World Famous Comics: The Last Oracle: A Novel (Sigma Force)
The Last Oracle: A Novel (Sigma Force)
By: James Rollins Publisher: William Morrow Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 434 Publication Date: July 01, 2008 Release Date: June 24, 2008 Studio: William Morrow
What if you could bioengineer the next great world prophet: scientifically produce the next Buddha, the next Muhammad, or the next Jesus? Would it mark the Second Coming or initiate a chain reaction with disastrous consequences?
A master at combining historical and religious intrigue with edge-of-your-seat adventure, New York Times bestselling author James Rollins brings back SIGMA Force to battle a group of rogue scientists who've unleashed a bioengineering project that could bring about the extinction of humankind.
In Washington, D.C., a homeless man dies in Commander Gray Pierce's arms, shot by an assassin's bullet. But the death leaves behind a greater mystery: a bloody coin found clutched in the dead man's hand, an ancient relic that can be traced back to the Greek Oracle of Delphi. As ruthless hunters search for the stolen artifact, Gray Pierce discovers that the coin is the key to unlocking a plot that dates back to the Cold War and threatens the very foundation of humanity.
An international think tank of scientists known as the Jasons has discovered a way to bioengineer autistic children who show savant talents—mathematical geniuses, statistical masterminds, brilliant conceptual artists—into something far greater and far more frightening, in hopes of creating a world prophet for the new millennium, one to be manipulated to create a new era of global peace . . . a peace on their own terms.
Halfway around the world, a man wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of who he is, knowing only that he's a prisoner in a subterranean research facility. With the help of three unusual children, he makes his escape across a mountainous and radioactive countryside, pursued by savage hunters bred in the same laboratory. But his goal is not escape, nor even survival. In order to thwart a plot to wipe out a quarter of the world's population, he must sacrifice all, even the children who rescued him.
From ancient Greek temples to glittering mausoleums, from the slums of India to the toxic ruins of Russia, two men must race against time to solve a mystery that dates back to the first famous oracle of history—the Greek Oracle of Delphi.
But one question remains: Will the past be enough to save the future?
Rollins + Sigma Force = Fun ^ If you're a fan of Rollins' already, you know what you'll get. This was one of the better ones, not so much in terms of believabilty...pretty far-fetched...but that's what he does! If you're not familiar with Rollins work, start with the first Sigma Force novel, because they make more sense read sequentially. There's enough carry-over, especially in the last three--that starting with this one will give you the feeling that you missed something (which you did!).
One of Rollins' best ^ I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would (I did not like the last one). It was well researched, and I suggest the reader start at the end of the book on page 459, Author's Note. This is fascinating and truly amazing, all the things in the book which are actually based on Fact. I have read every one of Rollins' books out in paperback, and this is one of my favorites. He writes well, the story moves, and the characters, while not necessarily believable, certainly are likeable. Read this on the plane or beach or when the stress of work is getting to you. The only thing I would suggest to the author, is that Pierce and Crowe are boring people and it would be nice if they had a bit more depth, other than being Supermen. I almost didn't read this because I'm tired of Sigma Force, but I'm glad I did.
Worst book I've ever read ^ I'm stunned... this book was awful. It's a cheap ripoff of any Dan Brown book, but with a silly plot.
Not Rollins at his best ^ I love James Rollins books and have read everything he has written, usually finishing his novels within a week or so. I'm not sure what happened with Last Oracle but I've read it off and on for over 6 months and just don't find it as entertaining or interesting as his other novels. Also, the story just seems slow and to go on and on. I will give him another chance on his next book. I gave this one 2 stars but typically I think I would give his other novels 4 stars.
a yawning read ^ Normally, I gobble up any book by James Rollins. The Last Oracle, however, put me to sleep on several reads. I never fall asleep while reading, which is my way of dealing with cancer, chemo, radiation, and the rest of the ultimately degrading tests, etc. Now recovered, I still gobble books up with gusto. It must be me, though, who had a hard time reading this book. I may reserve final judgement until I've reread it.
I found it doggingly boring; exceedingly dry, but I did make it through. Hurrah for me, eh? Like I said, I love all his other books, and have them saved for future reads. I think my favorite book is Sandstorm. Loved it, and read it in record time, finishing up the same day. I felt like I was plodding through this one, however. Will I read any of his books again? You bet!
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