From Publishers WeeklyThe special-ops trained scientists of Sigma Force battle the criminals of the shadowy Guild in bestseller Rollins's lively third Sigma Force thriller (after Black Order). An ancient and deadly plague, the Judas Strain (which afflicted Marco Polo), has suddenly re-emerged. Gray Pierce, a Sigma operative, and Seichan, a Guild defector, pursue clues to the nature of the plague to the Vatican, Istanbul (with a fine shootout in the Hagia Sophia mosque), Marco Polo's tomb and, finally, Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Meanwhile, Guild members hijack a cruise ship full of plague victims (to provide experimental subjects for the weaponizing of the plague), and Gray's parents are taken hostage (though the senior Grays prove feistier than their kidnappers reckon). Sophisticated the plot isn't, but Rollins includes more than enough action and suspense to keep readers turning pages. 8-city author tour. (July) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.From BooklistThe crack, ultrasecret Sigma Force team returns in another adventure that, as usual, unfolds at breakneck speed. Sigma Force, made up of former Special Forces officers trained as experts in various scientific fields ("killer scientists," one of their number calls them), scours the world for technologies that could help or threaten the U.S. This time the group's mission involves a devastating bacteriological plague, a mysterious cryptogram that may predate humanity, and the deadly truth about what happened after Marco Polo's expedition to China. After a handful of Sigma Force novels, Rollins has fine-tuned the formula to precision: characters rendered in broad strokes, punchy dialogue, short paragraphs that propel us headlong through the story. The novels are like prose versions of comic books, or lightly fleshed out movie treatments. But this is not a criticism, at least not completely. The books' style perfectly matches their subject matter, and it's impossible not to be swept up by their energy and excitement. Action/adventure fans unfamiliar with Rollins' work should be emphatically urged to read this series. David PittCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved "...The books' style perfectly matches their subject matter, and it's impossible not to be swept up by their energy and excitement. Action/adventure fans unfamiliar with Rollins' work should be emphatically urged to read this series." -- Booklist (David Pitt) what websites can you write stories The Judas Strain: A Sigma Force Novel
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Complex, Thrilling, Frightening And Intense ReadBy Mary A. MadsenWow, what a ride. This is a sprawling book that covers much of history, its mysteries, and events of the day that have us baffled and frightened. The book was published in 2009 with many fine reviews already posted giving a synopsis of events, so I'll skip that part. I'll stick with how much this book and writing style reminds me of Michael Crichton's ability to hold many different characters, locations, and unfolding secrets without frustrating the reader and hoping they can hold on to the ledge long enough without dropping the book.So many scenes in this book stand out in my memory, and I'd like to know if the author has actually done all these things--breath-taking motorcycle racing, riding a thundering horse, climbing hills and dales, enduring explosions--and if not, how did he make them come so alive in a way I'd never before experienced? The scene with the horses put me right on top of the horse and feeling every movement and heartbeat of fear in the animal and the characters.The legend of Merlin and King Arthur have always captured my imagination, so much so that all the cats I've ever had have been named after those who populate the legend. To find them here (not a major part of the story) was a delight. And, wow, did I ever learn a lot. At certain points in the reading, I had to comfort myself by telling myself the weapons and threats to the world's survival were all products of the imagination. Then I'd look them up to make sure and found they were real. There's a terrific imagination at work here with expert skills of weaving the fantastical of this world with the possibilities that *might* explain them. I'll never look at corn served at a summer bar-b-que the same. And the Henry Kissinger's quote that's repeated a few times in the book are as burned into my mind as the Celtic Cross. What a journey. And what a pleasure to have stumbled upon this author and know there are more books in the series.If you like books that bring you into a world that stands beside the one we're living in, and enjoy traveling those worlds with adventure, action, and a deep curiosity, read this book. I'll skip the frozen edges of Norway, but now I can't wait to get back to the UK and explore the places this book has taken me.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Want continue your education and have fun,read James Rollins!By John ReinhardtOnce again, James Rollins has "hit the nail" squarely on the proverbial head. Most importantly the research on topics concerning mankind today is timely and imformative. Genetic Modification is of paramount importance TODAY! Starting with bee colony hive collapse to the irresponsible application of gm technology on the unsuspecting world populace is truly frightening. Monsanto use of Roundup , a known carcinogenic , in seeds is one clear example. The corporate denials remind me of Big Tobaccos trying to cover up the link with lung cancer. GM (gene modification ) is already running rampant out of control. Rollins tackles this and other topics in storytelling manner that keeps the reader turning pages unconsciously and wanting more. Im hooked. Each book is not only a great read, but,also a mini seminar on many topics that weigh heavily on the world today. I want and will read more.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. SO very glad that I discovered James Rollins!By muggsbmgWhat a ride!!!! Very well developed characters..especially if you've been doing the Sigma series in order (although his "stand alone" novels are equally entertaining). I thought initially that the jumping back and forth between chapters and characters/situations would be an absolute P.I.T.A., but honestly I barely notice it once I've begun reading. Attention to detail is dramatic......amazing research relayed within his stories to create thrill after thrill (so cliche'..sorry!) with an historical depth and connection that seriously make you wonder how we've survived thus far. Prepare to lose sleep - his books are difficult to let go of once you've begun your journey. Thoroughly enjoy these adventures.... :)