I
have read a number of Sigma Force novels. Rollins is a master at
combining history and science and imagination and a bit of fantasy.
The result is an exciting and thoroughly engaging adventure.
This
novel centers on a plot to bring about the end of the world, so to
speak. Actually, the desire is to generate a global war –
Armageddon. A fanatic Christian thinks it will bring the Lord's
return. Fanatic Muslims think it will identify their last leader. A
rabbi thinks the Messiah will finally appear. They combine forces and
the only hope for the world is Sigma Force.
What
a great adventure. There are interesting locations, like an under
glacier cave in Greenland and a bronzed cave in Morocco. There are
ancient maps and documents Sigma Force must interpret. There are
ancient mechanical beasts and modern warfare tactics. It all adds up
to action galore, sometimes generating over the top suspense.
And
what I like best about Rollins' books is that he always includes an
“Author's Note to Readers: Truth or Fiction” at the end of the
book. He gives the sources for his ideas, including historical and
scientific aspects. He distinguishes myth and fact and identifies
details in the book based on actual geography and past events. He
clearly identifies the parts of the book generated purely by his own
imagination.
This
is a good novel for readers who like plenty of action interspersed
with bits of the personal lives of those in Sigma Force. I especially
liked the thought provoking aspect of the novel in religious devotees
trying to force the hand of God.
You
can read a sample here.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
James
Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international
thrillers that have been translated into more than 40 languages. He
lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can find out more at
www.jamesrollins.com. Photo
by David Sylvian
HarperCollins,
464 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment