1. About the Authors: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are a globally acclaimed writing duo best known for their thrilling blend of science, suspense, and the supernatural. Their collaboration began with the bestseller Relic (1995), which launched the famous Agent Pendergast series. Preston, a former journalist with a passion for history and science, and Child, a literary scholar and editor, form a perfect creative match.
They are renowned for their fast-paced storytelling, richly detailed settings, and seamless integration of real-world archaeology with speculative fiction. Kirkus Reviews once dubbed them “the Stephen King of scientific thrillers.”
2. About the Narrator: Cynthia Farrell
Cynthia Farrell is a highly regarded voice actress with dozens of audiobooks to her credit, particularly in the crime, suspense, and sci-fi genres. Known for her expressive range and emotional depth, Farrell captures each character’s essence with ease. In Badlands, she delivers a captivating performance that immerses listeners in the eerie atmosphere of New Mexico’s deserts.
Apple Books praises her work, saying: “Farrell’s narration unfolds like a cinematic thriller – measured when needed, intense when tension spikes.”
3. About the Book: Badlands
Badlands is the fifth installment in the Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson series. Set in the remote desert lands of New Mexico, the story begins with the discovery of a woman’s skeleton clutching two rare “lightning stones”—Chacoan artifacts. The circumstances suggest a disturbing ritual rather than a natural death.
As more bodies surface, Nora and Corrie are drawn into a chilling investigation involving ancient belief systems, secret cults, and a sinister force rising from the past.
-
Genre: Thriller – Archaeological – Supernatural Mystery
-
Average Rating: 4.3/5 on Apple Books (based on over 1,500 ratings)
-
Sales: Though specific figures aren’t disclosed, the Pendergast/Kelly series has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
The book’s strength lies in its rare mix of historical accuracy and supernatural suspense, making it a standout in its genre.
4. Book Review: In-Depth Badlands Review – When Relics Lead to Ritual Murders
Badlands stands out as one of the most engaging entries in the Preston & Child catalog. The plot is fast-paced and immediately gripping, thanks to its compelling blend of archaeology and ancient lore.
Strengths:
-
A tightly constructed narrative with authentic archaeological detail
-
Strong female leads with nuanced psychological development
-
Crisp, cinematic writing that keeps the pages turning
Weaknesses:
-
The academic archaeological terms may feel dense for casual readers
Critical Praise:
“A perfect blend of science and horror—you won’t stop until the final page.” – Publishers Weekly
“Preston & Child are still at the top of their game. Nobody tells a spooky mystery quite like them.” – Bookreporter
5. Audiobook Review: Badlands Audiobook – A Masterclass in Narrative Immersion
The audiobook edition of Badlands, narrated by Cynthia Farrell, elevates the story to a whole new level. Her voicework is sharp, immersive, and perfectly suited for the book’s dark desert setting.
Highlights:
-
Seamless transitions between male and female voices
-
A narration pace that mirrors the rising tension of the plot
Minor Drawbacks:
-
Listeners unfamiliar with multi-character audiobooks may need a few chapters to adjust
Critics’ Ratings:
-
Apple Books: 4.7/5
-
AudiobookReviews.com: “A true cinematic experience. Cynthia Farrell doesn’t just read the story—she breathes life into it.”
6. Who Should Listen to This Book?
Badlands is an ideal pick for:
-
Fans of mystery-thrillers with a supernatural twist
-
Readers fascinated by archaeology, ancient history, and Native American culture
-
Audiobook lovers seeking a captivating, well-performed listen
-
Fans of Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, or readers who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones
7. Conclusion: Why Badlands Deserves a Spot on Your Audiobook Playlist
Badlands is more than just a thriller—it’s a haunting exploration of what lies buried beneath centuries of ritual and mystery. With compelling characters, an unforgettable setting, and a stellar narration by Cynthia Farrell, this audiobook is a must-have for suspense fans.
Let Badlands guide you through a tale of dark history, ancient belief, and modern investigation that will stay with you long after the final chapter.
8. Where to Listen to Badlands Audiobook
You can find the Badlands audiobook on several top platforms:
-
Audiobooks.com – Offers access to the Badlands audiobook with Cynthia Farrell’s narration
-
Audible (Amazon) – Available with a free 30-day trial
We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy this and other audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.