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Sigma Force #18
Arkangel
From the #1 New York Times master of international thrillers comes the story of a global hunt across the top of world, pitting nation against nation, as ancient myths of a lost continent prove all too real. The execution of a Vatican archivist within the shadow of the Kremlin exposes a conspiracy going back three centuries—to the bloody era of the Russian Tsars. Before his murder, he manages to dispatch a coded message, a warning of a terrifying threat, one tied to a secret buried within the Golden Library of Tsars, a vast and treasured archive that had vanished into history. As combative forces race for the truth behind this death and alarming discovery, Sigma Force is summoned to aid in the search—not only for this missing trove of ancient books, but to follow a trail far into the Arctic, to search for the truth about a lost continent and a revelation that could ignite a global war. But Sigma Force has its own difficulties at home after an explosive attack on the National Mall—one aimed at the heart of their covert agency—has left them vulnerable and exposed. The growing conflict—both on Russian soil and deep in the Arctic—will reignite a centuries-old war between the newly resurgent Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican, while sabers rattle across the nations of the Arctic Circle, threatening to turn those icy seas into a fiery conflagration. Facing enemies on all sides, it will be up to Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force to unravel a mystery going back millennia—and uncover the truth about a lost civilization and an arcane treasure that could save the planet…or destroy it.
499 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2024
About the author
James Rollins
95 books13.8k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
November 7, 2024
Arkangel is the latest book in the Sigma Force series written by James Rollins. Set in the Arctic Circle, a battle for what lies beneath the surface ensues between Russians and an elite group of American secret agents. Our faves, Seichan and Gray, lead the team to find out what caused a scientist to be kidnapped and a priest to be tortured, among several other wounded. Visits from Kowalski, Kat, Jason, and others, plus Kane and Marco, help push the action to a peak. All-in-all, I enjoyed the premise, tho it does make the villains super-villainy and over-the-top. Valya returns for revenge, and I kinda wonder where this leaves us as so many stories come together in this book. Painter was missing, so I don't think it's the last installment, but we must be getting closer. Good for fans of the series, but don't read it randomly. You'll miss too much history.
August 6, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the pre-release copy of Arkangel by James Rollins. Below is my honest review.
First, if you're reading this review and you haven't read the rest of this series... what are you waiting for? Stop here and go on then! This is book 18, for goodness' sake!
18 books in and this is still one of my favorite series. I've followed it since the release of Map of Bones, and I'll continue to follow up until it ends (which hopefully is a LONG LONG time from now). (PS, in addition to these 18 books, some of the characters that join this series along the way are from his other works, like Subterranean and Deep Fathom, etc)
This one has some WILD stuff: lots of ice, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade style puzzle rooms, carnivorous plants (TERRIFYING), and lots of shootouts and chases and danger.
Highly recommend this series. It's so much fun. You can certainly jump in here if you want, but I'd definitely beseech you to start at the beginning. You'll miss so so so much if you don't.
First, if you're reading this review and you haven't read the rest of this series... what are you waiting for? Stop here and go on then! This is book 18, for goodness' sake!
18 books in and this is still one of my favorite series. I've followed it since the release of Map of Bones, and I'll continue to follow up until it ends (which hopefully is a LONG LONG time from now). (PS, in addition to these 18 books, some of the characters that join this series along the way are from his other works, like Subterranean and Deep Fathom, etc)
This one has some WILD stuff: lots of ice, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade style puzzle rooms, carnivorous plants (TERRIFYING), and lots of shootouts and chases and danger.
Highly recommend this series. It's so much fun. You can certainly jump in here if you want, but I'd definitely beseech you to start at the beginning. You'll miss so so so much if you don't.
August 13, 2024
Like a summer blockbuster movie, Sigma Force novels are reliably entertaining. The latest is no exception as we are treated to fantastic battles, lost lands and mysterious artifacts. James Rollins novels harken back to the era of pulp adventure novels featuring larger than life characters and suspension of disbelief situations. Hopefully we have many more coming from him.
August 29, 2024
Even for a Sigma book, this one's got everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, that makes me demand there be a film adaptation of this series immediately.
Yes, I know by now Amazon has a TV series adaptation planned, but call me cynical but I strongly suspect the streaming world isn't gonna be as kind to this series as it deserves, unless it's anywhere near as much of a hit as the books' bestseller status ought to afford it.
But that Amazon series better last long enough to adapt this book somewhere in its timeline, because it demands it greatly. It's one of Rollins's most classic books in years, building the great mystery of Hyperborea as our friends at Sigma (plus Tucker Wayne and his war dogs Kane and Marco) seek to find it before the Russians do (the book does make some vague references to the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Rollins connecting Russia's attempt at colonization there to the old Hyperborea story as part of their grander ambitions now that church and state are a lot less separate than they ought to be.) No spoilers, but once we do get to Hyperborea, the book gets into some serious thriller territory, verging on horror as well.
Once again, Rollins reminds me of why he's one of my all-time favorite authors, and I'm dying to see what he's got in mind next, because he's promising ever more wild adventures in the next book, which will hopefully be ready to read by this time next year...
Yes, I know by now Amazon has a TV series adaptation planned, but call me cynical but I strongly suspect the streaming world isn't gonna be as kind to this series as it deserves, unless it's anywhere near as much of a hit as the books' bestseller status ought to afford it.
But that Amazon series better last long enough to adapt this book somewhere in its timeline, because it demands it greatly. It's one of Rollins's most classic books in years, building the great mystery of Hyperborea as our friends at Sigma (plus Tucker Wayne and his war dogs Kane and Marco) seek to find it before the Russians do (the book does make some vague references to the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Rollins connecting Russia's attempt at colonization there to the old Hyperborea story as part of their grander ambitions now that church and state are a lot less separate than they ought to be.) No spoilers, but once we do get to Hyperborea, the book gets into some serious thriller territory, verging on horror as well.
Once again, Rollins reminds me of why he's one of my all-time favorite authors, and I'm dying to see what he's got in mind next, because he's promising ever more wild adventures in the next book, which will hopefully be ready to read by this time next year...
September 13, 2024
Kindle sale $5.99
August 4, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from William Morrow in a drawing through Goodreads.
I have been a big fan of James Rollins’ fast-paced historical thriller adventures over the years and this Sigma Force novel is no exception. This is a story of a lost continent, international and religious politics, ancient texts, a Russian emperor, and an old enemy of Sigma. Rollins crafts a wonderful tale and brings all of these elements together for a fantastic conclusion!! This book is released on August 6 and I highly recommended that you pick up a copy!!
I have been a big fan of James Rollins’ fast-paced historical thriller adventures over the years and this Sigma Force novel is no exception. This is a story of a lost continent, international and religious politics, ancient texts, a Russian emperor, and an old enemy of Sigma. Rollins crafts a wonderful tale and brings all of these elements together for a fantastic conclusion!! This book is released on August 6 and I highly recommended that you pick up a copy!!
August 11, 2024
I wanted to love this, and I did really like it, obviously, but it didn’t have quite the historical, cool new tech, punch that I’ve come to expect. The historical was there of course, but it just didn’t feel like it hit as hard or exciting as usual. Also, I struggled with all the Russian names and trying to keep all the splintering and reforming groups straight. That’s mostly just a me thing, but it did knock down my enjoyment a bit so only 4 ⭐️ a low for a Rollins novel for me.
September 20, 2024
As always the core of this Sigma Force story is steeped in actual history. Hyperborea is said to be a near Eden, located in the vicinity of the North Pole. The people there are long lived and have incredible medical knowledge.
The chase takes Sigma to Russia after an old enemy. What follows is exploration of many actual historical places. All the action one would expect to find in an old style pulp and a great cast, plus a couple special guests making a reappearance in the series
The chase takes Sigma to Russia after an old enemy. What follows is exploration of many actual historical places. All the action one would expect to find in an old style pulp and a great cast, plus a couple special guests making a reappearance in the series
August 26, 2024
Although I am very much a girly girl, I do enjoy reading thrillers thanks to my brother's influence. This novel is quite interesting as it deals with a long lost archeological site in the Arctic. It was of special interest to me because it has a number of strong and resourceful female characters, all of which I so liked, even the ones on the enemy side! Since I am a submissive bi chick, wish that one or more of those characters were sapphic;) XOXOXOs to the author, James Rollins, for creating this highly detailed and fast paced story that is almost out of today's headlines.
September 28, 2024
The 2024 release of this long-running action series involved a fascinating concept about a secret continent and culture long buried in the Arctic Circle. Rollins is good at finding obscure secret histories and bringing them to life with an adventure based on known facts.
However, this entry into the Sigma Force series seemed long and drawn out, which is the main reason I can not give it five stars. It took me a week to plod through it. Some of the complex details ingrained into the plot took away from the action.
Quite frankly, the whole atmosphere did not feel cold enough to me, despite this being set in the Arctic. Granted, Rollins begins the book with a discussion about the polar ice caps melting due to warming temperatures. But it was still the Arctic Circle even though it was July.
The end had a kind of closure quality to the series. The main characters seem to be moving ahead with their lives and come across as less inclined to go out and save the world one more time. I expect that if push comes to shove, they will. There was no subtle cliffhanger at the end.
Positives include the return of Tucker Wayne and his two canine companions, Kane and Marco. Although he was unenthusiastic about being there. He does, however, find himself captivated by a lady botanist named Ella Stutt.
One aspect of the story that I wish was explored further was the hinted discovery of the Golden Library, the ancient Russian version of Alexandria. The historical figure of Catherine the Great has always appealed to me, and I was delighted to see her history touched on here.
There are nice illustrations within these pages, too.
I still always look forward to reading a new James Rollins book.
However, this entry into the Sigma Force series seemed long and drawn out, which is the main reason I can not give it five stars. It took me a week to plod through it. Some of the complex details ingrained into the plot took away from the action.
Quite frankly, the whole atmosphere did not feel cold enough to me, despite this being set in the Arctic. Granted, Rollins begins the book with a discussion about the polar ice caps melting due to warming temperatures. But it was still the Arctic Circle even though it was July.
The end had a kind of closure quality to the series. The main characters seem to be moving ahead with their lives and come across as less inclined to go out and save the world one more time. I expect that if push comes to shove, they will. There was no subtle cliffhanger at the end.
Positives include the return of Tucker Wayne and his two canine companions, Kane and Marco. Although he was unenthusiastic about being there. He does, however, find himself captivated by a lady botanist named Ella Stutt.
One aspect of the story that I wish was explored further was the hinted discovery of the Golden Library, the ancient Russian version of Alexandria. The historical figure of Catherine the Great has always appealed to me, and I was delighted to see her history touched on here.
There are nice illustrations within these pages, too.
I still always look forward to reading a new James Rollins book.
June 21, 2024
I was fortunate enough to win an advance copy from Goodreads and as always James Rollins did not disappoint. It was another great Sigma adventure intertwined with Russian history and Greek mythology. Grey, Seichan and other Sigma favorites trek to the Artic to save the world from another potential catastrophe.
October 1, 2024
eponymous sentence:
p16: Vasily had joined the Imperial Navy when he was sixteen, quickly gaining fame and rank, and now served as deputy commandant of Arkhangelsk Port on the coast of the White Sea.
le mot juste:
p40: But ahead, the street was shut down, cordoned off with cement barricades and patrolled by police on horseback and on foot.
p55: Unlike the base's utilitarian cement block and corrugated steel architecture, this structure was mortared stone, with leaded glass windows and sills of hewn pine.
p147: The echo of gunfire reached her, too, muffled by the cement-block walls of the building.
p199: Voices rose behind her, along with a pound of boots.
p260: Closer at hand, the base looked like the many others that Tucker had transited through as a Ranger: cement block buildings, yellow dock cranes, narrow brick stacks churning out smoke.
Q: What's better than one military working dog?
A: Two military working dogs. Plus a nuclear detonation. Oh, and carnivorous plants.
p16: Vasily had joined the Imperial Navy when he was sixteen, quickly gaining fame and rank, and now served as deputy commandant of Arkhangelsk Port on the coast of the White Sea.
le mot juste:
p40: But ahead, the street was shut down, cordoned off with cement barricades and patrolled by police on horseback and on foot.
p55: Unlike the base's utilitarian cement block and corrugated steel architecture, this structure was mortared stone, with leaded glass windows and sills of hewn pine.
p147: The echo of gunfire reached her, too, muffled by the cement-block walls of the building.
p199: Voices rose behind her, along with a pound of boots.
p260: Closer at hand, the base looked like the many others that Tucker had transited through as a Ranger: cement block buildings, yellow dock cranes, narrow brick stacks churning out smoke.
Q: What's better than one military working dog?
A: Two military working dogs. Plus a nuclear detonation. Oh, and carnivorous plants.
October 1, 2024
Solid installment from Rollins on the latest threat for Sigma. Good historical backstory. A common drawback from this author is that the main bad guy or the 2IC is a giant. Too much repetition of words e.g. scowled which sometimes appeared multiple times on a page and different characters. I rounded up to 4 stars from 3.8.
