Preview
  • The Ultimatum

  • The Guardian, Book 1
  • By: Karen Robards
  • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
  • Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,271 ratings)

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The Ultimatum

By: Karen Robards
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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Publisher's summary

"Enthralling… Readers won't want this adrenaline-rich story to end. " —Booklist (starred review)

Thief. Manipulator. Con artist. Call it what you will - Bianca St. Ives is the best in the business.

Growing up, Bianca St. Ives knew she was different from all her friends. Instead of playing hopscotch or combing her dolls' hair, she studied martial arts with sensei masters and dismantled explosives with special-ops retirees. Her father prepped her well to carry on the family business. Now a striking beauty with fierce skills, the prodigy has surpassed the master.

She's known as the Guardian. Running a multinational firm with her father, she makes a living swindling con men out of money they stole - and she's damn good at it. She does things on her own terms. But her latest gig had a little hiccup - if you count two hundred million dollars and top secret government documents going missing as little. Her father also died on the mission. The thing is, the US government doesn't believe he's really dead. They'll stop at nothing to capture Richard St. Ives, a high-value target and someone who has been on most-wanted lists all over the world for over two decades, and they mean to use Bianca as bait. With only a fellow criminal for backup and her life on the line, it's up to Bianca to uncover the terrifying truth behind what really happened…and set it right, before it's too late.

©2017 Karen Robards (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
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Critic reviews

"The listener is pulled into the suspense by characters infused with life and believability. Whether you're new to audiobooks or a veteran, Julia Whelan will not disappoint in this mighty fine story written by Karen Robards." AudioFile Magazine

"Robards begins a new series with a fascinating main character, blazing action, a Jason Bourne-esque central mystery, and an intriguing cliffhanger ending... Fresh, sexy, and eminently readable." Kirkus

"Robards's visually evocative narrative allows the reader to 'see' Bianca during her escapades... Readers who appreciate the thrillers of Iris Johansen, Tess Gerritsen, and Lisa Gardner will enjoy getting to know Bianca St. Ives." Library Journal

What listeners say about The Ultimatum

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great "first in the series!"

Usually the first in the series is just an introduction, this was indeed that with a great story and a cliffhanger that had me downloading book 2 almost immediately after and book 2 was just as good! Narration perfect!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely loved it

Non-stop action and adventure awaits you in this novel from Karen Robards....there are twists and turns throughout and even though you crave each new chapter to see what happens next, you don't want the hair-raising adventure to end. Thoroughly satisfying!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Ready for number 2

Engaging story, Strong heroine. Touch of romance. Some twist and turns. Not a fan of cliff hangers but final scene was effective in having me ready to buy next story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Excitement

Witty, great excitement and reading. Enjoyed immensely and did not know what was occurring till the very end.


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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nice Thrill Ride

This audio novel has excellent presentation, and is more then well put together. The surprise at the end really caught me off guard.
I would be most delighted to become a fan of the Author and Narrative reader. They both made this story exciting and paired exceptionally well.
I rate this a five star movie quality performance.

Official DeAnn DeVille Review

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting

The story slowly unfolded and the author kept pulling you into the plot until the climatic ending. Can’t wait for the sequel!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Definitely your new choice

Great- FABULOUS- amazeballs narrating. She is perfect. The only thing I can say is that if there isn’t a sequel- that will be the worst decision the author would make.
Enjoy the fun packed thrill ride where you won’t want it to end.
Aloha, & happy listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Edge of your seat excitement!.

Amazing narrator, Julia Whelan, kept the momentum going throughout this well written novel by Karen Robards. Intense predicaments kept me pacing at high speed while the suspense built from one situation to the next. I will definitely listen to the rest of the series and other books by this author and narrator. Worth every minute (and credit) invested!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Action packed twists and turns

Not predictable. The unexpected plot twists made this a unique experience for me. I very much enjoyed the budding romatic relationship aspect as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Good story and narration!

This was a very good book. Lots of action, great, interesting twists, lots of dialogue and very entertaining.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I love a book with a strong female lead. And Bianca is totally in that category.

As for the narration, it is excellent. I am a big fan of Julia Whelan. She does such a great job on male voices and reads with emotion.

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