What do you think?
Rate this book
Sigma Force #13
The Demon Crown
To save mankind’s future, the members of Sigma Force must make a devil’s bargain as they join forces with their most hated enemy to stop an ancient threat in this gripping adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins.
THE DEMON CROWN
Off the coast of Brazil, a team of scientists discovers a horror like no other, an island where all life has been eradicated, consumed and possessed by a species beyond imagination. Before they can report their discovery, a mysterious agency attacks the group, killing them all, save one, an entomologist, an expert on venomous creatures, Professor Ken Matsui from Cornell University.
Strangest of all, this inexplicable threat traces back to a terrifying secret buried a century ago beneath the National Mall: a cache of bones preserved in amber. The artifact was hidden away by a cabal of scientists—led by Alexander Graham Bell—to protect humankind. But they dared not destroy it, for the object also holds an astonishing promise for the future: the very secret of life after death.
Yet, nothing stays buried forever. An ancient horror—dormant in the marrow of those preserved bones—is free once more, nursed and developed into a weapon of incalculable strength and malignancy, ready to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
To stop its spread, Commander Grayson Pierce of Sigma Force must survive a direct attack on the island of Maui. To be there first has always been the core mission of Sigma Force, a covert team forged to be America’s front line against emerging threats. But this time, even Sigma may not be able to decipher this deadly mystery, one that traces back to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution.
With each new discovery, the menace they hunt is changing, growing, spreading—adapting and surviving every attempt to stop it from reconquering a world it once ruled. And each transformation makes it stronger . . . and smarter.
Running out of time and options, Commander Grayson Pierce will be forced to make an impossible choice. To eradicate this extinction-level threat and expose those involved, he will have to join forces with Sigma’s greatest enemy—the newly resurrected Guild—even it if means sacrificing one of his own.
THE DEMON CROWN
Off the coast of Brazil, a team of scientists discovers a horror like no other, an island where all life has been eradicated, consumed and possessed by a species beyond imagination. Before they can report their discovery, a mysterious agency attacks the group, killing them all, save one, an entomologist, an expert on venomous creatures, Professor Ken Matsui from Cornell University.
Strangest of all, this inexplicable threat traces back to a terrifying secret buried a century ago beneath the National Mall: a cache of bones preserved in amber. The artifact was hidden away by a cabal of scientists—led by Alexander Graham Bell—to protect humankind. But they dared not destroy it, for the object also holds an astonishing promise for the future: the very secret of life after death.
Yet, nothing stays buried forever. An ancient horror—dormant in the marrow of those preserved bones—is free once more, nursed and developed into a weapon of incalculable strength and malignancy, ready to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
To stop its spread, Commander Grayson Pierce of Sigma Force must survive a direct attack on the island of Maui. To be there first has always been the core mission of Sigma Force, a covert team forged to be America’s front line against emerging threats. But this time, even Sigma may not be able to decipher this deadly mystery, one that traces back to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution.
With each new discovery, the menace they hunt is changing, growing, spreading—adapting and surviving every attempt to stop it from reconquering a world it once ruled. And each transformation makes it stronger . . . and smarter.
Running out of time and options, Commander Grayson Pierce will be forced to make an impossible choice. To eradicate this extinction-level threat and expose those involved, he will have to join forces with Sigma’s greatest enemy—the newly resurrected Guild—even it if means sacrificing one of his own.
441 pages, Hardcover
First published December 5, 2017
2979 people are currently reading
6414 people want to read
About the author
James Rollins
127 books14.3k followersJames Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. His writing has been translated into more than forty languages and has sold more than 20 million books. The New York Times says, “Rollins is what you might wind up with if you tossed Michael Crichton and Dan Brown into a particle accelerator together.” NPR calls his work, “Adventurous and enormously engrossing.” Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets matched with stunning suspense. As a veterinarian, he had a practice in Sacramento for over a decade and still volunteers at local shelters. Nowadays, Rollins shares his home up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with two furry companions, Echo and Charlie. He also enjoys scuba diving, spelunking, kayaking, and hiking. Of course, he loves to travel and experience new places around the world, which often inspire his next globe-trotting adventure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,023 reviews
November 14, 2021
Even though I don’t normally read military thrillers, the Sigma Force novels have been a guilty pleasure for me over the years. Yes, they’re formulaic, and the bad guys are irredeemably eeeeeeevil while the good guys are effectively invincible. One team is working on a problem in the present, often involving the kidnapping of a person uniquely important to this book’s plot. Meanwhile, on a different continent, the other team is investigating a historical approach to solving the problem. Sooner or later there will be a traitor because ... there’s always at least one traitor. And that’s all true here.
