THE FIRST BILLION

What do broadband technology, the Russian Mafia, and international finance have in common? Jett Gavallon, Ranger-trained ex-Gulf War fighter pilot, now CEO of Black Jet Securities, wishes he hadn't asked. In a high-stakes move, he has aligned himself with the Russian version of AOL. A rumor-mongering columnist tries to bring Black Jet down, calling Mercury a "scam dog"--an unstable investment. Narrator James Daniels does a worthy job with Reich's frequently unworthy dialogue and plot. Daniels makes this novel entertaining and exciting, but Brilliance Audio should stop using those fake phone effects and music at the beginning and end of each cassette. They add nothing to the listening experience. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]