Helpful Score: 12
This is a non-stop action thriller. The story starts out at the end of WWII as the Nazis are trying to hide all of their scientific knowledge from their enemies. Then you jump to present day in the Himalayas where a mysterious illness is killing people and animals alike. From there, you go to Denmark, where a simple observation mission turns into something more sinister and an agent is running for his life. Next, you go to South Africa where a game warden is being hunted by a creature that seems to be more nightmare than reality. Of course, you know that all of these seemingly unrelated incidents will come together - and they do. They are all related to the German experiment - which sought to interfere with the process of evolution. Kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end.
Helpful Score: 11
Good mixture of fiction and science. Specifically quantum theory.
Really scary Nazi master race and evolution.
If you like Crichton you will like this.
Really scary Nazi master race and evolution.
If you like Crichton you will like this.
Helpful Score: 7
This is the first time I have read the exploits of Sigma.I have to admit, it was enjoyable.Enough action, mystery and romance (sort of) to keep me interested.I also like the underlying commentary he has.His research is sound, and even the most crazy things seem to have a reasonable explanation by the end.I will read more Sigma adventures with enthusiasm
Helpful Score: 5
Rating: 4/5
This is a really cool book. At first you will think it is another Dan Brown/James Patterson conspiracy, throw-away thriller, but it is actually pretty neat. It combines all the satisfying melodrama of people living on the edge always trying to stay one step ahead of certain doom, with far less plot holes and unconvincing character development.
This book is about some scientist's crazy technology he invented back in WWII Nazi Germany, and everyone wants to know what going on with it. It's one of those run all over the world chasing three different lines of narration type stories. But interesting, fun and unbelievable in the "that's impossible" kind of way, as opposed to the "this plot makes no sense" kind.
Just as fun to read as the normal NYT Bestseller trash, but by a slightly more competent writer.
This is a really cool book. At first you will think it is another Dan Brown/James Patterson conspiracy, throw-away thriller, but it is actually pretty neat. It combines all the satisfying melodrama of people living on the edge always trying to stay one step ahead of certain doom, with far less plot holes and unconvincing character development.
This book is about some scientist's crazy technology he invented back in WWII Nazi Germany, and everyone wants to know what going on with it. It's one of those run all over the world chasing three different lines of narration type stories. But interesting, fun and unbelievable in the "that's impossible" kind of way, as opposed to the "this plot makes no sense" kind.
Just as fun to read as the normal NYT Bestseller trash, but by a slightly more competent writer.
Helpful Score: 4
A good mix of science, action, and adventure keeps you interested until the end. As with some of his other books, the Fact vs Fiction section at the end is a must read! I also liked seeing the return of a few characters from some of his other books (Deep Fathom, Sandstorm, and Map Of Bones). This story takes place after Map of Bones. And though it might help you appreciate the relationships between some characters, I don't think reading them in order is necessary.
Helpful Score: 3
James Rollins has done a magnificent job in telling the story of the black order.The book is fiction bt at time while reading it I almost forgot because he has done his research well. He has included historical facts in a sensational story.
The book is also a commentary on Religion or rather belief in a monotheistic creator. If you believe Genesis 1:1 (In the begining God created the Heavens and the earth) then this book may challenge you. It challenged me but I cam out with my beliefs still firmly resolved. I am not saying the book is entirely about religion. It is far from that. It is a spy thriller with some science vs creation in the background.
The author manages his scenes and characters well as the plot jumps across the globe. His style and form never leave the reader confused.
This was an excellent read and left me wanting more of the series. 5 stars.
The book is also a commentary on Religion or rather belief in a monotheistic creator. If you believe Genesis 1:1 (In the begining God created the Heavens and the earth) then this book may challenge you. It challenged me but I cam out with my beliefs still firmly resolved. I am not saying the book is entirely about religion. It is far from that. It is a spy thriller with some science vs creation in the background.
The author manages his scenes and characters well as the plot jumps across the globe. His style and form never leave the reader confused.
This was an excellent read and left me wanting more of the series. 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 3
I had been wanting to read this book for some time. When I got to it I was disappointed. The plot for me was too slow moving, and the characters I didn't find interesting. Thus, it took me forever to read the book and eventually I gave up, since the book felt like a chore to read.
Helpful Score: 2
I am surprised by all the raves. I was excited to read this and it is an intriguing premise andwell researched, but man! His writing style is just atrocious and I couldn't finish it. He does this way, way, way too often:
He turned around.
And look up.
And saw the helicopters.
Heading in his direction.
And they had guns.
I mean stop with the one fragment paragraphs already! And the character development is just laughable.
He turned around.
And look up.
And saw the helicopters.
Heading in his direction.
And they had guns.
I mean stop with the one fragment paragraphs already! And the character development is just laughable.
If you are familiar with and like Rollins' Sigma Force characters and their interactions, you should really enjoy this book. The interleaving of multiple plot lines, solid ending, and fast pacing make it a quick and fulfilling read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an excellent "keep you on the edge of your seat" book. Written in Rollins unique style of seeing the story unfold from multiple characters points of view, you are compelled to keep reading. The story unfolds across time and several continents before its unpredictable ending.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was great. It was just as good as all of Rollins books tend to be. I would suggest you read this book if you are a fan of any type of action adventure.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a pretty standard Rollins adventure in which the Sigma Force and a few hangers-on once again save the world from yet another group of madmen--this time a bunch of left over Nazis.
Of course, there is the obligitory near death of a couple of the heroes who are saved at the last second against all odds and a couple of the secondary characters have to die.
The action is intense and the premise is a little suprising....kind of out of left field. Our heroes, through bad intel, bad luck, or bad planning continuously find themselves in one jam after another and ill-prepared for what they get into, but always succeed by the skin of their teeth and ultimately destroy the bad guys and their plans for world domination.
If you like Rollins, you'll like "Black Order" as Grey, Monk and the gang lead you on yet another world encompassing romp.
One thing though, I thought the mystical Nazi "bell" was a UFO!!
Of course, there is the obligitory near death of a couple of the heroes who are saved at the last second against all odds and a couple of the secondary characters have to die.
The action is intense and the premise is a little suprising....kind of out of left field. Our heroes, through bad intel, bad luck, or bad planning continuously find themselves in one jam after another and ill-prepared for what they get into, but always succeed by the skin of their teeth and ultimately destroy the bad guys and their plans for world domination.
If you like Rollins, you'll like "Black Order" as Grey, Monk and the gang lead you on yet another world encompassing romp.
One thing though, I thought the mystical Nazi "bell" was a UFO!!
fabulous read!
Gray and Monk are in Copenhagen working on a minor US DARPA mission involving an international auction where very important WWII German scientist documents are being scooped up by one group. Something goes wrong and Gray and Monk are basically chased out of town and following a lead end up in Germany.
Painter and Lisa are in Nepal. Painter is the head of SIGMA's DARPA group and is investigating strange happenings and mysterious deaths. Lisa is a doctor who basically gets kidnapped off Mt Everest while hiking to help figure out an epidemic at a local monestary. They get kidnapped and are brought to a separate location in Germany.
Meanwhile in South Africa, a mutant animal has attacked a UK MI5 agent. After this, all hell breaks loose and everyone converges on South Africa.
This book was amazing! Very involved -- quantum physics, evolution, nazis, the Ayran race -- multiple plot and many good guys and even more bad guys spanning the globe. James Rollins never disappoints.
Painter and Lisa are in Nepal. Painter is the head of SIGMA's DARPA group and is investigating strange happenings and mysterious deaths. Lisa is a doctor who basically gets kidnapped off Mt Everest while hiking to help figure out an epidemic at a local monestary. They get kidnapped and are brought to a separate location in Germany.
Meanwhile in South Africa, a mutant animal has attacked a UK MI5 agent. After this, all hell breaks loose and everyone converges on South Africa.
This book was amazing! Very involved -- quantum physics, evolution, nazis, the Ayran race -- multiple plot and many good guys and even more bad guys spanning the globe. James Rollins never disappoints.
Very graphic voilence. Interesting plot twists, but a little convoluted.
An intersting novel dealing with faith, quantum physics and the pursuit for evolution of the fittest. A good read.
This story has a lot going on. Different members of Sigma Force are in different places and are involved with different threads of the story. In the end they have to all come together. An old woman killed-A monastery of mad monks-A monster in Africa, all are connected. There is plenty of suspense and action. I particularly liked Fiona, a new character and think they need to recruit this kid. There is also romance - a bit. An excellent action/suspense. The connection is an effort to create a super species. Very interesting. Be sure to read the prologue.
one of james rollins best best but a little slow in places
I have enjoyed many of Rollins' books before, but was glad when he started writing the Sigma Force books. I like "watching" the characters develop, and Rollins has a great group of main characters in Sigma Force. Now in the third book, they start hitting their stride together.
As with most of Rollins' books there's always a little historical fiction mixed with a hint of the "supernatural" in addition to some pretty convincing science.
Also, for those fans of Steve Berry and Brad Thor, there are hints that they all occur in the same universe, as characters from both other series make cameos, although some are more subtle than others, love it!
As with most of Rollins' books there's always a little historical fiction mixed with a hint of the "supernatural" in addition to some pretty convincing science.
Also, for those fans of Steve Berry and Brad Thor, there are hints that they all occur in the same universe, as characters from both other series make cameos, although some are more subtle than others, love it!
This was a very different sort of story. It was pretty good read
This is a great read. As all James Rollins fans know, he never fails to successfully combine suspense and action into his novels.
Great read. Interesting premise. Once again, Rollins sucks you into a great action/adventure story.
This book is awesome...One of the best that James Rollins has wrote...
James Rollins with his ever exciting group of Sigma Force personnel come through again with a nail biting, hair raising adventure in a thrill a second story of intrigue that will have you up long after bedtime. Great characters, excellent story line and non stop action will make this a book hard to put gown.
Hey, if you haven't seen any of Rollins' Sigma Force techno-thrillers, you're missing a really fine reading experience! Excuse me, I have to hurry out and get the next one now.
