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Breakthrough

Written by: Michael C. Grumley
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's Summary

One of the greatest breakthroughs in human history. A secret that was never supposed to be found. And a crisis that cannot be stopped.

Deep in the Caribbean Sea, a nuclear submarine is forced to suddenly abort its mission under mysterious circumstances. Strange facts begin to emerge that lead naval investigator John Clay to a small group of marine biologists who are quietly on the verge of making history.

With the help of a powerful computer system, Alison Shaw and her team are preparing to translate the first two-way conversation with the planet's second smartest species. But the team discovers much more from their dolphins than they ever expected when a secret object is revealed on the ocean floor. One that was never supposed to be found.

Alison was sure she would never trust the military again. However, when an unknown group immediately becomes interested in her work, Alison realizes John Clay may be the only person she can trust. Together, they must piece together a dangerous puzzle, and the most frightening piece is the trembling in Antarctica.

To make matters worse, someone from the inside is trying to stop them. Now, time is running out...and our understanding of the world is about to change forever.

©2013 Michael C. Grumley (P)2018 Recorded Books

What listeners say about Breakthrough

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An unexpected gem

I came across this book while browsing through the military thriller category on Audible. I'd never heard of the author and seen no other advertisements for the book. The fact that Scott Brick narrated it was a plus, as I had already found myself a fan after his performances of some of Gregg Hurwitz's works. The synopsis of an undersea mystery and communications with dolphins peaked my interest and I dove right in.

Overall, it rather enjoyable. Michael C. Grumley writes quite well, portraying scenes and characters compellingly. I have zero complaints about the prose or how he plots the book. I cared about what happened to the characters, how they felt, and sympathized with their goals. The scenes and action were absorbing to the point where I had to pull myself out in order to focus on the road while driving.

Other than some quibbles and doubts about some explanations regarding evolution, I have few complaints. One is that some of the drama seems to have been generated by oddly ignored opportunities to communicate. It may be that protocol made these opportunities impossible, but it still seems to me that some characters kept quiet when they should not have. The other problem is the one-dimensional antagonist. It appeared as if a deeper mystery were involved in his motivations, but nothing was ever ultimately revealed. This left him less compelling, in the end, even as I revelled in his fall.

None of the complaints I had diminished my enjoyment of the book. I'd certainly recommend it and I will explore the author's other works, too.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable entertainment

Although the science might not all hold up… I still enjoyed Breakthrough. You do need to know that I’m also a woman who rushed home, as a child, to watch Flipper on TV sooo that tells you how I feel about dolphins.
In a nutshell, something is found on the ocean floor that is not meant to be discovered.
Meanwhile, a team of marine biologists are working on developing a human dolphin communication device.
This had the same feel as Jurassic park for me… a rip roaring adventure with plenty of characters to care about.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent books in the Breakthrough series.

First in the Breakthrough series. You will want to listen to them in order and you wo'n't want to wait in between books either! Scott Brick is an excellent choice for narrator, the story lines are well researched and written, interesting and believable science .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Beginning

This is my second Grumley book and I loved it even more than Monument. Great series beginning and good characters. Ordered the second in the chain ten minutes after the finish. Great job Michael; great job Scott!

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  • Rob
  • 2020-09-06

Excellent First Book for the author.

It is hard to believe it is Michael Grumley’s first book. You never know which characters will make it to the end or how it will all turn out ok. The characters are compelling and it has a good story.

Scott Brick is also a great narrator. I will listen to anything he reads.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable

A very good listen with just enough science to keep a person wondering and want to research further

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Breakthrough

Thoroughly enjoyable, and infuriating… In point of fact, I went through all my emotions. It was a very refreshing and cathartic book to read and listen to. Scott Bricks narrations are always top-drawer. Masterful writing

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Solid storry with an excellent performance

A delightful classic first contact story without the usual invasion plot. The story is driven by clever scientists who solve problems. Well done and highly recommended! I'd gladly explore more books by this author.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • CD
  • 2023-07-05

Great Story

This is a great mix of science fiction woven in current global issues. It was so good, I’m buying the next one. 👍👍👍

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good story

I enjoyed the performance- no exaggerated voices that sometimes get very annoying . For the plot, I found some elements could have been more developed to augment the suspense. Fun book

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