From Publishers WeeklyRollins takes fans on a frenetic roller-coaster ride through the streets of Rome, across England and into Norway. The Sigma Force is in a race to find a link between a nearly 1,000-year-old mystery and a modern conspiracy that could cause the starvation of billions of humans. Comdr. Gray Pierce leads a team that includes his former lover and his current enemy, getting them to work together to save each other's lives long enough to save the world. Peter Jay Fernandez serves up an entertaining gravelly Scottish brogue and a plausible Norwegian accent and gives every character his or her own distinctive voice, allowing easy identification by using inflection and cadence. He keeps listeners involved through lengthy descriptive passages, convoluted scientific explanations and historical fact and speculation, and does well at raising the tension as the narrative escalates into explosive, action-packed scenes. A Morrow hardcover ( s, Apr. 27). (July) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "This guy doesn't write novels-he builds roller coasters....Rollins excels at combining action and history with larger-than-life characters....A must for pure action fans." -- BooklistFrom 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 goes into making a website The Doomsday Key: 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.... :)