But the Sigma Force novels usually do a nice job of blending the action sequences with interesting history and science, and The Demon Crown has a great balance. There’s some interesting history about the Smithsonian and about amber that ties into the story seamlessly. The action scenes are strong without being over-the-top. And the science is fascinating ... and creepy. Wasps suck, parasitic wasps really suck, and these giant prehistoric parasitic wasps are just horrifying, especially in the chapters from their perspective. “The meal must live.” Gah.
I wouldn’t have believed it because who’s ever heard of such a thing, but I think The Demon Crown—the 13th book in this series—might be the best one so far. That bodes very well for the ongoing state of the franchise.
But the Sigma Force novels usually do a nice job of blending the action sequences with interesting history and science, and The Demon Crown has a great balance. There’s some interesting history about the Smithsonian and about amber that ties into the story seamlessly. The action scenes are strong without being over-the-top. And the science is fascinating ... and creepy. Wasps suck, parasitic wasps really suck, and these giant prehistoric parasitic wasps are just horrifying, especially in the chapters from their perspective. “The meal must live.” Gah.
I wouldn’t have believed it because who’s ever heard of such a thing, but I think The Demon Crown—the 13th book in this series—might be the best one so far. That bodes very well for the ongoing state of the franchise.
July 23, 2025
The Demon Crow is the 13th book in the Sigma Force series written by James Rollins. Centered around an elite team of special agents in the US, they travel the world protecting people from unknown disasters. This time, Hawaii is under siege when killer wasps attack. But it's so much more. Rollins always combines the perfect balance of biological warfare, international espionage, and character-based plots that leave readers on the edge of their seats. I generally feel the books are about 15% too long, often getting a slight bit repetitive or prolonged, but it sure does amp up the suspense. As I have always believed, wasps and bees will kill us all. Just that buzzing sound is enough to make me cringe, and now I have an even larger fear of them. Loved the side story progression between Seichan and Gray. Very intrigued to start the next book. Only two more left til I'm current with the latest release.
November 22, 2017
First off, thank you to William Morrow imprint and the Harper Collins publishing company for sending me a physical ARC of the newest in one of my absolute favorite series of all time. They paid me nothing, and all I had to do was read it and review it honestly.
Sigma Force novels are always action-packed roller coaster rides of thrills and emotions. Rollins always seem to find a way to up the game to huge stakes, but not seem so utterly ridiculous that the situation becomes unbelievable. Not to say there aren't some unbelievable moments in some of these books, but that's a genre-thing. Rollins, who also is a trained veterinarian, has a love and respect for science and technology, which is evident in his books. Sure, the theories he posits might be out there or a stretch on the imagination, but he's always sparked by something real he's read about, and researched thoroughly. His blend of history, technology, science, and action really works for me.
The Demon Crown was definitely one of the stronger entries in the series. The villain was a little bit of a Bond villain, but it worked for the story, since The Guild and its agents have played a pivotal role in the course of the series, driving much of the action for the beginning of the series and helping facilitate some key character growth in many of the major players on both sides of the good-evil spectrum. Many fan favorites are in danger in this one, thanks to the threat -- which is absolutely terrifying. The Ezekiel Boone-esque menace of global-balance-upsetting proportions is both riveting to read (you won't want to look away!) and downright scary.
I can't say much more without spoiling stuff, but if you haven't picked up Sigma Force, you should. It's a fun ride, with lots of ups and downs and action along the way. I wouldn't recommend reading this without reading the rest of the series, unless you don't mind stuff being spoiled, because quite a few things in this one are based off the events of the other books -- and you won't appreciate the characters and their plotlines and growth stories here without that history.
But I can 100% recommend the series overall. Pick up book one (and push through if you have to, it's the slowest in the series, in my opinion) and binge them. DO IT.
Sigma Force novels are always action-packed roller coaster rides of thrills and emotions. Rollins always seem to find a way to up the game to huge stakes, but not seem so utterly ridiculous that the situation becomes unbelievable. Not to say there aren't some unbelievable moments in some of these books, but that's a genre-thing. Rollins, who also is a trained veterinarian, has a love and respect for science and technology, which is evident in his books. Sure, the theories he posits might be out there or a stretch on the imagination, but he's always sparked by something real he's read about, and researched thoroughly. His blend of history, technology, science, and action really works for me.
The Demon Crown was definitely one of the stronger entries in the series. The villain was a little bit of a Bond villain, but it worked for the story, since The Guild and its agents have played a pivotal role in the course of the series, driving much of the action for the beginning of the series and helping facilitate some key character growth in many of the major players on both sides of the good-evil spectrum. Many fan favorites are in danger in this one, thanks to the threat -- which is absolutely terrifying. The Ezekiel Boone-esque menace of global-balance-upsetting proportions is both riveting to read (you won't want to look away!) and downright scary.
I can't say much more without spoiling stuff, but if you haven't picked up Sigma Force, you should. It's a fun ride, with lots of ups and downs and action along the way. I wouldn't recommend reading this without reading the rest of the series, unless you don't mind stuff being spoiled, because quite a few things in this one are based off the events of the other books -- and you won't appreciate the characters and their plotlines and growth stories here without that history.
