The Eye of God: A Sigma Force Novel (Sigma Force Series Book 9) by James Rollins (Epub)

Description

In The Eye of God, a Sigma Force novel, New York Times bestselling author James Rollins delivers an apocalyptic vision of a future predicted by the distant past.

In the wilds of Mongolia, a research satellite has crashed, triggering an explosive search for its valuable cargo: a code-black physics project connected to the study of dark energy–and a shocking image of the eastern seaboard of the United States in utter ruin.

At the Vatican, a package arrives containing two strange artifacts: a skull scrawled with ancient Aramaic and a tome bound in human skin. DNA evidence reveals that both came from the same body: the long dead Mongol king Genghis Khan.

Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force set out to discover a truth tied to the fall of the Roman Empire, to a mystery going back to the birth of Christianity, and to a weapon hidden for centuries that holds the fate of humanity.

User’s Reviews

Review “Rollins is one of the most inventive storytellers writing today.” (Lincoln Child)”James Rollins is a master of international action and intrigue.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)”James Rollins knows adventure.” (Chicago Sun-Times)”James Rollins is clearly at the top of his game.” (Steve Berry, bestselling author of The Romanov Prophecy on Map of Bones)”Terrible secrets, the sweep of history, an epic canvas, breathless action…nobody–and I mean nobody–does this stuff better than Rollins.” (Lee Child on The Devil Colony)”The science… reads like the best of Michael Crichton. The machinations of government read like the best of David Baldacci. And the action and thrills read like the best of Clive Cussler. Rollins takes the best of all of these and creates an amazing thriller unlike any other.” (Associated Press on Bloodline on THE EYE OF GOD)”Nobody–and I mean nobody–does this stuff better than Rollins.” (Lee Child on The Devil Colony)”Rollins effortlessly blends science and superstition in the grand tradition of Clive Cussler and David Morrell.” (Providence Journal)”This guy doesn’t write novels–he builds roller coasters. . . . Rollins excels at combining action and history with larger-than-life characters. . . . A must for pure action fans.” (Booklist)”Rollins does his job: thrills promised, then delivered.” (Tampa Tribune)”Rollins combines real-world science with high-octane action to create rousing stories of adventure that are as exciting as any movie.” (Chicago Sun-Times)” . . . this is your summer beach read writ large.” (New York Journal of Books on THE EYE OF GOD)”Rollins has done it again. Real history and science play a key role in all of the action, which never wanes. Amid all of the chaos are some terrific characters who get a chance to shine. Definitely keep an eye out for this one.” (Library Journal (starred review) on THE EYE OF GOD)”Adventurous and enormously engrossing…” — Alan Cheuse, NPR”Rollins’s roguish charm comes from his efforts to persuade readers the story is credible [through] real-life sources for his novel’s science, history and geography.” — New York Times”After Crichton passed away in 2008 he clearly passed the baton to James Rollins, who like Crichton, is a renaissance man.” — Huffington Post”If you’re a fan of smart, entertaining adventure fiction, this is your summer beach read writ large. . . .All the science, all the history, and all the locations are masterfully intertwined. The characters are multi- dimensional. And the story is, well, a corker.” –Mark Sullivan, New York Journal of Books”Rollins has done it again. Real history and science play a key role in all of the action, which never wanes…Definitely keep an eye out for this one.” — Library Journal (Starred Review) From the Author About James RollinsJAMES ROLLINS is the New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than forty languages. Known for unveiling unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets, Rollins’ knack for breakneck pacing and stunning originality has been hailed by critics and embraced by scores of millions of readers around the world.The Critics RaveThe New York Times says that his “roguish charm comes from his efforts to persuade readers the story is credible [through] real-life sources for his novel’s science, history and geography.” Rollins’ rare blend of action, suspense, and knowledge was also mentioned by the Huffington Post, which stated that “After Crichton passed away in 2008 he clearly passed the baton to James Rollins, who like Crichton, is a renaissance man.”NPR calls his work “adventurous and enormously engrossing…” and the New York Journal of Books had this to say: “If you’re a fan of smart, entertaining adventure fiction, this is your summer beach read writ large….All the science, all the history, and all the locations are masterfully intertwined. The characters are multi-dimensional. And the story is, well, a corker.”The Story Teller’s StoryAs a boy immersed in the scientific adventures of Doc Savage, the wonders of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, and pulps such as The Shadow, The Spider, and The Avenger, James Rollins decided he wanted to be a writer. He honed his storytelling skills early, spinning elaborate tales that were often at the heart of pranks played on his brothers and sisters.Before he would set heroes and villains on harrowing adventures, Rollins embarked on a career in veterinary medicine, graduating from the University of Missouri and establishing a successful veterinary practice. This hands-on knowledge of medicine and science helps shape the research and scientific speculation that set James Rollins books apart.Explosive Page-Turning AdventuresThe exotic locales of James Rollins novels have emerged as a hybrid between imagination, research, and his extensive travels throughout the United States and Europe, as well as New Zealand, the South Pacific, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. Recent jaunts include book tours and stops across the country and several European nations to give talks, seminars, and media interviews.In recent years, much of James’ travel has involved meeting readers in small and large groups, at writing and fan conferences, and even aboard seagoing “seminars.” James’ mentoring and coaching skills have made him a sought after writing instructor and guest speaker for workshops, symposia, conventions, and other forums throughout the country.James Rollins is the author of nine thrillers in the bestselling Sigma Force series (Sandstorm, Map of Bones, Black Order, The Judas Strain, The Last Oracle, The Doomsday Key, The Devil Colony, Bloodline, and The Eye of God); six individual adventure thrillers; and the Jake Ransom middle grade series (Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow, Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx.) From the Inside Flap In a masterwork of historical mystery and scientific exploration, New York Times bestselling author James Rollins reveals an apocalyptic vision of the day after tomorrow, of a future predicted by the distant past, of a world doomed to burn under The Eye of GodThe crash of a U.S. military research satellite in the remote wilds of Mongolia triggers an explosive search for the valuable cargo it holds: a code-black physics project connected to the study of dark energy, the energy associated with the birth of our universe. But the last blurry image from the falling satellite captures a chilling sight: a frightening look into the future, a view of a smoldering eastern seaboard of the United States in utter ruin. At the Vatican, a mysterious package arrives for the head of Pontifical ancient studies, sent by a colleague who vanished a decade earlier. It contains two strange artifacts: a skull scrawled with ancient Aramaic and a tome bound in human skin. DNA testing reveals both are from Genghis Khan–the long-dead Mongol king whose undiscovered tomb is rumored to hold the vast treasures and knowledge of a lost ancient empire.Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma–joined by a pair of Vatican historians–race to uncover a truth tied to the fall of the Roman Empire, to a mystery bound in the roots of Christianity’s origins, and to a weapon hidden for centuries that holds the fate of humanity. From the Back Cover PRAISE FOR JAMES ROLLINS AND THE SIGMA FORCE NOVELS”Rollins does his job: thrills promised, then delivered” — Tampa Tribune”James Rollins is a master of international action intrigue” — Richmond Times-Dispatch”Rollins combines real-world science with high-octane action to create rousing stories of adventure that are as exciting as any movie” — Chicago Sun-times”This guy doesn’t write novels-he builds roller coasters…Rollins excels at combining action and history with larger-than-life characters…A must for pure action fans.” — Booklist”Rollins effortlessly blends science and superstition in the grand tradition of Clive Cussler and David Morrell.” — Providence Journal

Reviews from Amazon users, collected at the time the book is getting published on UniedVRG. It can be related to shiping or paper quality instead of the book content:

⭐ It’s not the best Sigma Force novel, but it’s solid. I read this right after Bloodline, and I’d rate Bloodline better, along with Map of Bones and the Black Order. Still a great read. Lots of action, and some tender (and sad) moments between the characters. It’s amazing how Rollins can weave together a story about Atilla the Hun, Genghis Khan, St. Thomas, Dark Matter and Quantum Mechanics . . . and make it all work. Overall, a really enjoyable, action-packed, thought-provoking Sigma Force novel that introduces some new characters, extends the storylines of stock Sigma Force characters, while bringing in and wrapping up the storylines of some old, familiar characters.

