Isabella Ascending

By: D. A. Borges

Narrated by: Nicole Pacent

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

You're accused of hacking into your nation's critical infrastructure - the electrical power grid, military databases, perhaps, even an election. What do you do?

This incredible tale follows Isabella Trinity who's traded her successful career on Wall Street for romance in the capital of her country’s fiercest adversary, Russia. There, she is forced to confront her new husband’s dark secret when at a spectacular embassy party she is cast into the world of cyber espionage.

Follow the intrepid Isabella as she ascends through danger and deceit to find an unexpected road to a new life.

©2020 Daniel A. Borges (P)2020 Daniel A. Borges

Dynamic story and audio narration

This audio book was fantastic in every aspect – strong female lead who basically saves the world, so many surprising twists and turns, and the audio recording by Nicole Pacent was truly dynamic. A word on Pacent’s performance – she perfectly captured each character with personality, pace, and accent – and there are quite a few accents to master in this global story. A word on the story, and Isabella in particular… I appreciate the development of her character. This is the story of a mature, professional, and worldly woman who is dealing with complex personal and professional relationships, and therefore emotions. Besides her obvious mental and physical strength, it is this emotional complexity and vulnerability that makes the story quite authentic, and therefore compelling. I believe she is a character worth following, perhaps even into a sequel/series, as the ending leaves room for an interesting and adventurous future!

Another thriller from D.A. Borges!

Another great thriller! I love the level of detail that the author weaves into his stories and, although fiction, it still seems like a modern day true story. Nicole Pacent did a wonderful job with the narration and made the story even more compelling.

Highly Entertaining

The book was riveting, and hard to stop or pause. Did not see the twist at the end coming! Can hardly wait for D.A. Borges' next novel!

A bit up and down.

It was an interesting concept.
I thought the analogy with mountain climbing was over done.
I rather disliked the main character - she seemed a bit all over the place, and made a series of implausible decisions. It was also really irritating to have someone with purportedly no knowledge of computer acting as lead investigator of cyber crime... as if a Wall Street financial wizard would make such ill considered decisions and be unable to learn about computers when required... a bit facile. But such things were essentially necessary to keeping the plot moving - and it does. So, I consider this an action movie book... you need to suspend disbelief snd take it as a series of actions strung together. Snd the action is good! And, for an action movie book, there is a relatively strong plot.

I received this audiobook for free in exchange for a review.

Unexpectedly Great!

The level of detail Borges put into this novel was astounding. The story flowed smoothly, the characters were riveting and realistic, and the twist at the end was slightly unexpected. I really couldn't stop listening and can't wait to hear more from Borges.

Pacent's narration was fine, really good for female characters with a bit of edge to make each woman distinct, but I cringed at each attempt at a male voice. It sounded monotone and bored every time.

I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.