But I can 100% recommend the series overall. Pick up book one (and push through if you have to, it's the slowest in the series, in my opinion) and binge them. DO IT.
December 5, 2017
The Demon Crown is book thirteen in the Sigma Force series and let me tell you that this is a favorite series of mine and I have read every book published! And, the series keep going strong with its mix of thriller, science fiction, and adventure. One thing I always find so enjoyable with the books is the history lesson you get. Like in this book which started with Alexander Graham Bell traveling to Italy to steal James Smithson (founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution) remains. Yup, true story. Quite a fascinating tale.
But, what has James Smithson remains to do with this story? Well, you see he discovered something that could change the course of history and pretty much unless destruction on earth. And, of course, now someone has managed to release it. And, it's up to the Sigma Force to stop it. Without spoiling the story too much do I just want to say that there is a deadline of three days before everything is too late so they have to hurry to solve the riddle that Smithson left behind and find a "cure".
As usual is the book thrillingly good, and this one is storywise better than the last book. The threat to the life on the planet felt acute especially when the story in detail revealed what could happen to the human body if the threat that has been realized would infect. Trust me, I was like "shoot me" if that would happen to me! Personally, the only drawback was that the story now and then got a bit "scientific". I'm more a history fan than science so I prefer when the characters travel over the world hunting information than stories taking place in a lab. But, that's me. Other than that was the book truly great and I can't wait for the next book to be released!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
But, what has James Smithson remains to do with this story? Well, you see he discovered something that could change the course of history and pretty much unless destruction on earth. And, of course, now someone has managed to release it. And, it's up to the Sigma Force to stop it. Without spoiling the story too much do I just want to say that there is a deadline of three days before everything is too late so they have to hurry to solve the riddle that Smithson left behind and find a "cure".
As usual is the book thrillingly good, and this one is storywise better than the last book. The threat to the life on the planet felt acute especially when the story in detail revealed what could happen to the human body if the threat that has been realized would infect. Trust me, I was like "shoot me" if that would happen to me! Personally, the only drawback was that the story now and then got a bit "scientific". I'm more a history fan than science so I prefer when the characters travel over the world hunting information than stories taking place in a lab. But, that's me. Other than that was the book truly great and I can't wait for the next book to be released!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
April 2, 2022
A ton of fun, packed with action and danger. I love when writers ground their stories in real events. Here Rollins takes a few things that really happened to Alexander Graham Bell and the founder of the Smithsonian, James Smithson, to craft a base for his story revolving around prehistoric insects and genetic engineering with globe altering repercussions. The villain is Bond villain level bananas and clearly he's never read a Michael Crichton novel, as we all know, "Life finds a way".
I don't know where Rollins finds all of his locations, but he has me wanting to visit the salt mine found in the book. It sounds amazing.
I don't know where Rollins finds all of his locations, but he has me wanting to visit the salt mine found in the book. It sounds amazing.
August 10, 2018
Like an episode of G.I. Joe, Sigma Force comes roaring back with even more fanciful tech, situations and globetrotting. The villains are cartoonish, complete with underwater lairs and killer bees (wasps actually), while the established heroes are exactly the same as in the previous 12 books, having not developed in any way. At this point, any suspense is lost as no major character has died, so that the perilous situations are rendered meaningless. Rollins writing style is unfortunately taking a step backward as he finds it necessary to explain every little thing that's happening. I know what scuba gear is used for, it doesn't have to be a couple of paragraphs of exposition and hokey dialogue. The Demon Crown is easily the most boring and infantile of the Sigma Force series, as it's increasingly evident Rollins jumped the shark at least three books ago.
January 6, 2018
My first story of 2018 confirms what I suspected. I need to stop listening/reading Mr. Rollins. Too many trite, uninteresting details do little but get in the way of story-telling. 0 of 10 stars
April 9, 2020
I thought that this book was a lot of fun even though I am not a fan of the Sigma Force members or of endless fight scenes. This book had historical figures, buried secrets, ecological threats, scientific experiments, and big, immortal, killer wasps. I enjoyed it.
January 1, 2018
My 13th adventure with sigma, it was absolutely fantastic. My inner science freak was high. Loved to see all the characters I adore over decade already 💜💜💜
June 4, 2022
As far as I'm concerned, James Rollins does it the best in the techno-thriller genre: just the right amount of action and also giving us intriguing ideas based on his extensive research. And what I also like is that, in his Author's Notes, he tells us where he gets his ideas from and recommends books to learn more about those ideas. On top of all this, I felt, after finishing "The Demon Crown," published in 2017, that it's one of the best in his Sigma Force series.
