The Hammer of Eden

A Novel

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: January LaVoy

The FBI doesn't believe it. The governor wants the problem to disappear. But Agent Judy Maddox knows the threat is real: an extreme group of ecoterrorists has the means and the know-how to set off a massive earthquake of epic proportions. For California, time is running out.

Now Maddox is scrambling to hunt down a petty criminal turned cult leader turned homicidal mastermind. Because she knows that the dying has already begun. And things will only get worse when the earth violently shifts, bolts, and shakes down to its very core.

©2017 Ken Follett (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Follett ratchets up the Richter scale of suspense." ( USA Today)

"Riveting...taut plotting, tense action, skillful writing, and myriad unexpected twists make this one utterly unputdownable." ( Booklist)

"Follett does a first-class job of creating a fictional universe and then inviting the reader to live in it. His substantial research pays off as well, because he writes about the world of earthquakes with the same authority he displays when discussing the technical aspects of the FBI's inner workings." ( Newark Star-Ledger)

Couldn’t stop listening

I’ve read all listened to just about every novel and novel series Follett has written so its was a treat yet find this older book. The story was suspenseful, the characters interesting and the ending satisfying. Though all of Follett’s Audible novels are well narrated, January LaVoy was especially great.

A long ways from Follett’s

The story line felt predictable, the characters lacked depth, and the ending fell flat. The end.

The Genius of Ken Follett

another excellent book and very good reader performer. can Follett is the master of suspense and marvelous twists in the storyline keeps a person, and the person like me, totally engrossed from start to finish! I didn't know what to expect from the title but the first chapter early on set the story in motion and from there it was an exciting ride!

Bad Narration

Even though the narrator tried to use different voices for each character, she failed. Most of the male characters sounded exactly the same, with the exception of one who had a British accent and the main antagonist. She also didn’t pause when there was a break. She read from one scene straight into another which was confusing. Could be the editors fault on this. Other than that the story was great as most of this author’s books prove to be. Wish I had bought the book instead of using a credit on this one.

Great read.

I have hearing problems which makes a female orator difficult but this was very easy and clear to listen to.

Good story and great narrator

The story draws you in and the fast paced storytelling made me listen to this in record time. Good ending too.

WOW just WOW

I am not really a fan of female narrators but January LaVoy does an excellent job, she is one of the best in my book.
The Hammer of Eden is superbly written and at first you really can sympathize with the main character Priest and your routing for him to save his valley when reality hits and you start wondering if man could really start an earthquake. As you race against time with Agent Judy your holding your breath hoping that she will conquer all. there are many little turns and twist which makes this one of the best books Ken Follet has written.

Poor attempt by Follett

This is a poor attempt to keep the listener interested through the length of the book.

Strange ending.

Follett must have used his staff to write the book.

the Mind

Very good narrative with an a great plot for this thriller. Really enjoyed the twist and turns- a good listen

Interesting plot, well executed

Great read, lots of good twists and turns. Predictable ending but interesting how it got there.