June 23, 2024
When the pace of Sigma Force books slowed a couple years ago, I somehow got out of the habit of keeping up with the series. Fortunately, Arkangel caught my attention, and I greatly enjoyed catching up with Gray, Seichan, Kowalski, Jason, Tucker and friends, and Monk (not much of Crow in this one). Sigma Force is still globe trotting in their quest to save the free world. This time they end up in the arctic circle which is interesting given the current geopolitical and environmental climates. This was yet another fun read in the Sigma Force series.
September 4, 2024
I loved James Rollins books they are so good but o started to notice a few books ago that they follow the same formula for. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.
Scene1: takes places in the past some famous person you may or may not have heard of is searching for some hidden treasure/island/scientific formula to make something turn into something. He will be with someone who is cautious of what is going on and they will mention (—insert well known historical figure here——) then they find whatever they are looking for after seeing previous people who tried to find this things bodies. They will find it. MY GOD ONE WILL GASP THIS CAN NEVER GET OUT OR IT MEANS THE END OF THE WORRRRLLLLLD.
Scene 2; some scientist/botanist/physicist will be working in a dreary place he/shewill have his/her own POV about how they got there digging up/looking for/inventing thing. Cannon fodder (CF) as I will know refer this person as will be somehow successful/find/realize something important. CF MUST tell someone! CF is on the move! Oh no CF runs into some sort of assassin person. This person will have some sort of facial deformity. Period. CF will question them. Mystery person who will know be known as Elephant man (EM) and will say something revealing as in they KNOW what CF was doing CF will be suprised but is in a hurry must go! EM will kill CF in seconds showing how day there. They will turn to sidekick and sidekick (SK) with have something wrong with one of their senses (hearing impaired/visually impaired/etc) they will say something cryptic. Games on.
Scene 3; will have Gray bantering with his gf/wife/partner Seichan about something not related to fighting/assassinating whatever to remind you the reader that they have other lives. Gray will take a phone call from Painter whose description will lead into a short scene featuring him as the point of view. Probably won’t happen again though. Painter will tell them about somebody from the Popes house is calling and emergency is happening somehow they know CF cause CF was doing something for them etc. story doesn’t matter we are just here. Painter will send them all to some country and they will all go for the mission of finding the something IMPORANT!! now vice president VP) as in how to get to president or the ulitimate thing.
Scene 4; will have the team Ianding on the way to find IMPORANT THING (VP). They are wandering in a group when they notice something off. Something so off. FIREFIGGGGGHHTTTT OH ITS ONNNNNNNN. everyone will have some sort of heavy artillery. Also everyone on each team (EM and for Sigma I’ll use @) is an amazing sharp shooter who can withstand all sorts of things thrown or shot at them. Firefight over it is local incompetent as to find them but must run from authorities. But it’s not over!!!!!
Scene 5: EM will be meeting with some of his henchmen. They are mad THEY DIDN’T GET RID OF THEM! They will talk about what they want to do with ultimate prize (UP) it will somehow be somewhat evil but not overly explained.
Will continue……………
Scene1: takes places in the past some famous person you may or may not have heard of is searching for some hidden treasure/island/scientific formula to make something turn into something. He will be with someone who is cautious of what is going on and they will mention (—insert well known historical figure here——) then they find whatever they are looking for after seeing previous people who tried to find this things bodies. They will find it. MY GOD ONE WILL GASP THIS CAN NEVER GET OUT OR IT MEANS THE END OF THE WORRRRLLLLLD.
Scene 2; some scientist/botanist/physicist will be working in a dreary place he/shewill have his/her own POV about how they got there digging up/looking for/inventing thing. Cannon fodder (CF) as I will know refer this person as will be somehow successful/find/realize something important. CF MUST tell someone! CF is on the move! Oh no CF runs into some sort of assassin person. This person will have some sort of facial deformity. Period. CF will question them. Mystery person who will know be known as Elephant man (EM) and will say something revealing as in they KNOW what CF was doing CF will be suprised but is in a hurry must go! EM will kill CF in seconds showing how day there. They will turn to sidekick and sidekick (SK) with have something wrong with one of their senses (hearing impaired/visually impaired/etc) they will say something cryptic. Games on.
Scene 3; will have Gray bantering with his gf/wife/partner Seichan about something not related to fighting/assassinating whatever to remind you the reader that they have other lives. Gray will take a phone call from Painter whose description will lead into a short scene featuring him as the point of view. Probably won’t happen again though. Painter will tell them about somebody from the Popes house is calling and emergency is happening somehow they know CF cause CF was doing something for them etc. story doesn’t matter we are just here. Painter will send them all to some country and they will all go for the mission of finding the something IMPORANT!! now vice president VP) as in how to get to president or the ulitimate thing.
Scene 4; will have the team Ianding on the way to find IMPORANT THING (VP). They are wandering in a group when they notice something off. Something so off. FIREFIGGGGGHHTTTT OH ITS ONNNNNNNN. everyone will have some sort of heavy artillery. Also everyone on each team (EM and for Sigma I’ll use @) is an amazing sharp shooter who can withstand all sorts of things thrown or shot at them. Firefight over it is local incompetent as to find them but must run from authorities. But it’s not over!!!!!
Scene 5: EM will be meeting with some of his henchmen. They are mad THEY DIDN’T GET RID OF THEM! They will talk about what they want to do with ultimate prize (UP) it will somehow be somewhat evil but not overly explained.
Will continue……………
September 3, 2024
Lots going on as Sigma Force is sent to Italy to investigate a murder and ends up searching for the missing Golden Library in Russia. From there, they head to the icy Arctic Ocean to find out if the rumor of a lost continent is true or not. Battling Russian forces to get to black cliffs of Hyperborea while on ice breaker ship. Hearing tales of carnivorous plants, they find carvings in ice cave as well as the plants. But Russian forces are close by and a nuclear device is set off. They only have a short time to back away. Can they make it?
October 11, 2024
Oddly disappointing, since the promised danger and discovery never really pays off.
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You follow the clues, you get to the mystery spot, and then you find...some murals and a garden. Nothing about that says 'world ending threat' like you spent 300 pages implying.
Also, the albino villain is played out at this point, and constantly squeezing in the crossover dog soldiers is getting old as well.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
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You follow the clues, you get to the mystery spot, and then you find...some murals and a garden. Nothing about that says 'world ending threat' like you spent 300 pages implying.
Also, the albino villain is played out at this point, and constantly squeezing in the crossover dog soldiers is getting old as well.
November 15, 2024
This is my umpteenth Sigma book, and I'm thinking this might be my last. I really like the archeological aspects, including this one with Hyperborea (a mythical land in the Arctic that had long lived people) but I find myself racing/skimming through the loads of actions scenes to get to the reveals. I would have liked more time spent on Hyperborea! So many Sigma members + new folks in action scenes in one book is a little too much.
September 2, 2024
Fantastic! Always on the edge of my seat from the first page! James Rollins never disappoints, but often causes worry for the characters. Seriously though, he finds the most obscure facts and builds magnificent stories around them. I only know about so many places and events because he's written about them. I'll be excited (and nervous for the characters) in the next episode.
October 6, 2024
This wasn’t my favorite of the sigma force novels, I think just based on the topic. But as always it’s extremely well researched and has amazing action scenes. I love seeing Tucker, Cain, and Marco. James Rollins is still an auto buy author for me!
August 10, 2024
This was another fantastic read, so action packed and I had to keep reading! It was so entertaining as always!
September 3, 2024
3.5 stars. Not my favorite in the series, but I do enjoy Rollins’ non-stop action sequences and the historical and geographical facts he weaves thru the Sigma Force novels.
October 19, 2024
A slog of a read
December 21, 2024
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
August 13, 2024
Not my favorite Sigma Force novel but not my least favorite. I feel like there was less recycled science in this book than there was in some of the other recent books in the series, but I did catch a hint of Amazonia and a smidgen of Ice Hunt. Still a decent book, if not earth-shattering.
December 21, 2024
A great book as always. Love the lives of the sigma force team.
October 21, 2024
Hide and Go Seek in the high Arctic with nuclear weapons and carnivorous plants mingled with archeology, and Russian czars. Who could ask for anything more? The action does not stop from start to finish.
August 17, 2024
ARKANGEL opens with a regular feature we have come to expect from James Rollins titled Notes from the Scientific Record. Knowing that we are about to be barraged with numerous historical and scientific plot elements over the span of nearly 500 pages, this section comes in quite handy.
We learn that a new Cold War is brewing and the center of this battle is the Arctic Circle. As that part of the globes continues to thaw out, land that had been buried under ice for centuries is being revealed to us. There is now a race to claim this territory, which had previously been considered neutral ground for all countries on the planet, with Russian, China and the U.S. leading the fight. Russia desperately wants this territory, which includes the area known in English as Arkangel, because of its ideal locale for military occupation.