As a kid, I devoured every book I could find on dinosaurs and other prehistoric life. So this story really brought out that kid in me ( I think I would've just about died reading this as a 12-year-old!) . Grayson Pierce and other stalwart Sigma Force operatives have to save the world from a plague of lethal prehistoric wasps that had been preserved in amber--shades of "Jurassic Park!!!"
Now, I'm just two books behind in the series in order to catch up... definitely something to look forward to.
I have to add that in my edition of the book, there is a bonus short story--"Ghost Ship." A good short story about a battle over a lost treasure. It takes place before "Demon Crown" and finds Pierce and his ex-assassin girlfriend Seichan ( fantastic character, by the way!) in Northern Australia. They get involved in a fight against a ruthless enemy--and that's not to mention the deadly saltwater crocs in the neighborhood.
As a kid, I devoured every book I could find on dinosaurs and other prehistoric life. So this story really brought out that kid in me ( I think I would've just about died reading this as a 12-year-old!) . Grayson Pierce and other stalwart Sigma Force operatives have to save the world from a plague of lethal prehistoric wasps that had been preserved in amber--shades of "Jurassic Park!!!"
Now, I'm just two books behind in the series in order to catch up... definitely something to look forward to.
I have to add that in my edition of the book, there is a bonus short story--"Ghost Ship." A good short story about a battle over a lost treasure. It takes place before "Demon Crown" and finds Pierce and his ex-assassin girlfriend Seichan ( fantastic character, by the way!) in Northern Australia. They get involved in a fight against a ruthless enemy--and that's not to mention the deadly saltwater crocs in the neighborhood.
January 15, 2018
4.5 always scientifically intriguing but possibly scary stars
James Rollins is an author that has never disappointed me. He fills his novels with adventure, science, the winning nature of good over evil and the ability to make the reading of his books so much like a walk on the wild side.
In this rendition, members of the Sigma Force again battle the evil of the world this time manifesting itself in the form of killer wasps. The elements of science as Rollins blends the various truths with fiction always is so much fun. As the members of the force again make the world safe, we find the characters we have come to know in these novels present and ever ready to stake their lives in protecting ours and the world we live in.
Keep 'em coming Mr Rollins. We, as your avid readers, can't wait for the next installment.
James Rollins is an author that has never disappointed me. He fills his novels with adventure, science, the winning nature of good over evil and the ability to make the reading of his books so much like a walk on the wild side.
In this rendition, members of the Sigma Force again battle the evil of the world this time manifesting itself in the form of killer wasps. The elements of science as Rollins blends the various truths with fiction always is so much fun. As the members of the force again make the world safe, we find the characters we have come to know in these novels present and ever ready to stake their lives in protecting ours and the world we live in.
Keep 'em coming Mr Rollins. We, as your avid readers, can't wait for the next installment.
December 30, 2017
Marginally better than The Seventh Plague, mostly because of the great settings in Hawaii, the Balkans, and Wieliczka salt mine in Poland. This series has stagnated, with little character development, and most new ones getting whacked. As payback for Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the death of his beloved ninja, an aging Japanese pharmaceutical magnate looses a nightmare invasive species after liberating it from its amber cage for several millennia. The Sigma Force is divided into teams to battle the scourge, and an old adversary makes an appearance; however, the uncharacteristic and pivotal switch of sides, as the walls starting crumbling, made no sense.
September 28, 2019
فضای داستان طبیعتاً مثل قسمتهای قبلیه. یه اتفاقی میفته، همه چیز در خطره و مدت کوتاهی زمان هست که جلوی خطر گرفته بشه.
فقط باز سر و کله گیلد پیدا شد. این بار از ژاپن. بازماندههای گیلد در ژاپن که از پاکسازی جون به در برده بودند، این بار برای انتقام تصمیم به نابودی دنیا دارند.
گری هم از سیگما جدا شده، ولی ناچار میشه به گروه ملحق میشه، البته نه برای کمک به سیگما، بیشتر برای نجات زن و فرزندش که توی شکم همسرشه. حالا همسرش کیه!؟
فقط باز سر و کله گیلد پیدا شد. این بار از ژاپن. بازماندههای گیلد در ژاپن که از پاکسازی جون به در برده بودند، این بار برای انتقام تصمیم به نابودی دنیا دارند.
گری هم از سیگما جدا شده، ولی ناچار میشه به گروه ملحق میشه، البته نه برای کمک به سیگما، بیشتر برای نجات زن و فرزندش که توی شکم همسرشه. حالا همسرش کیه!؟
April 2, 2022
I read Rollins' books for fun and entertainment. He is an author I follow and whose books I collect. I have attended several of his book signings and have found him to be an entertaining and enjoyable speaker. After listening to him on these occasions I have concluded that he probably spent a significant amount of time as a kid watching old 1950's sci-fi movies involving mad scientists and a wide variety of monsters created by radiation exposure from atomic bomb tests and at the hands of these same crazy scientists. If you read Rollins' early books you will certainly wonder about the source of his imaginings. How ever he spent his youth it put him on a scientific path leading to a career in veterinary medicine. Now why he decided to abandon that career and become a writer of thrillers only he can answer but I am glad he did.
Rollins puts the science back into sci-fi. All of his books are based upon a scientific truth that he manipulates to create a crisis. His heroes are a team of former military misfits that have either an already established science background or have been trained to fill any scientific need for the team. This team is called the Sigma Force and they are headquartered far below the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Yes, it is sort of James Bond but it's also fun so you just go with it and enjoy. In this latest entry in the Sigma Series we have a bow to Jurassic Park as a prehistoric type of wasp has been released from its amber prison to wreak havoc on the Hawaiian Islands. Of course this hasn't been done by accident but by design. There is an evil villain and the remnants of his evil organization that is behind this disaster. The goal of this villain is both revenge and world subjugation. This is the usual motive of such plots but we are not looking for art here we are looking for adventure and this book certainly supplies that. This is another entertaining addition to Rollins' already successful series and I am looking forward to the next addition which I believe is due in January. Enjoy.
Rollins puts the science back into sci-fi. All of his books are based upon a scientific truth that he manipulates to create a crisis. His heroes are a team of former military misfits that have either an already established science background or have been trained to fill any scientific need for the team. This team is called the Sigma Force and they are headquartered far below the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Yes, it is sort of James Bond but it's also fun so you just go with it and enjoy. In this latest entry in the Sigma Series we have a bow to Jurassic Park as a prehistoric type of wasp has been released from its amber prison to wreak havoc on the Hawaiian Islands. Of course this hasn't been done by accident but by design. There is an evil villain and the remnants of his evil organization that is behind this disaster. The goal of this villain is both revenge and world subjugation. This is the usual motive of such plots but we are not looking for art here we are looking for adventure and this book certainly supplies that. This is another entertaining addition to Rollins' already successful series and I am looking forward to the next addition which I believe is due in January. Enjoy.
December 17, 2017
Fantastic thriller! I don't know how much time James Rollins spent doing research for his books but he is so gifted blending science and historical mysteries together and gave us this nonstop thrilling adventure of a book.
Much like Clive Cussler's format (if you are his fan), Rollins's books start with events in the past (In this case, 1903 Italy), and a map for the story. His books also include drawings of symbols, codes, animals, or artifacts. I truly enjoy all of it.
I'm keeping my fingers cross for a possible film in development for Map of Bones, which I better start reading. Highly recommend Rollins's books to those who enjoy black ops action, science, biology, entomology and the like.
Much like Clive Cussler's format (if you are his fan), Rollins's books start with events in the past (In this case, 1903 Italy), and a map for the story. His books also include drawings of symbols, codes, animals, or artifacts. I truly enjoy all of it.
I'm keeping my fingers cross for a possible film in development for Map of Bones, which I better start reading. Highly recommend Rollins's books to those who enjoy black ops action, science, biology, entomology and the like.
December 10, 2022
Swarms of atavistic killer wasps that colonize human bodies have invaded Hawaii, possibly necessitating its nuclear destruction unless an insecticide can be found. Someone deduces that the solution lies in amber caves in the salt mines of Poland: the year of death of Smithsonian benefactor James Smithson's tombstone is off by a few years. On purpose? Yes! The difference in the correct and incorrect years (or something) is the clue that reveals the numbered underground room in which a preserved molting wasp from millions (or thousands? who cares) of years ago reveals how to create the insecticide.
I'm only scratching the surface of the risible plotting. Most of the book involved furious fighting by Sigma Force members on Pacific atolls and Japan.
The biggest reason to avoid this book, though, is that some chapters are told from the point of view of the killer wasps.
October 13, 2017
Review
Thirteen books into the Sigma series and as a reader i always worry how a writer will keep a series fresh, new and exciting and with this type of book where cutting edge is key can they keep it in the realm of believable.
James Rollins always amazes me with his ability to write a tight, interesting, action packed story, but most of all his ability to keep coming up with world ending scenarios that are totally realistic. Each and everyone a trial for the Sigma team, to both solve the world ending conundrum and also survive those who are trying to cause the apocalypse.
Full review: Link https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
January 3, 2018
I adore the Sigma series and this could quite possibly be the best of them all!
December 31, 2017
I vaguely recall seeing a small golden stone with a mosquito in the middle when I was a very young girl. It didn't mean much to me then but now that I've read the demon crown I can't help but shiver at even the fictional subjects of this story. The blurb says it all. Amber, a resin from plants that dripped like honey into cracks and crevices of the earth and funnels that were created by volcanoes gave new meaning to the words fossil and preserve. But in this story, a couple of entomologists go one step further, extract the DNA from a wasp and create a wasp species so deadly that it takes a team such as Sigma Force to barely grasp the solution to ending these huge deadly things.
This story in the series was a bit too buggy for me and played with my mind enough to give me the heebie jeebies and make me scratch at even the slightest itch. I say this because James Rollins has a mind so brilliant as to put very little fiction in this series and he tells you at the end what is true and factual and what is not. *shiver*. He makes the history feel so plausible it's scary, very scary. I'll be honest. I almost didn't finish this one. I just don't have the thick skin that most people have when it comes to 'bugs'. A great addition to the Sigma series, I can finally pretend it isn't real.
This story in the series was a bit too buggy for me and played with my mind enough to give me the heebie jeebies and make me scratch at even the slightest itch. I say this because James Rollins has a mind so brilliant as to put very little fiction in this series and he tells you at the end what is true and factual and what is not. *shiver*. He makes the history feel so plausible it's scary, very scary. I'll be honest. I almost didn't finish this one. I just don't have the thick skin that most people have when it comes to 'bugs'. A great addition to the Sigma series, I can finally pretend it isn't real.
December 7, 2017
With his unique blend of science, history and terrific storytelling skills, Rollins brings forth his most chilling Sigma Force read to date. In 1903 Alexander Graham Bell, along with his wife Mabel, rushes to Italy on a covert mission to secure the remains of James Smithson -- founder of the Smithsonian Institute -- after receiving word that his remains were in danger via a trusted friend. Buried alongside Smithson's body, Bell discoverers a secret that could solve the mysteries of life after death, but also has the ability for mass genocidal destruction. Now, years later, it has fallen into the enemy's hands for that very means. Commander Grayson Pierce, along with former Guild member and girlfriend, Seichan, are on the island of Maui when the first attack hits. Within hours, the island is overrun as this terrible evil is unleashed. With no time to lose, Gray makes a deal with the devil to have a chance at saving the human race, even if that means the ultimate sacrifice. Rollins creates a fearsome picture in his newest masterpiece. An utterly plausible future scenario combined with a tightly woven storyline, renders this a stupendous, yet terrifying read. Suspenseful and action-packed, THE DEMON CROWN is a pulse-pounding thriller flawlessly executed.
~ Kris Miller, TopShelf Reviews
~ Kris Miller, TopShelf Reviews
April 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this one!
Yes, this book also follows the formula seemingly perfected by Rollins, which involves the following steps:
1. Events in distant past get buried metaphorically as well as physically.
2. Events in near past threaten to unearth them, but ends with tantalizing possibilities.
3. In the present, some nefarious entity (earlier the Guild, then some loose canons, now again Guild) seeks to exploit those possibilities into earth-shattering stuff.
4. Sigma to the rescue, with death of some valued personnel, betrayal by someone— who would invariably perish later, and some open threads.
5. Temporary closure.
But in this book we finally encounter one of the deadliest and most remorseless enemies that Sigma, mankind, or any other terrestrial entity have ever faced.
Want to know about them? Read the book.
It's what a techno-thriller should be.
Highly recommended.
Yes, this book also follows the formula seemingly perfected by Rollins, which involves the following steps:
1. Events in distant past get buried metaphorically as well as physically.
2. Events in near past threaten to unearth them, but ends with tantalizing possibilities.
3. In the present, some nefarious entity (earlier the Guild, then some loose canons, now again Guild) seeks to exploit those possibilities into earth-shattering stuff.
4. Sigma to the rescue, with death of some valued personnel, betrayal by someone— who would invariably perish later, and some open threads.
5. Temporary closure.
But in this book we finally encounter one of the deadliest and most remorseless enemies that Sigma, mankind, or any other terrestrial entity have ever faced.
Want to know about them? Read the book.
It's what a techno-thriller should be.
Highly recommended.
February 7, 2018
Not much to say about this. As always Sigma Force books are a ton of fun and this one is no exception. I am a big fan of this series and will always read the new books coming out every year.
Also, bugs and insects are scary af, especially wasps. This book depicts a particularly deadly species of wasps, and they only made me more afraid of those things. But I also really liked how they are portrayed as this very military like species and their little POV scenes are really weird yet really fun to read about.
Also, bugs and insects are scary af, especially wasps. This book depicts a particularly deadly species of wasps, and they only made me more afraid of those things. But I also really liked how they are portrayed as this very military like species and their little POV scenes are really weird yet really fun to read about.
November 22, 2017
I just finished this book, then saw this headline in the news today.
SECRET PARASITE: VA STUDY SHOWS PARASITE FROM VIETNAM MAY BE KILLING VETS
This book was pretty scary before I saw that headline; now it's terrifying! James Rollins unrolls an all-too realistic story of what a biological infestation could result in. If such a thing should happen, it's not likely the world would be so fortunate in a solution.
