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First published January 31, 2019

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About the author

Michael C. Grumley

18 books1,313 followers
Michael C. Grumley is the author of the best-selling BREAKTHROUGH series with over two million books sold. He lives in Northern California with his two young daughters. He’s an avid reader, runner and most of all father, and dotes on his girls every chance he gets. He loves hearing from readers while he works on the next ROLLBACK book.

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5 stars
5,444 (67%)
4 stars
2,058 (25%)
3 stars
470 (5%)
2 stars
74 (<1%)
1 star
54 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 546 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,824 reviews13.1k followers
May 7, 2021
This series by Michael C. Grumley uses his captivating narrative to keep exploring the world of life beyond humans and how our evolution is strongly tied to the animals around us. Peppering in a little science fiction alongside his strong plots, Grumley transports the reader on a journey like no other. Gathering up the threads from past novels, this story pushes ahead in many facets. Alison Shaw continues to make amazing discoveries alongside her two trusty dolphins, leading to some interesting revelations off the coast of Trinidad. A young gorilla and capuchin monkey shed much light on life in Africa for another biologist, keen to see new parallels between humans and other species. All the while, a young Chinese girl holds a powerful secret inside her, one that could revolutionize the understanding of inter-species communication and connectivity. Packed with action, there is little time for the reader to catch their breath. Meant solely for series fans (as there is no way one could pick this book up as a standalone), Grumley does a masterful job filling in the gaps and creating new ones for those who seek more.

The IMIS system is getting to be quite the commodity, especially as other agencies learn that communication between humans and animals (dolphins and gorillas for the time being) is possible. Marine biologist Alison Shaw and her team see the perils and choose to hide it as best they can, while still honing its power to the best of their abilities. Shaw is able to work with Sally and Dirk, her trusted dolphins, learning more about them and some of the hierarchy that exist. This includes a special dolphin who appears to exhibit a number of powerful traits, all of which baffle Shaw to no end.

Off the coast of Trinidad, the team has discovered a portal left on the ocean floor by other beings. They seek to better understand it and try probing deep inside, only to have an accident cost the safety of a team member. Deemed lost, everyone gives up hope, but the dolphins know otherwise and communicate a plan to help extract the missing team member, in hopes of turning disaster into something positive.

Meanwhile, young Li Na is still recovering from the injection her father gave her, which appears to have instilled a number of strong powers into her body, not the least of which is youth and a strong connection to the animals around her. However, such power comes at a consequence and she is kidnapped again, in hopes that someone will be able to use those powers for their own good. Li Na and her fellow captive must wrest control away from the kidnappers before they become disposable in the eyes of everyone.

On the African continent, a young gorilla, Dulce, and capuchin monkey have opened the eyes of their handler to many new connections with humans. It would appear that other mammals hold keys to human evolution, some of which have been out there and never connected over the centuries. There is surely so much more to understand about animals that has not been discovered, making these small steps only the start of a powerful journey for everyone to enjoy.

As the actions ramps up and truths are revealed at every turn, Grumley takes readers on a journey that is as intense as it is masterful. I cannot say enough about the books and the story, thought they are not for the feint of heart. This series gets better the further one explores, though the intensity is also something that must be balanced. So much is going on that I have almost come to need a flowchart to keep it all straight.

Michael C. Grumley keeps developing highly-detailed novels whose complex plots are becoming harder to digest without full concentration. What began as a ‘novel’ concept has exploded into a powerful series that requires all my attention to understand how the pieces come together effectively. The books push the limits of science and social interactions, while also being highly entertaining and completely educational. Still, there are some readers who bemoan the literary freedoms used to keep the story moving. While I never expected to be, I am addicted to the plots where there is a great deal of action. I find myself listening particularly closely to the science, in hopes of understanding at least some of it, but am also accepting much of what I read, as I cannot parse some of the ideas into reality and complete fiction. Grumley has discovered a great recipe of fully engaging his readers and I cannot fault him at all.

The book again offers fans of the series a glimpse into the lives of many characters familiar to them throughout. While things began with only a few sharing the limelight, there are now more than can be effectively hashed out in a review. I will say that I thoroughly enjoy how Grumley balances character development within the plot, while also adding some personal growth as well. This is important, as it is not always running and shooting and scientific discovery, but personal connections that keep these characters relatable.

There are some interesting developments in the animal world as well. Grumley has used some of the narrative to add personality to those who are not humans. The reader can connect and feel that personal growth of the likes of Sally, Dirk, and even Dulce. It’s a wonderful sight to see me looking to know more about these types of characters as well, showing that Grumley has taken the time to make them more than simply add-ons to the story for the reader to see as mere ‘pets’.