From back cover:
IN COPENHAGEN . . . a suspicious bookstore fire propels Commander Gray Pierce on a relentless hunt across four continents--and into a terrifying mystery surrounding horrific experiments once performed in a now-abandoned laboratory buried in a hollowed-out mountain in Poland.
IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NEPAL . . . in a remote monastery, Buddhist monks inexplicably turn to cannibalism and torture--while Painter Crowe, director of Sigma Force, begins to show signs of the same baffling, mind-destroying malady . . . and Lisa Cummings, a dedicated American doctor, becomes the target of a brutal clandestine assassin.
Now only Gray Pierce and Sigma Force can save a world suddenly in terrible jeopardy. Because a new order is on the rise--an annihilating nightmare growing at the heart of the greatest mystery of all: the origin of life.
From back cover:
IN COPENHAGEN . . . a suspicious bookstore fire propels Commander Gray Pierce on a relentless hunt across four continents--and into a terrifying mystery surrounding horrific experiments once performed in a now-abandoned laboratory buried in a hollowed-out mountain in Poland.
IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NEPAL . . . in a remote monastery, Buddhist monks inexplicably turn to cannibalism and torture--while Painter Crowe, director of Sigma Force, begins to show signs of the same baffling, mind-destroying malady . . . and Lisa Cummings, a dedicated American doctor, becomes the target of a brutal clandestine assassin.
Now only Gray Pierce and Sigma Force can save a world suddenly in terrible jeopardy. Because a new order is on the rise--an annihilating nightmare growing at the heart of the greatest mystery of all: the origin of life.
This book had intrigue, science, history. Great read! I think the best so far by this author. If you like mystery, intrigue, with a little romance thrown in, take a chance on this. You will not be disappointed.
Another great Rollins book.
It was great to be back with the Sigma Force again. Gray Pierce in is Copenhagen with a suspicious bookstore fire. He is involved is a terrifying mystery surrounding horrific experiments performed in a now-abandoned laboratory in the mountains in Poland. Painter Crowe and Lisa Cummings are in a remote monastery in the mountains of Nepal where Buddhist monks are turning to cannibalism and torture. The Sigma team start to piece together and come to the conclusion about the Nazis' experiments that were going on during the war dealing with evolution and the origin of life. They must now save the world from a new order that is on the rise.
I liked all the information that we were given in regards to what the Nazis were up to. Never heard or read anything as in depth as this book. James Rollins has given us a mixture of science and heart pumping action and adventure where in some place you need to suspend your beliefs. All in all, it is a riveting edge-of-your seat read that will keep the pages turning quickly. I now look forward to the next Sigma Force book and I would highly recommend this book to those who love scientific adventure reads.
I liked all the information that we were given in regards to what the Nazis were up to. Never heard or read anything as in depth as this book. James Rollins has given us a mixture of science and heart pumping action and adventure where in some place you need to suspend your beliefs. All in all, it is a riveting edge-of-your seat read that will keep the pages turning quickly. I now look forward to the next Sigma Force book and I would highly recommend this book to those who love scientific adventure reads.
The black market has been a buzz. Specific items have been demanded; mainly historical documents from scientists of the Victorian-era. Of course the Sigma team is alerted when a bible is put up for auction. Not just any bible, it's Charles Darwin's bible. But what do black market auctions have to do with Maoist rebels and using the plague to cover up a mass murder of Buddhist monks, and "former" Nazis? With Sigma force stretched thin on missions, Painter Crowe once again steps out from behind his desk and goes out into the field. Crowe is to investigate strange disappearances and illnesses all concentrated in one particular area around the Chinese border. What he wasn't counting on was waking up and realizing he had no idea what happened to the past 3 days, and come to find out that he was sick and "damaged at the quantum level" due to an experiment called, "the bell". Pierce is reintroduced, already deep undercover in Copenhagen, in the midst of a scientific antiquities deal worth killing over. All answers can be found in a man- who was sought after by the Nazis after World War II. How can one boy hold the answer to so many questions? At times, I did feel the science aspect of the book was a bit over my head (quantum mechanics and all) but during the "action" scenes, it was a fast-paced read. Can you expect anything less from James Rollins?
fast paced action thriller, third in series i believe. rollins is always welcome ride.
Excellently written book. THe way it all comes together was amazing. I loved this book a whole lot
another great thriller by james rollins
I have read many of Jack Rollins books, but I likes this the best. As usual it is fast paced and thrilling. The ending was another nail bitter. But the character were better than ever. Good people put in bad situations.
Great read, was suprided!
Action packed adventure with many exotic locations such as Copenhagen, Nepal, and S. Africa. Sigma Force under Gray Pierce investigates the origins of evolution in this exciting, if a little far-fetched, novel. Cussler and Ludlum fans will adore this book!
Good Book
Mystery & adventure keep you reading. Hard to put down.
What a thriller!!!!! A new view on evolution vs religion. Rollins combines the two, throws in some history and a really wild fictional story to support it all. I don;t want to give it away so I'll just say: You can't miss this one!!!
This was a great read.
Complicated fast moving plot. Good
Was as described and right on time
Previous library book; library labels * stamps
awesome author love his books and i normally read paranormal romance authors
