Map of Bones

This book was... just ok. It was structured SO similarly to The DaVinci Code and I was unable to get past that. I felt like I was reading The DaVinci Code again with different names. It really didn't live up to the awesomeness of its name, and yes, I picked this book because the name sounded spectacular.

All that aside, I really enjoyed most of the characters. Gray was pretty cool. I liked that we were privy to some of his internal dialogue. It was interesting to see someone who exuded such strong vibes to his teammates fighting with himself in his head. Uncle Vigor was great too, even if he was a bit of a know it all. It did bug me some though, that he was nearly ALWAYS the one figuring out the puzzles. I would have liked more from Kat, show more but I liked what we did get from her. She was pretty bad ass, if I do say so myself.

One thing I will give this book good marks for is it's ability to just be picked up. I found out after I'd read a good chunk of the book that it was, in fact, the second in the series. You don't miss anything, as far as I can tell, by starting the series with this book. show less

Blurb from the cover:

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 that could reshape the world.

With the Vatican in turmoil, Sigma Force under the command of Grayson Pierce leaps into action, pursuing a deadly mystery that weaves through sites of the Seven Wonders of the World and ends at the doorstep of an ancient, mystical, and terrifying secret order. For there are those with dark plans for the stolen sacred remains that will alter the future of humankind . . . when science and religion unite to show more unleash a horror not seen since the beginning of time.

The bones lead to ancient mysteries and present-day terror . . . To follow them means death.

My Review:

Map of Bones is the second book in the Sigma Force Series, and also the second book by James Rollins that I have read. While it is not necessary to read Sandstorm prior to this book, doing so provides the reader some additional background information from side characters that brings more to the story.

This story follows Grayson Pierce, who at the beginning of the book is described as impulsive, reckless, and aggressive in his actions. Throughout the book, after being placed in charge of a team, the reader gets to see Pierce grow as both an operative as well as a leader of a team. He is a well developed main character, and I became invested in his success and happiness.

Map of Bones traverses over multiple locations, each of which brings about action and new mysteries to unravel. Pierce's team also has decent character development that pulls the reader in, making you care not only for Pierce, but the well being of the whole team and their success.

I continue to be impressed by Rollins' extensive research that is very apparent from his writing. This plot had the potential for becoming convoluted, overly wordy, or difficult to follow, but Rollins does a fantastic job of slowly integrating the history, mythology, and religious backgrounds to give the reader a better understanding without losing them in the process. I also think that Rollins did a great job of integrating religious information in a tactful way that still makes the book appealing to those who are devoted and those who are not.

Overall, I very much enjoyed the pace, mystery, and action that Map of Bones laid out. The story brings about a lot of history in such a way that leads the reader through the quest with the main characters, trying to solve the riddles right too. After two books from the Sigma Force Series, I have found myself excited to continue to pick up the next one. Both of the novels I have read thus far are staunchly researched with constant action, but not repetitive on itself. Highly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of novels like those from Dan Brown. show less

It continues the story of the covert Sigma Force team and Painter Crowe who was the main character in the first book...[Sandstorm]. It's a fast-paced story that rarely takes a break between action scenes, and was somewhat exhausting frantically racing from one scene to the next. This story delves into Catholic relics, secret organizations within the Vatican, unproven Gospel accounts, and of course, lost treasures. Many of the scientific discussions about magnetism, super conductors, and the riddles were completely over my head, but they made for an interesting plot and an exciting, well written book. I look forward to more Sigma Force adventures.

This book was... just ok. It was structured SO similarly to The DaVinci Code and I was unable to get past that. I felt like I was reading The DaVinci Code again with different names. It really didn't live up to the awesomeness of its name, and yes, I picked this book because the name sounded spectacular.

All that aside, I really enjoyed most of the characters. Gray was pretty cool. I liked that we were privy to some of his internal dialogue. It was interesting to see someone who exuded such strong vibes to his teammates fighting with himself in his head. Uncle Vigor was great too, even if he was a bit of a know it all. It did bug me some though, that he was nearly ALWAYS the one figuring out the puzzles. I would have liked more from Kat, show more but I liked what we did get from her. She was pretty bad ass, if I do say so myself.

One thing I will give this book good marks for is it's ability to just be picked up. I found out after I'd read a good chunk of the book that it was, in fact, the second in the series. You don't miss anything, as far as I can tell, by starting the series with this book. show less

I enjoyed this book more than the first one of Rollins's Sigma Force Series. It seemed to be somewhat less science intensive and more like historical fiction. There was a new host of characters, with the only main one returning being Painter Crowe. Like 'Sandstorm' however, bits of the plot were a bit unbelievable and the alliance between Pierce and Seichan seemed unlikely. But it is just a story. The story does grab you right from the beginning with the murder carried out in the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, and the method of the murder was somewhat ingenious, if you could overlook some of the technicalities of the scientific principles behind it. The way the gold powder was traced through different countries, civilizations, and time show more periods was clever as well. Rollins does a good job of teaching the reader something new in that sense, and opens ones mind to almost incredible possibilities. Post 9-11 it makes one wonder about what unknown weapons or chemicals may be out there... Like many other books I've been reading lately, I was disappointed in the ending. When Pierce almost decides against giving his father the gold powder to help 'cure' his alzheimers, I didn't fully grasp his motivation. I don't know why anyone would allow a loved one to go through that when there was a possible 'cure'. All in all, I enjoyed the book, but I still prefer the style and plot of Dan Brown's 'Angels and Demons' more, although this makes a good addition to the lists of fans of his style. show less

Why steal the bones of the magi? A fast paced, high action thriller mixed with sci-fi. Add in the church, plus old secret societies, and constant danger. Always seek the light and the truth.

A romping good read, reminiscent of a cross between GI Joe and Indiana Jones. The well researched writing takes a bit of suspension of disbelief but ultimately it takes you on a thrilling journey that is thoroughly entertaining.