Every time I finish a James Rollins novel, I think to myself that they simply can't get any better. Then somehow, the next one invariably gets better!
In "The Last Oracle," Rollins puts all of his talents as a master of plot, suspense, action, and science together to put forth an excellent yarn. One of the criticisms I've sometimes read of Rollins is a lack of characterization, but after this novel, I don't see that being an issue at all. In particular, Gray and Painter are two of the finest characters in adventure fiction, although I will admit to itching for more details about Painter.
The book itself centers on human intuition and powerful it might be. Rollins traces a plausible genetic link for powerful human intuition, perhaps even the ability to see the future, back through the ancient Greeks, through India, and down through the Gypsy tribes and heritage that still exists today. Of course, the best thing about Rollins' ideas is that even the most speculative parts of his stories are well grounded in scientific and historical FACT. He's a consummate researcher and it clearly shows in this novel.
Plus the adventure is top notch as well. it's like a first-rate Indiana Jones movie, only a million times better. Rollins truly has a gift for writing action, and reading these scenes is infinitely better than watching a movie. That being said, I would love to see the Sigma series made into movies, although they'd probably butcher them.
The plot itself races from a sniper murder on the National Mall, to Museums of Washington, to the Taj Mahal, to the Indus Valley, to the Ural Mountains of Russia, and even to the hulk of Reactor #4 at Chernobyl. A thrilling ride along the way with gun battles, villains, horrors only equaled by the Nazis, a little romance, and of course Rollins trademark humorous quips of dialogue, supplied mostly by Kowalski.
The only slight complaint I have is this: Early on the story we see a possible romantic chemistry between Elizabeth and Kowalski. At first, it's handled deftly, but as the novel continues, it's often interjected where it doesn't quite seem to fit, and felt a little forced at times, I think it could have grown a bit more organically. Still it gets pulled off, and is rewarding in the end. That's the only slightly negative thing I could say about this book.
Five Stars. Don't miss it. Do yourself a favor though, if you haven't read any of the Sigma novels, start with "Sandstorm" and read them all in order. They're a real treat from one of the best, most satisfying, and colorful authors writing today.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thoughts: England 1-1 USA.
For us real football fans, the world cup is the epitome of sport. Every four years, the best footballing countries in the world come together to duke it out, and it never disappoints.
Today's match between the USA and England was a highly anticipated match in the early stages of the tournament.
Personally, I'm rooting for England this time around, just like I did in 2006. Sue me. I follow the EPL very closely, and English football is great to watch. Plus, everyone else talks about their heritage about being in this and that other country, well, with my family background being mostly English, this is something I can take pride in.
Not that I don't want the USA to do well and represent us.
Things didn't start out well for the USA though, as Liverpool Captain Gerrard put in a goal just past four minutes. It looked like the route was on. Indeed, defensive lapses characterized the US effort for most of the match, and the frustration was clearly visible in goalkeeper Tim Howard's face. The important thing was, as much as the USA would bend throughout the match, they never broke again.
Indeed, as the match wore on, you kind of got the feeling that England wasn't taking care of business, that they weren't icing the match. If the unthinkable happened.....
The unthinkable happened about the 40th minute, Clint Dempsey hit a solid strike that should have been easy for keeper Robert Green to stop. Turns out he must have had BP oil on his hands cause it bounced and slithered away from him, and trickled across the line to tie the game at 1. It would also be the final goal.
After the half, it was clear that England was trying to take the initiative, and they pushed more and more forward at the USA throughout the second half. However, the USA probably had the best chance at a second half goal off a shot from a wing run by Altidore. This time, Green stepped up and made the save, hitting the shot off of the goalpost.
England had a few chances as well. Wayne Rooney finally showed up toward the end, but it was too little, too late, as Tim Howard saved everything that came his way. He truly was the man of the match.
In the end, it was a tail of two goalkeepers. Howard consistently made both the spectacular and routine saves, despite the lack of defense by the USA, and Green fumbled an easy one that cost England two points. Now both sides will sit and watch Slovenia and Algeria and hope that neither team picks up three points from that match tomorrow. That could make this group very interesting.
In the final analysis, it was a great football match, shots on goal, great saves, timely mistakes, excellent footwork, and a lot of guys playing hard. It's a pity that more Americans haven't gained an interest in this sport. In the end, the USA, although inferior on paper to the English side, showed that they worked together as a team and scratched out a point against one of the favorites. This will be remembered for awhile.
Today's match between the USA and England was a highly anticipated match in the early stages of the tournament.
Personally, I'm rooting for England this time around, just like I did in 2006. Sue me. I follow the EPL very closely, and English football is great to watch. Plus, everyone else talks about their heritage about being in this and that other country, well, with my family background being mostly English, this is something I can take pride in.
Not that I don't want the USA to do well and represent us.
Things didn't start out well for the USA though, as Liverpool Captain Gerrard put in a goal just past four minutes. It looked like the route was on. Indeed, defensive lapses characterized the US effort for most of the match, and the frustration was clearly visible in goalkeeper Tim Howard's face. The important thing was, as much as the USA would bend throughout the match, they never broke again.
Indeed, as the match wore on, you kind of got the feeling that England wasn't taking care of business, that they weren't icing the match. If the unthinkable happened.....
