Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

By: James Rollins

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

"The name is Jones. Indiana Jones."

He's back. Everyone's favorite globe-trotting, tomb-raiding, wisecracking archaeologist is finally at it again.

Now it's 1957, the atomic age is in full swing, and McCarthy-era paranoia has the nation on edge.

But for Indiana Jones, the Cold War really heats up when his latest expedition is crashed by a ruthless squad of Russian soldiers. Commanded by a sword- wielding colonel who's as sinister as she is stunning, the menacing Reds drag an unwilling Indy along as they brazenly invade American soil, massacre U.S. soldiers, and plunder a top-secret government warehouse. Their objective: a relic even more precious - and powerful - than the mythic Ark, capable of unlocking secrets beyond human comprehension.

Fast thinking and some high-speed maneuvers help Jones turn the tables, and a one-in-a-million escape narrowly saves him from certain death. But when he's tarred as a suspected spy and fired by his university, Indy thinks it may be time to hang up his hat.

Fate, however, has other plans. Suddenly the road to retirement takes a sharp detour when a colleague's kidnapping leads Jones into the depths of the Amazon jungle on a desperate rescue mission. With a hot-headed teenage biker as his unlikely wing man, and his vengeful new Russian nemesis waiting for a rematch, Indy's back in the game - playing for a prize all the wonders of the world could never rival.

©2008 James Rollins (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Difficult for me to get into.

I found this story difficult to get into. Not sure why. Following complex action sequences that have been written out can be a bit tedious, especially compared to watching the same events unfold visually. I found that if I slowed down the playback, it was a little easier to follow the action. Still, I found it hard to care about what was being described. It just didn't grab me somehow. Maybe I am not the right target audience, though I do enjoy the Indiana Jones movies.

The details

The added details that were missed in the movie really filled the story out and made it a much more enjoyable experience

Indiana Jones is back - and better than the movie

What did you love best about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull?

Reading about Indy's adventures was like visiting an old friend. Well written and excellently performed.

What other book might you compare Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to and why?

Beyond any other Indiana Jones novels (which I do not believe are on audible) any of the Nina Wilde/Eddie Chase books by Andy McDermott. They owe a great deal to the non-stop action and over the top chases and situations of the Indiana Jones franchise.

What does L. J. Ganser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He performed this as if it were an old radio adventure program. Very theatrical and totally in keeping with the story style. It added to the fun. Great choice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Well they DID make the film so I think they used "The Adventure Continues..."

Any additional comments?

Well written and performed. Fills in gaps from the film (like how did Indy end up in that car trunk in the beginning of the film) and fleshs out the characters a bit more. I wish that the author would pen some more Indy adventures...he gets the character well.

Exciting Book

Great Listen! Would recommend to teens and adults. Follows the movie really well while adding to it.

Whip it good!

Better than the movie it’s based on!!! I wish we had gotten this in 2008!

Better than the film

Great performance and experience. Much better than the movie, though I cannot pinpoint why it is better.

Very exciting and adventurous and great scenery

It was good and exciting and good scenery. I enjoyed. Good enemies of Russians. Good friends of man Mutt and Oxley.

not bad just word for word from the movie

If you have seen the movie don't waste your time, it's a great story but you won't learn any new details.

Whip crackin awesome!

Indy is back in a full fledged adventure novel! I appreciate the use of philosophy and archaeology, great book o

I wish they would add saga.

Phenomenal listen. I wish they would add the rest of the series including the non-film books.