The Judas Strain

A Sigma Force Novel, Book 4

By: James Rollins

Narrated by: Peter J. Fernandez

Length: 18 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

ju-das strain, n. A scientific term for an organism that drives an entire species to extinction

New York Times best-selling author James Rollins returns with a terrifying story of an ancient menace reborn to plague the modern world...and of an impossible hope that lies hidden in the most shocking place imaginable: within the language of angels.

From the depths of the Indian Ocean, a horrific plague has arisen to devastate humankind - a disease that's unknown, unstoppable, and deadly. But it is merely a harbinger of the doom that is to follow. Aboard a cruise liner transformed into a makeshift hospital, Dr. Lisa Cummings and Monk Kokkalis, operatives of SIGMA Force, search for answers to the bizarre affliction. But there are others with far less altruistic intentions. In a savage and sudden coup, terrorists hijack the vessel, turning a mercy ship into a floating bio-weapons lab.

A world away, SIGMA's commander, Gray Pierce, thwarts the murderous schemes of a beautiful would-be killer who holds the first clue to the discovery of a possible cure. Pierce joins forces with the woman who wanted him dead, and together they embark upon an astonishing quest following the trail of the most fabled explorer in history: Marco Polo. But time is an enemy as a worldwide pandemic grows rapidly out of control. As a relentless madman dogs their every step, Gray and his unlikely ally are being pulled into an astonishing mystery buried deep in antiquity and in humanity's genetic code. And as the seconds tick closer to doomsday, Gray Pierce will realize he can truly trust no one, for any one of them could be...a Judas.

©2007 Jim Czajkowski (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Action abounds...as the characters from the previous novel range over the globe. There are murders, disfiguring diseases, pirates, cannibals, and, oh yes, people who glow in the dark....this book is great good fun, if readers suspend their disbelief." ( Library Journal)

another great story !

the sigma series is always engaging. however the performer's Italian accent sounds like count Dracula. once you hear it, you can't unhear it.

Another good story in a great series!

I dont understand some of the bad reviews of this book. The storyline follows the same split story pattern ending in a culmination as the previous books.
The narrative abilities are fantastic albeit a little slow reading for me but that is easily remedied by adjusting the play speed.
All in all I love the depth in science,technology and religious perspective & I look forward to the next in the series!!!!

Fun read

A little over the top at times but it was a very enjoyable, easy, fun read

loved it -

riveting never-ending action highly recommend for action adventure fans. Never a dull moment and surprses at every turn

Best Yet

Would you listen to The Judas Strain again? Why?

James Rollins in my opinion hits a home run with this book. I didn't want to turn the book off and often found myself sitting in the are listening intently waiting for a break in story where I could turn it off until I could listen again. I love Rollins and his stories.

Any additional comments?

I will work my way through each of his books and then begin listening to them again.

Wow wow woow WoW!

This is a superb example of great writing a page turner like no other plot action realism and adventure Indiana Jones has nothing compared to painter a must for your audio library which to hear over and over to absorb every nuance of excitement.

Great story as usual

I am truly enjoying this series. The characters wonderful, relatable, and becoming almost real to me. I love the tie ins with Catholicism and religions from across the world. I'm glad I read the first book and I am always Anxious to start the next.

Great Book!!

I loved it. It had drama,action, mystery and all the bells and whistles.
It kept me interested on the edge of my seat.

This was the 1st book I've listened to of his, now I want hem all.

Typical Sigma Force

It is definitely a James Rollins novel, and that’s a good thing. Not a fan of the narrator for this installment. It would have been better if he hadn’t attempted accents. His Italian is closer to The Count from Sesame Street.

They can’t all be great

Not sure if it was the Performace or the Writer, but this one wasn’t as good as his previous books in the sigma series. The story was good, but characters were annoying this time around.