Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
William Morrow (2016), Edition: Illustrated, 688 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML: A war is coming, a battle that will stretch from the prehistoric forests of the ancient past to the cutting-edge research labs of today, all to reveal a true mystery buried deep within our DNA, a mystery that will leave readers changed forever . . . In this groundbreaking masterpiece of ingenuity and intrigue that spans 50,000 years in human history, New York Times bestselling author James Rollins takes us to mankind's next great leap. But will it mark a new chapter in our development . . . or our extinction? In the remote mountains of Croatia, an archaeologist makes a strange discovery: a subterranean Catholic chapel, hidden for centuries, holds the bones of a Neanderthal woman. In the same cavern system, elaborate primitive paintings tell the story of an immense battle between tribes of Neanderthals and monstrous shadowy figures. Who is this mysterious enemy depicted in these ancient drawings and what do the paintings mean? Before any answers could be made, the investigative team is attacked, while at the same time, a bloody assault is made upon a primate research center outside of Atlanta. How are these events connected? Who is behind these attacks? The search for the truth will take Commander Gray Pierce of Sigma Force 50,000 years into the past. As he and Sigma trace the evolution of human intelligence to its true source, they will be plunged into a cataclysmic battle for the future of humanity that stretches across the globe . . . and beyond. With the fate of our future at stake, Sigma embarks on its most harrowing odyssey ever�??a breathtaking quest that will take them from ancient tunnels in Ecuador that span the breadth of South America to a millennia-old necropolis holding the bones of our ancestors. Along the way, revelations involving the lost continent of Atlantis will reveal true mysteries tied to mankind's first steps on the moon. In the end, Gray Pierce and his team will face to their greatest threat: an ancient evil, resurrected by modern genetic science, strong enough to bring about the end of man's dominance on this planet. Only this time, Sigma will falter�??and the world we know will change forever… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member beckyhaase
BONE LABYRINTH, A Sigma Force Novel by James Rollins
If you have been following the exploits of the Sigma Force, this book is a tour de force. The team, that now includes former assassin, Seichan, races from peril to peril all while trying to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. In searching for
Exciting, and based loosely on real science, this continuation of the Sigma Force series will satisfy fans and introduce new readers to a new series. Hint: If you are new to the series, jot down the names of each character and a brief description as you meet them. Makes reading this series sooooo much easier, especially when characters (like Gray Pierce) are referred to by both names.
4 of 5 stars
If you have been following the exploits of the Sigma Force, this book is a tour de force. The team, that now includes former assassin, Seichan, races from peril to peril all while trying to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. In searching for
Show More
the beginning of modern man, a scientist who works with Baako, an unusually intelligent gorilla, is kidnapped and forced to reveal a part of her work to identify why and how Neanderthals became modern man. Of course there is a demented quasi scientist in the Beijing Zoo who is trying to use the information to rule the world and controls an army of minions ready to die at his bidding.Exciting, and based loosely on real science, this continuation of the Sigma Force series will satisfy fans and introduce new readers to a new series. Hint: If you are new to the series, jot down the names of each character and a brief description as you meet them. Makes reading this series sooooo much easier, especially when characters (like Gray Pierce) are referred to by both names.
