Extinction Machine

The Joe Ledger Novels, Book 5

By: Jonathan Maberry

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

In Extinction Machine, the fifth Joe Ledger book by Jonathan Maberry, the DMS must go up against someone—or something—in search of new technology that could bring about world war

The President of the United States vanishes from the White House.

A top-secret prototype stealth fighter is destroyed during a test flight. Witnesses on the ground say that it was shot down by a craft that immediately vanished at impossible speeds.

All over the world reports of UFOs are increasing at an alarming rate.
And in a remote fossil dig in China dinosaur hunters have found something that is definitely not of this earth. There are rumors of alien-human hybrids living among us.
Joe Ledger and the Department of Military Sciences rush headlong into the heat of the world's strangest and deadliest arms race, because the global race to recover and retro-engineer alien technologies has just hit a snag. Someone—or something--wants that technology back.

©2013 Jonathan Maberry (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“The Ledger novels are exciting sf thrillers that just happen to involve stuff that's a little out there (and Joe himself is a realistically portrayed soldier who, from time to time, has a hard time dealing with the weirdnesses that surround him). Readers familiar with the series will need no prodding to check this new one out, and newcomers, immediately upon finishing the book, will want to hunt down the earlier installments.” —Booklist, starred review

Maberry and Porter deliver as always!

What made the experience of listening to Extinction Machine the most enjoyable?

I already love the stories, but I was not prepared for the PERFORMANCE of the story! The dialogue felt real, and I was able to just picture all that happened with such clarity. This wasn't just an audiobook, it was a dramatic reading.

What did you like best about this story?

I love ALL the Joe Ledger novels! He is so badass and yet such a good man! Everything that I have read from Maberry includes details and explanations that really tie the plot together. In this story, there are multiple storylines that slowly merge to reveal the amazingly climactic finale.
I love the emotion that we get to feel from all of the characters, especially the main ones. I enjoyed hearing Joe's internal discourses with the Warrior, the Cop, and the Modern Man. I think that this is one of the most balancing features of the Ledger stories because when it comes down to the choices that he makes, he has to choose which part of himself will make the decision...I'm trying to think of an allegory....Perhaps if Captain America, Iron Man and Black Widow were actually one person.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Porter really does a great job with unique voices for all characters! He even makes the female voices believable, which is a real issue I have experienced into in the past. I LOVE his voice for Joe, especially his snarky one!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There wasn't really a moment per se, but the attitude that Echo Team brings to the table, the patriotism and heroic sacrifices that they are willing to make feels like a real tribute to the Armed Forces of America. I feel like Maberry wants readers to really be proud of America. In this particular story, we, of course, see the seedier side of our great nation, but we all know that it happens, and this story doesn't shy away from that. It reminds us that there will always be people who will fight to do the right thing for our country.

Formulaic...with a great formula!

Joe Ledger novels are all very similar. The details change from book to book, but the basic formula stays the same, I find that very comforting! When you find a writing style you like, with great characters and an awesome hero, it is nice to be able to relive the basic same idea with each new installment! My only complaint with this book, is that Joe's snarkiness got a little lazy, in my opinion. There were even some of the same retorts repeated a few times throughout the book. Other than that it was great! Ray Porter is fabulous with the narration!

Ledger needs a movie

Very entertaining, great performance by Ray Porter, Joe Ledger is as crazy as ever. A good mix of conspiracy, syfi and action.

If you like UFOs

The Joe Ledger series is another good one. This is perhaps one of my favorites to date.

Need more Joe!

Ray does a FANTASTIC job with the Maberry treasures!! The two of them allow me to escape for a little while every time I listen!!!!!

Again! Again!

Ray Porter *is* Joe Ledger! Everything about this story clicks and it like the best roller coaster rides, it's over far too soon!

Fast paced and easy to like

I have become a bit of a fan of Jonathon Maberry since I picked up Patient Zero in a book store a couple of years ago. This continuation of Joe Ledger's adventures didn't dissapoint, This is not great literature but it never intends to be, it is a "boys own adventure" that is well researched and flows nicely. I especially enjoyed the performance, the narrator has the right tone and 'tude for the main character.

Best Book Since Patient Zero!

By the 3rd Joe Ledger book I felt Maberry was loosing a bit of steam....but he has redeemed himself with Extinction Machine. Great action and the story moves along quickly. Does not get bogged down in Joe feeling sorry for himself. That's what had turned me off from the last few books. Ray Porter is great yet again!!

Another great book

Again another great book. Keep them going cause I'm going to keep reading them. Yay.

this one with an awesome adventure and pleasure t

As in wear them all Jonathan Maberry books does Joe ledger series is a pleasure to read