Brainrush

“A terrifically entertaining thriller with three finely executed set pieces strung together with nice characterization and a story that culminates in a particularly outrageous and fitting conclusion. Especially successful is Bronson, an amiable, low-key tough guy able to rescue his princess, survive brutality, and retain a sense of humor.” – Publisher’s Weekly*

There are a growing number of documented cases where ordinary people suffer trauma to the head during an accident or seizure and then develop incredible mental abilities overnight—like photographic memory, the ability to do complex mental calculations in a matter of seconds, or to compose a symphony in their mind, transfer it to paper, and play it beautifully on a piano in a matter of hours.

How can that be? Doesn't that mean that the ability resides in our brains in the first place, just waiting to be unlocked? And if these gifts can be awakened by a simple accident, then with all of today's technology we ought to be able to find a way to access them purposefully, right?

For former combat pilot Jake Bronson, the reality of this phenomenon and its consequences are about to become horrifying real. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Jake was prepared to die—he just didn't want to do it today, trapped in an MRI tube during an earthquake. But instead of being killed, the accident increases his brainpower ten-fold, giving him extraordinary mental abilities. And when Jake’s new powers go viral on YouTube, it attracts the attention of a terrorist group working to perfect cerebral implants to enhance the abilities of its Jihadist spies. Convinced that an exam of Jake's brain will catapult their research, they kidnap him.

Held captive in an ancient palace in Venice, Italy, Jake bonds with psychologist Francesca Fellini and two kidnapped autistic-savant children who are destined to be the next subjects in the terrorists' deadly experiments. Jake vows to save them, even if it means trading his life for theirs. Thrust into a deadly chase from the canals of Venice to the Grand Casino of Monte Carlo and finally to an ancient cavern in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan--Jake discovers that his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.


An original weave of current events bound by colorful locations and cutting-edge technology, Bard’s novel is a must-read for fans of Michael Crichton, James Rollins, Clive Cussler, and Brad Thor. A dynamic mix of fast-paced action and thought provoking soul, this book challenges the reader to keep pace with every sharp turn and shocking twist. Acclaimed by fans of action, sci-fi, and political thrillers alike, Brainrush is one of the most innovative and entertaining books of the year.

"An inventive and compelling hybrid of science fiction, adventure, and political thriller. Rather than end the novel with a simple rescue operation, however, this author provides a far more intriguing and unexpected conclusion." – Publisher’s Weekly* (Second Review)

“If this startling debut doesn’t have you turning pages at breakneck speed, then you’re not paying attention. Rich characters, crackling dialogue, and a climactic sequence that is stunning, enervating, and innovative all at once, Richard Bard is a voice to be reckoned with.” – Rebecca Forster, USA Today Best Selling Author of twenty political thrillers.

Reviews based on the unpublished manuscript