There is another secret that this territory has revealed and it relates to an ancient Utopian land called Hyperborea, a land that most modern Russian citizens consider themselves descendants of. How great it would be to find this ‘Shangi-la’ that purportedly was home to super-sized humans as well as animal and plant species unknown to modern history texts. The discovery of this mythical place could mark the end of the world and that is the central focus of the plot for ARKANGEL where Sigma Force must get there before the Russian forces do.
The map that may contain the location of Hyperborea is alleged to exist in the long buried Golden Library of Ivan the Great. Both Russian scientists and the members of Sigma Force are fast at work to find this ancient place that many modern theorists consider to be pure myth. Of course, knowing that this is a James Rollins hints that we may be treated to the discovery of all these so-called mythical places and what a wonder it will be.
Gray Pierce is the head of Sigma Force and takes his cues from Director Painter Crowe. The team that comprises Sigman has been pretty consistent through this adventurous series and it is always a pleasure to spend time with them much in the same way as visiting with old friends. Amongst the villains working against them is an evil woman named Valya who has a dark history with Sigma Force and is a deadly assassin. One big advantage Sigma Force has is the assistance of Tucker Kane and his military trained K-9’s, who were featured previously in the Sigma novel BLOODLINE as well as his own series that Rollins co-wrote with Grant Blackwood.
There is also a heavy religious element to this novel and both Russian clergy as well as ambassadors from the Vatican are involved. The ancient texts that may exist in the Golden Library are of great interest to these long-standing religious sects and there is a similar race to uncover that legendary place and uncover the mind-blowing details that these ancients texts may contain. The bottom line for all the participants in this electrifying novel is whether or not the alleged piece of rock they are searching for in the Arctic is worth dying over.
It's no secret that each of James Rollins’ novels are impeccably researched. His combination of history, science, and fictional thrills puts him in a select group of writers such as Steve Berry, Preston & Child, and Brad Thor. ARKANGEL also contained many photos and diagrams which just amplify the storytelling and makes it practically leap off the page at you. Beyond that, the Author’s Note at the end of his novels runs through the Truth or Fiction of each story for the reader to dive into. This is worth the price of admission all by itself, and the parts that you believed had to be fictional often end up based on historical or scientific fact which is mind-blowing. The Sigma Force novels remain a force in the thriller/adventure genre and are simply not to be missed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
We learn that a new Cold War is brewing and the center of this battle is the Arctic Circle. As that part of the globes continues to thaw out, land that had been buried under ice for centuries is being revealed to us. There is now a race to claim this territory, which had previously been considered neutral ground for all countries on the planet, with Russian, China and the U.S. leading the fight. Russia desperately wants this territory, which includes the area known in English as Arkangel, because of its ideal locale for military occupation.
There is another secret that this territory has revealed and it relates to an ancient Utopian land called Hyperborea, a land that most modern Russian citizens consider themselves descendants of. How great it would be to find this ‘Shangi-la’ that purportedly was home to super-sized humans as well as animal and plant species unknown to modern history texts. The discovery of this mythical place could mark the end of the world and that is the central focus of the plot for ARKANGEL where Sigma Force must get there before the Russian forces do.
The map that may contain the location of Hyperborea is alleged to exist in the long buried Golden Library of Ivan the Great. Both Russian scientists and the members of Sigma Force are fast at work to find this ancient place that many modern theorists consider to be pure myth. Of course, knowing that this is a James Rollins hints that we may be treated to the discovery of all these so-called mythical places and what a wonder it will be.
Gray Pierce is the head of Sigma Force and takes his cues from Director Painter Crowe. The team that comprises Sigman has been pretty consistent through this adventurous series and it is always a pleasure to spend time with them much in the same way as visiting with old friends. Amongst the villains working against them is an evil woman named Valya who has a dark history with Sigma Force and is a deadly assassin. One big advantage Sigma Force has is the assistance of Tucker Kane and his military trained K-9’s, who were featured previously in the Sigma novel BLOODLINE as well as his own series that Rollins co-wrote with Grant Blackwood.
There is also a heavy religious element to this novel and both Russian clergy as well as ambassadors from the Vatican are involved. The ancient texts that may exist in the Golden Library are of great interest to these long-standing religious sects and there is a similar race to uncover that legendary place and uncover the mind-blowing details that these ancients texts may contain. The bottom line for all the participants in this electrifying novel is whether or not the alleged piece of rock they are searching for in the Arctic is worth dying over.
