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)

I wanted to be engaged...

but I found myself constantly having to rewind my iPod to catch narrative that was too easily unregistered by daydreaming about what brand food my cat would accept or reject or what various and sundry chores I had on my to-do list.

A good book grabs and keeps your attention - sadly, this one did not. I liked the premise, and really wanted to enjoy this story, but the cliched characters and sometimes hackneyed style (her eyes narrowed, his steely gaze spoke, her look conveyed, bla bla bla, etc) gets tiring and rings false.

I'm 2/3s through so I'm gonna finish listening but I hope the ending justifies my time. Otherwise, James Rollins, you're outta my library:)

A great listen

I enjoy James Rollins. I've read several of his other books and chose to listen to this one--I wasn't disappointed.

If you're looking for Daniel Silva or Robert Ludlum like development and characters skip this book! Rollins style is more of Ted Bell (though I like Rollins better), Clive Cussler or Mathew Reilly. Larger than life heros. This is the type of book that is a fun way to forget reality and just try to keep up with the fast flow (and leave your reality analyzer turned off). Think 007.

For those that have read/listened to Rollins before this does have some similarity in characters (as I've found most authors do). Listen or read several other authors in between Rollins books and this will be a fun blast.

A bit convoluted

I like longer books because I spend a lot of time in my car and these listens help pass the time. This story would have been better if it were shorter. The references to the time of day also started to drive me batty after a while. The characters were also a bit of a stretch. But this is fiction and the story was tolerable. Don't know that I'd listen to this again, but if you like yarns with biological intrigue, this is probably worth your time.

wow!

What a wild ride. it will keep your attention - breathlessly!! Cannot wait for the next one.

James Rollins never fails to tell an exciting tale

All of our favorite characters from Sigma Force are here in another adventure to save the world. Twists and unexpected turns are the norm and are never predictable! Love this book. But then I love all James Rollins's books.

Another awesome read

From the first few paragraphs till the very end, James keeps you entertained and intrigued. Always inspiring me to do a little research of my own!

Adventure and espionage!

The bad guys in this books are REALLY bad but the Sigma Force is there is stop the destruction and torture. A wild ride that takes you to many far away places and experience faraway things...like the giant squids and cannibals! And yet even with the fast paced BOND style scenes there are very compassionate lines of dealing with aging parents and Alhzeimers. It is crazy yet so intriging ride...and fun to listen too. The characters are great, strong, caring and have great chemistry with each other. We all have a friend like Kowalski but perhaps want a friend like Monk. It is fast paced and you will wonder who is the good guy and the bad guy....the gray line between the two is fine...just ask Gray Pierce!

The narrator is excellent! The best I have heard, clear voice, changes accents and voices easily. His work makes you understand and appreciate how difficult being a narrator may be. Bravo to Peter Jay Fernadez.

Another excellent book

James Rollins Sigma series are amazing! I love listening to them. This narrator was great! Can’t wait to begin The Last Oracle next.

Interesting but ....

Enjoyable story. A little long and overly (seems to me) intricate. I'm not a fan of secret large evil organizations.

Loooooonnnnnggggg

Why say something in 10 words that can be said in 110? That seems to be the MO of this author. That said, he has a unique and interesting plot with unique and interesting characters. The plot, though, develops slowly and laboriously. He describes and redescribes scenes and thouhts of characters. I've never seen an actual copy of the book, but it must weigh 8 lbs. The narrator is very good, but there is just too much material to have a crisp, entertaining story.