Black Order: A Sigma Force Novel, Book 3

Rollins’ stories are often a bit predictable in a very comforting way — one knows that good will eventually triumph — but nonetheless creative in the building of characters. If you want a solid story that keeps you turning pages, look no further. I also really enjoy the moments of grace where the writer reveals his love of people and animals.

Starting with mysterious purchases of old manuscripts, seemingly random and senseless murders in a Nepal monastery, the Sigma Force quickly finds that the two random events are linked. Not only are they linked together but they are also tied to a mysterious compound in South Africa. Rollins takes those events and overlays the Nazi development of the Aryan race to develop a story that is fun and interesting to read. At times, Rollins resorts to pseudo science when discussing cloning but it doesn't detract from the storyline. As with most of the Sigma stories, there is a great deal of action, in fact, at times there might be too much action for a lot of readers but, nevertheless, it does provide for an entertaining story. I found the character of Fiona to be one of the more interesting in this edition of the Sigma stories. Rollins also provides the needed back stories for some of the other major characters. Overall, a quick but enjoyable read.Starting with mysterious purchases of old manuscripts, seemingly random and senseless murders in a Nepal monastery, the Sigma Force quickly finds that the two random events are linked. Not only are they linked together but they are also tied to a mysterious compound in South Africa. Rollins takes those events and overlays the Nazi development of the Aryan race to develop a story that is fun and interesting to read. At times, Rollins resorts to pseudo science when discussing cloning but it doesn't detract from the storyline. As with most of the Sigma stories, there is a great deal of action, in fact, at times there might be too much action for a lot of readers but, nevertheless, it does provide for an entertaining story. I found the character of Fiona to be one of the more interesting in this edition of the Sigma stories. Rollins also provides the needed back stories for some of the other major characters. Overall, a quick but enjoyable read.

This is by far the best James Rollins book I've read so far. Demonstrating his impressive scope of vision and imagintion, he pulls together science, history and the occult into a plot that grabs you and holds you tight until the last page.While I found some other books by this author quite readable but still sadly shallow and lacking feasibility, "Black Order" has no such flaw. The opening of the book takes place in post World War II Germany, which I think will hook many European readers as myself to the story. But the way Rollins intertwines these infamous events in European history with ancient lore, science and technology into a wild "super human" project orchestrated by a modern day "mad scientist" is awesome and raises an almost unbeatable challenge to the reader. The knot of this mystery stays tight throughout the book and only begins to loosen towards the end. So I simply have to give Rollins credit for that. I enjoyed the scientific background as well as the bits of Norse lore and mythology thrown here and there. Some of the conclusions he makes are a little far-fetched for my taste, but after all, this is a work of fiction, so I guess it's quite alright.All in all, I would highly recommend this book. It is a great example of suspence literature that puts one's mind to work from the very first page and keeps it busy to the end. You can't go through the book without a decent amount of thinking in order to put all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together. Best of all, a significant amount of the information the book is based on is TRUE--which comes to show--as the author has repeatedly stated--that indeed "truth is often stranger than fiction." I do intend to follow up on the recommended readings because I really find some of the questions raised in "Black Order" worth exploring. This is a great read, and I hope Rollins keeps up the good work!

I have become a big fan of James Rollins. Have read him in the past, but Map of Bones clicked with me. Black Order didn't disappoint - in fact it is the best he's written to date.The Sigma Force is in opposite sides of the earth - Gray in Copenhagen, and Painter is in a village in the Himalayas - and end up in South Africa - the action is nonstop and the action switches from each character in rapid action - Deals with a device the Nazis were creating using quantum science - only this experiment dealt with genetic engineering, and a new source of destruction - the experiments are still being done in modern day, with Sigma getting in the middle of it when a Buddist monk friend of Painter's asks him to come to the Himalayas to see what's killing an entire village, and his monastery. The theories of what is called the Bell are fascinating and frightening - something too beautiful too lose and too frightening to keep... and the quantum theories that are explained, though am sure very basically described, but gives us an understanding how powerful and mystical it is. It also goes in to the occult - the fascination by the Third Reich--and the mystery of life itself. You will believe.It is brilliantly written and you care for each character word by word.Rollins outdoes Crichton and that's saying a lot!Rollins has upped the ante with Black Order - a truly great book!

I'm a huge fan of rhis series and this ine was quite good. The author blends fiction and history so well that sometimes makes you question if it real or not, did it happen truly?

This is the fourth Rollins book (and third Sigma Force) I’ve read and like all the others, it was a great read. He includes just the right amount of science, action, and interesting characters. Some of the science is pushing believability, but it is all based on the latest findings then added to a rip-roaring fictional tale.If you’re reading reviews of book 3, you have presumably read books one and two. If you liked them, you’ll like this.

No one can put down the novel once started reading.A prayer given new meaning. scientific translation for the word prayer.

As somewhat of a lay person I feel this book has the perfect combination of ‘science’ and action where I can follow along and enjoy!Understanding that everything is simplified and some elements of fiction have come into play but a fun journey nonetheless

Very good read in my opinion...really liked the historical background and the scientific information and debate about "the question of intelligent design versus evolution". Brilliant and well-done!