The Doomsday Key: A Sigma Force Novel

Very easy to read very quickly for the next tantalizing part of an incredible story.Great characters and snarky dialogue.

Arrived as expected and well packaged.

Though it took me several attempts to finish this read I finally completed it. Why? Because there are a plethora of facts and descriptive knowledge that, for me, can only be ingested in small amounts. While reading this took awhile it was enjoyable just long winded.

I'm not sure why I waited so long to read this book. Normally when a new Rollins is released I'm at the store the same day. Perhaps it was because I was afraid the goodness couldn't last forever, but I should have had better faith in Mr. Rollins. The Doomsday Key was fabulous. It contains all the necessary ingredients for a successful smörgåsbord of action-adventure-thriller-suspense entertainment. There are certain criteria you need for an endeavor like this: the good guys, the bad guys, comedic relief (oh, Kowalski), conspiracy rooted in historical truth (popes and prophecies), gunfights and explosions, caves, caves that cave in, a deadly disease, a finger in a leather bag with ancient symbols burned on the outside, a good dosing of betrayal, some stone circles and smelly peat bogs, oh and a few cliffhangers thrown in for good measure. It's all here!This time around, Sigma is back to work with a shadowy double agent operative named Seichan who also works with the Guild (see: bad guys). We still don't know if Seichan is true to us (and by us I mean Sigma, of course) or if she's just out for her own benefit. Either way, if Commander Gray Pierce doesn't work with her, the whole world could be taken over by a nasty spore; a fungus that grows mushrooms inside of you.Yeah, gross.Doomsday is the sixth Sigma novel, and it could be my favorite. Sometimes after the first few books in a series an author teeters out, the books become formulaic and predictable, but Doomsday is none of these. This one is more mature than its predecessors; I even got teary at one point toward the end. Not to mention there was so much information related to true historical facts that my head was spinning, and I came out the other side smarter for it. Google Saint Malachy and his prophecies, or the legend of the Black Madonna, or colony collapse disorder, and you'll see what I mean; but you won't understand how they all go together until you read this book. It really makes you think... if the facts and details used to make a plot are real, what if Rollins' theories as put down in fiction are actually true? And that, that right there, is why I love his books. I suggest you run your person out to the closest book store and start with Sandstorm (Sigma prequel) and work your way up from there.5 stars. His next book is not Sigma, but I love his individual adventures too, so I can't wait for the Altar of Eden on December 29.

Wow, what a ride. This is a sprawling book that covers much of history, its mysteries, and events of the day that have us baffled and frightened. The book was published in 2009 with many fine reviews already posted giving a synopsis of events, so I'll skip that part. I'll stick with how much this book and writing style reminds me of Michael Crichton's ability to hold many different characters, locations, and unfolding secrets without frustrating the reader and hoping they can hold on to the ledge long enough without dropping the book.So many scenes in this book stand out in my memory, and I'd like to know if the author has actually done all these things--breath-taking motorcycle racing, riding a thundering horse, climbing hills and dales, enduring explosions--and if not, how did he make them come so alive in a way I'd never before experienced? The scene with the horses put me right on top of the horse and feeling every movement and heartbeat of fear in the animal and the characters.The legend of Merlin and King Arthur have always captured my imagination, so much so that all the cats I've ever had have been named after those who populate the legend. To find them here (not a major part of the story) was a delight. And, wow, did I ever learn a lot. At certain points in the reading, I had to comfort myself by telling myself the weapons and threats to the world's survival were all products of the imagination. Then I'd look them up to make sure and found they were real. There's a terrific imagination at work here with expert skills of weaving the fantastical of this world with the possibilities that *might* explain them. I'll never look at corn served at a summer bar-b-que the same. And the Henry Kissinger's quote that's repeated a few times in the book are as burned into my mind as the Celtic Cross. What a journey. And what a pleasure to have stumbled upon this author and know there are more books in the series.If you like books that bring you into a world that stands beside the one we're living in, and enjoy traveling those worlds with adventure, action, and a deep curiosity, read this book. I'll skip the frozen edges of Norway, but now I can't wait to get back to the UK and explore the places this book has taken me.

Love, love the sigma novels, brilliant storytelling, this is my 2nd time starting to read the novels in sequence, previously I had not, it makes more sense now.

Love James Rollins Sigma force books. The story’s have you hooked from start to finish and eager to jump to the next book. The characters are compelling and likeable so that you always want them to achieve their goals

I really enjoy these books, James Rollins really knows how to weave a story. This one can relate to some of the problems in the world today if not current but certainly could be round the corner. This one is based in and around the British Isles, France and Norway. Loved te scenes inand around the tombs, I'll say no more, can't wait for the next and glad to see James is keeping the pedal to the metal with our SIGMA friends and their nemesis The Guild.

These novels are best read as a series so that you don't miss some of the changes that flow through them as the characters obviously interact and knowing what has happened in previous novels makes them more enjoyable. The odd and unexpected event is thrown in occasionally to keep you on your toes and adds more spice to adventures that you become so envolved with that you are always keen to know what's going to happen next.

Book's condition was described as very good. I would assess it more as fair. It is a little grubby with several 'dog eared' pages. However, overall it's okay and readable.

My 3-star verdict might be a bit unfair for all sigma force fans. However, I have to say that I became just bored by same all story. I would expect something fresh in every next book - not here though. If Doomsday Key is your first book from the series that you won't be disappointed (4-5 stars). Unfortunately if that's your 3rd or 4th one in a row than it might be an issue.