4 of 5 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member labdaddy4
As always the author has given his fans a thrilling read -a fast paced & action filled page turner. I have always enjoyed Rollins' ability to weave science, history, legend, and myth into an interesting and thought provoking novel. "The Bone Labyrinth" is no exception. Keep them coming ! I
Show More
especially liked the expansion of the character - Joe Kowalski. In the past he played very much of a supportive role. Here he takes the lead. Show Less
LibraryThing member susanbeamon
James Rollins is my most favorite thriller/science fiction writer. I have to move him over to the SF side of thriller due to the what if aspects of his cutting edge science. This book has all the familiar elements of a good Rollins story: cutting edge science, good guys, dastardly villains, natural
Show More
monsters, and strong women characters. This books' mystery concerns how human intelligence developed. It also took a little side trip into why the moon is the way it is. Personally, I've always thought our moon is so close and so big so that our monkey brain would want to go to it and see what it's all about and then go passed it because that is how we roll. I totally enjoyed seeing Kowalski do more than be the muscle of the group, and maybe even get a little romance of his own. Show Less
LibraryThing member readafew
The Bone Labyrinth is the 11th book in the Sigma Force series. These stories are all international thrillers where things have to be saved/fixed quickly before something bad happens. In this one several people are kidnapped and no one really knows why, but since they have connections to the US
There are twin sisters who are working on a government grant researching into the emergence of human intelligence. Their primary experiment is a young Gorilla that they genetically altered to try and affect the intelligence of the subject from birth.
One of the sisters, was in Europe doing some research when she was called to a new cave discovered in Croatia. A unique skeleton was also discovered leading to a mystery, and why the sister Lena was there. While being shown the site, it was attacked by unknown assailants who raided the site and kidnapped some scientists. Maria, the other sister was left at home to watch Baako, was visited by Monk and Kowalski trying to piece together why someone would want to take her sister. More excitement ensues. Someone has some big plans for human genetic manipulation and they don’t care about human rights or borders, to get what they want.
This is another wild ride with the sigma crew and world hoping to far off destinations. Overall it was a fun book, similar to the others I’ve read. Those who’ve enjoyed previous Sigma books will like this one as well. The reason I didn’t rate this one higher is because I had trouble with suspending some of my disbelief in the latter half of the book when they started implying all kinds of things about a super smart race of humans a long time ago. My understanding of history and evolution wouldn’t let me just go with the flow. But I still enjoyed the story and will likely try some more as I run across them.
Show More
government, Sigma is sent to find them. There are twin sisters who are working on a government grant researching into the emergence of human intelligence. Their primary experiment is a young Gorilla that they genetically altered to try and affect the intelligence of the subject from birth.
One of the sisters, was in Europe doing some research when she was called to a new cave discovered in Croatia. A unique skeleton was also discovered leading to a mystery, and why the sister Lena was there. While being shown the site, it was attacked by unknown assailants who raided the site and kidnapped some scientists. Maria, the other sister was left at home to watch Baako, was visited by Monk and Kowalski trying to piece together why someone would want to take her sister. More excitement ensues. Someone has some big plans for human genetic manipulation and they don’t care about human rights or borders, to get what they want.
This is another wild ride with the sigma crew and world hoping to far off destinations. Overall it was a fun book, similar to the others I’ve read. Those who’ve enjoyed previous Sigma books will like this one as well. The reason I didn’t rate this one higher is because I had trouble with suspending some of my disbelief in the latter half of the book when they started implying all kinds of things about a super smart race of humans a long time ago. My understanding of history and evolution wouldn’t let me just go with the flow. But I still enjoyed the story and will likely try some more as I run across them.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SheTreadsSoftly
The Bone Labyrinth by James Rollins is a very highly recommended action/adventure thriller. This latest novel represents Rollins at his best; the plot is complex and the action non-stop, but I flew through the almost 500 pages at a breakneck pace trying to find out what happened next in all the
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and the Sigma force is back on the trail of a historical mystery that could give us answers to several questions about the evolution of human intelligence which geneticists and other scientists are seeking the answers to today. An archaeologist discovers in Croatia a subterranean cave that contains amazing paintings and treasures, but it also contains a Catholic chapel that holds the bones of a Neanderthal woman. Sigma members assist scientists as they try to uncover the mystery. Who were the people who created these works of art and why did a Catholic priest hide his discovery?
The problem is that the Chinese military wants the discoveries/treasures for an entirely different reason: to continue with a series of unethical experiments they are conducting in genetic engineering. They also want a few scientists taken as hostages, but the Sigma force dead. Additionally they want a young gorilla, which is being raised and studied in the USA for the rate of growth of his of intelligence, captured and brought in for their cruel experiments. And that is just a small part of this globe-trotting thriller.
