From BooklistA Russian scientist with a weapon that could wreak havoc upon the world; a chilling historical mystery; a breakneck race against timethe usual kinds of ingredients, in other words, for one of Rollins Sigma Force novels. But this ones a bit different: it stars former Army Ranger Tucker Wayne and his working dog, Kane (introduced in Bloodline, 2012), and it spends more time than usual exploring the relationships of its lead characters. Rollins, who was a practicing veterinarian before turning to full-time writing, makes Kane, a Belgian Malinois (they look a lot like German shepherds), a fully participating character in the story, similar to the way Jonathan Maberry makes Ghost a character in the Joe Ledger novels. Coauthor Blackwood is best known for the three Fargo novels he wrote with Clive Cussler, but his solo trilogy featuring covert op Briggs Tanner, published 200103, gives him solid grounding for this novel. Fans of the Sigma Force series will definitely enjoy this one, and readers who have occasionally wished Rollins would slow down a bit and spend some time with his characters will get their wish. --David Pitt "The taut and complex story sprints across the globe from Russia to Istanbul to southern Africa to the United States, and offers a diverse cast of well-developed characters and a tightly woven plot that intrigues, excites, and doesn't let go." Library Journal [*starred review*]"This exceptional military thriller, a spin-off from bestseller Rollins's Sigma Force series (Bloodline, etc.), introduces U.S. Army Ranger Tucker Wayne and his four-footed partner, a small Belgian shepherd named Kane. ...The action careens across Russia and into South Africa, where Tucker and Kane must go underground to find the deadly life form. Rollins and Blackwood succeed brilliantly at depicting interspecies communication." Publishers Weekly [*starred review*]"The result is a fast and furious thrill ride that satisfies from the first page until the last. Brilliant in all respect." Providence Sunday JournalJames Rollins knows adventure. (Chicago Sun-Times)James Rollins is a master of international action and intrigue. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)From the hidden Indian treasure, to the Fort Knox secrets, to the conspiracy at the beginning of the United States The Devil Colony gives you every reason why youll want to be a member of Sigma Force. (Brad Meltzer, New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle on The Devil Colony)ia grabs you by the throat...Rollins is one of the most inventive storytellers writing today. Dont dare miss this one! (Lincoln Child, co-author of The Ice Limit)A spiraling, high-octane adventure, loaded with cutting-edge technology and jam-packed with action and mayhem. This pulse-pounding thriller moves at mach speed. James Rollins is clearly at the top of his game. (Steve Berry, bestselling author of The Romanov Prophecy on Map of Bones)Nobodyand I mean nobodydoes this stuff better than Rollins. (Lee Child on The Devil Colony)Rollins just gets better with each book, and his position at the top of this particular subgenre remains unshaken. (Publishers Weekly)The science... reads like the best of Michael Crichton. The machinations of government read like the best of David Baldacci. And the action and thrills read like the best of Clive Cussler. Rollins takes the best of all of these and creates an amazing thriller unlike any other. (Associated Press on Bloodline)A fantastic adventure story with non-stop action [that] shows the close bond between dog and partner, and the readers will fall in love with this canine and his handler. (Crimespree Magazine on THE KILL SWITCH)Readers who have enjoyed the Sigma Force series will not only find this an entertaining thriller, but the collaboration of these two accomplished authors also adds another dimension to this exciting series. (Bookloons.ocm on THE KILL SWITCH)[T]his fast moving story delivers plenty of the tension laced action readers expect from Rollins. The bond between Tucker and Kane is the best part of the tale. (Monsters and Critics on THE KILL SWITCH)The taut and complex story sprints across the globe from Russia to Istanbul to southern Africa to the United States, and offers a diverse cast of well-developed characters and a tightly woven plot that intrigues, excites, and doesnt let go. (Library Journal (starred review) on THE KILL SWITCH)From the AuthorAbout James Rollins JAMES ROLLINS is the New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than forty languages. Known for unveiling unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets, Rollins' knack for breakneck pacing and stunning originality has been hailed by critics and embraced by scores of millions of readers around the world. The Critics Rave The New York Times says that his "roguish charm comes from his efforts to persuade readers the story is credible [through] real-life sources for his novel's science, history and geography." Rollins' rare blend of action, suspense, and knowledge was also mentioned by the Huffington Post, which stated that "After Crichton passed away in 2008 he clearly passed the baton to James Rollins, who like Crichton, is a renaissance man." NPR calls his work "adventurous and enormously engrossing..." and the New York Journal of Books had this to say: "If you're a fan of smart, entertaining adventure fiction, this is your summer beach read writ large....All the science, all the history, and all the locations are masterfully intertwined. The characters are multi-dimensional. And the story is, well, a corker." The Story Teller's Story As a boy immersed in the scientific adventures of Doc Savage, the wonders of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, and pulps such as The Shadow, The Spider, and The Avenger, James Rollins decided he wanted to be a writer. He honed his storytelling skills early, spinning elaborate tales that were often at the heart of pranks played on his brothers and sisters. Before he would set heroes and villains on harrowing adventures, Rollins embarked on a career in veterinary medicine, graduating from the University of Missouri and establishing a successful veterinary practice. This hands-on knowledge of medicine and science helps shape the research and scientific speculation that set James Rollins books apart. Explosive Page-Turning Adventures The exotic locales of James Rollins novels have emerged as a hybrid between imagination, research, and his extensive travels throughout the United States and Europe, as well as New Zealand, the South Pacific, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. Recent jaunts include book tours and stops across the country and several European nations to give talks, seminars, and media interviews. In recent years, much of James' travel has involved meeting readers in small and large groups, at writing and fan conferences, and even aboard seagoing "seminars." James' mentoring and coaching skills have made him a sought after writing instructor and guest speaker for workshops, symposia, conventions, and other forums throughout the country. James Rollins is the author of nine thrillers in the bestselling Sigma Force series (Sandstorm, Map of Bones, Black Order, The Judas Strain, The Last Oracle, The Doomsday Key, The Devil Colony, Bloodline, and The Eye of God); six individual adventure thrillers; and the Jake Ransom middle grade series (Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow, Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx.) what do you talk about in a book club The Kill Switch: A Tucker Wayne Novel
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Scary believableBy Susan DeGOver the years James Rollins has become one of my favorite authors. His Sigma Force series is outstanding, with great characters, thrilling storylines, and great attention to detail. His weaving of fiction and facts (science, history, and current political climate) combine to make his books scary believable. And I thoroughly enjoy his author's notes to readers at the end of each book explaining fact or fiction. If you like action-packed thrillers, you will definitely like this book. (While this book is part of the Sigma Force series, since Rollins is introducing new characters it is not necessary to have read the previous books.)7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Tucker and Kane, best friendsBy Deborah Wall McGrawI suspect all of us would love to have a dog as well educated as Kane. The rapport between Tucker and Kane gives this series a wonderful positive edge to the story as they do battle with both old and new dangers, human and biological. The women aren't as fully developed as the male characters, but at least they are intelligent and strong. what a story! I couldn't stop reading it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great man-and-dog thrill rideBy C. L. FlutyRollins has created a great pair of characters in Tucker Wayne and his canine partner, Kane, even portraying some scenes from the dog's point of view. And add always, the author's grasp of the science involved is outstanding and is used well to create a doomsday that that must be averted. A stellar read!