Net Impact

By: Donald J. Bingle

Narrated by: Bruce Pilkenton

Dick Thornby is not Hollywood's idea of a spy. In his rough and tumble job there are no tailored Italian suits, no bimbos eager to please, and no massive underground fortresses built by evil overlords seeking world domination - just an endless series of sinister threats to the safety and security of the billions of mundane citizens of the planet. Sure, Dick's tough and he knows a few tricks to help him get out of a tight spot, even if his boss accuses him of over-reliance on an abundance of explosives.

But he's also got a mortgage, a wife upset by his frequent absences on "business" trips, and an increasingly alienated teen-age son who spends way too much time playing in gaming worlds on the computer.

When a young computer expert back at the Philadelphia headquarters for The Subsidiary, an international espionage agency created in the aftermath of 9/11, discovers that bad guys are involved in a vast conspiracy, Dick is forced to partner with the espionage neophyte to battle evil on multiple fronts, leading to a final confrontation that incorporates real-world conspiracy theories and cutting-edge technology.

In the end, Dick can save his partner, save his marriage, save his son, or save the world, but he can't do it all.

©2011 Donald J. Bingle (P)2013 Donald J. Bingle

Surprising

This book was a marvelous surprise. It has far more depth to the story than I expected after reading the description. The opening makes you think it might be a different kind of story than it is, and you don't know everything that's going on until close to the end. It really was fantastic. This is now my favorite spy story ever. All the action is there, but so much more as well. I received a free review copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

Great Listen

I was given this book for free,

I found the book great, and the narration was fine as well.

Hooked me at the start then kept me interested

Net Impact is high impact. They story started strong, got me interested, then the plot and characters grew, layer by layer, far beyond what I had imagined. Mr. Bingle’s story combined with Mr. Pilkenton's multi-voiced narration created a cinematic visual that placed me in the middle of every scene. I learned about areas of the digital world I had never explored, but now feel I have been there.
Throughout the novel there are plenty of explosions. There are blazing machine guns. And there are urban myths that come to life. More importantly, there are real people who are faced with life or death challenges and dig deep within themselves to save the world, while also grasping at the remnants of a once normal life.

Baskerville Book Reviews

I’ll start off by saying I have little experience in the way of spy-thrillers. The aspects of the story that I was familiar with all felt well researched and presented properly. The character interactions and relationships all feel genuine and fleshed out, as much as they need to be anyway. This led to the credibility and believability of the world.

While the story isn’t particularly deep, what else do you expect from a spy story? While some aspects of the story are unresolved, I’ve discovered that it’s part of a series. Net Impact managed to keep me hooked and excited to see what happens next. This is definitely a series I’d consider continuing, should the opportunity present itself.

The narration of the audiobook is great. I didn’t notice any audible hiccups, repeated dialogue, mispronounced words, or other common audiobook errors.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

Average

I cant say much more to be quite frank. Ordinary. Why I have to say more to meet 'preview' character needs I cannot tell you?

Online theft...Real world consequences

Received as a review copy from Story Origin; also received an audio review copy from Story Origin, narrated by Bruce Pilkenton who does an extraordinary job of voice mastery with various accents and hilarious dialogue to make this adventurous tale heard with a darker edge.

For Dick Thornby, a life of trying to protect the world from malicious individuals and organizations has wrecked his marriage and a bond with his son, Seth. When sent to New Zealand to prevent an important arms deal, it will throw Dick and the secret organization he works for into a dangerous world of cyber criminals. This deadly world will also draw his son Seth into the same danger that could cost him his life for wanting people to have freedoms others would oppose. A brilliant thrill ride, highly recommended.

Fantastic book!

Loved it! I struggled to put it down at night even when I really needed to go to bed!

Worthy of the Big Screen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I enjoyed this book because it has the feel of a summer action blockbuster. It had a great mix of action and humor, twists and turns that I never saw coming, and excellent pacing. Don Bingle has an excellent grasp of the cinematic style, and manages to bring it out in his prose. I kept catching myself humming action music as I was listening, expecting the action soundtrack to kick in at any moment. Anyone who enjoys a good car chase, espionage action, and thrillers will love this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Dick, the main character. The author does a really nice job of making him extremely good at what he does, without having the character come across as super-human. You cringe whenever he runs into trouble, but then cheer when he finds a way out. Throw in a background for the character that goes beyond the usual "no attachments" (or ignored attachments like some authors do) you see in most spy stories, and it makes for a very interesting character.

What about Bruce Pilkenton’s performance did you like?

Pilkenton really managed to capture each and every character. You never needed the author to say "Luke said" to figure out who was speaking. He really helped to bring the characters to life and added a whole other dimension to the characters.

Who was the most memorable character of Net Impact and why?

As my favorite character, Dick is extremely memorable, but the supporting cast each had such distinct and interesting personalities that I'm eager to see more about them in the future.

Any additional comments?

The thing I love is the creation of a world that I just can't wait to get more of. The Subsidiary is a fantastic idea, and feels fresh even though the "secret spy agency" is something we've seen a lot of in film and literature. The author does a great job of putting a new twist. Most importantly, he keeps the idea of spies and espionage relevant in a post cold-war world.

More than an Action Packed Thriller

Net Impact by Donald J. Bingle is a thriller plays on emotions and connections of Dick Thornby. Thornby is a spy and works for the Subsidiary, a secret agency. The book is action-packed, full of unexpected twists and turns, humor and an ending that is surprising.

Bingle gives his listeners a look into the man, he has a family, everyday issues and a life. While Thornby comes off at times as hardened and cunning, Bingle allows the listeners to witness a deeper depth to the spy. We see him struggle with moral issues, his relationships and his fears as a parent. Most spy novels do not allow the main character to have any distractions. That is what I like about this audiobook.

Bruce Pilkenton, the narrator, did a very good job. In the beginning, he sounded like he struggled to find the rhythm to the story but quickly caught on. I thought he did a fine job of narration. His voice was solid and his characters' voices were noticeable and strong. I would enjoy hearing another read by him.

The production and quality of this audiobook were excellent.

Witty and original

Rick is a spy. Not the smooth and sophisticated spy seen in movies. He's a gritty, do what it takes kind of spy. His wife thinks he has a (literally) crappy job and nags because he's never home.
His world's collide when his son accidentally gets in trouble with cyber criminals and it all blows up.
I liked the way the author let me see how Dick's thoughts flowed, really get into his head, so to speak.
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.