Gabriel

Only One Gets out Alive

By: Shaun Phelps, Mike Evans

Narrated by: Jack Wallen Jr.

In 2013, terrorists struck the Chicago Marathon. It took more than just people; it took their peace of mind and security for the entire country. For Jacob August it took his entire family. After the bombing his life was changed forever. Abandoning his parents' dreams of his education at medical school, he became America's most deadly CIA assassin. No one was safe from Gabriel: Jacob's working persona. Exhausted of being let down by the CIA, Gabriel went independent. He became a killer for hire with one exception: He still had morals. Now, 10 years later, Gabriel has been reunited with the CIA yet again to stop those that plan to cripple America. Gabriel is an adrenaline-filled rollercoaster ride that never stops!

©2015 Mike Evans (P)2015 Mike Evans

Worst narrator ever

It was hard to really get in to the story with random dramatic pauses throughout EVERY sentence. The reading was so stilted it detracted from a really good story. It sounded like a robot reading, and unaware how to enunciate properly. I could not listen to another book by this narrator.

Very Good Assassin Story Without the Angst

I was pleasantly surprised by this assassin novel. It started off knee-deep in action, let off a tad for a very brief but interesting backstory, and kicked some significant butt all the way to the conclusion.

The brief synopsis available on Audible and Goodreads is sufficient. This is one of those books that is best when the listener/reader doesn’t know what is coming next and I highly recommend avoiding spoilers for this fast-paced story. There are some very good plot twists and the ending was quite good, serving as a stand-alone novel while leaving the window open for sequels.

The narration by Jack Wallen, Jr was very good. I initially thought his voice for Gabriel was too quiet and was expecting more of a “Scott Brick bad-assedness” type voice but after only a few minutes I became comfortable with the narration and Gabriel’s portrayal. Mr Wallen’s performance was admirable, with distinct voices and many accents/dialects and there was never a question of which character was speaking at any given time. This was my first audiobook with Mr Wallen as narrator, but I am sure it won’t be my last.

I have been spoiled by Tom Wood’s “Victor the Assassin” series and, I have to admit, I was not anticipating Gabriel to be as good as it was. Gabriel compares very favorably to Victor (still my favorite). If you are looking for a novel of assassins without all of the angst (popularized by Ludlum) and you are waiting impatiently for the next Victor novel, give Gabriel a try: it will definitely serve to fill that assassin escapism in your listening.
Story (plot) :4
Performance. :4
Production Quality :3
Attention Holding. :4

I received Gabriel: Only One Gets Out Alive for free in return for a fair and unbiased review.

Excellent to listen to!!

Would you listen to Gabriel again? Why?

This book was well read and fun to listen too. The book itself, which I read as well, is also well written, and over all an Excellent story

Great listen!

What did you love best about Gabriel?

His no nonsense attitude towards those in power.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gabriel was my favorite character because he knows what he wants and how to accomplish it.

Which scene was your favorite?

The opening fight that gives you some insight to Gabriel.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No I didn't have any extreme reactions.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast

good story, bad performance

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jack Wallen, Jr.?

Anybody else.

Any additional comments?

I'm not much on reviews but I'll make an exception in this case. I couldn't finish it.

Wallen speaks as though he is at the bottom of a 55 gallon drum-way too much bass for me and when the character whispers, Wallen speaks so quietly coupled wit the low tone it was difficult for me to understand what was said, so much so I missed most of the narrative.