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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment