"ju-das strain, n. A scientific term for an organism that drives an entire species to extinction"
A master at combining historical and scie... read full description
reviews
Jul 13, 2011
Stephen
rated it: 
AN ANCIENT, PANDEMIC CAUSING, VIRUS whose origin and cure is linked to the ANGKOR WAT and the mysterious return voyage of MARCO POLO from the court of KUBLAI KHAN...yep, it looks like another job for SIGMA FORCE .
The SIGMA Force is one of the truly delicious concepts to be introduced into the popcorn-eating, page-turning, actiony, spy-guy, thrill-o-rama genre. PhD toting scientific brainiacs with Navy Seal kill skills and James Bond spy craft (minus babes and booze…damn).
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The SIGMA Force is one of the truly delicious concepts to be introduced into the popcorn-eating, page-turning, actiony, spy-guy, thrill-o-rama genre. PhD toting scientific brainiacs with Navy Seal kill skills and James Bond spy craft (minus babes and booze…damn).
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Oct 08, 2007
Kendra
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I'm a little bit embarrassed to give this book a 4, but there you go. It's a guilty pleasure, I guess, because the book is kind of ridiculous in a testosterone-fueled Indiana-Jones-meets-Mission-Impossible kind of way. If this tells you anything, I nearly downgraded it to a 3 because of the cannibals. (Yes, cannibals.)
I was about 60 pages into the book before I realized that it was part of a series. Some of you know that reading a series out of order is one of my BIGGEST PET PEEV More...
I was about 60 pages into the book before I realized that it was part of a series. Some of you know that reading a series out of order is one of my BIGGEST PET PEEV More...
Aug 07, 2011
The Itzel Library
rated it: 
Sumatra, año 1293
Marco Polo, su padre y su tío (Los Polo) fueron los primeros en hacer el viaje a China, a su regreso [a Venecia] contaban con una flota de 14 navíos y 600 hombres. En su viaje de regreso, una extraña enfermedad se extendió entre los viajeros y Los Polo se vieron obligados a quemar los navíos y a los enfermos, pues una vez contraída la enfermedad, todos los que la tienen, empiezan a presentar comportamientos erráticos, extrañas máculas en sus cuerpos, etc. Por eso Los Polo More...
Marco Polo, su padre y su tío (Los Polo) fueron los primeros en hacer el viaje a China, a su regreso [a Venecia] contaban con una flota de 14 navíos y 600 hombres. En su viaje de regreso, una extraña enfermedad se extendió entre los viajeros y Los Polo se vieron obligados a quemar los navíos y a los enfermos, pues una vez contraída la enfermedad, todos los que la tienen, empiezan a presentar comportamientos erráticos, extrañas máculas en sus cuerpos, etc. Por eso Los Polo More...
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Dec 29, 2007
Lorena
rated it:
James Rollins' novels generally remind me of some weird combination of Michael Crichton, Dan Brown, and Tom Clancy -- none of whom are among my favorite authors. Rollins is, though -- I love the combination of myth/legend, science, and intrigue. The Judas Strain starts with a viral outbreak, follows Marco Polo to Cambodia (via an ancient manuscript), and has the SIGMA team tracking terrorists on three continents. If that sounds far-fetched, it's only because you haven't read it. Rollins nearly a
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Feb 12, 2009
Toni
rated it:
Sigma Force book 4
An ancient and deadly plague, the Judas Strain, has suddenly re-emerged from the depths of the Indian Ocean, a disease unstoppable and deadly. Dr Lisa Cummings and Monk Kokkalis of SIGMA FORCE search for an answer to this bizarre affliction aboard a cruise liner, transformed into a makeshift hospital. But others had different intentions. In a sudden coup, Guild members hijack the vessel full of plague victims and turn it into a bio-weapons lab.
A world aw More...
An ancient and deadly plague, the Judas Strain, has suddenly re-emerged from the depths of the Indian Ocean, a disease unstoppable and deadly. Dr Lisa Cummings and Monk Kokkalis of SIGMA FORCE search for an answer to this bizarre affliction aboard a cruise liner, transformed into a makeshift hospital. But others had different intentions. In a sudden coup, Guild members hijack the vessel full of plague victims and turn it into a bio-weapons lab.
A world aw More...
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Dec 17, 2009
Simone
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A friend recommended James Rollins to me as I like books by Dan Brown, and Steve Barry. I have read a couple of his books so far and am in complete agreement with my friend. I find that the books start off in a very exciting way and hold my attention throughout. In this book, The Judas Strain, I am learning about Marco Polo and the mystery surrounding his 24 year voyage that took him to the palaces of Kublai Khan in China. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a historical t
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Feb 08, 2012
drey
rated it:
I featured James Rollins on the blog in 2010 (May) and picked up Altar of Eden then; I also meant to pick up some of his other books, which I did – but didn’t get around to reading til’ now…
drey’s thoughts:
I know I’m reading these out of order, but that’s alright – The Judas Strain stands on its own. Even so, one of these days I will backtrack and read the prior books.
James Rollins drags you into this thriller slowly as he sets the stage for a high-action, fast-pac More...
drey’s thoughts:
I know I’m reading these out of order, but that’s alright – The Judas Strain stands on its own. Even so, one of these days I will backtrack and read the prior books.
James Rollins drags you into this thriller slowly as he sets the stage for a high-action, fast-pac More...
Feb 11, 2011
Filipa
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Sep 19, 2011
Mike (the Paladin)
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I truly hate being in this position. A friend here on Goodreads with whom I usually agree recommended that I try Rollins. Now admittedly this is not the first in the series and I don't often start a series in the middle, but I was looking for an audio that I could listen to as I was busy with "mindless tasks". (I'm straining not to make a joke here.)
I wish I could say I liked this book, I wanted to, but I just don't/didn't. I was relieved to reach the end. To give credit wh More...
I wish I could say I liked this book, I wanted to, but I just don't/didn't. I was relieved to reach the end. To give credit wh More...
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Apr 10, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
This was a book I had been wanting to read for a while now, after having first come across it at the bookstore and being intrigued by the book jacket. Now that I have read and completed it, I have to say that I truly enjoyed "The Judas Strain", it kept me entertained from start to finish. Perhaps the most memorable part of the book for me, which will probably stay with me the longest was one of the quotes at the beginning of the book as cited from the US Centers for Disease Control and
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Aug 05, 2011
Thk
rated it:
Interestingly, Rollins write among similar lines to Reilly, and by recommendations on the cover of Reilly's book and also from Justine, I picked up this book from the library. Many similarities are found: Guantanamo, robotic prosthetics, MetalStorm guns etc. However, Rollins can be considered the antithesis of Reilly - while the latter concentrates on action set pieces and flow of storyline, Rollins concentrates on developing his characters and story, and pares down the action scenes. However,
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Oct 18, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
This is the third book in the Sigma Force series that I've read and absolutely loved. James Rollins writing is historically accurate and amazingly detailed. It's one of those books that draws you in from the first horrific chapter and keeps you turning pages as fast as your fingers (and eyes) allow. Of course there are multiple things going on: a historical trail and a scientific trail which ultimately converges with dire consequences. I particularly liked the inclusion of Kowalski, an ex-m
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Jun 21, 2009
Robin
rated it:
After finishing The Judas Strain, I remain a HUGE James Rollins fan! I think Map of Bones and Sandstorm are my favorite books in the Sigma Force series, but really, they are all superb adventures, and The Judas Strain is no exception.
After reading 4 books in the series, I'm completely invested in these characters. I have images of them in my head. I know and love or hate their personalities. I root for their success and worry at their failures and ultimately, I want them to save the More...
After reading 4 books in the series, I'm completely invested in these characters. I have images of them in my head. I know and love or hate their personalities. I root for their success and worry at their failures and ultimately, I want them to save the More...
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Feb 21, 2011
Michael
rated it:
Full of Action and stunning characters
I have read just about every book written by James Rollins and in my opinion "The Judas Strain" is right up there at the top. It's a stunning and education portrait of those nasty bugs in the world of biological science. In the "The Judas Strain", the fourth novel in the Sigma Force series I thought Mr. Collins writing style captured the true effects of a loose deadly bacteria that is killing all life in the waters of Christm More...
