I gave five-stars because I believe that the suspense,romance,danger,twists and turns, and even aliens. Who would not enjoy this !!!!!
March 1, 2019
Actually posting a review of this one as the last one in the series. I actually greatly enjoyed this entire series, particularly the combination of classic thriller and anti-terrorism followed with an interesting science fiction twist. Highly recommend the entire series.
March 25, 2021
What a roller coaster ride this series has been. Mr Bard has done a great job of tying up all the loose ends from the first 6 books and provided a thrill ride in Against All Odds. Warning, if you start the series be ready to just download all 7 books and enjoy the ride.
September 17, 2017
Love it!!
This series has been one of the best I have ever read. It is a non-stop edge of your seat thriller from book 1.
This series has been one of the best I have ever read. It is a non-stop edge of your seat thriller from book 1.
September 17, 2017
Jake
An absolutely exciting and wonderful finish to a great series! This was one of the most fun series I've ever read!! Enjoy!
An absolutely exciting and wonderful finish to a great series! This was one of the most fun series I've ever read!! Enjoy!
September 19, 2017
Fantastic series finale.
The Brainrush series finally culminates in a fantastic climax you will just have to read yourselves. But he assured it is truly amazing.
The Brainrush series finally culminates in a fantastic climax you will just have to read yourselves. But he assured it is truly amazing.
September 20, 2017
Excellent
As always, very entertaining series. Wish it wasn't over. Here is hoping for a new series with Alex and friends. Hint hint
As always, very entertaining series. Wish it wasn't over. Here is hoping for a new series with Alex and friends. Hint hint
September 26, 2017
Very Entertaining! Saving the best for last with continuous action packed, thrilling adventures that kept me glued to the book. I loved the whole series, but this last installment really takes the price.
October 19, 2017
Brainrush is the best book series!!! Loved every single book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews