The crime is inhumanly cruel with horrific consequences both unthinkable and inevitable. During a service at a cathedral in Cologne, Germany, a ban...
read full description
reviews
Jun 04, 2008
Great book! I love James Rollins. He's like a cross between Tom Clancy and Micheal Crichton. Right up my Star Trek/Indiana Jones alley!! I highly recommend his books to anyone who loves any of the aforementioned authors or movies. Basically anyone who is a geek like I am.
0 comments
like
(7 people liked it)
Jul 19, 2008
Mike
rated it: 
This is the first book by James Rollins that I was going to read, then I learned that there was a series, so I read the first book, "Sandstorm", first and then returned to this. You don't really HAVE to read the first two books in any order I think because there is little that is actually spoiled in Map of Bones, most of the previous book is referred to in passing and is more helpful to having a believable world than anything. Not that the world of Sigma Force is all that believeable,
More...
Dec 17, 2009
Alexis
rated it: 
This was my second James Rollins book and I'm excited to read another. His novels read like "beach read" thrillers, but not those you'd feel embarrassed about toting around a public poolside. I'm a fan of fun mystery series like the ones written by Jeffrey Deaver and Harlan Coben, but with Rollins' books, I actually learn something. I also love his author's notes following the texts that recommend many of the sources he used for his stories. I don't imagine it's possible to read a
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jun 01, 2008
Natalie
rated it: 
Overall, this book was well written and the author's knowledge of the concepts and history integrated throughout the book is evident. Characters are well developed, but there was one major flaw that I found which affected my perception of Map of Bones. By the time I got to the end, I had no idea what the purpose of the whole adventure was. I couldn't remember what the main characters were looking for. I asked my friend, who recommended this book to me, about whether she knew, and she too couldn'
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Dec 07, 2007
Kendra
rated it:
why i recommend this book? imagine michael crichton and dan brown together? yup, its religious scince fiction. making d legend sounds scientific enough for us understand. it speaks about 3 magi bones (3 king or holy person that finds jesus and admit him as d son of God) that actually not bone at all. but the pure or single atom of gold. juz like carboplatin, d pure platinum for chemotherapy. james imagination is that this single atom affect ur body, and life. he mix it w legends and thriller. if
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 21, 2008
Fransiska
rated it: 
Buku ini mengingatkan saya dengan Davinci Code, banyak sekali buku-buku serupa yang muncul paska era penerbitan novel dari Dan Brown tersebut.
Jika Davinci Code banyak berpusat pada hubungan antar gereja dengan Maria Magdalena sedangkan disini konflik yang diangkat mengenai pengumpulan tulang-tulang Magi.
Sudah banyak buku-buku serupa dan saya tidak melihat apa yang lebih menarik dari buku ini dibanding lainnya. Yang lebih parah lagi bagaimana akhirnya penulis memaksakan More...
Jika Davinci Code banyak berpusat pada hubungan antar gereja dengan Maria Magdalena sedangkan disini konflik yang diangkat mengenai pengumpulan tulang-tulang Magi.
Sudah banyak buku-buku serupa dan saya tidak melihat apa yang lebih menarik dari buku ini dibanding lainnya. Yang lebih parah lagi bagaimana akhirnya penulis memaksakan More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Apr 10, 2009
Andrea
rated it:
Excellent- one of my favorite authors, and I love this series- can't wait for the next one
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 06, 2011
Rich
rated it:
I blame Dan Brown.
If you liked Dan Brown's DaVinci Code you'll like this book by James Rollins.
I enjoyed the book with the exception of the part where uh oh... I've forgotten his name, Cardinal Something-or-nother was talking. His exposition was REALLY expository and he tended to beat things to death.
The ideas were interesting and as the author suggested, it will certainly prompt further study/reading on my part.
The action was fast paced. The protagonists constantly wen More...
If you liked Dan Brown's DaVinci Code you'll like this book by James Rollins.
I enjoyed the book with the exception of the part where uh oh... I've forgotten his name, Cardinal Something-or-nother was talking. His exposition was REALLY expository and he tended to beat things to death.
The ideas were interesting and as the author suggested, it will certainly prompt further study/reading on my part.
The action was fast paced. The protagonists constantly wen More...
Aug 10, 2011
"Another awesome true-life tale which dives into a story regarding the three magi (wise men) who brought Jesus presents to celebrate his birth. The story involves the 7 ancient wonders of the world, m-state gold, the Vatican as well as the other popes residency in Avignon in France. James Rollins provides a fascinating insight into history from the period of Egyption pharoah’s and their use of ‘white bread’ (Bread of Light) which contained white powder gold through to the tomb of Alex
More...
Mar 10, 2011
Vince
rated it:
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 thrille More...
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 thrille More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 30, 2010
Jeff
rated it:
James Rollins really captures the spirit of the conspiracy-theory thriller a la Dan Brown's DaVinci Code, but WITHOUT ripping off the plotline or making the story too hokey.
Map of Bones begins with the theft of the Christian relic of the Magi ("Three Wise Men")'s bones in Cologne, Germany. Although the church is filled with gold and valuable artwork, the only item that is taken are the bones - not even the golden container in which they were housed. The theft, in and of it More...
Map of Bones begins with the theft of the Christian relic of the Magi ("Three Wise Men")'s bones in Cologne, Germany. Although the church is filled with gold and valuable artwork, the only item that is taken are the bones - not even the golden container in which they were housed. The theft, in and of it More...
Oct 02, 2009
Lynda
rated it:
A mysterious mass murder in a cathedral in Cologne, Germany starts this book and sets a quick place. At a midnight mass, all partakers of communion were fried from the inside. Everyone else was shot. A covert sect of the U.S. government called Sigma is called together with representatives of the Vatican to piece together a puzzle that will ultimately lead them to find the Magi described in the Bible – the “Three Wise Men”.
This book is a story of their bones and an ancient secret of t More...
This book is a story of their bones and an ancient secret of t More...
Aug 23, 2009
Paul
rated it:
Gray Pierce is the lead operative at SIGMA, a covert government agency that makes the CIA look like a bunch of pansies. He and his team of specialists are in a race against time to decipher ancient clues to a treasure that could destroy the world if acquired by the deadly Dragon Court. It's all standard treasure hunting fare, done countless times by Rollins, Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and probably a few of your relatives. As long as they are written good I enjoy them. In this case, Map of Bon
More...
Nov 19, 2010
Eric
rated it:
Is it just my impression, or are we being inundated with books that seek to give alternate explanations to biblical material, a la Dan Brown? Map of Bones is another in this genre which includes an action-packed arc and some interesting characters.
In Rollins' case, he picks the magi, the wise men who attended Christ shortly after his birth. He traces the fascination with these men, three or four or more? by the ancient church leading to veneration of their bones after the time of Con More...
In Rollins' case, he picks the magi, the wise men who attended Christ shortly after his birth. He traces the fascination with these men, three or four or more? by the ancient church leading to veneration of their bones after the time of Con More...
Apr 12, 2010
Nuno
rated it:
Dentro do género, a comparaçao (que obviamente não deve ser feita) é Dan Brown, Este livro de Rollins não fica nada a dever ao Código DaVinci ou Anjos & Demónios, de Brown embora com as suas diferenças claro está. mas os mistérios, os segredos, os enigmas, as teorias (da treta)… perdão da conspiração estão lá todos. tal como o alter-ego de Brown, (Robert Langdom) também Rollins tem o seu comandante Grey Pierce um verdadeiro lider, personagem que transita posteriormente para «A Ordem Negra» (2007
More...
Aug 05, 2011
Thk
rated it:
Interestingly, I read this after Six Sacred Stones and Seven Deadly Wonders, and some of themes are frightening similar, the relation of the seven ancient wonders to Alexander the Great, his glass tomb, the benben of the pyramids, the philosopher's stone and so on. Rollin's treatment is more unique and initially sounds abit far fetched, but he later avalanches you with more than enough information to convince you without sounding cheesy. In fact, the descriptions and puzzles are rife with convin
More...
Oct 24, 2010
Froglily
rated it:
A Vatican priest, an Italian policewoman, and an elite team of U.S. soldiers race together to prevent zealots from taking over the world.
A secret fraternity called the Dragon Court steals the preserved bones of the Three Magi from a cathedral in Germany. Their diabolical plans for the future of the world are opposed by SIGMA Force, an elite team of scientist/soldiers from the U.S. Defense Department. Working with Lietuenant Rachel Verona of the Italian Carabinieri Corps and her uncle More...
A secret fraternity called the Dragon Court steals the preserved bones of the Three Magi from a cathedral in Germany. Their diabolical plans for the future of the world are opposed by SIGMA Force, an elite team of scientist/soldiers from the U.S. Defense Department. Working with Lietuenant Rachel Verona of the Italian Carabinieri Corps and her uncle More...
May 20, 2011
Christina
rated it:
I picked up this book because from the summary cover it promises to be a good religious thriller. And man, it literally is a religious thriller: lots and lots of Christianity-related historical factual information coupled with real high-leveled action. Put it this way: it's a combination between Dan Brown and Ludlum. Can't get better than that!
The action is well-written, fast-progressing, clear and pleasant and not too annoyingly detailed. You'll find not your usual good guy-bad guy groupin More...
The action is well-written, fast-progressing, clear and pleasant and not too annoyingly detailed. You'll find not your usual good guy-bad guy groupin More...
Sep 14, 2009
Dan
rated it:
This is a strange one to review. First, it was another entertaining book. I liked the introduction of new characters. It moved at a good pace, it was interesting. So, for that I give it 4 stars.
As usual, anyone who tries to set a Gnostic foundation to Christianity, they never use the bible as their source. It is always based on some obscure texts and taking biblical verses out of context to make the entire thing work. For a piece of fiction, no big deal. However, people need More...
As usual, anyone who tries to set a Gnostic foundation to Christianity, they never use the bible as their source. It is always based on some obscure texts and taking biblical verses out of context to make the entire thing work. For a piece of fiction, no big deal. However, people need More...
Feb 11, 2011
Filipa
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 01, 2011
Complete tosh. This book is annoyed me more and more throughout, mainly because he has just pinched loads of stuff from Dan Brown (more Angels and Demons than Da Vinci Code.) Maybe I've just read too many books that have followed on from the Da Vinci Code, but this just same old, same old, same old......although the Seven Ancient Wonders stuff is vaguely interesting, so too the interlocking circles forming Christian symbols.....but again, another book where the author has done some impressive re
More...
Jul 03, 2011
BigJohn
rated it:
The genre of well-researched adventures in anthropology seems to have no end. Neither does my love of them, apparently. This book fits nicely in the religious subversive organization type of book that gives us the entertaining Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and The Last (some would say "Least," though not me) Crusade, Angels and Demons, The DaVinci Code, The Rule of Four, and I'm sure many others that I have yet to discover.
This story is the first of the Sigma Force s More...
This story is the first of the Sigma Force s More...
Apr 30, 2011
Sharon
rated it:
Oh, what can I say? Loved the characters in Map of Bones. Grey Pierce and Rachel Verona are a good fit. As are Monk (one of my favorite characters) and Kat. Anxious to see what develops between the couples in future Rollins novels. Painter Crowe is his usual intriguing self. The usual bevvy of kick-ass baddies get in the way of good guys/gals on a mission.
I gave this one four stars because . . . well, I didn't know how to give 4.75 - only drawback was the inclusion of a bit too much More...
I gave this one four stars because . . . well, I didn't know how to give 4.75 - only drawback was the inclusion of a bit too much More...
Aug 04, 2011
George
rated it:
This is the second Sigma Force thriller I've read. It has the requisite evil consortium, The Dragon Court, damsel in distress, and implausible escapes. It is formulaic and the romance that develops seems forced, but it is still a good light read and keeps one trying to keep up with the fast pace from Fort Dietrick, to DC to Rome, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt and France. A veritable "see 6 countries in six days". Oh yes, one mustn't forget the Vatican. It is thrown into the mix as is Ale
More...
Dec 07, 2011
Stina Zombean
rated it:
For any one that thought the Da Vinci Code was a good book, you seriously need to read this one. Map of Bones goes more in depth than the Code and is far more entertaining and fast paced.
I've read several book under Rollins and his pseudo name James Clemens and he has never failed to deliver.
I've read several book under Rollins and his pseudo name James Clemens and he has never failed to deliver.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 20, 2009
Brandon
rated it:
I really like the science, history and geography involved in James Rollins novels, but the relationships always seem contrived and, at times, the circumstances unrealistic. That's not to say that this book isn't a page turner, it definitely is, but Rollins seems to hang his entire plot off of one scientific and one historical theory and loosely hang the plot and characters off of those.
In this case, monatomic (m-state) gold (and other metals) and their interesting properties and he ties t More...
In this case, monatomic (m-state) gold (and other metals) and their interesting properties and he ties t More...
Feb 08, 2011
Ithlilian
rated it:
One day I decided to go on a book hunt. I liked Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code, so I decided to try things that were considered similar. If this book is any indication of the type of books considered similar then I don't think I will be continuing on that quest.
We have the tough guy military type and his team of sidekicks, one whom happens to have just the right background to magically be of assistance at crucial moments, the intelligent yet tough love interest, and the know it More...
We have the tough guy military type and his team of sidekicks, one whom happens to have just the right background to magically be of assistance at crucial moments, the intelligent yet tough love interest, and the know it More...
Sep 01, 2009
Julie
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jun 28, 2011
Jien
rated it: 
I read this because someone gave me a copy and finished it only out of a vague curiosity for the ending. I will not be reading any more of Rollins' books.
This book was terrible. It's written like a movie, jumping from scene to scene and shifting point-of-view in an attempt to create interest where the plot lacks it. Jumping into an insignificant character's perspective for two sentences serves no purpose except to break the flow of the story. One of the most infuriating things is tha More...
This book was terrible. It's written like a movie, jumping from scene to scene and shifting point-of-view in an attempt to create interest where the plot lacks it. Jumping into an insignificant character's perspective for two sentences serves no purpose except to break the flow of the story. One of the most infuriating things is tha More...
Jan 18, 2010
Genesis
rated it:
In this book, a bunch of scientist discover a wonder of worlds.You see this scientist is acompanied by another scientist named Rachel. And both discover this world of wonders and the future and a whole new begining of man kind.
I do not have a connection with these scientist but I could give them some advice. If I were these scientist I would ask more and more scientist to come and see this world of wonders for them selves bcause I know that they are not going to believe us two More...
I do not have a connection with these scientist but I could give them some advice. If I were these scientist I would ask more and more scientist to come and see this world of wonders for them selves bcause I know that they are not going to believe us two More...
