Sandstorm

A Sigma Force Novel, Book 1

De: James Rollins

Narrado por: John Meagher

A heart-stopping novel of adventure and suspense from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins—the first in his critically acclaimed Sigma Force series

A freak explosion in the British Museum in London ignites a perilous race for an earth-shaking power source buried deep beneath the sands of history. Painter Crowe is an agent for Sigma Force, a covert arm of the Defense Department tasked with keeping dangerous scientific discoveries out of enemy hands. When an ancient artifact points the way toward the legendary “Atlantis of the Sands,” Painter must travel across the world in search of the lost city–and a destructive power beyond imagining.

But Painter has competition. A band of ruthless mercenaries, led by a former friend and ally, are also intent on claiming the prize, and they will destroy anyone who gets in their way. Ancient history collides with cutting-edge science–with the safety of the world at stake.

Liking James Rollins and his scientific mind!

My hubby and I listen to books while driving in the car every week-end (we drive 5.5 hours each way so we like something to pass the time!). We really LOVE Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and have read all of their books so we were looking for a similar type author and seem to have found it with James Rollins!
James writes a few different books and many are in series, so if you are like me check online and read them in order (I prefer to read them in order)!
This book Sandstorm is the first in this series and we enjoyed it! James has a scientific mind and does get a little detailed in some of his description which is what my hubby loves and I am not as fond of it but he does do a good job without going too far in depth (for me)!
The narrator, which this is the first and only time I have heard him, was not as easy for me to listen to. He did a great job with each character having different voices and personalities but he did seem to have a little lisp or something when he said things with an "s" that was a little grating on my ears. I am hoping that in future books, if he is the same narrator that maybe things will be a little different!
I think that if you like Preston and Child and especially their Pendergast series, then you will probably enjoy James Rollins!
Enjoy!

Interesting topics, good story, atrocious narrator

What did you like best about Sandstorm? What did you like least?

Great set of topics, conspiracy, history, "secret agent" stuff, a good portion of weapon and tactical nerdiness (even though he makes some mistakes referencing various arms and calibers), and finally with some good 'ol mystical magic and spirituality for good measure.

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

Interesting non-perfect characters with their individual flaws and excellence, surprising turn of events and some unusual settings.

What didn’t you like about John Meagher’s performance?

Simply a terrible reader who does not appear to be excited about what he reads, with a too young a voice to match the depth of the topics and simply with a poor acting ability. A narrator has to have a much more sophisticated disposition and mastery of accents to match the breadth of the characters in the international settings in this story.

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

I would love to hear more in the series but since it's the same narrator in the second book I'm going to read it instead. I really cant stand that narrator. In fact, I couldn't even finish the first book on audio. It really is an unfortunate match.

Nice mix of historical fiction

This is the first of a series about Sigma Force, an undercover team of military operatives. I chose this book not because of the military theme but because of the slightly supernatural archaeological theme. I was not disappointed, there seemed to be just the right amount of military ops without overshadowing the other aspects of the story. I will be trying out the next book to see if I have found another new series.

James Rollins all the way...

Narrator John Meagher is beyond excellent! This series may be some of Rollins best work yet! The mysteries of ancient Arabia clashing with what may be anti-matter forces are perfectly juxtapositioned as Omaha, Sofia,Kara, Cora, the Hodja, et. al. seek the answers to the disappearance of the lost city of the "Desert Atlantis", Ubar. Was this once the Garden of Eden? What are the "gifts" the Hodja refers to? Is Sofia indeed the Sufi?

This book moves fast! I lost much sleep wanting to hear more! Pure entertainment - great story! Onto Book 2....

Great book!!

This is the first book from James Rollins that I have read. It was great! I honestly felt like I was watching all of this take place. His descriptions are detailed enough to set the stage but not so much that you zone out. Highly recommend. The reader took me a bit to get used to but he grew on me.