It's no secret that each of James Rollins’ novels are impeccably researched. His combination of history, science, and fictional thrills puts him in a select group of writers such as Steve Berry, Preston & Child, and Brad Thor. ARKANGEL also contained many photos and diagrams which just amplify the storytelling and makes it practically leap off the page at you. Beyond that, the Author’s Note at the end of his novels runs through the Truth or Fiction of each story for the reader to dive into. This is worth the price of admission all by itself, and the parts that you believed had to be fictional often end up based on historical or scientific fact which is mind-blowing. The Sigma Force novels remain a force in the thriller/adventure genre and are simply not to be missed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
August 17, 2024
ARKANGEL opens with “Notes from the Scientific Record,” a feature that we have come to expect from James Rollins. Knowing that we are about to be barraged with numerous historical and scientific plot elements over the span of nearly 500 pages, this section comes in quite handy.
We learn that a new Cold War is brewing, and at the center of this battle is the Arctic Circle. As that part of the globe continues to thaw out, land that had been buried under ice for centuries is being revealed to us, and now there is a race to claim it. Previously it had been considered neutral ground for all countries on the planet, with Russia, China and the US leading the fight. Russia desperately wants this territory, which includes the area known in English as Arkangel, because of its ideal location for military occupation.
Another secret is revealed, and it relates to Hyperborea, an ancient utopian land of which most Russian citizens consider themselves descendants. How great it would be to find this “Shangri-la” that purportedly was home to super-sized humans, as well as animal and plant species unknown to modern history texts. It's discovery could mark the end of the world, and that is the book’s central focus.
The map that may contain the location of Hyperborea is alleged to exist in the long-buried Golden Library of Ivan the Great. Both Russian scientists and the members of Sigma Force are fast at work to find it. Of course, the fact that this is a James Rollins book hints that we may be treated to the discovery of all these so-called mythical places --- and what a wonder it would be.
Grayson Pierce is the head of Sigma Force and takes his cues from Director Painter Crowe. The team has been pretty consistent through this adventurous series, and it is always a pleasure to spend time with them. Among the villains working against them is Valya Mikhailov, an evil woman and a deadly assassin who has a dark history with Sigma Force.
There also is a heavy religious element to the novel, which involves both Russian clergy and ambassadors from the Vatican. The ancient texts that may exist in the Golden Library are of great interest to these long-standing sects. The big question for all the participants is whether or not the alleged piece of rock they are searching for in the Arctic is worth dying over.
It is no secret that James Rollins’ novels are impeccably researched. The combination of history, science and fictional thrills puts him in a select group of writers that includes Steve Berry, Preston & Child and Brad Thor. ARKANGEL contains many photos and diagrams that amplify the storytelling and make it practically leap off the page at you. Beyond that, the Author’s Note runs through the Truth or Fiction of each story. This is worth the price of admission all by itself, and the parts that you believed had to be made up are often based on historical or scientific fact, which is mind-blowing.
The Sigma Force books remain a force in the thriller/adventure genre and are simply not to be missed.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
We learn that a new Cold War is brewing, and at the center of this battle is the Arctic Circle. As that part of the globe continues to thaw out, land that had been buried under ice for centuries is being revealed to us, and now there is a race to claim it. Previously it had been considered neutral ground for all countries on the planet, with Russia, China and the US leading the fight. Russia desperately wants this territory, which includes the area known in English as Arkangel, because of its ideal location for military occupation.
Another secret is revealed, and it relates to Hyperborea, an ancient utopian land of which most Russian citizens consider themselves descendants. How great it would be to find this “Shangri-la” that purportedly was home to super-sized humans, as well as animal and plant species unknown to modern history texts. It's discovery could mark the end of the world, and that is the book’s central focus.
The map that may contain the location of Hyperborea is alleged to exist in the long-buried Golden Library of Ivan the Great. Both Russian scientists and the members of Sigma Force are fast at work to find it. Of course, the fact that this is a James Rollins book hints that we may be treated to the discovery of all these so-called mythical places --- and what a wonder it would be.
Grayson Pierce is the head of Sigma Force and takes his cues from Director Painter Crowe. The team has been pretty consistent through this adventurous series, and it is always a pleasure to spend time with them. Among the villains working against them is Valya Mikhailov, an evil woman and a deadly assassin who has a dark history with Sigma Force.
There also is a heavy religious element to the novel, which involves both Russian clergy and ambassadors from the Vatican. The ancient texts that may exist in the Golden Library are of great interest to these long-standing sects. The big question for all the participants is whether or not the alleged piece of rock they are searching for in the Arctic is worth dying over.
