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Sigma Force #6
The Doomsday Key
James Rollins, the New York Times bestselling master of nail-biting suspense and historical mystery, combines cutting-edge biotechnology with a centuries-old secret in an apocalyptic story that reveals where humankind is truly headed
The Doomsday Key
At Princeton University, a famed geneticist dies inside a biohazard lab. In Rome, a Vatican archaeologist is found dead in St. Peter's Basilica. In Africa, a U.S. senator's son is slain outside a Red Cross camp. The three murders on three continents bear a horrifying all the victims are marked by a Druidic pagan cross burned into their flesh.
The bizarre murders thrust Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force into a race against time to solve a riddle going back centuries, to a ghastly crime against humanity hidden within a cryptic medieval codex. The first clue is discovered inside a mummified corpse buried in an English peat bog--a gruesome secret that threatens America and the world.
Aided by two women from his past--one his exlover, the other his new partner--Gray must piece together the horrifying truth. But the revelations come at a high cost, and to save the future, Gray will have to sacrifice one of the women at his side. That alone might not be enough, as the true path to salvation is revealed in a dark prophecy of doom.
Sigma Force confronts humankind's greatest threat in an adventure that races from the Roman Coliseum to the icy peaks of Norway, from the ruins of medieval abbeys to the lost tombs of Celtic kings. The ultimate nightmare is locked within a talisman buried by a dead saint--an ancient artifact known as the Doomsday Key.
The Doomsday Key
At Princeton University, a famed geneticist dies inside a biohazard lab. In Rome, a Vatican archaeologist is found dead in St. Peter's Basilica. In Africa, a U.S. senator's son is slain outside a Red Cross camp. The three murders on three continents bear a horrifying all the victims are marked by a Druidic pagan cross burned into their flesh.
The bizarre murders thrust Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force into a race against time to solve a riddle going back centuries, to a ghastly crime against humanity hidden within a cryptic medieval codex. The first clue is discovered inside a mummified corpse buried in an English peat bog--a gruesome secret that threatens America and the world.
Aided by two women from his past--one his exlover, the other his new partner--Gray must piece together the horrifying truth. But the revelations come at a high cost, and to save the future, Gray will have to sacrifice one of the women at his side. That alone might not be enough, as the true path to salvation is revealed in a dark prophecy of doom.
Sigma Force confronts humankind's greatest threat in an adventure that races from the Roman Coliseum to the icy peaks of Norway, from the ruins of medieval abbeys to the lost tombs of Celtic kings. The ultimate nightmare is locked within a talisman buried by a dead saint--an ancient artifact known as the Doomsday Key.
477 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,216 reviews
January 13, 2022
I began read the Sigma Force series written by James Rollins earlier this year. I intended to read one per month to catch up but I fell behind... Finally, I pushed myself to jump back in and read the sixth installment, The Doomsday Key, this week. What a wild ride! If you like action adventure novels with an international thriller style, you'll love these. Sure, there's a lot of suspending reality and looking things up to decide what's real and what's not, but the author also includes a section at the end where he explains all his research, so readers know what's an accurate account of history or technology (or in this case, food production) vs. fictionalized enhancement.
On three different continents, victims are brutally murdered and left with a sign burned into their foreheads. Commander Gray and Director Crowe get involved, and there might be a leak in Sigma again. What's even more complicated - it involves Rachel, someone Gray's loved in the past, and she's been kidnapped by a familiar character. Seichan is back, and I LOVE her, even though she can be a bit unstable and evil. There's a charm about the woman, and I really want to know - is she good or bad? All that said, fire and ice are the theme in this book, and it has to do with population control. Which countries support it? What does an American senator have to do with the underground happenings? Most take place in Oslo, a lovely change of scenery for this time of year!
One of the most intriguing things I learned was that a sainted man from the 12th century had predicated the end of the world based on a certain order of popes. In his account, which has been lost (or hidden), popes are described with a few brief sentences. The last few in the 20th century have been spot on. That said, did we pick popes based on the fragments of his prophecies, or are we looking for connections to make his wording work? Nonetheless, he predicated up to the current pope (#111 since his time) and then the document basically says the last pope comes and the world ends. But no one knows whether he stopped at 111 and died before writing the rest or whether the 112th pope (the real-life next one) will be the last.
Scary! But the book was great. Loved the back-and-forth and all the amazing action. Good to slip back into this genre each month, and I'm back on track to finish the series by this time next year.
On three different continents, victims are brutally murdered and left with a sign burned into their foreheads. Commander Gray and Director Crowe get involved, and there might be a leak in Sigma again. What's even more complicated - it involves Rachel, someone Gray's loved in the past, and she's been kidnapped by a familiar character. Seichan is back, and I LOVE her, even though she can be a bit unstable and evil. There's a charm about the woman, and I really want to know - is she good or bad? All that said, fire and ice are the theme in this book, and it has to do with population control. Which countries support it? What does an American senator have to do with the underground happenings? Most take place in Oslo, a lovely change of scenery for this time of year!
One of the most intriguing things I learned was that a sainted man from the 12th century had predicated the end of the world based on a certain order of popes. In his account, which has been lost (or hidden), popes are described with a few brief sentences. The last few in the 20th century have been spot on. That said, did we pick popes based on the fragments of his prophecies, or are we looking for connections to make his wording work? Nonetheless, he predicated up to the current pope (#111 since his time) and then the document basically says the last pope comes and the world ends. But no one knows whether he stopped at 111 and died before writing the rest or whether the 112th pope (the real-life next one) will be the last.
Scary! But the book was great. Loved the back-and-forth and all the amazing action. Good to slip back into this genre each month, and I'm back on track to finish the series by this time next year.
August 2, 2014
Posted to The Literary Lawyer.ca
One of Rollins Best - 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book too much to give it any less than 5 stars. It had all of the history and science elements to push my buttons. Irish history and lore, Druids, pagan and Christian history. Polar bears and the dangers of genetically modified crops all wrapped up in a nice shiny conspiracy. As usual, you have your share of explosions, near misses and enough action to keep the pulse racing.
Plot Summary
The plot of a Rollins novel is not easily summarized. The action is sometimes frantic and the conspiracies run deep. In this novel, there are two parallel storylines. Grayson and Kowalski go to the Vatican as a personal favour to Rachael, Grayson's former girlfriend. A priest has been killed in a violent fashion and he has left behind a cryptic clue. While there, the team runs into Seichan and all hell breaks loose. They chase down ancient secrets to across the countryside and dodge death. Meanwhile, Painter and Monk are in Norway on the heels of a massive corporation that genetically modifies crops. They are brought there after a massacre occurs at on of their test farms. Secrets are being held but are not revealed until the plotlines collide.
The Good
For my money, James Rollins ties together pseudo-science, hard science and history better than any other author today. Whether or not all of the predicted calamities could ever occur, Rollins makes you believe that it is possible. In this case, Rollins plays on the fears related to GMO's and leave you to wonder what really is possible.
If science isn't your kick, Rollins delves into history and expands on mysteries and unexplained occurrences from the past. In this case, part of the story focuses on the so called Doomsday book which, amongst other mysterious things, lists apt descriptions of the popes, up to and included the current pope. Some say this is prophetic writing from a long dead seer while other say it is a clever hoax. You judge.
The Bad
Rollins will not fit every taste. This is not literary fiction and was not shortlisted from some prestigious prize given out to dull literature. It requires suspension of disbelief and the ability to glaze over the blurring of scientific fact from fiction. The conspiracy angle may put some off as will the toned down nature of the book. Sex is at a minimum as is adult language and while there is violence, it is rarely graphic and never gory. Some will think that it is washed down tripe. In my opinion, this is Action Adventure that pleases many while staying original.
Final Thoughts
For me, reading a Rollins novel is like meeting up with an old friend. It is always comfortable and always enjoyable. His writing is always consistent and the stories are always strong. This novel is part of a series but could be read as a standalone. There are relationships between characters that evolve from one book to the next, but the enjoyment of the story will be no less if this is your first book in the Sigma Series.
I would say this book is appropriate for mature teens and up.
It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.
Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest
Sex - 2
As usual, Rollins shows that relationship can be developed without graphic sex. There are a few scenes where sex is implied or cut away from before the action begins.
Language - 2
Occasional mild profanities and there may be a couple of f words.
Violence - 3
There is a significant amount of violence but much of the tension and thrill comes from the anticipation of violence. There are several murders and gun fights but the deaths are not graphic or gory.
One of Rollins Best - 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book too much to give it any less than 5 stars. It had all of the history and science elements to push my buttons. Irish history and lore, Druids, pagan and Christian history. Polar bears and the dangers of genetically modified crops all wrapped up in a nice shiny conspiracy. As usual, you have your share of explosions, near misses and enough action to keep the pulse racing.
Plot Summary
The plot of a Rollins novel is not easily summarized. The action is sometimes frantic and the conspiracies run deep. In this novel, there are two parallel storylines. Grayson and Kowalski go to the Vatican as a personal favour to Rachael, Grayson's former girlfriend. A priest has been killed in a violent fashion and he has left behind a cryptic clue. While there, the team runs into Seichan and all hell breaks loose. They chase down ancient secrets to across the countryside and dodge death. Meanwhile, Painter and Monk are in Norway on the heels of a massive corporation that genetically modifies crops. They are brought there after a massacre occurs at on of their test farms. Secrets are being held but are not revealed until the plotlines collide.
The Good
For my money, James Rollins ties together pseudo-science, hard science and history better than any other author today. Whether or not all of the predicted calamities could ever occur, Rollins makes you believe that it is possible. In this case, Rollins plays on the fears related to GMO's and leave you to wonder what really is possible.
If science isn't your kick, Rollins delves into history and expands on mysteries and unexplained occurrences from the past. In this case, part of the story focuses on the so called Doomsday book which, amongst other mysterious things, lists apt descriptions of the popes, up to and included the current pope. Some say this is prophetic writing from a long dead seer while other say it is a clever hoax. You judge.
The Bad
Rollins will not fit every taste. This is not literary fiction and was not shortlisted from some prestigious prize given out to dull literature. It requires suspension of disbelief and the ability to glaze over the blurring of scientific fact from fiction. The conspiracy angle may put some off as will the toned down nature of the book. Sex is at a minimum as is adult language and while there is violence, it is rarely graphic and never gory. Some will think that it is washed down tripe. In my opinion, this is Action Adventure that pleases many while staying original.
Final Thoughts
For me, reading a Rollins novel is like meeting up with an old friend. It is always comfortable and always enjoyable. His writing is always consistent and the stories are always strong. This novel is part of a series but could be read as a standalone. There are relationships between characters that evolve from one book to the next, but the enjoyment of the story will be no less if this is your first book in the Sigma Series.
I would say this book is appropriate for mature teens and up.
It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.
Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest
Sex - 2
As usual, Rollins shows that relationship can be developed without graphic sex. There are a few scenes where sex is implied or cut away from before the action begins.
Language - 2
Occasional mild profanities and there may be a couple of f words.
Violence - 3
There is a significant amount of violence but much of the tension and thrill comes from the anticipation of violence. There are several murders and gun fights but the deaths are not graphic or gory.
May 10, 2023
I've read a few of the later Sigma Force books, and decided to go back and read the earlier ones. I thought the story in The Doomsday Key was a bit weak, and I had trouble accepting the villain’s rather absurd plans involving genetically modified food. The Sigma versus The Guild parts work well, but the main story is muddled.
February 18, 2010
I'll say about this book, what I've said about each of the books in James Rollins "Sigma Force" series: outstanding. He has won me over, and my 19 year old daughter as well. The two of us are fans of the way in which Rollins incorporates true historical and scientific elements into his works of fiction. We also appreciate his 'separating fact from fiction' section, at the back of the book, as well as his suggestions for additional readings on his 'meaty' topics.
These books are surprisingly devoid of profanity and sexual content, so I can see no reason parents of YA readers would object to their teenagers reading them. The main characters make for some solid role models, embracing honor, decency, fairness, hard work...
When you are finished w/ one of these books, you have actually learned a thing or two. Rollins, as usual, has managed to pique my interest in several new subject areas, and I have gone on and read some of the titles and authors he has suggested.
These books are surprisingly devoid of profanity and sexual content, so I can see no reason parents of YA readers would object to their teenagers reading them. The main characters make for some solid role models, embracing honor, decency, fairness, hard work...
When you are finished w/ one of these books, you have actually learned a thing or two. Rollins, as usual, has managed to pique my interest in several new subject areas, and I have gone on and read some of the titles and authors he has suggested.
March 29, 2025
This is James Rollins at the top of his game. His thrillers are among the best there are. As far as I'm concerned, he's writing them better than Michael Crichton and Clive Cussler did and Dan Brown is doing.
What I particularly appreciate is Rollins' "Note to Readers" at the end of the book about the "truth or fiction" in his stories. He tells us where he got some of his ideas from and tells about books that are about some of these ideas that we can follow up on. A few other authors do this, but only a few...
What I particularly appreciate is Rollins' "Note to Readers" at the end of the book about the "truth or fiction" in his stories. He tells us where he got some of his ideas from and tells about books that are about some of these ideas that we can follow up on. A few other authors do this, but only a few...
June 29, 2019
Reading such books I always wonder how the author manages to combine all these pieces into a more or less coherent story. And a relatively believable story. Relatively, because, let's be honest, global conspiracies are definitely in the world of fantasy.
Anyway, there is something about bringing together all those seemingly unmatchable elements into a consistent plot which makes me look at the author as someone between a magician and a composer. Regardless of whether we like books of this genre or whether we like this particular book, we should appreciate the finesse with which the author combined historical facts and literary fantasy to create this interesting story.
And man, we’ve got a lot. A global conspiracy aimed at limiting the world's population with the help of genetically modified food, pre-Christian symbols and mysteries, ancient Egyptians in the British Isles. And of course, the mysterious Guild, an organization about which basically nothing is known except that it is certainly plotting something bad for the world and our characters. And everything is served along with fast-moving action and interesting characters.
This is my first book by this author, I don’t know the characters beyond this book. Sometimes, if you have not read previous books in a series, you find that the characters are very poorly developed and it is difficult for you to like them or even distinguish them. Fortunately, I do not have this problem here. What I should know from other books has been explained, but also not so much that I would come to the conclusion that it is not worth to read them because I already know everything. That’s good.
I've only read a few books like this one. This is not my favorite genre, but who does not like a good global conspiracy from time to time? Of the books I've read, this one does not have the craziest plot (I look at you, Clive Cussler, you're unbeatable), but it's also a book that is a real pleasure to read and I got into it easily. I will definitely read another book from this author (possibly in this series) one day.
Anyway, there is something about bringing together all those seemingly unmatchable elements into a consistent plot which makes me look at the author as someone between a magician and a composer. Regardless of whether we like books of this genre or whether we like this particular book, we should appreciate the finesse with which the author combined historical facts and literary fantasy to create this interesting story.
And man, we’ve got a lot. A global conspiracy aimed at limiting the world's population with the help of genetically modified food, pre-Christian symbols and mysteries, ancient Egyptians in the British Isles. And of course, the mysterious Guild, an organization about which basically nothing is known except that it is certainly plotting something bad for the world and our characters. And everything is served along with fast-moving action and interesting characters.
This is my first book by this author, I don’t know the characters beyond this book. Sometimes, if you have not read previous books in a series, you find that the characters are very poorly developed and it is difficult for you to like them or even distinguish them. Fortunately, I do not have this problem here. What I should know from other books has been explained, but also not so much that I would come to the conclusion that it is not worth to read them because I already know everything. That’s good.
I've only read a few books like this one. This is not my favorite genre, but who does not like a good global conspiracy from time to time? Of the books I've read, this one does not have the craziest plot (I look at you, Clive Cussler, you're unbeatable), but it's also a book that is a real pleasure to read and I got into it easily. I will definitely read another book from this author (possibly in this series) one day.
February 2, 2020
I read this while I was in the goofy garage during 2014. My delightful friends supported my reading habit, and never once wondered (to me, that is, I have no idea what they said amongst themselves!) why I was asking for Rollins's books.
I wanted to read them because they are very entertaining, have enough plot and character development to keep me distracted from being in a public mental health facility, and are intensely visually told stories with deep sci-fi roots and some supernatural almost-Lovecraftian cosmic horror overtones.
The. Pages. FLEW. I was so amazed, so delighted, so deeply enrapt and enfolded in this wild careen around the world, so fully invested in Gray's woman troubles, that I just blew off sleep. Read in less than 20 hours. Want to let the reading snobs know a simple truth: Reading for the sheer unmitigated excitement of mainlining STORY is just as good as y'all's deep ponderings over...well, whatever it is y'all're kvelling over this year. Down with those noses.
Suited me down to the ground at a time when anything more or less challenging would've been impossible to handle.
I wanted to read them because they are very entertaining, have enough plot and character development to keep me distracted from being in a public mental health facility, and are intensely visually told stories with deep sci-fi roots and some supernatural almost-Lovecraftian cosmic horror overtones.
The. Pages. FLEW. I was so amazed, so delighted, so deeply enrapt and enfolded in this wild careen around the world, so fully invested in Gray's woman troubles, that I just blew off sleep. Read in less than 20 hours. Want to let the reading snobs know a simple truth: Reading for the sheer unmitigated excitement of mainlining STORY is just as good as y'all's deep ponderings over...well, whatever it is y'all're kvelling over this year. Down with those noses.
Suited me down to the ground at a time when anything more or less challenging would've been impossible to handle.
February 15, 2022
আ সিরিজ উইদিন আ সিরিজ! রলিন্সের সিগমা ফোর্সের পক্ষ দুইটা। ন্যায়ের পক্ষে সিগমা, অন্যায়ের পক্ষে দ্য গিল্ড। দুই সংঘটন এর টক্কর-কাহিনির অন্য নাম সিগমা ফোর্স সিরিজ (অন্তত এই বইয়ের আগ পর্যন্ত)। খাপে খাপ মেলানো কঠিন একটা কাজ। খাপে খাপ মিলিয়ে কোন জিনিস বানিয়ে, সেটাকে তুলে নিয়ে অন্য কিছু একটার সাথে খাপ খাওয়ানো সম্ভবত তার চাইতেও কঠিন। সেই কঠিনের উপরে ততোদিক কঠিন কাজটা করেছেন রলিন্স সাহেব।
ডুমসডে কী, ডেভিল কলোনী আর দ্য ব্লাডলাইন-সিগমা ফোর্সের এই তিন বইকে সম্ভবত একটা সফল সেপারেট ট্রিলজি বলা চলে। সিগমার দুনিয়া যে কতটা বড়, সেটা এই তিন ব�� থেকেই পরিষ্কার।
রলিন্স নিয়ে আমার অন্যতম প্রধান কমপ্লেইন হলো, এখানে ভাবার সুযোগ কম। লেখক একের পর এক চমকপ্রদ তথ্য আমাদের সামনে তুলে ধরেন, আর আমরা সেগুলোকে ধ্রুব সত্য ধরে নিয়ে এগোই। আমার ভালো লাগে এমন বই, যাতে মাথা ঘামাবার সুযোগ থাকে। ডুমসডে কী সেই সুযোগটা পুরোপুরি না দিলেও, অনেকটাই দিতে পেরেছে।
প্রথম বই, স্যান্ডস্টর্মের পর, ফিমেল ভিলেন নির্ভর সিগমা বই সম্ভবত এটাই। প্রথম প্রথম যাকে সেকেন্ডারি ভিলেন বলে মনে হয়, সে-ই শেষের দিকে অনেকটা সামনে চলে আসে। র্যাচেলের উপস্থিতি, মনক আর কোয়ালস্কির হাস্যরস বেশ মজার ছিল। অ্যাকশন সিকোয়েন্সগুলো একেবারে সময়মতো বসান। বিরক্ত হবার সুযোগ নেই।
বইটি অনুবাদে পড়া, সফট কপিতে। দুই বিজ্ঞ সাহিত্যবোদ্ধা, ডা. রারেরি ও জনাব মারুফ হোসেনের অনুদিত বই খানা একটানে পড়ে যাবার মতো। রারেরি সাহেব এর প্রথম বই বলে, তার অনুবাদের শুরুর দিকটাই যে আড়ষ্ঠতা ছিল তা একটু পরেই দূর হয়ে গিয়েছে। আর মারুফ সাহেব, যার হাত দিয়ে থ্রিলার আসবে না বলে মোটামুটি সর্বজন বিদিত মত হয়ে গিয়েছিল, তার অংশটুকু আসলে অনেক প্রতিষ্ঠিত অনুবাদককেও হার মানায়। আশা করি থ্রিলার পাঠকদের কাছে অনুবাদ সুখপাঠ্য বলে মনে হবে।
ডুমসডে কী, ডেভিল কলোনী আর দ্য ব্লাডলাইন-সিগমা ফোর্সের এই তিন বইকে সম্ভবত একটা সফল সেপারেট ট্রিলজি বলা চলে। সিগমার দুনিয়া যে কতটা বড়, সেটা এই তিন ব�� থেকেই পরিষ্কার।
রলিন্স নিয়ে আমার অন্যতম প্রধান কমপ্লেইন হলো, এখানে ভাবার সুযোগ কম। লেখক একের পর এক চমকপ্রদ তথ্য আমাদের সামনে তুলে ধরেন, আর আমরা সেগুলোকে ধ্রুব সত্য ধরে নিয়ে এগোই। আমার ভালো লাগে এমন বই, যাতে মাথা ঘামাবার সুযোগ থাকে। ডুমসডে কী সেই সুযোগটা পুরোপুরি না দিলেও, অনেকটাই দিতে পেরেছে।
প্রথম বই, স্যান্ডস্টর্মের পর, ফিমেল ভিলেন নির্ভর সিগমা বই সম্ভবত এটাই। প্রথম প্রথম যাকে সেকেন্ডারি ভিলেন বলে মনে হয়, সে-ই শেষের দিকে অনেকটা সামনে চলে আসে। র্যাচেলের উপস্থিতি, মনক আর কোয়ালস্কির হাস্যরস বেশ মজার ছিল। অ্যাকশন সিকোয়েন্সগুলো একেবারে সময়মতো বসান। বিরক্ত হবার সুযোগ নেই।
বইটি অনুবাদে পড়া, সফট কপিতে। দুই বিজ্ঞ সাহিত্যবোদ্ধা, ডা. রারেরি ও জনাব মারুফ হোসেনের অনুদিত বই খানা একটানে পড়ে যাবার মতো। রারেরি সাহেব এর প্রথম বই বলে, তার অনুবাদের শুরুর দিকটাই যে আড়ষ্ঠতা ছিল তা একটু পরেই দূর হয়ে গিয়েছে। আর মারুফ সাহেব, যার হাত দিয়ে থ্রিলার আসবে না বলে মোটামুটি সর্বজন বিদিত মত হয়ে গিয়েছিল, তার অংশটুকু আসলে অনেক প্রতিষ্ঠিত অনুবাদককেও হার মানায়। আশা করি থ্রিলার পাঠকদের কাছে অনুবাদ সুখপাঠ্য বলে মনে হবে।
September 15, 2020
অনেকদিনের ব্রেক নিয়ে রলিন্সের সিগমা ফোর্সের এই বইটি পড়লাম। বেশ ভাল লাগল, লেখকের অন্য বইগুলোর মতো দ্রুতগতির একটা বই। যদিও বইটিতে বানান অনেক প্যারা দিয়েছে। প্ল্যান এর জায়গায় অনেকবার প্যান , গ্রে এর জায়গায় অল্প কয়েকবার গে এগুলো চোখে পড়ার মতো। কিন্তু অনুবাদ অনেক ভাল ছিল। আশা করি সিরিজের অন্যান্য বইগুলো তাড়াতাড়ি পড়ে ফেলতে পারব।
August 20, 2009
Once again the Sigma Force goes up against the sinister organization known as The Guild.
The book opens with the destruction of an experimental farm in Africa and a massacre of all the staff and refugees in the farm. A member of the staff was the son of a US senator and the Sigma Force was given the task of investigating what happened. Monk Kokkalis, member of the Sigma Force, was about to interview the colleague of the senator's son, when a group of assasins killed the colleague and blew up his laboratory.
In Italy, an archelologist was murdered in a church and a subsequent explosion injures a Vatican official he was supposed to meet there. Rachel, a character in a previous novel and niece of the Vatican official, finds an ancient artifact hidden by the archeologist before his death. Fearing that nothing will come out of the subsequent police investigation, Rachel sends a message to Cmdr. Grey Pierce, asking for help to uncover the truth.
Grey was on the way to Italy to shadow Seichan, a deadly lady who has tried to kill him as well as helped him in the past. A common link to this events were genetically modified food crops and the Doomsday vault containing seeds that can be used to grow new crops in case of a world wide catastrophe.
Instead of appearing in short events, Seichan is now a major character and seems poised to assume more "responsibility" in future novels. Maybe James Rollins is preparing to rehabilitate her.
The book opens with the destruction of an experimental farm in Africa and a massacre of all the staff and refugees in the farm. A member of the staff was the son of a US senator and the Sigma Force was given the task of investigating what happened. Monk Kokkalis, member of the Sigma Force, was about to interview the colleague of the senator's son, when a group of assasins killed the colleague and blew up his laboratory.
In Italy, an archelologist was murdered in a church and a subsequent explosion injures a Vatican official he was supposed to meet there. Rachel, a character in a previous novel and niece of the Vatican official, finds an ancient artifact hidden by the archeologist before his death. Fearing that nothing will come out of the subsequent police investigation, Rachel sends a message to Cmdr. Grey Pierce, asking for help to uncover the truth.
Grey was on the way to Italy to shadow Seichan, a deadly lady who has tried to kill him as well as helped him in the past. A common link to this events were genetically modified food crops and the Doomsday vault containing seeds that can be used to grow new crops in case of a world wide catastrophe.
Instead of appearing in short events, Seichan is now a major character and seems poised to assume more "responsibility" in future novels. Maybe James Rollins is preparing to rehabilitate her.
August 11, 2013
This my first James Rollins book and I 'read' it on audio book on a long-ish set of trips, so there was only two interruption (one lasting 18 days, the other two days). The reader/performer was Peter Jay Fernandez...who I hope does other Rollins books...and did he perform!
I enjoy history, science, historical science and, of course, scientific history, as well as action adventure (Dirk Pitt-like)and wildly expansive conspiracy plots. Here, in the "Doomsday Key" I found them all. Likeable characters, exciting (though sometimes unlikely) situations and, of course, heroic heroes and loveable (?) sidekicks. The book started slow and I thought I (we) were in for an interminable story/car ride...but there it was...in the first 8 hours (and it lasts for 13.5 hours) half of Texas disappeared and we were near home. I, like other reviewers, was surprised about some of the seemingly wild ideas put forth as facts by Rollins that turned out to be true. Some others I can't quite, but want to believe. Entertaining in any event.
I'll not bore you with a rehash, but will recommend the book. I look forward to reading some of the earlier Sigma Force novels and am open for any further ideas as to where to start first.
Hope that helps.
I enjoy history, science, historical science and, of course, scientific history, as well as action adventure (Dirk Pitt-like)and wildly expansive conspiracy plots. Here, in the "Doomsday Key" I found them all. Likeable characters, exciting (though sometimes unlikely) situations and, of course, heroic heroes and loveable (?) sidekicks. The book started slow and I thought I (we) were in for an interminable story/car ride...but there it was...in the first 8 hours (and it lasts for 13.5 hours) half of Texas disappeared and we were near home. I, like other reviewers, was surprised about some of the seemingly wild ideas put forth as facts by Rollins that turned out to be true. Some others I can't quite, but want to believe. Entertaining in any event.
I'll not bore you with a rehash, but will recommend the book. I look forward to reading some of the earlier Sigma Force novels and am open for any further ideas as to where to start first.
Hope that helps.
February 9, 2017
এই বইটাতে অ্যাংলো-স্যাক্সনদের ইতিহাস আর মিথ একটা প্রধান উপজীব্য। অ্যাংলো-স্যাক্সনদের ইতিহাস আর লিটারেচার পাঠ্য ছিল আমাদের আগের দুটো সেমিস্টারে। তাই এই বইটা পড়ে বিশেষ মজা পেয়েছি। সাথে সিগমা টিমের অ্যাডভেঞ্চার তো আছেই!
তবে The Doomsday Key সিগমা ফোর্স সিরিজের অন্যান্য বইগুলোর মধ্যে নিজের স্বকীয়তায় একটু আলাদা। সিগমা সিরিজের মধ্যে একটা ট্রিলজি আছে, যার শুরু The Doomsday Key-এর মাধ্যমে, এবং শেষ হয়েছে গিয়ে Bloodline-এ। ট্রিলজির এ-দুটো বইয়ের মাঝের বইটি হচ্ছে , তাই এ-তিনটে বইয়ের আলাদা মাহাত্ম্য আছে এ-সিরিজে। ট্রিলজির প্রথম বই হিসেবে ভালোই উপভোগ করেছি বইটি।
তবে The Doomsday Key সিগমা ফোর্স সিরিজের অন্যান্য বইগুলোর মধ্যে নিজের স্বকীয়তায় একটু আলাদা। সিগমা সিরিজের মধ্যে একটা ট্রিলজি আছে, যার শুরু The Doomsday Key-এর মাধ্যমে, এবং শেষ হয়েছে গিয়ে Bloodline-এ। ট্রিলজির এ-দুটো বইয়ের মাঝের বইটি হচ্ছে , তাই এ-তিনটে বইয়ের আলাদা মাহাত্ম্য আছে এ-সিরিজে। ট্রিলজির প্রথম বই হিসেবে ভালোই উপভোগ করেছি বইটি।
June 20, 2016
ইংরেজীতে এত বড় সাইজের পুরো বই এবারই প্রথম পড়লাম। অ্যাজ ইউজুয়াল রোলিন্স স্টাইল...ইতিহাস, সায়েন্স, অ্যাকশন... পিয়ার্সের সিগমা টিম... গিল্ডের নিষ্ঠুরতা... পারফেক্ট কম্বো একেবারে।
ভ্যাটিকান থেকে ওয়াশিংটন ডিসি... ইংল্যান্ড, ফ্রান্স, নরওয়ে পর্যন্ত কাহিনীর বিস্তৃতি। প্রথম থেকে শেষ পর্যন্ত টানটান উত্তেজনার মাঝে ডুবিয়ে রাখার মত একটা বই।
ভ্যাটিকান থেকে ওয়াশিংটন ডিসি... ইংল্যান্ড, ফ্রান্স, নরওয়ে পর্যন্ত কাহিনীর বিস্তৃতি। প্রথম থেকে শেষ পর্যন্ত টানটান উত্তেজনার মাঝে ডুবিয়ে রাখার মত একটা বই।
May 6, 2016
I absolutely LOVE these James Rollins books!!
This is another in the Sigma Force series, which has everything you could possibly want- action, adventure, science, history, as well as really great characters that you really care about.
Each new book I read in the series is fascinating- I learn a lot from them about a range of things(eg. in this one, topics include GM crops, Saint Malachi, the Domesday book). All written in such a way that it is informative, plot-related and extremely interesting, not overlong, boring or lecture-y.
The books are a brilliant read, right from the first one in the series (Sandstorm), and they just keep getting better. Definitely the best books in series form I've read in ages. Long may the series continue - I would HIGHLY recommend them!!!
(James Rollins is some kind of writing genius, I'm sure of it)
This is another in the Sigma Force series, which has everything you could possibly want- action, adventure, science, history, as well as really great characters that you really care about.
Each new book I read in the series is fascinating- I learn a lot from them about a range of things(eg. in this one, topics include GM crops, Saint Malachi, the Domesday book). All written in such a way that it is informative, plot-related and extremely interesting, not overlong, boring or lecture-y.
The books are a brilliant read, right from the first one in the series (Sandstorm), and they just keep getting better. Definitely the best books in series form I've read in ages. Long may the series continue - I would HIGHLY recommend them!!!
(James Rollins is some kind of writing genius, I'm sure of it)
December 13, 2015
This the 8th book in the Sigma Force series that I have read and this was y favorite! Non-stop action from start to finish. I recommend this book to all Thriller fans!
October 12, 2022
Rollins at his best again with a blend of science fiction and historical fiction.
February 27, 2011
I finished The Doomsday Key.
James Rollins is just frustrating. How can I survive until summer 2011?
This case was interesting but not the best of the author. At least I think the others were written in a more appellative way.
I have to confess I feel pretty paradoxical about this book. I really liked to know about Saint Malachai and all the things about the Popes and well it is really freaky by the way. I also loved all the things about the Celts and the Domesday Book. That was really interesting to read.
About genetic modified food - well not so much. Of course that this is an important theme - everyday we hear on the news various third world countries fighting hunger problem.
But what I really think is that the theme was lacking the usual spark of the author. Anyway the author excelled at linking the three deaths and the three branches of this case. In the end I really learned something. That 's what matters.
And now let's talk about Gray, Rachel and Seichan. I'm so pissed off. I'm on team RACHEL.
I hate that Gray is thinking about having a relationship with Seichan. Please she is a liar!
OMG just look at Rachel. She is amazing. Much more awesome than Seichan.
Don't think I hate Seichan because I don't. But she doesn't deserve to end up with Gray. She deserves to end up with someone perfect for her - and that someone is NOT Gray.
Oh please I'm dying to know who was the person at Gray's room. I hope with all my heart that it's Rachel.
I'm so disappointed with Gray - when he is thinking to himself that he is finished with Rachel. Well that stake went straight to my heart.
But... I liked getting to know Seichan. She is a curious woman.
That Painter Crowe is just an awesome guy. And smart too. That thing with Seichan... just left me wide eyed.
I was really expecting to see more about Painter and Lisa... guess that's for another book.
Monk and Kat - I love them. I really happy to see Monk back in shape! And another baby - BE AU TI FUL!
Kowalski by the way is an excellent addiction to the series. I love those comments of his. And he is such a tough guy - well it's just a shell. Because he's a sweetie! That teddy bear... well, I really like him.
Final thoughts : TEAM RACHEL
James Rollins is just frustrating. How can I survive until summer 2011?
This case was interesting but not the best of the author. At least I think the others were written in a more appellative way.
I have to confess I feel pretty paradoxical about this book. I really liked to know about Saint Malachai and all the things about the Popes and well it is really freaky by the way. I also loved all the things about the Celts and the Domesday Book. That was really interesting to read.
About genetic modified food - well not so much. Of course that this is an important theme - everyday we hear on the news various third world countries fighting hunger problem.
But what I really think is that the theme was lacking the usual spark of the author. Anyway the author excelled at linking the three deaths and the three branches of this case. In the end I really learned something. That 's what matters.
And now let's talk about Gray, Rachel and Seichan. I'm so pissed off. I'm on team RACHEL.
I hate that Gray is thinking about having a relationship with Seichan. Please she is a liar!
OMG just look at Rachel. She is amazing. Much more awesome than Seichan.
Don't think I hate Seichan because I don't. But she doesn't deserve to end up with Gray. She deserves to end up with someone perfect for her - and that someone is NOT Gray.
Oh please I'm dying to know who was the person at Gray's room. I hope with all my heart that it's Rachel.
I'm so disappointed with Gray - when he is thinking to himself that he is finished with Rachel. Well that stake went straight to my heart.
But... I liked getting to know Seichan. She is a curious woman.
That Painter Crowe is just an awesome guy. And smart too. That thing with Seichan... just left me wide eyed.
I was really expecting to see more about Painter and Lisa... guess that's for another book.
Monk and Kat - I love them. I really happy to see Monk back in shape! And another baby - BE AU TI FUL!
Kowalski by the way is an excellent addiction to the series. I love those comments of his. And he is such a tough guy - well it's just a shell. Because he's a sweetie! That teddy bear... well, I really like him.
Final thoughts : TEAM RACHEL
September 12, 2012
I read this, and at least 4 of the other Sigma Force series books, because someone in my apartment building left them in our communal library in the building lobby, so consider this a review of the entire series. These are monstrously silly books. The plot is always outlandish, the writing is cheesy and the books are riddled with various editing errors. One of the books involves a colony of autistic savant children being raised in the shadows of Chernobyl by Russian politicians bent on using them to take over the world and ties in gypsies, Greek oracles and a street chase in India. Oh and a zoo of genetically modified animals that one of the series' heroes, who has amnesia in that particular book, must escape with the help of the autistic kids. This particular novel includes an ancient Celtic bioweapon, an arctic landslide set off by gunfights with goons from a shady Norwegian corporation, a lot of Dan Brown-esque Catholic religious stuff and genetically modified corn that leads to the murders of international development workers in Africa. Honestly, the one thing that is really impressive about Rollins' writing is his ability to tie all this random stuff together in a story. If these books were parodies and meant to be funny (see: anything by Tom Holt) or the writing was good, I would give all of them 5 stars, but alas, as serious fiction, they come in only at a 2. That being said, if you are in the mood for something fun and ridiculous to read, this is a good place to start. Also, you don't need to read these in any particular order because each book makes sure to catch up any readers new to the series.
October 27, 2015
“The Doomsday Key” by James Rollins, published by William Morrow.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – 2009
I continue to read, albeit sometimes late, the books of James Rollins. I do this because his stories have a basis in history, contain actual truths, and just explodes with adventure, daring, and excitement.
What if there was a Catholic Saint, Saint Malachy, who described the last few modern Popes and that the last pope would be named Petrus Romanus and would signal the end of the world.
Sigma Force is working on three separate murders on three separate continents and trying to link the three to find a connection. All victims have burned into their flesh the Druidic pagan cross.
All leads point to the biological infusion into crops that are supposed to promote greater production to stave on the coming shortage in food products. This shortage is being caused by the uncontrolled population growth.
This adventure leads Sigma Force to the Roman Coliseum, to Norway, and to the ruins of medieval abbeys.
In true Rollins fashion this is a fast paced novel that will keep the reader thinking until the finding of “The Doomsday Key”.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – 2009
I continue to read, albeit sometimes late, the books of James Rollins. I do this because his stories have a basis in history, contain actual truths, and just explodes with adventure, daring, and excitement.
What if there was a Catholic Saint, Saint Malachy, who described the last few modern Popes and that the last pope would be named Petrus Romanus and would signal the end of the world.
Sigma Force is working on three separate murders on three separate continents and trying to link the three to find a connection. All victims have burned into their flesh the Druidic pagan cross.
All leads point to the biological infusion into crops that are supposed to promote greater production to stave on the coming shortage in food products. This shortage is being caused by the uncontrolled population growth.
This adventure leads Sigma Force to the Roman Coliseum, to Norway, and to the ruins of medieval abbeys.
In true Rollins fashion this is a fast paced novel that will keep the reader thinking until the finding of “The Doomsday Key”.
January 1, 2016
This book in the Sigma series received quite a few high ratings but it didn't get it from me. For some reason, maybe it was the timing, the holidays, my brain was in a funk, I just didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. The riddle, clues, and amount of factual/fictional information was too much. The wide range of information had me lost, and didn't capture my attention as much as it did other readers. I did like it, I did enjoy it, but it was slow, less methodical and took me longer to read.
Still a fan and will pick up the next.
Still a fan and will pick up the next.
September 27, 2017
Fast read. Enjoyable. And if I disregard little things about their miraculous survivals, really nice.
August 11, 2019
قاعدتا عالی بود. چیزی که در مورد نیروی سیگما و ترجمه جناب امینی، گفت و گو نداره
March 10, 2010
This is the fourth Sigma novel I have read, and, once again, I'm not sure exactly how I should "rate" the book.
On the one hand, there is a lot of obvious literary trickery going on--I believe Rollins keeps a deus ex machina handbook in his pocket while writing--and things that any reasonable reader knows shouldn't happen, happens.
On the other hand Rollins' books are a whole lot of fun; books that I really, really enjoy--I've read four of them, after all--and Rollins has a magnificent imagination and sense of the grandiose. I mean that in a good way.
Basically, Rollins' books are meant to be as much fun as a box full of kittens (soft and cuddly on the outside, full of claws and teeth on the inside--so mostly tons o' fun, but with inherent danger), and to this end he succeeds remarkably well. On the other hand his plots and action feel contrived, and it's hard for me to seriously contemplate giving the books more than three stars, and that's probably being generous.
None the less, three stars it is, because the characters, settings and action are so much fun, that rating his book anything less would be, in my opinion, criminal.
With this type of story the reader is, I think obviously, supposed to suspend disbelief, because if the reader does not suspend disbelief the reader will surely poke their eyes out with a red-hot poker before starting the third chapter. I don't mean to be harsh by saying that, because, as mentioned, I enjoy his adventures, but some of the devices and amazing coincidences challenge even my maximum-security-lock-down suspension of disbelief.
Rollins melds archaeology with science and political intrigue to create massive, globe trotting adventure stories. His stories--at least the ones I've read--take place in historical settings of world heritage value, and Rollins shows no apparent remorse at blowing them--the ancient, culturally valuable sites--to smithereens. Although I wouldn't want to see the destruction that Rollins rains down upon his settings happen in real life, it always brings a smile to my face to see him willing to sacrifice these monuments, even if it is only fictionally, to the greater cause of hard-core fictional intrigue.
The characters aren't quite three-dimensional, but are absolutely beyond typical two-dimensional characters. Of course I've had four books to get to know these characters, and that probably helps in my estimation of their depth, but, much like an ongoing, episodic television drama, more and more of the characters personal lives are being revealed. By now, I would be sincerely saddened if any of the main characters were to meet their demise, although I suspect that sooner than later Rollins will knock-off one of the on-going secondary characters. That's because I do believe that Rollins is a conscientious writer, and understands that death, even of a beloved character, is sometimes what a series needs.
So, yes, I do recommend Rollins' Sigma series of books to those who want an enjoyable, fun adventure, a quick read, interesting characters, archaeological mysteries, puzzles to be solved, explosions and gun play, back-stabbings, and, plain and simply, those who want a grand old time of classic globe-trotting adventure. In fact I strongly recommend the Sigma series.
For those who can't suspend their disbelief enough to stomach groan-inducing coincidences and some rather obvious plot twists, you should probably stay away.
On the one hand, there is a lot of obvious literary trickery going on--I believe Rollins keeps a deus ex machina handbook in his pocket while writing--and things that any reasonable reader knows shouldn't happen, happens.
On the other hand Rollins' books are a whole lot of fun; books that I really, really enjoy--I've read four of them, after all--and Rollins has a magnificent imagination and sense of the grandiose. I mean that in a good way.
Basically, Rollins' books are meant to be as much fun as a box full of kittens (soft and cuddly on the outside, full of claws and teeth on the inside--so mostly tons o' fun, but with inherent danger), and to this end he succeeds remarkably well. On the other hand his plots and action feel contrived, and it's hard for me to seriously contemplate giving the books more than three stars, and that's probably being generous.
None the less, three stars it is, because the characters, settings and action are so much fun, that rating his book anything less would be, in my opinion, criminal.
With this type of story the reader is, I think obviously, supposed to suspend disbelief, because if the reader does not suspend disbelief the reader will surely poke their eyes out with a red-hot poker before starting the third chapter. I don't mean to be harsh by saying that, because, as mentioned, I enjoy his adventures, but some of the devices and amazing coincidences challenge even my maximum-security-lock-down suspension of disbelief.
Rollins melds archaeology with science and political intrigue to create massive, globe trotting adventure stories. His stories--at least the ones I've read--take place in historical settings of world heritage value, and Rollins shows no apparent remorse at blowing them--the ancient, culturally valuable sites--to smithereens. Although I wouldn't want to see the destruction that Rollins rains down upon his settings happen in real life, it always brings a smile to my face to see him willing to sacrifice these monuments, even if it is only fictionally, to the greater cause of hard-core fictional intrigue.
The characters aren't quite three-dimensional, but are absolutely beyond typical two-dimensional characters. Of course I've had four books to get to know these characters, and that probably helps in my estimation of their depth, but, much like an ongoing, episodic television drama, more and more of the characters personal lives are being revealed. By now, I would be sincerely saddened if any of the main characters were to meet their demise, although I suspect that sooner than later Rollins will knock-off one of the on-going secondary characters. That's because I do believe that Rollins is a conscientious writer, and understands that death, even of a beloved character, is sometimes what a series needs.
So, yes, I do recommend Rollins' Sigma series of books to those who want an enjoyable, fun adventure, a quick read, interesting characters, archaeological mysteries, puzzles to be solved, explosions and gun play, back-stabbings, and, plain and simply, those who want a grand old time of classic globe-trotting adventure. In fact I strongly recommend the Sigma series.
For those who can't suspend their disbelief enough to stomach groan-inducing coincidences and some rather obvious plot twists, you should probably stay away.
July 12, 2012
I was a little late to the party with Rollins' Sigma Force series, reading the first five paperbacks in rapid fire during the summer of 2009, and as such I ended up having to wait till 2010 to get to The Doomsday Key. I could not wait for it after reading the preview at the end of the paperback edition of The Last Oracle.
To this point in the series, it's the most intriguing one yet. (The sequels are just as intriguing, if not more so.) It's all about the threat of overpopulation, and the storage of crop seeds and other useful supplies for feeding the world. But there's a problem (of course.) The problem is genetically-modified crops. Already controversial, GM crops are given a pretty bad image in this novel, as many of those depicted here are not only not designed for human consumption, but they also have a tendency to cause mutations in unmodified crops. This time, a crop made by the Norwegian Viatus Corporation appears to be carrying a particularly deadly variety of fungus hidden in its genes. This fungus has been seen before, in England in the Middle Ages, where a whole village was filled with people who quite literally starved with full bellies.
Now, the Sigma Force must team up with Rachel Verona and Seichan, two women with less-than-pleasant history with each other, as they try to locate the source of the fungus, and also who may be using the fungus as part of a world-domination plan.
Unlike the earlier Sigma books, which are connected to each other very thinly, this book begins a strong connection with the next two books in the series, almost forming a sub-series of sorts like the Diogenes and Helen Trilogies found in Preston and Child's Pendergast series. The building blocks are in this novel, and the building itself has its ground broken in The Devil Colony, and is finally constructed in Bloodline.
To this point in the series, it's the most intriguing one yet. (The sequels are just as intriguing, if not more so.) It's all about the threat of overpopulation, and the storage of crop seeds and other useful supplies for feeding the world. But there's a problem (of course.) The problem is genetically-modified crops. Already controversial, GM crops are given a pretty bad image in this novel, as many of those depicted here are not only not designed for human consumption, but they also have a tendency to cause mutations in unmodified crops. This time, a crop made by the Norwegian Viatus Corporation appears to be carrying a particularly deadly variety of fungus hidden in its genes. This fungus has been seen before, in England in the Middle Ages, where a whole village was filled with people who quite literally starved with full bellies.
Now, the Sigma Force must team up with Rachel Verona and Seichan, two women with less-than-pleasant history with each other, as they try to locate the source of the fungus, and also who may be using the fungus as part of a world-domination plan.
Unlike the earlier Sigma books, which are connected to each other very thinly, this book begins a strong connection with the next two books in the series, almost forming a sub-series of sorts like the Diogenes and Helen Trilogies found in Preston and Child's Pendergast series. The building blocks are in this novel, and the building itself has its ground broken in The Devil Colony, and is finally constructed in Bloodline.
August 27, 2018
By reading Doomsday Key, I learned some new facts, for example about the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard. At the end of Rollins' books, I always enjoy reading what of the plot is imagination and what is the scientifically proven truth. He also always recommends expert literature through which he studied a particular concept or topic. This time, it was the conflicts between Celts and Christians, the disappearance of bees (id est, the reduction of their number and the causes of their disappearance), Avalon, overpopulation of Earth and eugenics ... for this reason it is always interesting to read his books.
And the book itself ... great, tense till the last minute. Imagination and truth are entwined all the time. This time especially I had the impression that I was reading modern Indiana Jones (tombstones, levers that open the secrets, puzzles which, if you are wrong, open the door through which you fall on deadly spikes...). I really enjoyed reading it.
Čitajući Doomsday Key i opet sam naučila neke nove činjenice, recimo o Globalnoj banci sjemena na Svalbardu. Uvijek volim i na kraju Rollinsovih knjiga pročitati što je u knjizi priča, a što znanstveno dokazana istina. Čovjek nam lijepo preporuči i stručnu literaturu kroz koju je proučavao određeni pojam ili temu. Ovaj put su to bili sukobi Kelta i kršćana, nestanak pčela (tj. smanjenje njihovog broja i razlozi zbog kojih nestaju), Avalon, prenaseljenost Zemlje i eugenika.... zbog toga mi je uvijek zanimljivo čitati njegove knjige.
A sama knjiga... odlična, napeta do zadnjeg trena. U njoj se stalno isprepliću mašta i istina, a posebno u ovom dijelu imala sam dojam da čitam modernog Indiana Jonesa (šuljanje po grobnicama, poluge koje otvaraju tajne prolaze, zagonetke koje ako ih krivo odgonetneš otvaraju vrata kroz koja padaš na šiljke...). Stvarno knjiga za uživanciju.
And the book itself ... great, tense till the last minute. Imagination and truth are entwined all the time. This time especially I had the impression that I was reading modern Indiana Jones (tombstones, levers that open the secrets, puzzles which, if you are wrong, open the door through which you fall on deadly spikes...). I really enjoyed reading it.
Čitajući Doomsday Key i opet sam naučila neke nove činjenice, recimo o Globalnoj banci sjemena na Svalbardu. Uvijek volim i na kraju Rollinsovih knjiga pročitati što je u knjizi priča, a što znanstveno dokazana istina. Čovjek nam lijepo preporuči i stručnu literaturu kroz koju je proučavao određeni pojam ili temu. Ovaj put su to bili sukobi Kelta i kršćana, nestanak pčela (tj. smanjenje njihovog broja i razlozi zbog kojih nestaju), Avalon, prenaseljenost Zemlje i eugenika.... zbog toga mi je uvijek zanimljivo čitati njegove knjige.
A sama knjiga... odlična, napeta do zadnjeg trena. U njoj se stalno isprepliću mašta i istina, a posebno u ovom dijelu imala sam dojam da čitam modernog Indiana Jonesa (šuljanje po grobnicama, poluge koje otvaraju tajne prolaze, zagonetke koje ako ih krivo odgonetneš otvaraju vrata kroz koja padaš na šiljke...). Stvarno knjiga za uživanciju.
June 24, 2019
Once again, Rollins rocks.
This is not just a book. It's a high-octane combination of history, mystery, fear, political situation, latest science and technology, ancient science and technology, treachery, death and redemption. By the time this book ends, the reader has been pushed to a place that's utterly different from our mundane reality. Many authors try to achieve that. But Rollins, to quote Chandler, is the 'Ace Performer' who keeps doing that year after year. This one was no exception.
Only reason behind me dropping a star is the whole conspiracy angle brought in by the notion and organisation named Guild. Apart from that, THIS is the kind of thriller a lierate person looks forward to.
Recommended.
This is not just a book. It's a high-octane combination of history, mystery, fear, political situation, latest science and technology, ancient science and technology, treachery, death and redemption. By the time this book ends, the reader has been pushed to a place that's utterly different from our mundane reality. Many authors try to achieve that. But Rollins, to quote Chandler, is the 'Ace Performer' who keeps doing that year after year. This one was no exception.
Only reason behind me dropping a star is the whole conspiracy angle brought in by the notion and organisation named Guild. Apart from that, THIS is the kind of thriller a lierate person looks forward to.
Recommended.
October 11, 2018
that was scary
the guild is developing nicely
the guild is developing nicely
November 29, 2017
یک کشیش از واتیکان در ونیز به قتل رسیده و ویگور ورونا، دایی راشل هم به کما رفته. راشل در محل این حادثه یک انگشت مومیایی مییابد که احساس میکند باید به حادثه مربوط باشد؛ اما بلافاصله مورد سو قصد قرار گرفته و بعد از فرار از مهلکه برای کمک به گری زنگ میزند. گری به همراه کوالاسکی به ایتالیا میرود و راشل را همراه سیچان پیدا میکند. این گروه چهار نفره دنبال این سرنخ تاریخی به انگلیس میروند تا پرده از راز یک بیماری قارچی قدیمی و درمان آن بردارند.
پینتر کراو هم به همراه مونک و عضو جدید گروه به نام کرید هم به دنبال کشف راز حمله به کمپ تحقیقاتی در آفریقا و کشته شدن پسر سناتور آمریکا به نروژ و محل شرکت اصلی سرمایهگذار آن کمپ تحقیقاتی رفته و متوجه میشوند سرنخ فعالیتهای این کمپ هم در همان بیماری قارچی نهفته که گری دنبال میکند. اما ارتباطشان با گری قطع شده و...
پینتر کراو هم به همراه مونک و عضو جدید گروه به نام کرید هم به دنبال کشف راز حمله به کمپ تحقیقاتی در آفریقا و کشته شدن پسر سناتور آمریکا به نروژ و محل شرکت اصلی سرمایهگذار آن کمپ تحقیقاتی رفته و متوجه میشوند سرنخ فعالیتهای این کمپ هم در همان بیماری قارچی نهفته که گری دنبال میکند. اما ارتباطشان با گری قطع شده و...
June 7, 2009
A Good Summer Read
I've only read a small number of James Rollins' books; but, from my understanding, THE DOOMSDAY KEY is exactly what fans of his will expect and love. It has an easy to read and enjoyable plot involving multiple murders, biotechnology, chemical agents, history, and lore. THE DOOMSDAY KEY is truly an adventure, taking readers from Africa to locations all over Europe, to the Arctic.
I am not familiar with the characters, but I believe they have made appearances in previous Rollins books. Rollins excels in painting these people in precarious situations with real responses. They are believable and their actions are reasonable (for the most part). There were a couple of moments when I was truly impressed with their thought processes, and Rollins did a nice job of showing the internal moral struggles during these moments.
What else is there? Tons and tons of action. The only times when there is no action is when the characters are learning about the history of the artifact they seek, thus having dialogues and research sessions to fill themselves (and the reader) in on what they are trying to achieve. The action is almost over the top, and at times recklessly unbelievable. Rollins has no shame in destroying national monuments and tearing down anything and everything. This caviler attitude almost turned me off because there is no follow up on events that would seem impossible to get away with, and little discussion of the ramifications of such actions. However, it is a story, and these events were fun to read and created an enjoyable experience.
The plot revolving around the Doomsday Key and the Doomsday Book was interesting and moderately well researched, providing the lore with some semblance of believability. Although these artifacts were interesting, it was not breathtaking and "grab you by the throat." For some, the story could be a little too much action and not enough substance; but like any summer action movie: sometimes that is what we prefer.
Overall, THE DOOMSDAY KEY is a good summer read. If you are looking for a book that is easy to read, fast paced, doesn't involve a lot of thinking, and filled with action, I recommend picking it up. If you are looking for something with a little more substance or something with "a little more to it," you might consider passing on THE DOOMSDAY KEY.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Book Review Blog for More Reviews
I've only read a small number of James Rollins' books; but, from my understanding, THE DOOMSDAY KEY is exactly what fans of his will expect and love. It has an easy to read and enjoyable plot involving multiple murders, biotechnology, chemical agents, history, and lore. THE DOOMSDAY KEY is truly an adventure, taking readers from Africa to locations all over Europe, to the Arctic.
I am not familiar with the characters, but I believe they have made appearances in previous Rollins books. Rollins excels in painting these people in precarious situations with real responses. They are believable and their actions are reasonable (for the most part). There were a couple of moments when I was truly impressed with their thought processes, and Rollins did a nice job of showing the internal moral struggles during these moments.
What else is there? Tons and tons of action. The only times when there is no action is when the characters are learning about the history of the artifact they seek, thus having dialogues and research sessions to fill themselves (and the reader) in on what they are trying to achieve. The action is almost over the top, and at times recklessly unbelievable. Rollins has no shame in destroying national monuments and tearing down anything and everything. This caviler attitude almost turned me off because there is no follow up on events that would seem impossible to get away with, and little discussion of the ramifications of such actions. However, it is a story, and these events were fun to read and created an enjoyable experience.
The plot revolving around the Doomsday Key and the Doomsday Book was interesting and moderately well researched, providing the lore with some semblance of believability. Although these artifacts were interesting, it was not breathtaking and "grab you by the throat." For some, the story could be a little too much action and not enough substance; but like any summer action movie: sometimes that is what we prefer.
Overall, THE DOOMSDAY KEY is a good summer read. If you are looking for a book that is easy to read, fast paced, doesn't involve a lot of thinking, and filled with action, I recommend picking it up. If you are looking for something with a little more substance or something with "a little more to it," you might consider passing on THE DOOMSDAY KEY.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Book Review Blog for More Reviews
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