⭐ I’ve always enjoyed James Rollins novels in the past, but this one just didn’t attract me. It starts off in the summer, AD 453, Hungary, with Ildike, 7th wife to bloody tyrant Flagellum Dei, the Scourge of God, now laying on his wedding bed. His popular, well known name is Attila. She has poisoned him and watches as he slowly dies. She has done the deed to satisfy barbarian King Gondiac. She is only 14 years old. Pope Leo had gifted Attila with a box while making a plea to not attack Rome, which is protected by God’s wrath. The box contained two smaller boxes, the final one of gold, containing a yellowed skull, adorned with script of the ancient Jews. Ildike observes the markings on the skull which spelled out the date of the end of the world. Under the skull an object was missing, only it’s shape was left visible in the bottom of the box. In present day, November 17th in Rome, Monsignor Vigor Verona shivered not only from the cold, but also from a growing sense of fear. He is carrying a parcel to his niece, a gift from supposedly dead colleague. Rachel is a lieutenant for the Commando Carabenieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale (the Cultural Heritage Police) which overseas the trafficking of stolen art and relics. Inside the box is a skull with ancient writings. But is it a duplicate? Also with the box, a book bound in human skin and sewn with human sinew. He reveals to Rachel the pages written in Latin, translating the opening words, “These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke…the Gospel of Thomas,” the saint who doubted Christ’s resurrection. The incantation written in the book is a warning, a plea to God to keep the world from ending. Painter Crowe is presently with scientists tracking a comet which appears to be headed directly toward Earth. Through ancient documents and evidence, and with current scientific concerns, the Earth seems doomed in exactly four days, November 21st. It will take the Sigma’s entire team efforts to prevent the destruction of Earth. This is a complex novel, fast paced with too many scenarios to keep track of all the characters. For me, it was hard to get through the very descriptive scientific evidence and vast amounts of descriptions. I think I’d rather see the movie than wade through this story. I did not read it to the end; I was not inspired.

⭐ If you have an interest in Genghis Khan, St. Thomas, Dark Energy, Multiverses and a story that spans the globe, then The Eye of God should be on your list to read next. It epitomizes why James Rollins is one of my all-time favorite authors, and why his Sigma Force Series is a must read for me–and should be for others. The way this author melds history, science, action and adventure all while keeping the pacing of a thriller, is absolutely unparalleled. And, my favorite part of this series is the Truth and Fact’ section at the end of each novel. I am always astonished, and unnerved at times, by what is true.I have devoured each book in order in the Sigma Force Series and have become quite attached to the characters, as they’ve developed and grown in my minds eye. Each of the characters have their quirks, hang ups and well-defined personalities that make them seem all the more real to me. For that reason, this story caused an ache in my heart, but I won’t give any spoilers here.The Sigma Force is comprised of badass, former military personnel that displayed proficiency in some branch of science that has now been leveraged, through specialized training and education, for the benefit of DARPA. They are ‘killer scientists’ working to save the world, one potential catastrophe at a time. My favorites are Gray Pierce and Seichan–a rogue. I can’t get enough of those two, but I love the entire cast.I often think that this series would make for some great movies, but I know in the end I would be disappointed. Between James Rollins’ gift for simultaneously entertaining AND teaching me, coupled with my own vivid imagination, I know that no movie, no directors or producers interpretation, could ever live up to the expectations the author has created in my mind.Thank you, James Rollins, for a fantastic read. I don’t like to play favorites, but The Eye of God IS my favorite to date in the Sigma Force Series and, in my opinion, your best yet! Keep them coming!