It is no secret that James Rollins’ novels are impeccably researched. The combination of history, science and fictional thrills puts him in a select group of writers that includes Steve Berry, Preston & Child and Brad Thor. ARKANGEL contains many photos and diagrams that amplify the storytelling and make it practically leap off the page at you. Beyond that, the Author’s Note runs through the Truth or Fiction of each story. This is worth the price of admission all by itself, and the parts that you believed had to be made up are often based on historical or scientific fact, which is mind-blowing.
The Sigma Force books remain a force in the thriller/adventure genre and are simply not to be missed.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
August 25, 2024
Arkangel (Sigma Force, #18) by James Rollins (Hardcover)
This is a stand-alone book. You don't need to read any of the prior books to read it.
The book opens in 1764 when Catherine the Great ruled Russia and sent an expedition to the Arctic to look for the lost Arctic Continent of Hyperborea - where giants roamed the Arctic and lived for a long time. They also had medical knowledge unrivaled by current standards. Catherine's expedition also warned of terrible evil associated with the place.
In present-day Moscow, Finnigan Bailey - prefect of the Vatican Archives, is sent to Russia to search the Golden Library, which was hidden by Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV) after his father, Ivan the Great (Ivan III) collected its precious books. It is supposed to rival the great collection of the Library of Alexandria. His execution by Valya Mikhailov (Seichan archnemesis - and a mortal enemy of the Sigma force.) within the shadow of the Kremlin exposes a conspiracy going back three centuries - to the bloody era of the Russian Tsars. Before Bailey's murder, he manages to dispatch a coded message, a warning of a terrifying threat, one tied to a secret buried within the Golden Library of Tsars that had vanished into history. As combative forces race for the truth behind this death and alarming discovery, Sigma Force is summoned to aid in the search—not only for this missing trove of ancient books but to follow a trail far into the Arctic, to search for the truth about Hyperborea and a revelation that could ignite a global war.
The Sigma force is under threat of being dissolved, as Valya had just executed the destruction of the Smithsonian Castle - which was up for renovations. The success of this mission is relevant to the future of the organization.
Facing enemies on all sides, it will be up to Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force to unravel a mystery going back millennia - and uncover the truth about a lost civilization and an arcane treasure that could save the planet…or destroy it.
Narrated from the third-person point of view, this was a chaotic read. I found it not believable. There were too many setbacks and at some points, the Sigma force looked like a joke. I never cared for the characters or the plot. It was a slow tedious read, even though the plot should have made the book interesting.
I do not recommend the book and will not be reading any of the other books in the series.
This is a stand-alone book. You don't need to read any of the prior books to read it.
The book opens in 1764 when Catherine the Great ruled Russia and sent an expedition to the Arctic to look for the lost Arctic Continent of Hyperborea - where giants roamed the Arctic and lived for a long time. They also had medical knowledge unrivaled by current standards. Catherine's expedition also warned of terrible evil associated with the place.
In present-day Moscow, Finnigan Bailey - prefect of the Vatican Archives, is sent to Russia to search the Golden Library, which was hidden by Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV) after his father, Ivan the Great (Ivan III) collected its precious books. It is supposed to rival the great collection of the Library of Alexandria. His execution by Valya Mikhailov (Seichan archnemesis - and a mortal enemy of the Sigma force.) within the shadow of the Kremlin exposes a conspiracy going back three centuries - to the bloody era of the Russian Tsars. Before Bailey's murder, he manages to dispatch a coded message, a warning of a terrifying threat, one tied to a secret buried within the Golden Library of Tsars that had vanished into history. As combative forces race for the truth behind this death and alarming discovery, Sigma Force is summoned to aid in the search—not only for this missing trove of ancient books but to follow a trail far into the Arctic, to search for the truth about Hyperborea and a revelation that could ignite a global war.
The Sigma force is under threat of being dissolved, as Valya had just executed the destruction of the Smithsonian Castle - which was up for renovations. The success of this mission is relevant to the future of the organization.
Facing enemies on all sides, it will be up to Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force to unravel a mystery going back millennia - and uncover the truth about a lost civilization and an arcane treasure that could save the planet…or destroy it.
Narrated from the third-person point of view, this was a chaotic read. I found it not believable. There were too many setbacks and at some points, the Sigma force looked like a joke. I never cared for the characters or the plot. It was a slow tedious read, even though the plot should have made the book interesting.
I do not recommend the book and will not be reading any of the other books in the series.
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