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liberty_the_baron's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jacqueshol's review against another edition
3.0
What could have been an enjoyable book was let down by either some poor research or lazy writing. Come on, Mr Rollins, surely you could have done better. I have read most of your books, thoroughly enjoyed it, but never felt as let down as I did reading this book.
As a South African, I can confirm that no citizen speaks Dutch in this country any longer - probably the case for almost a 100 years. It may have been confused with Afrikaans which is a derivative of Dutch. It may sound similar, but as an Afrikaans speaking person, I do not understand Dutch when it is spoken. Sure, I can mostly get the gist or context if I read it, but I would not understand it word for word. The point that I am trying to make is that people (Europeans) who have lived here in this country for generations would not speak Dutch. They would speak either English or Afrikaans.
Where on earth did the information of Blood River come from? If the author actually took the trouble of reading the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Blood_River), he would realise that he painted the events entirely incorrectly. If the author is going to play the race card as he did throughout the story, perhaps he should have done better research. The line "we owe the Voortrekkers for Blood River", would be laughable if not so damaging to a country already suffering tremendously under racism.
I understand this is a fictional story, but if one is going to set a novel against historical events, it should at least be done in generally the right context.
As a South African, I can confirm that no citizen speaks Dutch in this country any longer - probably the case for almost a 100 years. It may have been confused with Afrikaans which is a derivative of Dutch. It may sound similar, but as an Afrikaans speaking person, I do not understand Dutch when it is spoken. Sure, I can mostly get the gist or context if I read it, but I would not understand it word for word. The point that I am trying to make is that people (Europeans) who have lived here in this country for generations would not speak Dutch. They would speak either English or Afrikaans.
Where on earth did the information of Blood River come from? If the author actually took the trouble of reading the Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Blood_River), he would realise that he painted the events entirely incorrectly. If the author is going to play the race card as he did throughout the story, perhaps he should have done better research. The line "we owe the Voortrekkers for Blood River", would be laughable if not so damaging to a country already suffering tremendously under racism.
I understand this is a fictional story, but if one is going to set a novel against historical events, it should at least be done in generally the right context.
foofers1622's review against another edition
5.0
Why did I ever stop reading you James Rollins? I first heard about "The Bell" from an ancient aliens eposide. Don't laugh, I know. There are so many different ideas on what it was and I love the route James took with it. I also listened this and [a:Grover Gardner|277654|Grover Gardner|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1451156476p2/277654.jpg] as always, did a great job.
bennought's review against another edition
4.0
An exciting, well-written, and interesting thriller from one of the best in the business. Returning to his Sigma Force group, Rollins once again has written a book that takes interesting bits of history, adds US special ops, plenty of action and a fantastical twist on reality (or at least potential reality), and combines them all into a fast-paced, very fun read. What happens when you combine Nazis, quantum physics, and evolution? You'll have to read the book to find out. And, as with the rest of Rollins' books, you won't be disappointed.
hp2008's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
januaryf's review against another edition
4.0
Ok - this was way more science than I can usually handle, but the action and pace of the novel was fantastic. The flipping back and forth between Gray and Painter was great, and kept you reading and reading and reading.
johnbreeden's review against another edition
5.0
Certainly up to the standards that James Rollins sets for himself. I love the interplay of facts that bolster the story. You can definitely see the research involved, along with the curiosity that spurs on that research. On to the next adventure.
scott_op_ks's review against another edition
Did not draw me in. Did not make me interested or care about the characters or plot.
scottwcoleman's review against another edition
5.0
As I've been rereading the books in the Sigma Force series, I've finally come to the book that introduced me to the series - and to James Rollins. So happy I started from book one, but it also helped me to see just how much better the series seems to get with each book.
Here, the writing is crisp and concise and the story progresses methodically, building suspense throughout.
Very enjoyable read.
Here, the writing is crisp and concise and the story progresses methodically, building suspense throughout.
Very enjoyable read.
ozreus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0