Red Empire

A Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International Novel

By: Jonathan Maberry

Narrated by: Ray Porter

In the next novel in the Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International series by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, the team faces new and old enemies alike as a bioengineered version of The Black Death surfaces. This program is read by award-winning narrator Ray Porter.

Hundreds of years after the first waves of the bubonic plague swept through Europe, a new, more dangerous version threatens London. Joe Ledger’s old enemy the Red Empire—reborn as a far more powerful political and military group—has bioengineered a weaponized version of yersinia pestis—the bacteria responsible for The Black Death that killed tens of millions in the Middle Ages.

As Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International race against the clock to put a stop to the Red Empire’s plans, they’re sucked into the strange and mysterious past of the man called Mr. Church. Secrets come to light that make even his staunchest allies wonder who –and more precisely what—Church really is.

With whispers of an elixir vitae—or elixir of life—circling, Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International are facing the highest possible stakes in their work together yet. As the tension builds and the balance between life and death sways precariously, it seems like tragic losses among them might be inevitable.

"Listeners will find themselves entranced by [Ray] Porter’s terrific narration." —Kirkus on The Dragon Factory (Earphones Award winner)

"Ray Porter narrates in a gleefully theatrical tone...Porter commands the ear and beckons listeners deeper into the battle between ancient beings and undead monstrosities." —Kirkus on Necrotek

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Critic reviews

"A high-octane, action-packed thriller filled with wicked fight scenes, bioweapons, assassins, supervillains, and Ledger’s trademark grim humor. The novel is perfect for Maberry’s fans or for those who enjoy thrillers with a horror and sci-fi edge." —Library Journal, starred review

"[A] relentless page-turner... Series fans will devour this." —Publishers Weekly

"With each book the action is more spectacular, the stakes higher—this is the biggest, baddest Joe Ledger novel yet." —Booklist

Additional Praise for Jonathan Maberry:

“Once in a while, if you’re really lucky, you find a book series that hits all the right spots. It excites the action fan in you, inspires you with its characters, and leaves you wanting more with its engrossing stories. Joe Ledger is that series for me. With its cross-genre blend of storytelling, amazing action, great characters and the best action dog ever, it’s easy to see how much Jonathan Maberry loves writing Joe Ledger… Almost as much as you‘ll love reading them.” —Chad Stahelski, director of the JOHN WICK movies

"Maberry takes a calculated risk here, both in crafting a story that is darker than your typical Ledger novel and in taking Joe to a place from which we wonder if he can fully return... it’s exciting to see [the risks] paying off so spectacularly." — Booklist on Relentless

"Your heart will be in your throat during the non-stop action that Jonathan Maberry has created... one of the best in the business." —Criminal Element on Rage

"Maberry readers who haven't sampled the Ledger novels should rectify that immediately by cracking open this one." - Booklist on Cave 13

Please let there be a next book!!!

Aa im sure there are many books that can follow this masterpiece, it seemed to finished of any questions there are. PLEASE CONTINUE the series and share the amazing brilliance of your mind Mr. Mayberry!!! and NEVER let another narrator be the voice of Joe Ledger and Mr. Church!!!!!

Another fantastic novel by a Master Author

This is one of the finest Joe Ledger novels yet! It finally explains the origin of one of the most interesting characters in fiction. I truly hope there will be more back stories of Mr Church and his many lives. I cannot wait for the next installment to see where the story goes from here.

Another win for Maberry/ Porter

Excellent delivery of a much waited installment in this legacy series. Ray Porter embodies the characters with his usual incredible range.

Nonstop Entertainment

This is one of the best Joe Ledger novels yet. It kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time. It broke my heart, but also gave me hope

Mr. Church

Another amazing piece of military science fiction. I can’t wait for the next installment of RTI.