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A review by jkellyjr
Deep Fake by Ward Larsen
5.0
Fake it till you make it……
Book Information
Deep Fake was written by Ward Larsen. It was published on March 14, 2023 and is 352 pages. I listened to the audiobook version which is narrated by Braden Wright and is 12 hours and 21 minutes. Ward Larsen is a USA Today bestselling author, and seven-time winner of the Florida Book Award. Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
Brice Ridgeway is a patriot. He is an Army vet. His service ended with a combat injury and he made the difficult choice to depart the service because he knew that at less than 100%--he would put others at risk. He continued to serve, however, but now as an elected member of Congress. He also continued to protect others, preventing a terrorist attack in a public forum—an act that catapults him into the race for President of the United States.
But something isn’t right. His wife, Sarah, begins to notice strange behaviors and memory failures—just little things, but enough to be concerning. Her search for that might be wrong uncovers secrets. It leads to revelations that could change her life forever—and have devastating impacts on the Nation. Does she really know Brice? Does anyone?
My Thoughts
The best book I have read this year. Perhaps even the best book I have read in several years. Pure awesomeness.
Deep fake grabs you right from the beginning. Larsen is a master at feeding you crumbs of information. He gives you enough to make you wonder. To make you think. To make you need to know more. His pacing is impeccable---you will keep wondering right until the very end and then he rewards you with an incredible finish.
This book is also a testament to Larsen’s storytelling skills. The story itself isn’t entirely unique. Variations have been told in other books and on TV or in movies. Frankly, it has the potential to be cheesy if not done right. But there is no cheese in this book. Larsen makes the premise his own and delivers a stunning political thriller that will likely be a contender for the best book in 2023 in this category. As someone who lives and works with politics every day and frequents the halls of Capitol Hill, I am not often impressed with political thrillers. I am somewhat jaded in this area but Larsen provides a fresh voice. I greatly enjoyed this book.
The narration was also excellent. Braden Wright doesn’t read the book, he performs it. He brings the characters to life and helps build upon the excellent story. I don’t think you can go wrong with either the written or audiobook here….its fantastic.
Recommendation
If you like political thrillers, this is a must-read. Buy it, borrow it, steal it (well, don’t really steal it)---just get it now and read it. You will not be disappointed.
Rating
5 Genuine Non-Fake Stars
Book Information
Deep Fake was written by Ward Larsen. It was published on March 14, 2023 and is 352 pages. I listened to the audiobook version which is narrated by Braden Wright and is 12 hours and 21 minutes. Ward Larsen is a USA Today bestselling author, and seven-time winner of the Florida Book Award. Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
Brice Ridgeway is a patriot. He is an Army vet. His service ended with a combat injury and he made the difficult choice to depart the service because he knew that at less than 100%--he would put others at risk. He continued to serve, however, but now as an elected member of Congress. He also continued to protect others, preventing a terrorist attack in a public forum—an act that catapults him into the race for President of the United States.
But something isn’t right. His wife, Sarah, begins to notice strange behaviors and memory failures—just little things, but enough to be concerning. Her search for that might be wrong uncovers secrets. It leads to revelations that could change her life forever—and have devastating impacts on the Nation. Does she really know Brice? Does anyone?
My Thoughts
The best book I have read this year. Perhaps even the best book I have read in several years. Pure awesomeness.
Deep fake grabs you right from the beginning. Larsen is a master at feeding you crumbs of information. He gives you enough to make you wonder. To make you think. To make you need to know more. His pacing is impeccable---you will keep wondering right until the very end and then he rewards you with an incredible finish.
This book is also a testament to Larsen’s storytelling skills. The story itself isn’t entirely unique. Variations have been told in other books and on TV or in movies. Frankly, it has the potential to be cheesy if not done right. But there is no cheese in this book. Larsen makes the premise his own and delivers a stunning political thriller that will likely be a contender for the best book in 2023 in this category. As someone who lives and works with politics every day and frequents the halls of Capitol Hill, I am not often impressed with political thrillers. I am somewhat jaded in this area but Larsen provides a fresh voice. I greatly enjoyed this book.
The narration was also excellent. Braden Wright doesn’t read the book, he performs it. He brings the characters to life and helps build upon the excellent story. I don’t think you can go wrong with either the written or audiobook here….its fantastic.
Recommendation
If you like political thrillers, this is a must-read. Buy it, borrow it, steal it (well, don’t really steal it)---just get it now and read it. You will not be disappointed.
Rating
5 Genuine Non-Fake Stars