⭐ “The Eye of God” is James Rollins’ most recent entry in his fantastically successful and (mostly) enjoyable Sigma Force series, about a team of DARPA funded Black Ops characters that jet around the world saving it and us time and again from various “end of the world as we know it” disaster scenarios. I have read all of these, describing one of them (The Judas Strain) in a review as “a guilty pleasure”. All of the novels are formulaic, with our intrepid heroes and heroines getting into and out of inescapably deadly situations. Most of the core characters, agent Gray Pierce, Director Painter Crow, oversized demolitions expert Kowalski, Monk and so on each have distinct voices and personalities. The writing is tight, the pacing is fast, and again, both are highly formulaic.But I think with The Eye of God Rollins may have finally reached the end of Sigma Force, at least for me. I found myself constantly distracted while reading this one rather than enthralled. The main Macguffin is that there is a comet approaching Earth that for some unexplained (and highly impossible reason) is emitting vast amounts of “dark energy” that is causing a warping of the space-time continuum around itself, much like a black hole might do. Sigma Force somehow receives a time traveling message from 4 days in the future showing the East Coast of the US in smoldering ruins.Then there is some more (actually quite a bit more) pseudo-science about quantum entanglement of the comet’s dark energy with an ancient relic fashioned from a millenniums old meteorite and cancelling out of “opposing” dark energy fields attracting one to ah.., uh..??…. well this is around the time that I figured that Rollins had really jumped the shark with this one. The science here was clearly beyond him and that completely ruined the story for me. Even before the very disturbing coda to the tale.If you are a fan of the previous Sigma Force novels, all of which (except The Doomsday Key I found pretty interesting), and you don’t know (or care) too much about physics and cosmology, you might like this one too. Because it’s exactly like all the rest. But this time around the tried and true formula seemed more like tired and true. For me I think this is the end of the line. Me, I can’t wait for the final installment of Greig Beck’s “First Bird”, that will magically appear on my iPad tomorrow.J.M. Tepper

⭐ There are several similarities between James Rollins’ THE EYE OF GOD and Dan Brown’s INFERNO — most noticeably, both novels are a race against time to save humanity and both are steeped in ancient history with abundant mysteries and exotic locales.I’d suggest however that THE EYE OF GOD succeeds far more than INFERNO for the following reasons: one, the pacing is relentless — where Brown bogs down with laborious descriptions of artwork, Rollins paints vivid images with sparse prose that allows the story to maintain a full head of steam; two, INFERNO’s plot fell apart for me when it became clear that the “bad guy” taunting and leaving clues for the “good guys” was the only way for Brown to move his story forward, which was just dumb, and then he tried to blur the lines between who is really good and bad at the end, and that was even dumber — Rollins however rips a pretty scary story straight from the headlines, using the threat of NEOs (near earth objects), a comet streaking closer and closer to earth, and high-tech science dealing with dark energy to weave together a scenario that threatens an Armageddon type collision and the end of civilization as we know it; and finally, both these authors are obviously incredibly smart and gifted and do meticulous research, but Dan Brown’s writing style always makes me feel like I’m talking to someone who wants me to know how smart he is, whereas (at least in this book) Rollins doesn’t let all the research get in the way of the story — instead it feeds the story and pulls you right along.A couple of minor criticisms: because the threat is from an inanimate object that has no inherently evil intentions, it seemed to me that the author felt he needed a B Story with a real bad guy. So he gives us a North Korean who is up to no good, who gets in the way and tries to kill our heroes … only he’s not doing this because he wants the earth to end, it’s just really bad timing for our good guys that with minutes left to save the world this wacko shows up again (and the wacko has no idea what it is the good guys are trying to do, but he’s determined to stop them anyway…) and now the good guys have to deal with him AND save the world. To me it was silly. The end of the world due to science was already compelling, the North Korean bad guy weakened the story for me.The second criticism, well … it’s not a big thing, but ask anyone who has traveled internationally to read this book and I think they’d agree that saving the planet in four days when you’ve got to jet-set all over the world to do it just isn’t happening. I get it, this is fiction. We bend the rules. But when the good guys can launch an invasion of Pyongyang and get out in time to travel to Mongolia and they’ve barely used any of the precious four days they’ve been given to save the world … well, it just bugged me, so I mention it here.Overall? It’s a fast, fun read, and interspersed with the action there’s a number of thought-provoking quotes and some great words of wisdom as well.

