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Map of Bones
(Sigma Force #2)
by
The bones lead to ancient mysteries and present-day terror . . . To follow them means death.
During a crowded service at a cathedral in Germany, armed intruders in monks' robes unleash a nightmare of blood and destruction. But the killers have not come for gold; they seek a more valuable prize: the bones of the Magi who once paid homage to a newborn savior . . . a treasure
...moreGet A Copy
Mass Market Paperback, 523 pages
Published
April 25th 2006
by Avon
(first published April 26th 2005)
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Start your review of Map of Bones (Sigma Force, #2)
This is an action adventure tale, combining both ancient secret societies, a la Dan Brown and other secret societies, a la...well... Ian Fleming. Sigma is the good guy crew here, led by Grayson Pierce, this book's version of 007, ably assisted by his trusted buddy Monk and the relative newbie Kat. It comes complete with an opening action sequence that introduces the two antagonists. When a cathedral in Cologne is assaulted by a crew using strange technology that leaves all present but one dead,
...more
4.0 stars. Second in the Sigma Force series (after Sandstorm), I can now see that this is going to be a great series. These books are incredibly quick reads with fast, well thought out plots. Even though they are quick reads, don't think there is no detail as James Rollins is a research fanatic and packs the book with a lot of interesting details from which he extrapolates some of the more "fantastic" plot devices. Think "Tom Clancy" meets "Fringe" with a dash of "Indiana Jones" and you will hav
...more
Jul 31, 2007
Mike
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
action adventure fans
This is the first book by James Rollins that I was going to read, then I learned that there was a series, so I read the first book, "Sandstorm", first and then returned to this. You don't really HAVE to read the first two books in any order I think because there is little that is actually spoiled in Map of Bones, most of the previous book is referred to in passing and is more helpful to having a believable world than anything. Not that the world of Sigma Force is all that believeable, well some
...more
Jun 04, 2008
Jacqueline
added it
Great book! I love James Rollins. He's like a cross between Tom Clancy and Micheal Crichton. Right up my Star Trek/Indiana Jones alley!! I highly recommend his books to anyone who loves any of the aforementioned authors or movies. Basically anyone who is a geek like I am.
What a terrible, incredibly long dribble this is. Many of the people who've rated this book poorly have pointed out the many failings within it.
The entire plot is absolutely ridiculous:
You have an implausible group of so-called geniuses who also happen to be -supposedly- super agents, James Bond type of guys. They put them through "fast track PhD programs" (what in the hell is that anyway, who goes through a "fast track" PhD???) so they know anything about everything or something.... and yet the ...more
The entire plot is absolutely ridiculous:
You have an implausible group of so-called geniuses who also happen to be -supposedly- super agents, James Bond type of guys. They put them through "fast track PhD programs" (what in the hell is that anyway, who goes through a "fast track" PhD???) so they know anything about everything or something.... and yet the ...more
Like DaVinci Code & Angels and Demons? No! MUCH BETTER!
What a great read! Rollins has taken a great concept, the power of gold powder like that in manna and the ark of the covenant, and developed a fascinating story. The history behind the gold powder and the interest of US Special Ops and the Vatican are all explained in great detail with exceptional references to the historical support for all stated facts and assumptions. The biblical history behind this, much like that in The DVC or A&D, is ...more
What a great read! Rollins has taken a great concept, the power of gold powder like that in manna and the ark of the covenant, and developed a fascinating story. The history behind the gold powder and the interest of US Special Ops and the Vatican are all explained in great detail with exceptional references to the historical support for all stated facts and assumptions. The biblical history behind this, much like that in The DVC or A&D, is ...more
Jun 01, 2008
Natalie
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
Da Vinci Code fans (people who like history related mystery/adventure novels)
Recommended to Natalie by:
Friend
Overall, this book was well written and the author's knowledge of the concepts and history integrated throughout the book is evident. Characters are well developed, but there was one major flaw that I found which affected my perception of Map of Bones. By the time I got to the end, I had no idea what the purpose of the whole adventure was. I couldn't remember what the main characters were looking for. I asked my friend, who recommended this book to me, about whether she knew, and she too couldn'
...more
This was my second James Rollins book and I'm excited to read another. His novels read like "beach read" thrillers, but not those you'd feel embarrassed about toting around a public poolside. I'm a fan of fun mystery series like the ones written by Jeffrey Deaver and Harlan Coben, but with Rollins' books, I actually learn something. I also love his author's notes following the texts that recommend many of the sources he used for his stories. I don't imagine it's possible to read a tome on papal
...more
May 01, 2016
Sarah
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
People who love adventure stories enough that they're easy to please.
Shelves:
audio
This had three things that were just so poorly done that I couldn't like the book:
1. lame romance sub-plot
2. lame characterization ("I am bad guy" *thumps chest* "must rape") - Seriously, if you're going to have a bad guy in your book, put a little bit of effort into why he's a bad guy. Using rape is lazy and stereotypical.
3. Everything You Need to Know You Learned Reading The DaVinci Code. I may have actually slapped my own forehead when one guy said "Do you know why Friday the 13th is consider ...more
1. lame romance sub-plot
2. lame characterization ("I am bad guy" *thumps chest* "must rape") - Seriously, if you're going to have a bad guy in your book, put a little bit of effort into why he's a bad guy. Using rape is lazy and stereotypical.
3. Everything You Need to Know You Learned Reading The DaVinci Code. I may have actually slapped my own forehead when one guy said "Do you know why Friday the 13th is consider ...more
it was am electrifying adventure but i would prefer james rollins oracle to this book.though it had many ingenious parts it kind of gets murky where fact and fiction clashes.there are parts where u cannot grasp it or wrap your head around it.but in the upside it is a good book which can keep you occupied.commander gray pierson is ordered by sigma to head to cologne in germany along with his team to investigate the mysterious massacre of mass of people and the archbishop in a cathedral.they are j
...more
One day I decided to go on a book hunt. I liked Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code, so I decided to try things that were considered similar. If this book is any indication of the type of books considered similar then I don't think I will be continuing on that quest.
We have the tough guy military type and his team of sidekicks, one whom happens to have just the right background to magically be of assistance at crucial moments, the intelligent yet tough love interest, and the know it all type ...more
We have the tough guy military type and his team of sidekicks, one whom happens to have just the right background to magically be of assistance at crucial moments, the intelligent yet tough love interest, and the know it all type ...more
Excellent- one of my favorite authors, and I love this series- can't wait for the next one
I enjoyed it! Fast paced, action packed story with biblical history thrown in!
idc's a little weak
p65: the two bmws continued to pin the mini cooper. no matter how rachel struggled, she could not pull free.
the guns in the back seats swung forward.
before the assailants could open fire, rachel shoved the car into park and yanked her emergency brake. the car jolted with a scream of tearing metal. her rearview mirror shattered. the effort threw off the gunmen's aim, but it was not enough to free her trapped car.
p86: "i know nothing except to escort you to the eliport."
p280: he ...more
p65: the two bmws continued to pin the mini cooper. no matter how rachel struggled, she could not pull free.
the guns in the back seats swung forward.
before the assailants could open fire, rachel shoved the car into park and yanked her emergency brake. the car jolted with a scream of tearing metal. her rearview mirror shattered. the effort threw off the gunmen's aim, but it was not enough to free her trapped car.
p86: "i know nothing except to escort you to the eliport."
p280: he ...more
DNF at around 60%.....
Jus couldn't take the clichés anymore. I think we're upto 6 close shave escapes already with at least half of them being dead to rights. Enjoyed the first in the series but really should have stuck at that. Not for me is this.
Jus couldn't take the clichés anymore. I think we're upto 6 close shave escapes already with at least half of them being dead to rights. Enjoyed the first in the series but really should have stuck at that. Not for me is this.
This is the 4th book by rollins that i've finished in just two seatings. His books are like this. U just cant stop cz there is always a rush. Reading a rollins book is kind of like reading wikipedia. Lots of information. It would be better 4 u if u r from science background and have interest in christianity.
The characters, the settings, the science, technology, history, religion - all of it was woven into such a complex and thoroughly fascinating story. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I d ...more
The characters, the settings, the science, technology, history, religion - all of it was woven into such a complex and thoroughly fascinating story. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I d ...more
I learned so much from this book and found Rollins' research to be excellent. I also liked the biblical and historical references and the visits to Maryland, Washington D. C., Cologne, Rome, Alexandria and Avignon France. The characters were very interesting with an adventurous plot with lots of action. Rollins is a great writer and his descriptions make you feel a part of the story. This is the 2nd book of the Sigma Force series and I look forward to continuing with the series. I would highly r
...more
Tried, threw in the towel at about a quarter of the way...the plot lines and characters are great...so I picked back up again and OFFICIALLY gave up at the halfway point. Because the low point are so boring...
Being pressed for time at first I thought to wind up this review with a one liner like "Brilliant, Imaginative and a Compelling Read" but the more I thought about it the more I realized this book deserved more than that. We all learn history, some in school and some just because we want to learn but to fabricate a story this brilliant from such information requires a special type of talent. James Rollin is an absolute inspiration on that front. The amount of research that went into this book its
...more
I must preface my review by confessing that I am a sucker for this kind of book. Ancient religious secrets, shadowy societies, action, riddles - I can't get enough. And thus it is no surprise I enjoyed Map of Bones.
