This novel about an ancient secret society and the race to find priceless antiquities is sure to be compared to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, but, in every way, it's a much better book. Where Brown's best-seller was predictable despite its compelling premise, this tale is clever and suspenseful. Where Code featured ropey dialogue and assembly-line characters, this one offers (mostly) real people engaging in (mostly) real discourse. Like Brown, Rollins makes the most of a moderately implausible premise, this one requiring that the reader accept the literal truth of a certain allegorical aspect of the Bible. But, as both books prove, a thriller can be as implausible as it likes as long as it is entertainingly developed. Fans of The Da Vinci Code will obviously want to read Map of Bones, but even those who found Brown's opus unpalatable will thoroughly enjoy the taste of this one. -- David Pitt
Kim B. (Mistry) from TIMBERLAKE, NC wrote on 9/25/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wow! This novel grabbed me the scruff of the neck from the first paragraph and never let go! James Rollins is at his best right here. The non-stop action and the tension build and build until the very end. Rollins has a talent for making even the most obscure scientific information easy to understand. You don't feel like you are being lectured or talked down to. The research involved is immense, and the rich descriptions of chapels, churches and temples is wonderful.
It's a true treasure hunt, with riddles wrapped in clues. This is a wonderful ride, fast and furious, and Rollins takes you right along for the ride!
Faye K. (koalamama) from GLENPOOL, OK wrote on 11/28/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a fast reading, action packed adventure along the lines of the DaVinci Code or National Treasure. Believable characters, a plausible storyline that was interesting and only kind of 'out there'. You could really lose yourself in this book, I loved how it switched in and out on characters quickly, it really built up the suspense. Fun read!
Angela M. from TONAWANDA, NY wrote on 5/6/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
During a crowded service at a cathedral in Germany, armed intruders in monks' robes unleash a nightmare of blood and destruction. But the killers have not come for gold; they seek a more valuable prize: the bones of the Magi who once paid homage to a newborn savior...a treasure that could reshape the world.
With the Vatican in turmoil, SIGMA Force leaps into action. An elite team of scientific and Special Forces operatives under the command of Grayson Pierce and accompanied by Lieutenant Rachel Verona of Rome's carabinieri, they are pursuing a deadly mystery that weaves through sites of the Seven Wonders of the World and ends at the doorstep of an ancient, mystical, and terrifying secret order. For there are those with dark plans for the stolen sacred remains that will alter the future of humankind...when science and religion unite to unleash a horror not seen since the beginning of time.
Paul L. (taosing) from SAN ANTONIO, TX wrote on 1/22/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Not a bad action ride a'tall a'tall.
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Stacie P. (froot) from DREXEL HILL, PA wrote on 6/29/2008...
Excellent face paced read. The first of the Sigma Force Series left me hanging in the end for the next book. The team is sent chasing after a treasure hidden from Alexander the Great, and the Magi from Christ's birth...much like Tomb Raider.
Greg D. (watchman) from EULESS, TX wrote on 4/29/2008...
I was forewarned that this book was written along the same lines of The DaVinci Code and should have avoided it. As a Christian, I was severely disappointed with the author's 2-page comparison of the similarities between Christianity and Mithra. This resulted in me tossing the book aside with no intention of continuing to read a book written by an author who believes Christianity is merely a duplication of some Roman myth.
Jennifer L. (loyallioness) from ORANGE PARK, FL wrote on 4/9/2008...
action-packed. It's like The Da Vinci Code, but better.
Rick P. (Vortextamer) from FLORENCE, SC wrote on 2/25/2008...
This is a book that I could not put down. It started a little slow, maybe for about 40 pages, but then the other 400 had you in it's grip. Very plausible story line, with enough twist and turns to make even the most adept mystery sleuth shaking his/her head. I read this book in two days, and wished for more. Presently reading another work by this author and definitely going to look for more.
Jan S. (janetrose5) from SUN VALLEY, CA wrote on 1/25/2008...
James Rollins is an EXCELLENT writer. All of the books I've read so far are brilliant in their plotting, action and characters. This is true of this book. A lot of scientific information that at times can be hard to follow but this book is well worth the time. Don't miss it.
Sara Z. (zimzim) from NEWARK, DE wrote on 8/27/2007...
A good thriller/mystery
Patrick L. (pl2917) from ABINGDON, MD wrote on 8/14/2007...
like one of the reviews says "it's better than Davinci Code"
much better written and faster paced
William B. wrote on 6/21/2007...
A pretty good story, not the best that I have read but not bad.... worth the time and...
Dave D. (wickedgoodbooks) from SWAMPSCOTT, MA wrote on 4/29/2007...
Great read!
Keith C. from WHITE PIGEON, MI wrote on 4/15/2007...