I have read just about every book written by James Rollins and in my opinion "The Judas Strain" is right up there at the top. It's a stunning and education portrait of those nasty bugs in the world of biological science. In the "The Judas Strain", the fourth novel in the Sigma Force series I thought Mr. Collins writing style captured the true effects of a loose deadly bacteria that is killing all life in the waters of Christm More...
Jan 23, 2009
Jean
rated it:
Another really fun read from James Rollins. It brought back a number of characters from the last couple novels (and didn't incorporate too many new ones) which was fun. Being about a violent, highly-contagious disease made for a lot of nasty, skin-crawling, stomach-churning moments. The usual complaints are in effect here: flat character relationships (but they're getting a little better for me, now that Ive read these characters a number of times), unnatural dialogue (I get a little annoyed
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Mar 24, 2010
Steven
rated it:
The book is called The Judas Strain,and the author is James Rollins.At first my nice neighbor recommended this book to me,she told me how her son liked this book and she thought I might like this kind of realistic fiction story too. So she let me borrow it, and I started to read this book as soon as I get this book into my room.
The story sets the first scene at Marco Polo and his crewmen returning to their home from a trip to China.Marco Polo and his crewmen seemed to be experiencing More...
The story sets the first scene at Marco Polo and his crewmen returning to their home from a trip to China.Marco Polo and his crewmen seemed to be experiencing More...
Jul 27, 2011
Ernest
rated it:
This book is what I have dubbed historical inspired modern adventure/thriller, which takes some point of history and uses it as a basis for a fictional novel. In this case, a tale of Marco Polo intersects with modern science to create a rollicking tale of adventure, disease and action. However, I was particularly unhappy with the very end of the novel, feeling that it did not fit within the feel of the book.
Part of a series, I think I was marginally disadvantaged in reading this book More...
Part of a series, I think I was marginally disadvantaged in reading this book More...
Mar 18, 2009
Does anyone else feel like Rollins has to create a "go-go-GO" pace for all his books in order for it to be suspenseful? Every book I pick up to read of his is like a race. There's always someone chasing a character, or running from a character and it's so exhausting. The premises of all his books are great, but I can't get past the constant running/chases. I wish for once he could ease up a little and then I might actually be able to get through any number of his books. I am almost thi
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Jul 25, 2011
Debra
rated it:
Wow! I love this author! The medical theme of a Robin Cook novel, the adventure of a Cussler tale and the puzzling, fast-action, code-breaking ride of a Dan Brown bestseller. Plot: the special (secret) agency of Sigma is up against the Guild again when double agent Seichan pleads with Grayson Pierce for help in finding a way to stop a horrible bacterial strain from killing the world. The trail for answers starts with Marco Polo's hidden clues. History, science, evil and religion all collide in t
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Mar 21, 2011
John
rated it:
I think James Rollins is a fantastic entertainer of a novelist. This is the first of his that I have read. What appealed to me in the beginning was his crafty use of sensory language. He really knows how to tell a story, sentence by sentence, with an efficient word economy. As an adventure story, "The Judas Strain" definitely offers high-octane prose filled with telling details regarding Marco Polo, the human anatomy, and terrorist/pirate/special agent warfare. If you can allow yoursel
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Mar 06, 2010
Maggie
rated it:
Publishers Weekly and the American Library Association touted fabulous breakneck speed and intrigue that I found fascinating, and they weren’t wrong. It might be a book to capture you, as far as the story line and characters are concerned.
The story behind Marco Polo was spot-on. From what I know of his return from China, Rollins did not deviate from historical record. The science was fascinating, and certainly believable. Rollins does have a background in veterinary medicine, whi More...
The story behind Marco Polo was spot-on. From what I know of his return from China, Rollins did not deviate from historical record. The science was fascinating, and certainly believable. Rollins does have a background in veterinary medicine, whi More...
