The Hammer of Eden Audiobook By Ken Follett cover art

The Hammer of Eden

A Novel

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The Hammer of Eden

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: January LaVoy
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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 Action & Adventure Espionage Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Spies & Politics Technothrillers Thriller & Suspense Technology Thriller Suspense Fiction

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)
Suspenseful Plot • Intriguing Twists • Excellent Narration • Engaging Storyline • Unique Concept • Well-paced Delivery
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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.

Couldn’t stop listening

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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.

Bad Narration

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

Great read.

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

Good story and great narrator

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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.

WOW just WOW

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Seldom them do I listen to every word in a narrative such as an audible book. this one by Ken Follett was an excellently narrated book and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Hammer of Eden

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

A long ways from Follett’s

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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!

The Genius of Ken Follett

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If I’d bought the book, I might’ve struggled to finish it. I worked through it slowly and it was the narrator who kept me coming back. Her pacing and characters are excellent.

Story is good—narrator elevates it

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Would you try another book from Ken Follett and/or January LaVoy?

I purchased as I enjoy Ms LaVoy’s performances, and I get author’s and stories I may not have gotten otherwise. I took a chance on this one, and well I have 6 hrs to go, and it still has NOT gotten to the point where I can’t stop listening. In fact I have 2 other stories I am re listening to as this one just isn’t cutting it.

If you’ve listened to books by Ken Follett before, how does this one compare?

Of course The Eye of The Needle, is one of the stories that made author famous, and its obvious author wants to expland his writing talent by this story.
I did enjoy the Third Twin, enough to take a chance on this story.
A mistake for me, as you must enjoy the journey of naive behavior that is bombarded with advanced technology to appreciate this story.
If you like the publisher summary, then the performance is great.

What about January LaVoy’s performance did you like?

I am a new fan, and really enjoyed readers’ performances of author Marcia Clarks series. Check it out
Ms LaVoy can sing a cappella, wow!

Was The Hammer of Eden worth the listening time?

13 hrs is a long book, and the story has not engaged me at hr 6, so unless it picks up in the next 30 mins, absolutely not.

Any additional comments?

I do use the 1.25x speed as it helps in slow stories or to convey the author’s intent.
Were my comments of any help to you?

A Change In Time and Naive Revenge

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