Helpful Score: 10
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!
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!
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) -
Helpful Score: 9
What a wonderful book. The only thing that kept me from giving it a total five stars was I'm not familiar with the Catholic church and some of the places were a little hard for me to follow. But it's well-written, I was able to visualize the action scenes easily and the concept is just absolutely fascinating.
Helpful Score: 6
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!
Helpful Score: 6
Action never stops...great story...good character exploration...story line is fabulous.......what a ride...you will like this book if you are a fan of rollicking high adventure!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Score: 5
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.
Helpful Score: 3
action-packed. It's like The Da Vinci Code, but better.
Helpful Score: 3
James Rollins just keeps getting better - this was pretty good. It's a thriller, a la The Da Vinci Code, involving US Special Forces, the Vatican, the Magi, and some really nasty villains. Lots of fun science and Biblical mythology made me feel like I might actually have learned something, too. Having plowed through everthing written by favorites Preston and Child, Rollins has kept me entertained for many nights. This book does have faults -- why does he need a ridiculous romance? - but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a fast paced mystery in the genre of Davinci Code. I really liked it. It was great.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the second time I've given up on a James Rollins book partway through. His plots seem interesting, but for whatever reason he never gets me sucked into the book. His characters never seem interesting to me. Likely me not liking his books, could be due to his writing style.
Helpful Score: 1
Quite an exciting thriller! Will keep your attention of you like fast-paced action. For a good entertaining read and pretty good research of the times, facts, you will find it lots of fun and worth the time.
/j/
/j/
Helpful Score: 1
I must preface my review by confessing that I am a sucker for this kind of book. Ancient religious secrets, shadowy societies, action, riddles - I can't get enough. And thus it is no surprise I enjoyed "Map of Bones."
This is a thrilling read full of likable (if not slightly generic) characters, exciting (if not slightly unrealistic) action, and plenty of plot twists and turns (some more surprising than others). Sure, it's all a little formulaic, but if you enjoy this kind of thriller, you won't mind. It's a great ride despite some bumpy spots.
Some of the scientific, historical, and religious context that shrouds the central mystery can be hard to follow at times, but that in no way detracts from the chase. I also found the final chapters to be a little heavy on faith, but that's not wholly unexpected in a book of this nature.
All in all, "Map of Bones" is an engrossing read that will appeal to fans of "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons." It's the first book I've read by James Rollins, and I have every intention of ordering a few more of his books from this site.
This is a thrilling read full of likable (if not slightly generic) characters, exciting (if not slightly unrealistic) action, and plenty of plot twists and turns (some more surprising than others). Sure, it's all a little formulaic, but if you enjoy this kind of thriller, you won't mind. It's a great ride despite some bumpy spots.
Some of the scientific, historical, and religious context that shrouds the central mystery can be hard to follow at times, but that in no way detracts from the chase. I also found the final chapters to be a little heavy on faith, but that's not wholly unexpected in a book of this nature.
All in all, "Map of Bones" is an engrossing read that will appeal to fans of "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons." It's the first book I've read by James Rollins, and I have every intention of ordering a few more of his books from this site.
Helpful Score: 1
wih the vatican in turmoil, SIGMA force leaps into action. an elite team of scientici and special forces operative under the command of Grayson Pierce and accompanied by Lieutenant Rachel Verona of Rmos 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.
Helpful Score: 1
James Rollins brings the reader right THERE from beginning to end! I love all of Rollins' work.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
I reluctantly persevered with this & wish I hadn't---- but then again I wasn't a big fan of the Da Vinci Code, nor of Tom Clancy's works in general (to which this is being compared). I have enjoyed some of Rollin's other books though, & maybe I was expecting too much from this one. I found this to be too over the top... too far-fetched... or maybe it was just me, but this was the least enjoyable book I have read in awhile.
Helpful Score: 1
Ancient mysteries revealed in this non stop quest from Rome to Egypt to France and the forces of good don't manage to stay one step ahead of the cruel villains set on finding corrupting and manipulating ancient powers for evil purposes. How can the special ops hero and the gorgeous Italian lieutenant escape capture and torture (repeatedly) to save the world? Robert Ludlum meets Dan Brown only better!!! Hey, I couldn't put it down till the last page turned!
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
If you liked Da Vinci code I recommend this one,as it just keeps getting better.
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book! Look forward to more Of James Rollins' books. Even better than The Di Vinci Code!!!!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book. It keeps you intrigued.
Helpful Score: 1
Overall a very good book, even if it was weighed down with ancient secrets that were, at times, very hard to follow.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting book. However, too much action; comando squads. Same ones doing the same
things over and over. Very interesting plot.
things over and over. Very interesting plot.
