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, 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. ( )

Adventure

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 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. ( )

A great read. This novel had a pretty steady, quick pace, that kept you interested in what was going to happen next. The historical and scientific info the reader needed was delivered in an easy(ish) to understand way that didn't feel like a lecture, and had enough information to grasp the concepts, but not overwhelm you with minutia.

The characters were well developed, and knowing they continue through other books keeps you interested in them.

Can't wait to read the next book in the series! ( )

A fun thriller, but hyper improbable - almost a pastiche of a thriller. ( )