This is a thrilling read full of likable (if not slightly generic) characters, exciting (if not slightly unrealistic) action, and plenty of plot twists and turns (some more surprising than others). Sure, it's all a little formulaic, but if you enjoy this kind of thriller, you won't mi ...more
This is a thrilling read full of likable (if not slightly generic) characters, exciting (if not slightly unrealistic) action, and plenty of plot twists and turns (some more surprising than others). Sure, it's all a little formulaic, but if you enjoy this kind of thriller, you won't mi ...more
Rollins never disappoints! Map of Bones is the second in the Sigma Force series and this one sweeps the reader through the secretive world of the Catholic church, a la The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.
[Snip] "During a service at a cathedral in Cologne, Germany, a band of armed intruders dressed in monk's robes unleashes a nightmare of blood and terror, ruthlessly gunning down worshipers and clergy alike."
For those of us who appreciate well researched stories with intriguing plots, threade ...more
[Snip] "During a service at a cathedral in Cologne, Germany, a band of armed intruders dressed in monk's robes unleashes a nightmare of blood and terror, ruthlessly gunning down worshipers and clergy alike."
For those of us who appreciate well researched stories with intriguing plots, threade ...more
Terrible writing. Not even sure why I chose to read this other than the first book was so awful I thought the second book in the series HAD to be an improvement.... it wasn't.
I like mystical stories and adventures. This is the second James Rollins book I've read. The first were Sandstorm and I though it was terrible. This was better but not great. Reminds me a bit of Dan Brown. Good or bad? I don't know, but I give it three stars because of the interesting story.
3.5 stars.
Well researched story and rather interesting but confusing. I'll give another one a try and see if I like it any better.
ABOUT THAT CLUE ...
"THAT'S MOVING backward, not forward. There is another mystery to solve here.”
Indeed there is. More than a few. Why, in the 21st century, is a secret medieval organization killing churchgoers and priests, raiding a cathedral in Cologne and St. Peter's in Rome? Seriously, I'm still not sure.
I'm going to admit that most of the time I didn't even know what the participants were looking for. Or how they solved a clue. Or knew where to go. The good guys would explain to each other ...more
"THAT'S MOVING backward, not forward. There is another mystery to solve here.”
Indeed there is. More than a few. Why, in the 21st century, is a secret medieval organization killing churchgoers and priests, raiding a cathedral in Cologne and St. Peter's in Rome? Seriously, I'm still not sure.
I'm going to admit that most of the time I didn't even know what the participants were looking for. Or how they solved a clue. Or knew where to go. The good guys would explain to each other ...more
4.5 Stars!
Map of Bones was a thrilling read with a fascinating plot and a wonderful group of characters.
At a cathedral in Germany, a group of armed intruders steal the bones of a Magi before making their escape, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. When it becomes clear there’s more to this attack than meets the eye, SIGMA Force, an elite team of Special Forces operatives all trained in different scientific fields, is dispatched. Soon Grayson Pierce and his team, accompanied by Lieutena ...more
Map of Bones was a thrilling read with a fascinating plot and a wonderful group of characters.
At a cathedral in Germany, a group of armed intruders steal the bones of a Magi before making their escape, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. When it becomes clear there’s more to this attack than meets the eye, SIGMA Force, an elite team of Special Forces operatives all trained in different scientific fields, is dispatched. Soon Grayson Pierce and his team, accompanied by Lieutena ...more
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-Lo ...more
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-Lo ...more
This novel explodes from the very first page, and doesn't stop until the very end. That being said, the relentless action doesn't save a thin storyline. Nor do the mindless villains who have ample opportunity to dispose of the good guys, but don't. Anyway, the main idea of the book is that there is a secret hidden amongst the bones of the 3 Magi who came to see the Christ child upon his birth. The secret...well, I won't give it away, but it fizzles out by the time the protagonists discover it. T
...more
The plot was entertaining and moved quickly though a bit far fetched, and for me failed to generate a "willing suspension of disbelief" or to create the fascination with its subject matter or characters that have to be present to make such a story impressive. The whole story line about monatomic gold, m state superconductors, alchemy, etc., is otherwise just a little too "out there."
Throughout the book I was constantly reminded of Lester Dent & Co.'s pulp magazine Doc Savage stories. And not of ...more
Throughout the book I was constantly reminded of Lester Dent & Co.'s pulp magazine Doc Savage stories. And not of ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A AndroForce X10 is a tool | 1 | 6 | Oct 03, 2017 11:56PM | |
| Horror Aficionados : Map of Bones by James Rollins | 131 | 53 | Jul 08, 2016 08:36PM | |
| Map of Bones | 5 | 23 | Apr 15, 2016 04:51PM | |
| Which is your favourite James Rollins Novel? | 23 | 124 | Jan 15, 2015 06:08PM | |
| This book made #6 on TOP 10 THRILLER NOVELS... | 12 | 135 | Oct 03, 2014 06:55AM | |
| Do you think James Rollins is the greatest Fiction/Thriller author of our time? | 23 | 280 | May 04, 2014 03:05PM | |
| So this book prompted me to write my first review... | 1 | 22 | Feb 01, 2014 07:51AM |
Readers also enjoyed
James 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.”
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