Product Description

ju·das strain, n. A scientific term for an organism that drives an entire species to extinction

New York Times bestselling author James Rollins returns with a terrifying story of an ancient menace reborn to plague the modern world . . . and of an impossible hope that lies hidden in the most shocking place imaginable: within the language of angels.

From the depths of the Indian Ocean, a horrific plague has arisen to devastate humankind—a disease that's unknown, unstoppable . . . and deadly. But it is merely a harbinger of the doom that is to follow. Aboard a cruise liner transformed into a makeshift hospital, Dr. Lisa Cummings and Monk Kokkalis—operatives of SIGMA Force—search for answers to the bizarre affliction. But there are others with far less altruistic intentions. In a savage and sudden coup, terrorists hijack the vessel, turning a mercy ship into a floating bio-weapons lab.

A world away, SIGMA's Commander Gray Pierce thwarts the murderous schemes of a beautiful would-be killer who holds the first clue to the discovery of a possible cure. Pierce joins forces with the woman who wanted him dead, and together they embark upon an astonishing quest following the trail of the most fabled explorer in history: Marco Polo. But time is an enemy as a worldwide pandemic grows rapidly out of control. As a relentless madman dogs their every step, Gray and his unlikely ally are being pulled into an astonishing mystery buried deep in antiquity and in humanity's genetic code. And as the seconds tick closer to doomsday, Gray Pierce will realize he can truly trust no one, for any one of them could be . . . a Judas.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #389298 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-01
• Released on: 2007-07-02
• Formats: Audiobook, Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 15
• Binding: Audio CD

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author James Rollins holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and resides in the Sierra Nevada mountains. An avid spelunker and certified scuba enthusiast, he can often be found underground or underwater.

From AudioFile
Theres a smorgasbord of accents and characters in this thriller, and without straining his voice at all Peter Jay Fernandez handles each one credibly. From a young Marco Polo (in a flashback) to a Malaysian mother, Fernandez keeps listeners spellbound as he adroitly maneuvers through this familiar but still engaging plot. The covert Sigma Force team returns in another adventure, this time to combat the re-emergence of an ancient and deadly plague that killed one-third of the worlds population in the thirteenth century. Part of the plot strains credulity, but with Fernandezs glib reading theres little reason or time to complain. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Great Thrill Ride
James Rollins had me hanging on every word with the Judas Strain. There were three very different, very exciting stories that tied into one by the end of the book. All the characters were likable and smart. It's filled with movie blockbuster action and pacing but none of it distracts you from the story. I highly recommend you give The Judas Strain a try.

Friday House
Lost Hours
Lost Hours

Wrong choice of narrator
I love the Sigma Force novels. I enjoyed Black Order CD: A Sigma Novel narrated by Grover Gardner who did a great job and Map of Bones, A Sigma Force Novel [UNABRIDGED] (Audiobook) narrated by L. J. Ganser who did an outstanding job.

L. J. Ganser brought the characters to live and I was thrilled listening to him. This book, The Judas Strain, narrated by Peter Jay Fernandez is a BIG letdown. Peter Jay Fernandez spoils listening to this new Sigma Force novel.

Better get the book.

Yawns instead of thrills plague this novel
The Judas Strain seems to be trying too hard to be the Davinici Code. Yet this novel lacks the suspense, or accurate historical researcher, to justify a lackluster plot that takes place on several continents at once. I found myself unable to stay entertained by the meandering plot, whose characters failed to grip me. The religious overtones, and Vatican involvement, are forced and unnecessary. Peter Jay Fernandez does an acceptable but over the top job narrating the audiobook. I kept expecting him to say, "come to appliance world, where low prices are our priority!" His tone and over-enthusiasm seem better suited to cheesy radio or TV ads, and his voice really got on my nerves as the book progressed. I'm not sure how such a dull "thriller" ever made it onto the best seller list.