Tic and Toc

By: Mike Robb

Narrated by: Emily Booker

Sue and Sam—better known as Tic and Toc—were unstoppable as a team, a near-mythical pair of assassins known for their perfectly synchronized kills. Alongside their partner, Tom, they pulled off impossible missions for the galaxy’s most powerful syndicates, bound by loyalty and a shared understanding of their brutal world. But when a mission on Earth went wrong, Tom vanished, leaving only blood and betrayal in his wake. The legendary team shattered, and Tic and Toc went separate ways, their reputation buried under rumors and ghosts.

Years later, Tic receives a message—a contract for the assassination of a high-ranking minister on Earth. Against her instincts, she takes it, driven by whispers of Tom’s involvement. When Toc shows up on the same job, the two must reunite in the shadow of old wounds, navigating New Eden, Earth’s high-security capital. Together, they uncover a chilling truth: Tom is alive and working with the Sentinel, a rogue AI network controlling syndicate politics and manipulating every facet of the galaxy.

Caught in a battle against an unstoppable AI and haunted by their own past, Tic and Toc find themselves the target of both the syndicates and the Sentinel itself. With the galaxy’s future hanging in the balance, Tic and Toc must confront their former friend—and make a choice that will decide the fate of billions.

©2024 Mike Robb (P)2025 Mike Robb

Short, easy read/listen great for pre-teens and older

I think it’s a good idea to read the books that my kids read so I can keep up with the information that they are taking in from the world, but I always found it difficult to find the time. Finally deciding that audiobooks might be the way to go, I chose this book because it was a shorter length and listened to it while I was on my drive to work. First, I have to commend the choice of narrator for the book, because I can honestly say that listening to her voice made me literally feel more at peace while driving in rush hour traffic than I ever have in my life! The story itself kept me interested and reminded me of other dystopian-type books that I have read with my kids in the past, and was equally as exciting. I found myself visualizing the scene and action in my head. When it was over, it definitely left room for a sequel. I hope this author continues this storyline! The only thing that I could potentially see being a negative for some parents was that there is some very light profanity. As I am quite sure that the specific words used in this book have been heard regularly in my own household and almost assuredly by most kids in school, this wasn’t a problem for me. Looking forward to more!

If Your Sci-Fi Video Game Were an Audiobook

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, under two hour listen! Tic and Toc remind me of video game protagonists who are completing levels that progress in difficulty. Each step of the plan is more difficult and daunting than the last, tension builds with a few twists and turns along the way, and there's a cheesy catch phrase thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed Emily Booker's voice and delivery style. Her voice is moody enough to capture the tone and sarcasm of Mike Robb's writing style, yet also soothing and gentle to the listener's ear. I would listen to future books written/narrated by this pair! You could even say Mike Robb is Tic to Emily Booker's Toc... See what I did there? ;)