A unique protagonist, an interesting plot, and good tension made this an unusual thriller. Eddie, who is high functioning neurodiverse has developed omething the government and others want. Will he be able to use it as he wants and will he survive? No spoilers. A good read.

A fairly decent book. It's not exactly the most entertaining but the concept and overall story was rather well done. I enjoyed it a bit more than I thought I would.

Publication Date: June 1st, 2018. Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Harmony House is a think-tank for high-functioning autistic people. Eddie Parks is a resident who has invented an “echo box” that can recreate sounds that were never recorded. He longs to hear the sound of his dead mother’s voice. Though Eddie’s intentions are pure, he has inadvertently created something that could jeopardize national security, and it becomes clear that the intentions of the institute are less than altruistic. This fast-paced thriller delivers as Eddie and Dr. Skylar Drummond endeavour to keep the “echo box” out of the wrong hands.

High-functioning autism is something that is rarely portrayed with this level of competency in a book. I was thrilled with how well it was written into the story.

This book is a good choice for people who enjoy science fiction and thriller novels with realistic dialogue and interesting characters. It looses some points for the plotting, which was a little scattered, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

This book is the first of a proposed two book series. The ending left me excited to read the next book, which is due in 2019, even though the ‘cliffhanger’ is not what you would call a nail-bitter.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Grade: B

Excellent concept, very well written and engaging. I'm already looking forward to reading more by this author. Well researched.

First and foremost, the editing and completion of this novel is top of the line! When one reads so many ARCs there tend to be typical hurdles you have to overcome with regards to shoddy or incomplete editing and formatting - Speed of Sound did not suffer from this at all.

Past this, Bent has created a very singularly unique story that was a real treat and pleasure to read and be a part of. My nephew has autism and it was so refreshing to see such a realistic portrayal of high functioning autism. Not only that but what a delight that he's a 'super hero' of sorts. I've already suggested this book to my sister and I'm sure she's going to absolutely love it. I found the way Bent portrayed Eddie to be thought-provoking and insightful to say the absolute least.

This was an easy quick read that didn't fall flat because of it. The story is very well developed and for the most part enjoyable from start to finish. There were a few moments that all of the twists got a bit convoluted but it didn't take away from my overall feelings in the end. In an age of government conspiracy being very popular I think this is a well timed release for a book. The implications of the "echo box" are far reaching and it left me asking a lot of "what ifs" throughout. I always enjoy when a book makes me think and discuss those implications with people around me - and this is definitely one of those books!

Eric Bernt's book, The Speed of Sound is quite a thriller. The first 1/3 of the book introduces the characters, their back stories and their various motives. From then on, the action and suspense is fast and furious. A very exciting and thought provoking book. Since this is book 1, I am anxious to see what Bernt will have for us next. I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it. #TheSpeedOfSound #NetGalley

Thrilling, engaging, and great premise. I thoroughly recommend this book to lovers of thrill and suspense. And as a mother of a high functioning autistic boy, I wasn't as annoyed by the description of Eddie, a 20 something autistic academic, as I usually am.

First, thank you Netgalley for the copy to read. The Speed of Sound, although starting off slowly, gradually picked up steam and was a fast-moving, action packed book. The idea of an echo box is brilliant, and it's amazing how one person's desire to just hear his mom sing, can turn in to multi-agency mouse hunt. I can see the security implications of a device like this, but Eddie just wanted to hear his mom.

The author was able to create compassion for Eddie. The struggle for Eddie to deal with the outside world must have been difficult for him, and Eric Bernt did a great job of describing that. Sometimes we forget that some people don't understand slang or phrases like "i can't believe my eyes." Eddie would question that phrase.

The ending, for me, was too ambiguous for me. If there is a sequel, I get the need for some suspense to bring you to book 2, but as a stand-alone book, it left me with an audible groan. Good premise, good story, and can't wait to read book 2!

Cat and mouse drama surrounding an astounding device craved by just about anyone and every one, A technological holy grail? Likely, but the uncovering of the multitude of forces in play makes one wonder!

I found this book to be a fascinating look into the world of autism as well as a great fictional suspense book. Skylar is hired by Dr. Fenton to be the new psychologist at Harmony House a special place for special people. Eddie Parks has resided there ever since his childhood and is an autistic savant. Eddie has always wanted to hear his mother's voice since she died when giving birth to him so he builds an archeological audio tool called an echo box. The government is looking on and wanting Eddie's technology for themselves. Skylar and Eddie work with a detective to keep Eddie and the box safe as various groups try to capture them and steal the box for themselves. The only problem with the book is there is an open ending leading to a sequel that doesn't come out till next year. But when it does I will eagerly read it.