SECRET PARASITE: VA STUDY SHOWS PARASITE FROM VIETNAM MAY BE KILLING VETS
This book was pretty scary before I saw that headline; now it's terrifying! James Rollins unrolls an all-too realistic story of what a biological infestation could result in. If such a thing should happen, it's not likely the world would be so fortunate in a solution.
March 1, 2019
When I first started this series, it was an amazing experience. However, after the destruction of shield in Bloodline, the thrill started to fade. I used to crave for the unknown, the next page in the story. Now, I feel like I already know. There was no more thrill. It became predictable. I started to lose interest in the series after The 6th extinction. I don't feel any now. Maybe I'm getting older or dumb, I don't know. But I do know that this series isn't getting any better.
October 22, 2022
Okay, this wasn’t just good, it was great. A real page turner. This may be my favorite Rollins’s Sigma Force. One additional comment, Rollins’s notes in his usual Truth or Fiction after the end of the adventure “wasps play an important role in nature. Not only are they important pollinators, but they control the populations of undesirable insects. In fact, a single wasp nest is said to control five metric tons of garden pests within one year. So maybe a sting or two is well worth the price of having them around.” I think I will have to contemplate that before I destroy another wasp nest. LOL.
June 26, 2018
For the 14th or 15th time James Rollins once again delivers an absolutely fantastic novel.
As I’ve said in basically all of my 5 star reviews of his books, the guy is a phenomenal author who very rarely disappoints (if we don’t count that whole Order of the Sanguines debacle from a few years back).
I think what made The Demon Crown so good, aside from an actually original and entertaining story, was the way it harkened back to Rollins’s original novels, what with crazy creatures and exotic locales, while, at the same time, mixing in the familiarity of the Sigma novels where science and ancient history combine.
Seriously though, The Demon Crown was a ton of fun, the best Rollins novel in 2 years, and all the evidence I need to keep him amongst my top 3 favorite authors of all time.
As I’ve said in basically all of my 5 star reviews of his books, the guy is a phenomenal author who very rarely disappoints (if we don’t count that whole Order of the Sanguines debacle from a few years back).
I think what made The Demon Crown so good, aside from an actually original and entertaining story, was the way it harkened back to Rollins’s original novels, what with crazy creatures and exotic locales, while, at the same time, mixing in the familiarity of the Sigma novels where science and ancient history combine.
Seriously though, The Demon Crown was a ton of fun, the best Rollins novel in 2 years, and all the evidence I need to keep him amongst my top 3 favorite authors of all time.
April 6, 2021
সিগমা ফোর্স সিরিজ নিয়ে নতুন করে বলার কিছু নেই। সিরিজের প্রতিটা বই দারুণ, প্রতিটা বইয়েই নতুন কিছু জানা যায়। এই বইটাও ব্যতিক্রম নয়। ভাল লেগেছে।
May 2, 2022
Another Sigma adventure with Grey, Crow, Monk, Kowlski, and Kay. They save the world from a deadly onslaught of insects. Great plot and action.
December 5, 2017
ARC REVIEW
I can not tell you how excited I was to get approved for this ARC. Seriously I squealed, loudly and threw in a happy dance. Why was I so excited? I was so excited because I freakin love this series, Sigma Force is one of my absolute favorites. James Rollins is amazing when it comes to weaving a mystery that ties together history and science in an action packed, intelligent, and suspenseful story. I, for one, greatly appreciate all the research Mr. Rollins does for each of his stories, with the fiction so close to the non-fiction, it really makes the whole thing seem so real. The characters are so real to me, through the previous twelve books I have come to know each of the characters and I love them. I have been TeamSeichan from the beginning and this is a very heavy Gray/Seichan book but for a damn good reason. It's a very emotional book for them, I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Kat and Monk go out into the field together for their own little adventure, Kowalski and Maria are still together, although Maria is mentioned in the book she isn't actually in it.
There was a biological attack on the Hawaiian Islands, in the form of huge wasps. I know it sounds like a cheesy B-rated Sy-Fy channel movie but believe me it's so much better. Gray, Seichand, Kowalski, a local fireman named Palu, a entomologist Ken Matsui, and a Japanese Intelligence agent Aiko handle things on the front lines trying to stop and eliminate the threat of world domination by way of these insects and the madman behind it all. While Kat, Monk, the Librarian of Congress Elena Delgado, and the entomologist for the National Zoo Sam Bennett tackle how these prehistoric insects came to be and how it connects to James Smithson the founder of the Smithsonian and a giant chunk of amber that went missing during WWII. I'm not going to say to much on the actual story because I don't want to give to much away and the blurb for this book is actually really good.