Jan 08, 2012
Yavvo
rated it:
The ending seemed kind of weak and several things were left unexplained like what qualified the glowing people to be cis instead of trans. It was also a pretty lame cure where all Susan had to do was return to the source to be healed. I thought she should have had to divulge in some trials or some epic feat of strength. I wish they would've had to eat her to be cured that would have been shocking and surprising.
I did however enjoy the historical trail of Marco Polo. That was inte More...
I did however enjoy the historical trail of Marco Polo. That was inte More...
Jan 14, 2010
Molly
rated it:
Wow. This is the second book I've read from Rollins, and it was even better than the first. It was tightly written and a wonderful blend of science, history, intrigue and suspense. He reminds me of Michael Crichton and Dan Brown, but he's SUCH a better writer than Brown, that's for sure. And I like his characters a lot more. It's hard to put his books down!
As an aside, I like that I can jump in pretty much anywhere in the Sigma Force story. There are minor references to previous back More...
As an aside, I like that I can jump in pretty much anywhere in the Sigma Force story. There are minor references to previous back More...
Jan 22, 2012
Colleen
rated it:
Great book! It was recommended to me by a friend and at first I was a bit unsure. I typically don't read books that hold much actual truth or history and it was a bit of a slow start for me. However, after giving it a chance I found a whole new love for this book. Fantastic story line based around a neat bit of history you may not have known about, suspense that keeps you reading, and great character structure. Definitly a good read! I gave it only four stars more or less due to the fact that it
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Jun 07, 2010
Jeff
rated it:
It was definitely a good book - in the genre of Dan Brown and the DaVinci Code, etc... However, there are a few fundamental flaws I find with James Rollings.
1. It takes him too many pages to get to the real point of the story. The beginning is intriguing and the endgame is always good. But it takes too long to get there.
2. The characters figure out complex code and puzzles in about a paragraph and a half, if that, which is even too unbelievable for suspending disbeli More...
1. It takes him too many pages to get to the real point of the story. The beginning is intriguing and the endgame is always good. But it takes too long to get there.
2. The characters figure out complex code and puzzles in about a paragraph and a half, if that, which is even too unbelievable for suspending disbeli More...
Feb 17, 2009
Andrea
rated it:
I am continuously amused that Rollins can find new material in the archeological/historical world and turn in on its ear. Take innocent bacteria found in your body and now turn it against yourself and either become a cannibal or a glowing ray of human being (not kidding). Through in a Marco Polo mystery and lots of gun fights and you've got yourself a fun read by James Rollins. 'Judas Strain' is a bit different than the other Sigma Force novels in that you see most of the main characters (Gr
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Jun 22, 2011
Philip
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 09, 2011
Rachel
rated it:
This book is an excellent example of a high-concept novel - that is, it is extremely plot-driven. On the one hand, I definitely couldn't put it down, and I did enjoy the combination of science, history, and adventure in the novel. That said, it's not well written. There are numerous errors, not just spelling and grammatical, but conceptual as well. My biggest complaint, though, is that the writing is clumsy, at best.
I wouldn't say I disliked this book. There are positive bits in ther More...
I wouldn't say I disliked this book. There are positive bits in ther More...
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Aug 04, 2011
Susanna
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I love reading James Rollins books and this one did not disappoint. I was biting my nails as I read this book. James fascinates me as to the information that he masterfully weaves in his books. This one is about a deadly affliction that has befallen a group of people and is about to explode across the world. A ship has become the "traveling hospital" for a bio-weapons lab. As the terrorists keep the ship and Sigma hostage, Gray Pierce drops in and saves the day, and the world from
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Sep 25, 2010
JulesQ
rated it:
I listed to this as a book on tape while driving to Tallahassee, and it was a perfect book on tape while driving 10 hours sort of novel -- fast paced, a fun blend of science, history, and adventure, likable -- if perhaps too awesome -- characters, general all around fun.
What it is not, however, is a brilliant literary endeavor and often succumbed to cliched writing tendencies. Stuff like "John breathed a sigh of relief because they were safe for the moment. OR SO HE THOUGHT." More...
What it is not, however, is a brilliant literary endeavor and often succumbed to cliched writing tendencies. Stuff like "John breathed a sigh of relief because they were safe for the moment. OR SO HE THOUGHT." More...