Grumley has kept the story strong yet again and has many ideas flowing together, which bridges the novels effectively. The narrative advances at a clipped pace and keeps the reader wondering where things are headed. There are numerous moments of education for the scientific aspects of the plot, with a great deal of humour peppered throughout. Grumley does not make this an easy or light read, though it is thorough educational and opened my eyes (and mind) numerous times. As mentioned above, there is great character development, both through the narrative and dialogue. Grumley uses this to craft characters the reader will surely enjoy. That being said, some will bemoan the ‘natural language’ that begins creeping into the text. While sex and gratuitous violence are not present, I admit, the odd salty word makes an appearance, though it seems to fit the context well and is not overdone, for puritanical lovers of the series. Grumley again uses a mix of chapter lengths to engage the reader well into staying up well into the night. This being the penultimate novel in the series (so I am told), there is much to be resolved in the final novel.

Kudos, Mr. Grumley, for another strong read. I cannot wait to see where you end things with this stunning series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Profile Image for donna backshall.
829 reviews235 followers
April 23, 2021
Any other Scott Brick and Michael C. Grumley fans out there? I just entered their Mosaic Audiobook Contest to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Not that I'm psyched for a lot of competition for that hundred bucks, but you enter can too by emailing contests@brickbybrickaudiobooks.com by Nov 30th with proof of purchase of Mosaic from any retailer.

The contest page: https://www.brickbybrickaudiobooks.co...

I'm about 1/3 of the way through the audiobook right now, getting my Dirk and Sally fix, and it's such a wonderful adventure. I will be heartbroken when this series comes to an end.
Profile Image for Anima Miejska.
357 reviews70 followers
February 12, 2021
This time I need some time for it to grow on me, but when it did, I was completely engrossed in the story. Excellent pass time :)
Profile Image for Pat.
2,310 reviews501 followers
March 10, 2019
I love this series. I just love it to bits. I could read this series forever. This was quite a long book as it had a lot of ground to cover and I read it over a few days.

Where do I start? The group has hidden IMIS (the amazing super computer that translates between English and dolphin) so that it can't be appropriated by other government agencies. This turns out to be a wise move. Alison get to meet one of the dolphin elders, an animal with special abilities. Something goes wrong when they try and enter the alien ship that is on the sea floor near Trinidad. The hole they drilled closed suddenly trapping one of their crew inside. Through the dolphins they learn he is still alive and a daring rescue is planned.

Neely Lawton is worried about strange changes occurring within Li Na's body but before she can work out what is going on with the teenager they are both kidnapped off the Pathfinder (ship) and another daring rescue has to be planned. Meanwhile Deanne is still in Africa with Dulcie (the young gorilla) and Dexter (a capuchin monkey) and makes some amazing discoveries of her own. There's a lot more happening but I can't fit it all in a review.

Of course none of this review will make any sense unless you have been reading the series. Do not try to read this book unless you are reading them in order. This is book 5. If you are NOT reading this series I can only ask - why the hell not? If you like any sort of fiction you should find something to like about this series which is part thriller, science fiction, fantasy, adventure, conspiracy and has lots of cute animals. If you're into romance with or without steamy sex scenes perhaps you won't enjoy this series. But for everyone else... And now for the dreary wait until the next book is published - sigh!
5 reviews
February 10, 2019
You did it AGAIN !!!

This time you left me more sleepless (1 night and 1/2 a day. Also very disappointed. You left me suspended. What happened to Colonel Langford, Severs, I wanted more of Li Na's story. You ended this too soon
THE NEXT ONE HAD BETTER BE IN THE WORLD
FYI: I do enjoy spending sleepless nights with you (I mean your books)
4 reviews
February 14, 2019
So good!

Mosaic was adventure and intrigue the entire book. I’m excited to read the next installment but I almost wish I had stumbled upon this series after it was over because the waiting is torture. However take as long as you need if your creative mind keeps coming up with these twists Michael! Thanks for really making us think!
6 reviews
February 17, 2019
Great read.

Truly a well written book that holds you by the seat of your pants throughout the story. You will be able to follow story line even if u haven't read the other books. Very interesting evolutionary theories and specie interaction. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for C..
770 reviews119 followers
August 8, 2019
O-M-G, 5 full-length books.....every one a 5-star read IMO makes Michael C. Grumley the #1 best Thriller author....bar none!

As usual, this book grabs you by the throat and drags you at heat-pounding speed to the ending!

There is no "skimming" in his books, because I don't want to miss a single word or scene!

And we have another thrill coming, WOW!

Very highly recommended for lovers of sci-fi-techno-thrillers, but be sure to start with the first book~ Breakthrough (Breakthrough, #1) by Michael C. Grumley
57 reviews
March 1, 2019
This series grabs you

As a South Florida native and scuba diver, I love stories with the ocean as a main setting. Amazing real science along with the science fiction taking us where we aren’t quite there yet. Throwing in the beautiful dolphins and not only communicating with them but working together is awesome. At this point I’m very invested in all of these characters and where the next installment will take them. Of course I love the primates too!
24 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2019
Cant wait for the next one.