The writing is impressive. Rollins keeps the various plots moving along quickly while proving information-packed storylines that are ripped-from-the-headlines fresh and topical. The key is the great job he does researching the ideas behind his plot. It all results in a great balance of action, science, and history. Rollins always includes a list of other books you can read if you want more information. He also makes it clear what is fact and fiction in his stories.
I think The Bone Labyrinth could be enjoyed by anyone who likes a good thriller. Now I'm pretty sure I have read all the Sigma Force novels so I know the characters, but I don't think that any exhaustive background knowledge matters that much in this outing. Rollins gives you enough information on the characters for you to enjoy the novel. The real treat is the science/history/non-stop action he presents with his complex plots. I've said it before, and I'm going to repeat myself here, but I appreciate the fact that Rollins treats his readers with respect and a nod to their intelligence and ability to comprehend a complex plot.
This is a stuck-over-night-at-the-airport book. Really. Get it if you are planning to fly anywhere for the holidays. It will keep you awake and entertained. Time will fly by even if you are delayed somewhere.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of HarperCollins for review purposes.
Show More
various plot threads. In some ways I don't want to give away too much of the story, except to encourage fans and anyone who enjoys a great techno-thriller to pick this novel up for a great holiday novel.DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and the Sigma force is back on the trail of a historical mystery that could give us answers to several questions about the evolution of human intelligence which geneticists and other scientists are seeking the answers to today. An archaeologist discovers in Croatia a subterranean cave that contains amazing paintings and treasures, but it also contains a Catholic chapel that holds the bones of a Neanderthal woman. Sigma members assist scientists as they try to uncover the mystery. Who were the people who created these works of art and why did a Catholic priest hide his discovery?
The problem is that the Chinese military wants the discoveries/treasures for an entirely different reason: to continue with a series of unethical experiments they are conducting in genetic engineering. They also want a few scientists taken as hostages, but the Sigma force dead. Additionally they want a young gorilla, which is being raised and studied in the USA for the rate of growth of his of intelligence, captured and brought in for their cruel experiments. And that is just a small part of this globe-trotting thriller.
The writing is impressive. Rollins keeps the various plots moving along quickly while proving information-packed storylines that are ripped-from-the-headlines fresh and topical. The key is the great job he does researching the ideas behind his plot. It all results in a great balance of action, science, and history. Rollins always includes a list of other books you can read if you want more information. He also makes it clear what is fact and fiction in his stories.
I think The Bone Labyrinth could be enjoyed by anyone who likes a good thriller. Now I'm pretty sure I have read all the Sigma Force novels so I know the characters, but I don't think that any exhaustive background knowledge matters that much in this outing. Rollins gives you enough information on the characters for you to enjoy the novel. The real treat is the science/history/non-stop action he presents with his complex plots. I've said it before, and I'm going to repeat myself here, but I appreciate the fact that Rollins treats his readers with respect and a nod to their intelligence and ability to comprehend a complex plot.
This is a stuck-over-night-at-the-airport book. Really. Get it if you are planning to fly anywhere for the holidays. It will keep you awake and entertained. Time will fly by even if you are delayed somewhere.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of HarperCollins for review purposes.
Show Less
LibraryThing member joannemonck
The usual sigma force involved in another plot. This one had a nice twist with an ape that was way advanced.
LibraryThing member niaomiya
James Rollins puts forth another solid entry in the Sigma Force series with "The Bone Labyrinth." In this 11th novel in the series, Sigma Force operatives become embroiled in the midst of a scientific war surrounding the history of mankind. Where did modern man come from, and how did we get here? I
As with every Sigma Force novel, the action is nearly non-stop, the plot very tightly woven with no superfluous scenes, and the character development just sufficient to make things interesting. This consistency in Rollins's writing is what keeps me coming back to the Sigma Force novels: I know that the books will always be good. So why did I give this book 4 stars instead of 5? Only because in a few small spots the anthropological/scientific explanations got a little tedious and interrupted the action flow of the book. Nonetheless, I'm very much looking forward to Sigma Force #12!
