The Icarus Agenda

By: Robert Ludlum

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 29 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Colorado Congressman Evan Kendrick is trying to live out his term of office quietly—when a political mole reveals to the world Kendrick's deepest secret: that Kendrick was the anonymous man in Masqar, the man who courageously freed the hostage held in the American embassy by Arab terrorists; the unknown hero who performed an act of outrageous daring then silently disappeared.

Now, suddenly, Kendrick is a living target pursued by the terrorists he outwitted. Together with the beautiful woman who once saved his life, Kendrick enters a deadly arena where the only currency is blood, where frightened whispers speak of violence yet to come, and where Kendrick's life—and the fate of the free world—may ultimately rest in the powerful hands of a mysterious and deadly figure known only as the Mahdi.

©2012 Robert Ludlum (P)2012 Random House

HATED SO MUCH, COULD NOT STOP LISTENING TIL HOOKED

Hated the narrator (Scott Brick) and his pretentious enunciation, but it was better when I played the book at speedup 1.25%. Some of his accents--and there were many, so I credit him the ability to switch rapidly--were very broad. Particularly the American Jewish financier, whose yiddish lilt was unbelievably similar to the Israeli-New Yorker father-figure with a Masad background. Leads me to the other off-putting aspect, the author's caracature-ish characterizations of the various ethnicities in the book. It's disconcerting that he presents the Arab terrorists as venal and stupid, even while being careful to present their justified political motivations. What a stew! However, the story kept me pinned; despite how ridiculous were the hero Congressman Evan Kendrick and his love the beautiful Arab-American with the preposterous motivation (unmentionable as a possible spoiler). Gawd save me from being drawn into the jaws of such a time-eater again!

Ludlum's words shine voiced by Brick

Fascinating book I would love as a filmmaker to see made into 3-4 films. This suspenseful, yet action filled and full of heart book is great for the times we live in.

I tried to like this book.

Any additional comments?

I really did try but after the meeting with the VP then the trip to the cabin… I gave up and started rooting for the bad guys. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against the good guys so when they win it’s a momentous moment. I’ve stopped it for now, I may finish it but I’m not sure when.

I’d vote for him

Great story which goes to many places. Only wish the story had a follow up.

I want more

If you could sum up The Icarus Agenda in three words, what would they be?

Another Jack Ryan in the making. Well written. Facts before there time.....Hero gets the girl! WHY NOT!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Many...Crazy, fun, smart and he defies the odds

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He is the best of all narrators

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

Going into the jaws of the prison. Alot of these types of scary moments.

Any additional comments?

If you like Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler novels you will enjoy this book.

Amazing storyline and performance!

Amazing storyline and performance! I had read this book on paperback about a decade ago and always remembered it, was pleasantly surprised to see it on Audible.

Like the Energizer Bunny

This book is like the Energizer Bunny - it keeps going and going and going...

Good book

This was one of the better books, both story and narration, this from an 82 year great grandmother.

Enjoyable overall!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The author lays it on pretty thick with the saccharine patriotism and the pretty much unbelievable main character. The end was just way too much and really took away a lot of the enjoyment.

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

Fantastic narrator! Brings individuality to every character and makes it easier to follow as there are MANY important personalities at play in this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nah

Any additional comments?

Again, the author just goes way overboard with the almost smarmy patriotism of some of the characters and so forfeits any credibility he had built up for them. Hope he doesn't try so hard next time to force us to like some of the people.

amazing story, read and narrated perfectly

loved this book, the story tied in so many characters throughout seamlessly. I will be looking for the older books and the one that is next in line.