I read the first four books in this series last year and loved them. Then I found this one and was excited to know the series was continuing. I like this series as much as I like Rollins Sigma series and Golemons Event series. Hey, this one has dolphins!
22 reviews
February 20, 2019
Great series

This has become one of my all time favorites. Adventure, history, the unknown. With a cast of characters I would love to know, including Dirk, Sally, Dulce , Dexter. People and animals working together. It doesn't get any better. Mr. Grumley...Please do not make me wait so long for what is next.
333 reviews
February 1, 2019
A Must Read

This is the fascinating book in the series Breakthrough. This fifth book in the series adds more story to the previous four books. The dolphins Sally and Dirk, the primates Dulce and Dexter feature prominently again. Other characters are added and fully developed. The people and animals in this series are brought to life under Mr. Grumley's masterful writing. By the end of each book they are like life-long friends. I would highly recommend this series to anyone. The author transcends all genres and please believe if you read nothing else this year read the Breakthrough series, you won't be sorry you did. Much to my pleasant surprise, the author left Mosaic with a hint of a new book to follow. I will wait patiently for it because you can't hurry a brilliant writer.
173 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2019
It's been a while since I read book #4 so I had a tough time remembering all the characters, let alone the new characters added. There's so much going on in the various plot-lines that I found it a bit frustrating as it jumped from plot to plot.

I'm hooked on the series and will definitely purchase the next edition as there's lots left unanswered.

Well written with plenty of character development.
Author 1 book
February 26, 2019
Fifth book in series is a five-star book. Excitement and suspense for all readers. I wouldn't think it easy to "keep story and characters" in order with such a complex story, but Mr. Grumley does it and does it well. I highly recommend his series inclusive of this book. Mr. Grumley, you are still "the man."
2 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2019
I can't wait for the next book in the series, great story and a great mind movie! I would recommend this series, very entertaining

That I am sure you will enjoy as much as I did! I don't like the twenty word limits for review
24 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2019
Mosaic is an appropriate title

I waited anxiously for this book to come out. The whole series is fantastic! When I saw how long it was, I was nervous about it being quite different from the others. It’s a perfect complement. This book weaves so many details, story lines, and plot twists, it’s a mosaic on its own! Espionage, technology, animals, science...it’s all there! Please hurry with the next one!
2 reviews
February 21, 2019
The best in the series yet.

His writing and style have greatly improved since book one. I look forward the next Breakthrough and hope it will be an even a longer novel than it's predecessor.
R
Profile Image for Beverly.
95 reviews
February 5, 2019
Awesomeness galore and more!

I waited a long time for this book and I was not disappointed! The book had me from the word go, it met all my expectations and then some! Now all I have to do is be patient enough to wait for the next book, which I hope is not too long in the future! I would highly recommend this book plus the series to everyone!
Profile Image for Diane Smith.
175 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2019
Gripping!

We’ve waited quite a while for book 5 in the Breakthrough series and I’m pleased to be able to say it was worth it. So many layers of intrigue, so many plot lines with great characters, human and otherwise, twining through them all. Possibly the best so far - but you must start with book 1 or you’ll be hopelessly lost. Well done Mr. Grumley! Please may we have another?
73 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2019
Fantastic

It seems forever since I read his last book but now I see why. It takes awhile to write something as fantastic as this series is. Wow, as with all his books I couldn't put it down. People would be talking to me and so absorbed was I that I didn't realize someone was talking. I can hardly wait for the next one. I would highly recommend this series to every reader. I never want to lose contact with these characters. THANK YOU Mr Grumley!!!!!
5 reviews
February 21, 2019
More please

The story just keeps getting better and better. Hate that now I will have to wait for the next book.
131 reviews
February 18, 2019
Breakthrough

Michael is a very talented author and if you have not read any of this series you need to start with the first one and I feel you will be hooked. I will be waiting for the next story. There are so many characters now that I couldn't put it down. I read this last one in two days. Thanks for the entertainment. Hurry with the next one.
7 reviews
February 17, 2019
Stunning theories and lots of action! Couldn't put it down!

This series of books, and this one in particular, have grabbed my imagination, as well as my sense of hope, about what is truly possible in our world. The connections between seemingly disparate subjects continue to amaze me and I cannot wait for the next book!! Well done Mr. Gridley, well done!
2 reviews
February 19, 2019
MR Grumley is a master !!!

Again, Michael Grumley did not disappoint. I waited not so patiently for Mosaic and I was riveted from beginning to end. I hated to finish because now I have to wait for the next installment.. Kudos to you Michael
Profile Image for Susan Lakin.
1 review
February 19, 2019
Wond

Wonderful series! Enjoyed every book! Hoping for more! Loved every page, and love the characters. Brilliantly written. It was so easy to visualize every scene.
14 reviews
February 19, 2019
Great Series

Love this serious and this last book left me waiting for more! It is very realistic and one also learns a great deal about history
13 reviews
February 18, 2019
My review

Another great installment of Michael's intriguing storyline, I hope to continue when his latest book is available, 10/10 from me in Bonnie Scotland
3 reviews
February 18, 2019
Great book and series

Best book in the series and a great setup for the next release. Beginning to tie together our Ancient Origins.
1 review
February 18, 2019
Brillant plot, just waiting for the next one!
(please hurry. : - )
Displaying 1 - 30 of 546 reviews

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