I love when history is woven into fiction...and this has a lot of that.Takes one back to the Vatican while SIGMA Forces w/Rachel Verona of Rome's carabinieri and her priest uncle, a Vatican "secret agent"...are trying to find solve the mystery of a secret order and several murders. Very entertaining...well written.
Excellent thriller. Keeps you reading.
Exciting and historical. Very Good Book
Similar to the Da Vinci Code, a religious based thriller by a very readable author.
It was alright but I found the storyline to be a cheap knockoff of the Dan Brown phenomena of Religious intrique and secret societies.The characters needed more depth. Formulaic.
During a crowded service at a cathedral in Germany armed intruders in monk's robes unleash a nightmare of blood and destruction.
great mystery/thriller
James Rollins is an excellent writer. His stories are interesting and complex.
Typical Rollins...action, spark of romance, lots of men beating each other, killing each other...there are entire pages I skipped over because of graphic violence. The basic story line is interesting though.
Decent...interesting but too far-fetched.
Very thrilling read - right up there with DaVinci Code!
I enjoyed this book. James Rollins is an author I have just recently discovered and all of his stories have a quality that I find hard to resist, page after page.
A real page turner. I thought Sandstorm was a little slow in the middle, but good nonetheless. I couldn't put this one down. Great ride.
I love James Rollins, but this was more of a spy-action book than a scientific thriller. Still good, just different from his others.
Riveting!
Combines scientific & special forces for mystery
In the mold of "The DaVinci Code" this is a thriller about special forces operatives dealing with a terrifying secret order. A good read.
A toned down version of the Davinci Code.
Great Book
A little graphic on the violence front but intriging plot.
A good thriller/mystery
love Rollins! Another good read that keeps you engrossed and totally in the story!
This author gives Dan Brown a run for his money in this genre.Some of the situations were a bit of a stretch of the imagination, but very enjoyable read never the lrss.
Good book with a some interesting twists, the plot got a little predictable by the end. Likable characters.
This book is of the type Indiana Jones with all the turns and twists
Adding a little Mission Impossible overtures makes for one tasty read
Adding a little Mission Impossible overtures makes for one tasty read
This was a good book.
Great adventure book!
A great thriller and peaks interest in the early history of cathology, religious myths and legends.
Another fine Rollins adventure! This one introduces the SIGMA Force, a highly secret U.S. special service who act when deniability is a MUST.
From back cover:
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 turmois, 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.
From back cover:
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 turmois, 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.
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.
If you enjoyed reading Timeline, the DaVinci Code, or Angels and Demons, you won't be able to put this one down until you've read through to the last page. The action is non-stop, and the topics of science and religion are a bit complicated, but the story is worth delving into. So well written you will feel right in the middle of all the action.
Fast-moving, reads like a cross between DaVinci Code and a Tom Clancy novel.
This was a really good book. A cross between Mission Impossible and The DaVinci Code
Excellent Summer read!!Reminded me of the movie "National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage. Good plot line, fast pace. Another Rollins you MUST read!!
Intriguing read. Obviously taking advantage of the Da Vinci code phenomena but good none the less. Lots of twists and turns.
A lot of action in this book. If you like James Rollins, you'll love it.
A great thriller. The plot was a little Dan Brown-esque, centering around the bones of the Magi. I thought the plot was really creative and the action was fun to read. It reminded me of Clive Cussler a little, or maybe Clancy without being so technical. A fun, fast paced read.
amazing. i can't believe i'm going to part with it.
Face paced! Rollins is a more fun storyteller than DaVinci Codes Dan Brown. Face paced. Great balance of future science, religious history, and action.
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 saviour...a treasure that could reshape the world.
If you like Dan Brown, you'll probably like Rollins. Unlike Brown, his books are lighter and more fantastical. Definitely a fun read.
Gets better as it goes along.
Plenty of action, kept me hooked right 'til the end.
A great international archeological thriller in the style of the Da Vinci Code albeit without the controversy.
Very entertaining.
***** He write like Dan Brown - If you like "Angels and Demons" and "The DaVinci Code" you should enjoy Rollins "Map of Bones."
i really wanted to like this book. in fact, i went over my 100 page rule.
it is politiacal/religion thriller post DaVinci Code.
it is on the best seller list but not my cup of tea!
it is politiacal/religion thriller post DaVinci Code.
it is on the best seller list but not my cup of tea!
Not the cover I have!
Excellent book!