⭐ A very large meteor is coming very close to the earth. The scientific community had sent up a satellite to gather data from the meteor. Before the satellite gets knocked out of space and sent to rest at the bottom of a lake in Asia it shows transmits an image of the eastern seaboard of the US totally destroyed.Sigma is put to the task of recovering the satellite to try to get more information. At the same time, part of the team is rescuing a kidnapped team member, also in Asia. Our friends in Italy get involved too when Vigor, at the Vatican, receives some strange artifacts. These artifacts tie in with Genghis Khan and the image of the destruction of the eastern seaboard. Another part of the team are traveling with the Vigor and his niece to an acquaintance that may have more information about the artifacts.These teams mean up in a culmination of explosive proportions. This is a fast paced adventure filled with James Rollins’ signature scientific facts. I learn a lot reading his books. I’m introduced to new places I didn’t know about.The characters in the story are smart and engaging. I feel like they are friends since I have read every Sigma Force book. I highly recommend this book for those who like to read true science fiction based on actual science, as well as those that like action packed stories.

⭐ Sigma Force 9Seichan, accompanied by Gray Pierce and Joe Kowalski, is searching for her mother in Macau. Painter Crowe sends a team to find a wrecked satellite that may have seen the future destruction of the East Coast of the United States through a rip in the dark energy surrounding the comet it was probing. Monsignor Verona receives an ancient skull and book bound in human flesh, both of which predict the end of the work within days. Everyone soon comes together in a race to save the planet.New adventures as well as new and old friends and allies abound in this race to save the world. The progression of the romance between Seichan and Gray is very satisfying. She deserves some happiness and love in her life. The new operative, Duncan Wren, has great potential. His relationship with Jade is organically developed, not forced. The ending is somewhat sad, but Rollins gives us hope as well. As always, a delightful read. 4.5 out of 5.

⭐ The Sigma Force is drawn into action knowing they have 4 days to save the planet from global destruction from meteorites. Satellites are recording dark energy from a comet that is very close to Earth. One of the satellites passes through the tail of the comet to pick up the dark energy for scientific study, but chaos occurs when the satellite crashes to the earth in the area of Mongolia. As the satellite falls, a recorded video shows all of the major cities of the east coast of the United States are lying in ruins. The Sigma Force will need to find the downed satellite and salvage the crystal that stored the dark energy. The satellite can not fall into the enemy hands so there will only be a small team sent to recover the satellite.Meanwhile, Vigor and Rachel (in Italy) make a discovery from relics from the time of Attila the Hun, which also indicate that the world will end in 4 days. Once they contact Sigma Force leader, Painter Crowe; Vigor and Rachel are included into the team. They are looking for more relics with clues from Genghis Khan and Saint Thomas to save the world from destruction.Gray, Kowalski and Seichen are in Macau (China) looking for Seichen’s mother. They get into trouble can not join the team until they save one of the team members who was kidnapped and being tortured.I don’t want to give away the plot, but be prepared as two of our favorite characters will die. This was a fantastic book and I could not sleep until I finished the book. There was some very important information on quantum physics. I did not feel this was difficult to understand and I think it was the best scientific addition to any of the Sigma Force novels so far.