The unthinkable happened about the 40th minute, Clint Dempsey hit a solid strike that should have been easy for keeper Robert Green to stop. Turns out he must have had BP oil on his hands cause it bounced and slithered away from him, and trickled across the line to tie the game at 1. It would also be the final goal.
After the half, it was clear that England was trying to take the initiative, and they pushed more and more forward at the USA throughout the second half. However, the USA probably had the best chance at a second half goal off a shot from a wing run by Altidore. This time, Green stepped up and made the save, hitting the shot off of the goalpost.
England had a few chances as well. Wayne Rooney finally showed up toward the end, but it was too little, too late, as Tim Howard saved everything that came his way. He truly was the man of the match.
In the end, it was a tail of two goalkeepers. Howard consistently made both the spectacular and routine saves, despite the lack of defense by the USA, and Green fumbled an easy one that cost England two points. Now both sides will sit and watch Slovenia and Algeria and hope that neither team picks up three points from that match tomorrow. That could make this group very interesting.
In the final analysis, it was a great football match, shots on goal, great saves, timely mistakes, excellent footwork, and a lot of guys playing hard. It's a pity that more Americans haven't gained an interest in this sport. In the end, the USA, although inferior on paper to the English side, showed that they worked together as a team and scratched out a point against one of the favorites. This will be remembered for awhile.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Book Thoughts: "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
Beautifully written and emotional. It's fascinating and heartbreaking to watch the tale of Cain and Abel recast. The only other Steinbeck novel I've read is "Of Mice and Men," but I'll certainly be checking out more.
The part I liked best about the book was the well developed characters, particularly Adam and Lee. Cathy has to be one of the most vivid characters in American literature as well.
If you haven't read this classic, please do so, just don't expect a happy ending. All in all it's a tragedy worthy of the Greeks.
The part I liked best about the book was the well developed characters, particularly Adam and Lee. Cathy has to be one of the most vivid characters in American literature as well.
If you haven't read this classic, please do so, just don't expect a happy ending. All in all it's a tragedy worthy of the Greeks.
Book Thoughts: "Chancellorsville" by Stephen Sears
Another first rate Civil War campaign study by Stephen W. Sears. Honestly, I couldn't imagine another single volume book containing this much quality information on a battle as this volume does.
The battle of Chancellorsville in April-May 1863 is often told as General Lee's greatest victory, however, as Sears notes, it wasn't destined to be so from the get go. General Hooker had revitalized the Army of the Potomac after the debacle that was Burnside and Fredericksburg. Hookers campaign plan was well thought out and may well have succeeded if not for three factors: The breakdown of Yankee communications via telegraph and signal corp, the failure of General Stoneman to complete his objective of destroying Lee's lines of supply and communication, and the general ineptness of several of the Corps commanders in the army including Gens Howard of the 11th, Sickles of 3rd, and Sedgwick of the 6th. Indeed it was the 11th corps under Howard that was torn to pieces by Jackson's flank march.
Still, Sears gives Robert E. Lee ample credit, particularly in his bold choice to divide his army into essentially 3 parts. Lee's army was already missing most of it's first corps, with Longstreet and his divisions under Hood and Pickett deployed far to the south on a forage mission. Of course, the sheer audacity of Jackson's flank march is noted as one of the great moments in the war. Unfortunately, this great victory came at a great cost, most notably a large amount of Lee's infantry and the death of Stonewall Jackson, who would be sorely missed in the next encounter at Gettysburg.
The most interesting part of the book for me was Sears rather intense defense of General Hooker. Almost everything else I had ever read about this battle puts the defeat square on Hooker's shoulders, yet Sears does a great job of dissecting what went wrong and what Hooker could have controlled, and what he couldn't. All in all a stunning book that should be in any Civil War library.
The battle of Chancellorsville in April-May 1863 is often told as General Lee's greatest victory, however, as Sears notes, it wasn't destined to be so from the get go. General Hooker had revitalized the Army of the Potomac after the debacle that was Burnside and Fredericksburg. Hookers campaign plan was well thought out and may well have succeeded if not for three factors: The breakdown of Yankee communications via telegraph and signal corp, the failure of General Stoneman to complete his objective of destroying Lee's lines of supply and communication, and the general ineptness of several of the Corps commanders in the army including Gens Howard of the 11th, Sickles of 3rd, and Sedgwick of the 6th. Indeed it was the 11th corps under Howard that was torn to pieces by Jackson's flank march.
Still, Sears gives Robert E. Lee ample credit, particularly in his bold choice to divide his army into essentially 3 parts. Lee's army was already missing most of it's first corps, with Longstreet and his divisions under Hood and Pickett deployed far to the south on a forage mission. Of course, the sheer audacity of Jackson's flank march is noted as one of the great moments in the war. Unfortunately, this great victory came at a great cost, most notably a large amount of Lee's infantry and the death of Stonewall Jackson, who would be sorely missed in the next encounter at Gettysburg.
The most interesting part of the book for me was Sears rather intense defense of General Hooker. Almost everything else I had ever read about this battle puts the defeat square on Hooker's shoulders, yet Sears does a great job of dissecting what went wrong and what Hooker could have controlled, and what he couldn't. All in all a stunning book that should be in any Civil War library.
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