A mysterious biblical object, nefarious Vatican spies and a deadly centuries-old religious cabalsound familiar? Sacramento veterinarian Rollins offers more Da Vinci Codestyle thrills for the seriously addicted. In this seventh outing, hooded men invade midnight mass at the Cologne Cathedral and slaughter almost everyone present, then break open a gold sarcophagus and steal... the bones of the Three Wise Men. Grayson Pierce, top agent in the Department of Defense's covert Sigma Force, takes a team to Rome, joins up with love-interest Rachel Verona, a carabinieri corps lieutenant, and her Vatican official uncle, Vigot. It seems that the Dragon Court, a medieval alchemical cult-cell that still operates within the Catholic Church, is to blame, and it also seems that the bones of the Magi aren't really bones, but the highly reactive Monatomic gold that the group plans to use to accomplish its ultimate goalArmegeddon.
Great, fast-paced read. Better than Dan Brown's books.
A kind of hard read but very interesting...a thriller
During a crowded service at a cathedral in Germany, armed intruders in monks robes unleash a nightmare. But the killers have not come for the gold; they seek a more valuaable prize; the bones of the Magi who once paid tribute to the saviour....a treasure that could reshape the world.
Great read. None stop action.
A good book about the mythical properties of the bones of the three wisemen
Adventure-packed story much like Angels & Demons. Part of a series.
Adventure with more twist and turns than a mountain highway.
James Rollins continues with the action!!!!!!!!!
I am currently reading this installment of the Sigma Force Novels!! So far it is holding my attention!!
Awsome book loved it!
Very gripping, well plotted and somewhat believable.
Just when you think you're safe to go to church . . . . What should be an ordinary midnight service celebrating the Feast of the Three Kings turns into absolute bedlam when what looks like a cloaked group of monks overtake a church in Germany looking for significant relics. True readers of the Sigma force series will be introduced to new characters in the ongoing battle of Sigma vs. the Guild. Painter Crowe is assimilating into his new role of the head of Sigma, which means his problems are never ending. Painter has now received a call informing him about the attack of the church in Germany, and is expected to form a team to send to the Vatican. Cue in Rachel, part of the Cultural Heritage Police ; basically an organization involved in attempting to stop thieves from buying and selling priceless antiquities on the black market. It seems only natural that Rachel is targeted due to not only her profession, but her ties to her Uncle in the Vatican. Rachel's Uncle, Vigor, head of Christian archaeology within the Vatican, is attempting to dig through the myriad of secret archives contained within Vatican walls. He's in search of any information regarding the biblical Magi, and any connections that may lead to the attack in the German church. So why would a secret room, in the furthest part of the Vatican archives be booby trapped to set fire to priceless documents? Better yet, who else is granted such high level access? And why would two Vatican issued vehicles attack Rachel? What connects the Guild to the Vatican? Map of Bones is perfect for those who enjoy history. This book is full of popes, and antipopes, relatives to Vlad the Impaler, and a Nazi sympathizer. Enjoy decoding the secrets of this scavenger hunt through ancient history, in modern times. I truly recommend this book for anyone- whether you're a natural history buff or not (I'M NOT!) you will become wrapped up in all the adventures.
This was packed with action! I really enjoyed it. The Historical information got a little too in depth for long periods at time which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I would definitely recommend this book!
I learned so much from this book and found Rollins' research to be excellent. I also liked the biblical and historical references and the visits to Maryland, Washington D. C., Cologne, Rome, Alexandria and Avignon France. The characters were very interesting with an adventurous plot with lots of action. Rollins is a great writer and his descriptions make you feel a part of the story. This is the 2nd book of the Sigma Force series and I look forward to continuing with the series. I would highly recommend this series to those who love Clive Cussler's or Steve Berry's books.
I hated this book! Not because it was so good, suspenseful, fast paced, or exciting, but because it kept me up too late at night too many times. (I only read to relax when I go to bed).
like one of the reviews says "it's better than Davinci Code"
much better written and faster paced
much better written and faster paced
With the Vatican in turmoil, SIGMA Force leasps into action. An elite team of scientific and Special Forces operatives under the command ofGrayson Pierce and Lieutenant Rachel Verona, 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. Science and religion unite to unleash a horror not seen since the beginning of time.
Great plot with twists galore.
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.
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.
Better than "The DaVinci Code".
A pretty good story, not the best that I have read but not bad.... worth the time and...
A real page turner. Follow the action in a race to decipher clues left by an ancient society of magi.
Another none stop action book from James Rollins. Love it.
Very exciting and a great mystrey.
Not a bad action ride a'tall a'tall.
DaVinci Code type book. Very good.
Great read!
This was a great read.
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.