Okay, I'll say it, Rollins is so much better than Crichton. Don't get me wrong Michael Crichton is in my top 15, Eaters of the Dead is one of my favorites and Sphere is creepy as hell, but the way Rollins adds all the intense action on top of the scientific and historic mystery just makes it all so heart-poundingly good. The way he comes at the mystery from two different paths makes a thrill ride; intelligent, emotional, daring and an inventive storyline and it all leads up to an explosive and heart stopping conculsion. I absolutely love his writing his active setting, his character development, his plot twists, I especially love at the back of the book where he reveals just how much of the book is truth and what's fiction. I can not wax poetically enough about this book or the series.
I can not tell you how excited I was to get approved for this ARC. Seriously I squealed, loudly and threw in a happy dance. Why was I so excited? I was so excited because I freakin love this series, Sigma Force is one of my absolute favorites. James Rollins is amazing when it comes to weaving a mystery that ties together history and science in an action packed, intelligent, and suspenseful story. I, for one, greatly appreciate all the research Mr. Rollins does for each of his stories, with the fiction so close to the non-fiction, it really makes the whole thing seem so real. The characters are so real to me, through the previous twelve books I have come to know each of the characters and I love them. I have been TeamSeichan from the beginning and this is a very heavy Gray/Seichan book but for a damn good reason. It's a very emotional book for them, I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Kat and Monk go out into the field together for their own little adventure, Kowalski and Maria are still together, although Maria is mentioned in the book she isn't actually in it.
There was a biological attack on the Hawaiian Islands, in the form of huge wasps. I know it sounds like a cheesy B-rated Sy-Fy channel movie but believe me it's so much better. Gray, Seichand, Kowalski, a local fireman named Palu, a entomologist Ken Matsui, and a Japanese Intelligence agent Aiko handle things on the front lines trying to stop and eliminate the threat of world domination by way of these insects and the madman behind it all. While Kat, Monk, the Librarian of Congress Elena Delgado, and the entomologist for the National Zoo Sam Bennett tackle how these prehistoric insects came to be and how it connects to James Smithson the founder of the Smithsonian and a giant chunk of amber that went missing during WWII. I'm not going to say to much on the actual story because I don't want to give to much away and the blurb for this book is actually really good.
Okay, I'll say it, Rollins is so much better than Crichton. Don't get me wrong Michael Crichton is in my top 15, Eaters of the Dead is one of my favorites and Sphere is creepy as hell, but the way Rollins adds all the intense action on top of the scientific and historic mystery just makes it all so heart-poundingly good. The way he comes at the mystery from two different paths makes a thrill ride; intelligent, emotional, daring and an inventive storyline and it all leads up to an explosive and heart stopping conculsion. I absolutely love his writing his active setting, his character development, his plot twists, I especially love at the back of the book where he reveals just how much of the book is truth and what's fiction. I can not wax poetically enough about this book or the series.
January 24, 2019
Yikes. Why do I do this to myself? This book is mad-libs off the Great Big Book of Cliches. All characters are exactly the stereotype of the type of person he's supposed to be. Dialogue is extra-painful. I mean, kudos to Rollins for finding a formula and rolling in the dough.
I waffled between giving this book one or two stars. The author's abusive use of some words like "clambered" and, omg, "leaped" (everybody leaped all the time in this book, it must be in there 7,000 times) make it tiresome. Also, it's hard to escape the fact that the plot is derivative of Jurassic Park. And the villain's motivation is "to restore glory the Japanese Empire!!!", while doing origami, sipping tea, sitting in a pagoda, saying Hai! Which is so 1980's. It's hard to believe he couldn't come up with something a little more believable and relevant to the present. Also the Phoenix allegory. I wish this plot device, contrivance, absurd cliche of rising from the ashes would just not. Be dead. Stay dead.
There are so many unnecessary pages in this book. It's nearly 600 pages long and, come on, 200 of those could have been balled up and tossed in the paper bin.
In the end I gave it 2 stars because I gotta give props to the research he's done on the subjects. I did learn a lot of things that I will soon forget. Temporary knowledge is the best.
Note to self: Do not read this kind of crap again!
I waffled between giving this book one or two stars. The author's abusive use of some words like "clambered" and, omg, "leaped" (everybody leaped all the time in this book, it must be in there 7,000 times) make it tiresome. Also, it's hard to escape the fact that the plot is derivative of Jurassic Park. And the villain's motivation is "to restore glory the Japanese Empire!!!", while doing origami, sipping tea, sitting in a pagoda, saying Hai! Which is so 1980's. It's hard to believe he couldn't come up with something a little more believable and relevant to the present. Also the Phoenix allegory. I wish this plot device, contrivance, absurd cliche of rising from the ashes would just not. Be dead. Stay dead.
There are so many unnecessary pages in this book. It's nearly 600 pages long and, come on, 200 of those could have been balled up and tossed in the paper bin.
In the end I gave it 2 stars because I gotta give props to the research he's done on the subjects. I did learn a lot of things that I will soon forget. Temporary knowledge is the best.
Note to self: Do not read this kind of crap again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,023 reviews