Ken Follett's 'The Hammer of Eden' is a thrilling tale that delves into the world of earthquakes and terrorism. The story revolves around a commune leader who plans to induce earthquakes using technology to hold California to ransom. As the plot unfolds, the tension rises, and the only person taking the threat seriously is taken for granted by her managers. The book offers a fast-paced narrative with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the end. Despite some dated elements and questionable plot points, the novel presents a gripping storyline that explores the consequences of manipulating natural disasters for political gain.

Characters:

Characters are varied and often engage the reader's feelings, particularly in the contrasts between good and evil.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is accessible and fast-paced, typical of thrillers, though some feel it lacks depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores a commune's drastic actions to manipulate nature, intertwining elements of terror and crime.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in California, though some geographic inconsistencies detract from immersion.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, effectively maintaining suspense but sometimes leading to abrupt conclusions.

A pine forest covers the hills, as thick as the fur on a bear’s back. The sky is so blue, in the clear mountain air, that it hurts his eyes to look up. Miles from the road there is a secret valley wit...

Notes:

The Hammer of Eden is Ken Follett's first novel that some readers have experienced.

Many readers compared it unfavorably to Follett's other works, especially The Pillars of the Earth.

The book involves a commune leader using technology to induce earthquakes as a form of ransom.

Critics noted inaccuracies in California geography that detracted from the reading experience.

The story features a diverse cast, including a half-Vietnamese FBI agent dealing with discrimination.

Set before 9/11, the book offers an interesting perspective on terrorism at that time.

Readers appreciated Follett's pacing and storytelling, even if they found some plot points dubious or predictable.

Some characters were compelling enough that readers sympathized with even the villains, a potential flaw in characterization.

Though not his best work, some fans still found it entertaining and engaging despite its simplicity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of terrorism and psychological distress, with some violent acts described.

From The Publisher:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

Ratings (1)

Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (3):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (1)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
The Hammer of Eden?

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Hammer of Eden

Ken Follett