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bibliovino's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adore books that connect scientific fact with religious myth. If you were even intrigued by The Davinci Code or the idea of quantum physics in relation to brain function, you should check this out.
johnp100's review against another edition
5.0
My first and still fav from the Sigma series. The science mixed with history is interesting albeit sometimes goes a little over the realism edge but still entertaining. Keep em coming.
marisas1985's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a lot like Dan Brown in a lot of ways, however James Rollins puts his own spin on things and makes the story his own. He hits on history, religion and science and leaves you questioning the world around you. The best kind of books are the ones that leave you feeling educated about life and questioning what is real and what is fabricated around you, this book does just those things.
schoolboy's review against another edition
3.0
It was great with great detais, scientific discoveries. Though you won't expect a thrill as mysteries are solved before you could guess :/ otherwise, a quick read.
ebosma's review against another edition
4.0
great read, fast paced action (don't dwell to much on the details like any hollywood buster, and you're good!)
jaxboiler's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun read. I have read a couple of the Sigma force series books and enjoyed them all.
eilconj's review against another edition
4.0
A fast paced thriller based around the bones of the magi. The historical references made me want to know more about the real events. The characters are interesting and engaging. A fun light read.
bekahb101's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
A very solid action-adventure story with a history/archaeology bent. I enjoyed it overall, though some portions of the plot stretched plausibility more egregiously than other books I’ve read by James Rollins.
leener33's review against another edition
3.0
If I could do 2.5, I would. This book was...fine. It seemed decently-researched but just cannot escape the now-rampant DaVinci Code cliches. Crisis at the Vatican hidden among its arcane secrets seems overdone at this point. The character development was lacking, and, as a result, I felt detached from them all even at the end of the book. Also, the same pattern repeated itself throughout the book: the heroes arrive at the next setting, they are clearly outsmarted and out-maneuvered by the bad guys, but then they find some miraculous way to escape. I could sense there was one big double-cross plot twist left for the end of the book, but by the time it was revealed, instead of thinking, "NO!," I just thought, "Who??" That said, it was a fun romp through various important sacred sites. I don't think I'll be hurrying to read any more of this type, though. If I want Dan Brown cliches, I'll read Dan Brown.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
4.0
Sigma Force 2. The theft of ancient bones from a Roman Catholic cathedral and the unusual method of murdering all but one of the congregation attracts the attention of the Vatican as well as Sigma Force. Monsignor Vigor Verona and his niece, Rachel Verona, lieutenant of the Carabinieri Corps, join with Sigma agents Grayson Pierce, Monk Kokkalis, and Kat Bryant to find the bones as well as the reason behind the theft. They discover a trail leading back to the 13th Century and the early days of the Roman Catholic church and various other Christian groups.
Fans of history based adventure should be in seventh heaven. What I love about Rollins is that his stories are comprised of real historical and scientific facts, theories and beliefs. I've discovered that I spend a lot of time looking on the internet to read the story behind the stories. Yes, these are great adventures, but they are also learning experiences.
Something else that solidifies him as one of my top five favorite authors is how well James Rollins writes female characters. They are not caricatures, they are not token female characters, and they most definitely aren't there for the sex like the women in many adventure novels. The women in Rollins' books are capable, intelligent, realistic, three-dimensional and flat out wonderful. I'm particularly taken with Seichan, a woman who isn't just a baddie. She's a character painted in shades of gray (if you'll forgive the term). She seems to have her own peculiar code of honor and is endlessly fascinating. If you'll forgive this foray into fandom, this is the type of character that NCIS should've given us in Ziva David.
I also congratulate Rollins on his male characters. They are not superheroes. They have doubts and fears and worries like the rest of us. But, like true heroes, they work through that to get the job done. If you haven't figured it out as yet, I adore this series.
Fans of history based adventure should be in seventh heaven. What I love about Rollins is that his stories are comprised of real historical and scientific facts, theories and beliefs. I've discovered that I spend a lot of time looking on the internet to read the story behind the stories. Yes, these are great adventures, but they are also learning experiences.
Something else that solidifies him as one of my top five favorite authors is how well James Rollins writes female characters. They are not caricatures, they are not token female characters, and they most definitely aren't there for the sex like the women in many adventure novels. The women in Rollins' books are capable, intelligent, realistic, three-dimensional and flat out wonderful. I'm particularly taken with Seichan, a woman who isn't just a baddie. She's a character painted in shades of gray (if you'll forgive the term). She seems to have her own peculiar code of honor and is endlessly fascinating. If you'll forgive this foray into fandom, this is the type of character that NCIS should've given us in Ziva David.
I also congratulate Rollins on his male characters. They are not superheroes. They have doubts and fears and worries like the rest of us. But, like true heroes, they work through that to get the job done. If you haven't figured it out as yet, I adore this series.