The Doomsday Key

A Sigma Force Novel, Book 6

By: James Rollins

Narrated by: Peter Jay Fernandez

Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

At Princeton University, a famed geneticist dies inside a biohazard lab. In Rome, a Vatican archaeologist is found dead in St. Peter's Basilica. In Africa, a U.S. senator's son is slain outside a Red Cross camp. The three murders on three continents bear a horrifying connection: all the victims are marked by a Druidic pagan cross burned into their flesh.

The bizarre murders thrust Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force into a race against time to solve a riddle going back centuries and to a ghastly crime against humanity hidden within a cryptic medieval codex.

Aided by two women from his past, one his ex-lover, the other his new partner, Gray must piece together the horrifying truth. But the revelations come at a high cost, and to save the future, Gray will have to sacrifice one of the women at his side.

That alone might not be enough, as the true path to salvation is revealed in a dark prophecy of doom. The ultimate nightmare is locked within a talisman buried by a dead saint, an ancient artifact known as the Doomsday Key.

©2009 Jim Czajkowski (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Very entertaining...

I was very excited to see that James Rollins had returned with another Sigma Force novel. If you liked Black Order and the Judas Strain (Excellent listen), you will enjoy the Doomsday Key. James Rollins is always bridging the gap between fact and fiction, and if you do the research after (while) listening to his books, you will be surprised by how much of it is factual.

I was not very pleased with this books ending. I thought Rollins could have done more. He builds up the climax of the story very well, but he does not conclude it with a bang. Nonetheless, if you like international espionage, this is definitely an enjoyable listen.

Peter Jay Fernandez did a good job with the narration.

I have listened to a few books in the series

The Sigma force adventures seem all the same. They always escape or find the answer in the nick of time to save the world. Unless something drastically changes in the writing of the series, this will be my last Sigma audiobook purchase.

a key that travels the world

Would you listen to The Doomsday Key again? Why?

I do plan on listening again because I enjoy the characters I have come to know and the fast pace of the story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

All the twists of the plot keep you guessing who will betray who this time.

Have you listened to any of Peter Jay Fernandez’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

As always, his narration brings he story line to life, but there are some technical problems and the music that was added didn't help in anyway.

Not my favorite

I bought this book based on my love of thrillers and some good reviews. Overall I have to say that the book is entertaining and I did love that the author writes in the same vein as Michael Crichton, meaning lots of true elements to a fantastic, science filled story. Unfortunately I think I've reached my tolerance for all-knowing, shadowy, nefarious groups of bad guys. It seems there is no end to the knowledge these people possess, to their ability to show up at just the right time with exactly the equipment or personnel they ned to thwart the plans of the hero.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story for the most part and don't feel like I wasted a credit, but it wasn't quite the book I was hoping it would be.

mystery - history storys

I wasn't sure what I was going to get into with this one and was pleasantly surprised. For a story based on pre-history up to the present it was really interesting and suspensful. This may not be for everyone but I enjoyed it. I mainly prefer espionage novels but would like to see-hear more of this.

Awesome

A truly amazing mix of historical fact and imaginative storytelling. A real page turner so to speak, once you start listening you can't wait to hear how it plays out.

A must read! Outstanding!

Sigma just keeps getting better. Hard to put down. The characters really grow on you.

The narrator is improving.

I complained about PJF as a narrator in my review of the last book in the series. Specifically his mispronunciations that were many and often.

But in this recording he makes strides forward as a narrator in general and with pronunciation in particular. I looked it up and the name’Malachi’ can indeed be pronounced as he does in this book. It’s not how I’ve always heard it pronounced and that put me off a bit but I really don’t have a leg to stand on.

The 1 star ding is on the producer, not PJF, for a couple of repeated phrases, in chapter 29 I think, that occur nearly back to back. Should’ve been caught.

Hope this is helpful to y’all and enjoy your day.

Rollins does it again!

As a huge fan of James Rollins, I knew this would be a great book. I was wrong, it was FANTASTIC!! I never get bored with the action, locations and history in each book. A MUST read!!

my favorite

this is probably my favorite James Rollins book. It is very well-read. you won't be disappointed.