Jake was prepared to die. He just didn't want to do it today... <br /><br />When a freak accident endows a terminally ill man with extraordinary mental abilities, he’ll spend his last days fighting to rescue a woman and her autistic child, unwittingly becoming the only hope against a global terrorist—or the fanatic’s ultimate weapon. <br><br /><br /> Heralded by <i>Publishers Weekly</i> as "a terrifically entertaining thriller" and "inventive and compelling," this first book in Richard Bard’s <i>Brainrush series</i> went on to earn <i>The Wall Street Journal's</i> #1 Action/Adventure slot in their Dec 2011 <i>Guide to Self-Published Big Sellers</i> list.<br /><br />“OMG—this was the best suspense-filled novel I’ve read in years!” 5-Stars by Priscilla<br /><br />When terminally-ill Jake Bronson emerges from an MRI with extraordinary cognitive powers, everyone wants a piece of his talent…including Luciano Battista. Posing as a pioneering scientist, the terrorist leader has been conducting cerebral-implant experiments in a quest to create the ultimate weapon against America, and Jake's altered brain may be the key to his success. But Jake refuses to play the pawn in an unholy war, and when an innocent woman and autistic child are taken hostage to force his cooperation, he embarks on a jihad of his own. Jake is thrust into a deadly chase that leads from the canals of Venice through Monte Carlo and finally to an ancient cavern in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—where Jake discovers his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.<br /><br /> "A little of everything...mystery, suspense, and love. I couldn't put it down." 5-Stars from Linda<br /><br />"I have never been as moved or attached as I have with these books." 5-Stars from LaSuze<br /><br />An international thriller with soul. Ideal reading for fans of Michael Crichton, Nora Roberts, Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, James Rollins, J.D. Robb, Marcus Sakey, Michael Grumley, Brad Thor, Matthew Reilly, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn <br>