⭐ “The date for the end of the world… it’s in four days.” This quote is the final sentence of the first chapter of James Rollins’ latest Sigma Force thriller, The Eye of God. In other words, it’s just another low-stakes drama from this master of disaster. This time around, the prologue opens in AD 453 with the death of Attila the Hun. From there, we quickly move to present-day Rome, with our old friends Vigor and Rachel. (Already, things are off to a good start!) Vigor is consulting with his niece about a mysterious package he’s just received from an old friend–a priest declared dead more than a decade prior. The package contains an artifact, a human skull etched with Jewish Aramaic. It also contains a book bound in human skin. And these artifacts are pointing towards a coming apocalypse with a very imminent date. At the same time at an air force base in California, “something’s gone wrong.” according to Sigma’s Painter Crowe, who happens to be in attendance. A special camera has been tracking a comet’s progress through space, trying to collect “proof that the comet was shedding or disturbing dark energy in its wake.” After a few pages of fairly sexy physics talk, remote data is retrieved: “It displayed a satellite view of the eastern seaboard of the United States, the photo taken as the satellite blazed a trail across the sky. It was detailed enough to make out the major coastal metropolises. Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C. with every city laying in a smoldering ruin.” So, you’ve got your ancient prophecies lining up disturbingly with your weird space-time science anomaly prophesies. Ladies and gentlemen, this is where the fun starts! The Eye of God is a gripping tale of science, history, adventure, and mind boggling theories of how reality, as we understand it, may not be reality at all. I was going to ding him on a plot element being too outlandish, but as he often does, he followed it up with enough science that I was willing to continue suspending my disbelief. No, this is a strong novel in the long-running Sigma series. The plot is fascinating, and I hope it goes without saying that it moves at a lightning pace. Furthermore, there are significant developments among the major players. And that’s all I’ll say about that.Now, I’ve reviewed a lot of Rollins’ past Sigma novels in the past seven months ,and the reviews have always been great because Mr. Rollins is so consistent with the strengths of his novels. So please bear with me as I go over the major bullet points:* I have read this type of science/adventure thriller before and I don’t think there’s another writer out there that can touch Rollins for the complexity of the tales he weaves–and I mean that in an entirely positive way. Above I alluded to Attila the Hun, the Roman Catholic Church, advanced physics, and Jewish mysticism. That is merely the tip of the iceberg. Throw into the mix Genghis Khan, the world’s only freshwater seal, exotic locales spanning the globe, magnetic fingertips (So freakin’ cool!), St. Thomas, multiverses, and the question, “Could the ancient Chinese have had knowledge of events described in the book of Genesis?” In every book, Rollins weaves an astonishing number of incredibly diverse, incredibly cool elements into one cohesive tale. And usually it hangs together so well, I wonder if he hasn’t stumbled onto some secrets of the universe.* Again, I must commend the author on his strong female characters. I don’t think readers are ever disappointed when Rachel and Seichan are both a part of the mix. The Eye of God introduces several noteworthy new female characters as well. (And for those of you waiting for something to happen with Gray… Your wait is over.)* And as always I find Kowalski to be the most funnist character in the novel. This time around he enters with the line, “Why does that duck keep looking at me?” Which is just so Kowalski. I thought he was funnier than ever in this book. I want to quote all his best lines, but I’ll refrain.* Easter eggs! There are Easter eggs in this novel that refer to a non-Sigma book in the Rollins-verse. It’s not a character this time around. I`ll have to read whichever book those esater eggs are referancing.* As always he leaves one super-cool author’s note at the end describing what’s fact and what’s fiction, this time there are several of them.The way James Rollins seamlessly includes scientific theories on dark energy, quantum physics, the multiverse theory, and quantum entanglement will draw you in and keep you thinking for days after you’ve finished the book. It all comes down to a these questions… What is reality? Are we all just a 3D hologram? And what happens to us after we die? Does our energy just leave the universe forever? Or is what we perceive as death not even real? Is it possible that our consciousness just moves to another form of a different reality, to live out the rest of our lives on the other side of the same coin?This book guarantees you will come to question everything it is that you think you know. I honestly don’t know how long James Rollins can possibly come up with these convoluted tales he spins. Surely he’s written about every single interesting thing in the universe by now? But apparently not. As long as he keeps writing them, I’m going to keep reading them! I highly recommind this book for anyone who wonders about life and what happens after it ends.

⭐ Was seeking a new author – Rollins has good writing style, clearly is intelligent ! This helps greatly in capturing you in the story.The story line is very interesting. I will be buying all the Rollins books I can find out there. UPDATE: I DID buy all the Rollins books – this series and others!I must add after reading this book a second time: Rollins as other popular Authors; during action parts seem to get caught up in their own excitement maybe. In example: in part with a lot of shooting – when they drove the ATV into the cave He just had to use the word ‘shot’ – you just do not do that confuse a scene with the same words. Why not ‘raced in’ or sped’ through the intersection. Any other word except words used in a shootout – please – after all you are an Author with the working capability to choose words more carefully.Ummm – just thought I’d add a comment – I was going to purchase the E-book versions however….ALL E_BOOKS ARE OUTRAGEOUSLY PRICED. THEY ARE DATA TRANSMISSIONS – THE VALUE CAN NOT BE JUSTIFIED!

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