Plot Summary

The Hammer of Eden

Ken Follett
Guide cover placeholder

The Hammer of Eden

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

Book Brief

Ken Follett

The Hammer of Eden

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern California • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Hammer of Eden by Ken Follett, a charismatic leader named Priest and his hippie commune face the threat of losing their California vineyard due to a planned power plant. To prevent this, they threaten the government with man-made earthquakes using stolen technology, prompting FBI agent Judy Maddox to investigate. The plot involves themes of environmentalism, technology, and law enforcement while highlighting the lengths to which individuals might go to protect their way of life. The novel contains depictions of violence and substance use.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

3.9

24,274 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Ken Follett’s The Hammer of Eden receives mixed reviews. Readers praise its fast-paced, engaging plot and detailed research on seismic activities. However, some criticize the book for underdeveloped characters and predictable twists. Overall, it offers a compelling read for thriller enthusiasts, though it may not satisfy those seeking deep character complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hammer of Eden?

Fans of gripping thrillers and meticulously researched narratives like those in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code or Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity will relish Ken Follett’s The Hammer of Eden. Ideal for readers who enjoy high-stakes plots, vivid characters, and intense suspense.

3.9

24,274 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern California • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!