The Last Odyssey: A Thriller

Sigma Force Novels, Book 21

By: James Rollins

Narrated by: Christian Baskous

Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

To save the world and our future, Sigma Force must embark on a dangerous odyssey into an ancient past whose horrors are all too present in this pause-resisting thriller from number one New York Times best-selling author James Rollins that combines cutting-edge science, historical mystery, mythology, and pulse-pounding action.

For eons, the city of Troy - whose legendary fall was detailed in Homer’s Iliad - was believed to be myth, until archaeologists in the 19th century uncovered its ancient walls buried beneath the sands. If Troy was real, how much of Homer’s twin tales of gods and monsters, curses and miracles - The Iliad and The Odyssey - could also be true and awaiting discovery? 

In the frozen tundra of Greenland, a group of modern-day researchers stumble on a shocking find: a medieval ship buried a half-mile below the ice. The ship’s hold contains a collection of even older artifacts - tools of war - dating back to the Bronze Age. Inside the captain’s cabin is a magnificent treasure that is as priceless as it is miraculous: a clockwork gold map imbedded with an intricate silver astrolabe. The mechanism was crafted by a group of Muslim inventors - the Banu Musa brothers - considered by many to be the Da Vincis of the Arab world - brilliant scientists who inspired Leonardo’s own work. 

Once activated, the moving map traces the path of Odysseus’s famous ship as it sailed away from Troy. But the route detours as the map opens to reveal a fiery river leading to a hidden realm underneath the Mediterranean Sea. It is the subterranean world of Tartarus, the Greek name for Hell. In mythology, Tartarus was where the wicked were punished and the monstrous Titans of old, imprisoned. 

When word of Tartarus spreads - and of the cache of miraculous weapons said to be hidden there - tensions explode in this volatile region where Turks battle Kurds, terrorists wage war, and civilians suffer untold horrors. The phantasmagoric horrors found in Homer’s tales are all too real - and could be unleashed upon the world. Whoever possesses them can use their awesome power to control the future of humanity. 

Now, Sigma Force must go where humans fear to tread. To prevent a tyrant from igniting a global war, they must cross the very gates of Hell.

©2020 James Rollins (P)2020 HarperAudio

wonderful!

I love the sigma series! All the other books too, James Rollins great job sir!

Hopefully, Not the Last

I got the Audible version not knowing I would suddenly find myself with so time to read. So, then the print copy to read and enjoy again.

I have loved most of Rollins' books but especially the Sigma Force series. As a storyteller, Rollins always manages to weave a though-provoking tale of excitement, action, and adventure. The Last Odyssey did not disappoint. I like science with my fiction, adventure with my character development and, most of all, I like to be able to "see" what is going on. Rollins knows how to translate his action into words, make his science is comprehensible and turn his characters into my friends.

I am glad I listened to "The Last Odyssey" and now I can't wait to read it.

Another wild ride with SIGMA

I am not sure how, but these stories get better every time. I loved every minute of it.

You will appreciate it more if you read the previous books in the series, but I think you can probably figure most of the backstory out if you want to.

Highly recommended.

Not good.

Just not good. The guy doing the accent for the polish-heritage character is ungodly irritating. The story itself is honestly just pretty stupid. Beyond that it’s not even entertaining.

Loyal Fan for Over 15 Years

I have looked forward to James Rollins’ books for years and have enjoyed them. Seems like the last couple of books have gotten slower paced. This one. This one is just painful to read. Putting it down after 5 hours of listening and maybe, MAYBE I’ll pick back up in the future. So disappointing.

Always leave them wanting more...

Another thrilling Sigma adventure that keeps the pages flying by right up until the end. And it true Rollins fashin, the ending pulls extra hard at the heartstrings. I can't wait to see what happens next.

The past fights to beknown

This series has taken has threw many adventures but None has Shrouded in mystry has this novel tests are suspense of alternate history and modern enemies who could be anyone.

Science & Fiction in one

James Rollins never lets you down. He skillfully combines Science and Fiction until you aren't always sure of what is and is not. I can lose myself in his books. I gasp out loud, I laugh out loud, and occasionally I cry out loud. This as you can imagine garners me some strange looks. I just point to my headset and say good book. Of course I am thinking go away! Do not disturb! I have gone back and listened to his books again and I always find things I missed the first go round. Read his books! You won't be disappointed!

Better suited for the screen

Great story but got lost in all the mythology. It is a visual book, better suited for the big screen. Just audio doesn’t do it justice.

Disappointed

I did not feel this met the high expectations I usually have for Rollins books. I was not able to finish it. The narration seemed awkward and at times, flat...

Wow! What a story.

James Rollins has done it again! A complicated story, very well read by an American who handled the difficult languages and ancient quotes very well.
James Rollins put the story together by investigating fact and then adding his fantastic mind for the fiction. Religion, history, spies, hidden cities and plenty of action. It’s worth a listen!