The Hammer of Eden

A Novel

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: January LaVoy

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A young FBI agent fights to stop a catastrophic plot that threatens the Earth itself in this scorching novel hailed as “the model of how a thriller ought to be written” (Los Angeles Times) from the award-winning author of The Pillars of the Earth.

“The Hammer of Eden will nail readers to their seats.”—People

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 eco-terrorists 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.

Critic reviews

“Follett ratchets up the Richter scale of suspense.”—USA Today

“Peerless pacing and character development . . . The Hammer of Eden will nail readers to their seats.”—People (A Page-Turner of the Week)

“The thrills hit unnervingly close to home in Follett’s latest white-knuckler.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Riveting . . . taut plotting, tense action, skillful writing, and myriad unexpected twists make this one utterly unputdownable.”—Booklist (starred review)

“A model of how a thriller ought to be written. Follett keeps it crisp and rachets up the tension. . . . Time speeds up as the danger escalates.”—Los Angeles Times

“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

“Amazing . . . Hollywood could have some fun with The Hammer of Eden.”—Orlando Sentinel

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.

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.

Every Good Author Slips

I love Ken Follett but this by far is his worst novel - simplistic story and characters. The reader is one of the worst of his audio novels. Too bad - skip this one.