Sandstorm

A Sigma Force Novel, Book 1

By: James Rollins

Narrated by: John Meagher

Length: 16 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

An inexplicable explosion rocks the antiquities collection of a London museum, and the race begins to determine how it happened, why it happened, and what it means.

Lady Kara Kensington's family paid a high price in money and blood to found the gallery that now lies in ruins. Her search for answers leads Kara and her friend, Safia al-Maaz, the gallery's curator, into a world they never dreamed existed. Evidence exposed by the tragedy suggests that Ubar, a lost city buried beneath the Arabian desert, is more than mere legend...and that something astonishing is waiting there.

The two extraordinary women and their guide, Omaha Dunn, are not the only ones being drawn to the desert. Former U.S. Navy SEAL Painter Crowe, a covert government operative and head of an elite counter-espionage team, is hunting down a dangerous turncoat and the trail is pointing him toward Ubar.

What is hidden below the sand is more than a valuable relic of ancient history. It is an ageless power that lives and breathes. Many lives have already been destroyed by ruthless agencies dedicated to guarding its mysteries and harnessing its might. The end may be at hand for Kara, Safia, Crowe, and all of the interlopers who wish to expose its mysteries, as it prepares to unleash the most terrible storm of all.

©2004 Jim Czajkowski (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

good but drags

interesting story but moved slowly. we listened while on a long trip so it worked out. the ending just STOPPED! Hate when that happens!!

Exceptional story telling

loved the reading as much as the book. James Rollins never fails to provide a truly gripping story. Well done

Couldn't hold my attention. Maybe it's me.

Maybe it's me but I'm usually into books like Repairman Jack, The Iron Druid Chronicles and The Dresden Files. The Dark Tower series was great to. I found myself having to rewind 30 seconds every couple of minutes because I would wonder off into thought. A good book will hold my attention throughout the book. There are a couple of dull moments here and there in most good books, but this one just wasn't grasping my attention.

great book

at the start the narrator was reading to fast, like he was getting paid, word/minutes
as the story moves along it gets better
not sure if he slowed down or I just got use to it

History,, Science, & Adventure at its best!

James Rollins always brings new depth to adventure with his historical and science backed stories! Well developed characters and consistent fast paced story that pulls you in and keeps you thinking and enjoying the discoveries along the way.

Story was great.

The story was great but the reader was not as good. Story keeps you interested. Really detailed.

Amazing

My first experience with the sigma force was the 6th extinction around 2017 I am a huge Rollins fan ever since

It was a long book

John Meagher was an excellant reader. Not many men can get the female voice to sound believable but he did. I was also able to distinguish between the male voices. Nice.

The story line was interesting but I felt it had too much anti-matter information. It was better when the info-lectures were over and they returned to the plot.

I probably will not buy another book in this series due to the over-loading of information not vital to the plot. But we'll see.

Really?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this book to anyone I like. In fact I have told people not to bother with this work.

Would you ever listen to anything by James Rollins again?

I highly doubt it.

Which character – as performed by John Meagher – was your favorite?

Mr. Meagher did a fine job of narration. The issue was the story.

Do you think Sandstorm needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It already has one. I have returned it already. I will be returning this book as well.

Any additional comments?

I actually shouted at this book when I finally gave up on it. That is very unusual for me. This book is based on an interesting premise. The flaw is with the execution. The main character is supposed to be the standard frighteningly competent agent type. He is for the first part of the book, before the main story gets started. Mr. Rollins then turns him into an idiot. He also apparently decided not to put much effort into the writing. The book is, to the point I was able to stomach it, full of suddenly this events. The writer appears to also not like writing since the story is also full of "I'm too lazy to come up with something plausible, so I will just do this." I have listened to hundreds of books, read countless paperbacks and hardcovers. I can not stand someone who could do better, but just doesn't. I am sure the issue lies with the disappointment I feel at picking up a turd like this. I really wish I could write something nice about the story, but I can't. The narrator is fine, he made what I could get through somewhat enjoyable for his part. However my final recommendation is that you not waste your time listening to this. There are better books out there.

To much bad language!!!!!! Good Story!!!!

I liked the story it was fast paced but I didn't like the swearing. I wish there were great new novels with out it. I would have a better selection to choose from.