
Tana R. (
tana) wrote on 6/18/2007...
11 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
10 member(s) found this review helpful.
Good mixture of fiction and science. Specifically quantum theory.
Really scary Nazi master race and evolution.
If you like Crichton you will like this.
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
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

Bob K. (
najzere) wrote on 5/22/2008...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.

Lee D. (
usuallee) wrote on 11/19/2008...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.