Show More
found the combination of science, anthropology, archaeology, and science fiction fascinating. Rollins manages to roll it all up, shake it up, and toss it back out as one very entertaining novel.As with every Sigma Force novel, the action is nearly non-stop, the plot very tightly woven with no superfluous scenes, and the character development just sufficient to make things interesting. This consistency in Rollins's writing is what keeps me coming back to the Sigma Force novels: I know that the books will always be good. So why did I give this book 4 stars instead of 5? Only because in a few small spots the anthropological/scientific explanations got a little tedious and interrupted the action flow of the book. Nonetheless, I'm very much looking forward to Sigma Force #12!
Show Less
LibraryThing member GTTexas
One of Rollins' best Sigmas so far!
LibraryThing member magriffin
Interesting read. Fictional suspense novel based on historical facts dealing with how we humans evolved.
LibraryThing member Deankut
What's left to say besides this is a culmination of James' best work to date? The Bone Labyrinth is chock full of archeological mystery entwined with razor-edge action. This TRULY is his best Sigma work to date AND fans won't want to miss the shocking revelation shrouded in mystery that is in store
Show More
for the future of a prominent Sigma team member. Show Less
LibraryThing member ewhatley
Very well written, as always by Rollins. My rating is based on my limited knowledge of, and limited interest in anthropology, astronomy and archaeology which are all involved in this complex story. I found the experiments with engineered genetics interesting if at times cruel. Heroes and villains
Show More
battle throughout with lots of action. It's a must read if you are a Rollins fan. Show Less
LibraryThing member jimgysin
Rollins splits Sigma's field agents into two task groups in this one. Both groups are dealing with Chinese scientists, soldiers and geeks who are all behaving badly. One group travels from Croatia to Italy to Ecuador while the other goes from Atlanta to Beijing to the DRC, meaning that fans of
Show More
diverse settings will have a lot to enjoy here. There's plenty of interesting science and speculation behind the various plots in this one, as well, and Rollins does a decent job with the info dumps here, usually presenting them in the form of dialogue. As a result, the pacing is decent. It was also nice to see some of the worst of the bad guys meet with creative and nightmarish fates. And that ending -- the parting of ways for some of the story's good guys in Africa. Top-notch stuff that raises a lot of questions about the fate of one Sigma team member while providing a great curtain call for a couple of the furrier characters in this one. The room may have even gotten a little dusty as I was reading that part. Maybe. Just a little. Show Less
LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
A bit of a mishmash of ideas, theories, etc., but some good action scenes. A fun quick read, but I was left a bit disappointed in the finale.
LibraryThing member CassiMerten
Okay, so this had all the elements to make me a happy reader! I love ancient hominds and the question of how did we go from merely surviving for hundreds of thousands of years to BAM!, cave to skyscraper in 5.3 geo-seconds?! Rollins also included the ethos dilemma of research relating to science vs
In this work, Rollins seems to be getting back on his game. Which was very good to see. I originally missed reading The Midnight Watch (short story) that was a VERY short lead-in to this adventure! And certainly, one that can be skipped (and maybe even should be) without any notice to the larger story. And I do not know what I think of the Epilogue......
Show More
humanity! And of course the action-packed save the world thriller ride that delivers all of Rollins' narratives.In this work, Rollins seems to be getting back on his game. Which was very good to see. I originally missed reading The Midnight Watch (short story) that was a VERY short lead-in to this adventure! And certainly, one that can be skipped (and maybe even should be) without any notice to the larger story. And I do not know what I think of the Epilogue......
Show Less
Awards
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — Thriller — 2015)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2015-06
Physical description
7.9 inches
ISBN
0062381652 / 9780062381651