Black Order by James Rollins

I think this is the longest I ever took to read a Rollins book. Not because it is uninteresting, NO, it definitely is not that. Just happened I kept having things cropped up so I couldn't finish reading Black Order at one go which I usually like to do.

Black Order is Rollins' third book featuring the Sigma Force so there are familiar characters such as Gray Pierce, Painter Crowe and Lisa Cumming is a character from another of Rollins' book. Because I am already familiar with the characters, it is a very nice feeling when I was reading Black Order. It was like being with family and friends. I actually feel a lot more for the characters now in Black Order than when in Sandstorm or Map of Bone (the 1st & 2nd books respectively featuring the Sigma Force).
(NB: Not to worry, it is not necessary that you have to read the Sigma Force books in that order. Rollins has done a good job of allowing the books to be stand alone too.)

There is again non-stop action in Black Order. What do you expect from Rollins?! =) You have two stories running parallel to each other at the start of it. This means you have double the action from Gray and Painter. Black Order takes you places: from Poland to Himalayas to Nepal to Copenhagen to South Africa. Mysterious events surround both Gray and Painter at their respective locations and before long, pieces start to fall into place for you. You will find yourself getting more and more intrigued, trying to discover what is the century-old plot that threatens to destroy the current world order... I can't say too much without containing spoilers. That will spoil the fun of reading Black Order for those of you who are interested to read it.

Rollins combines historical facts, scientific technology, the occult, the runes, and the scientific theory on quantum mechanics seamlessly together to create a heart-stopping, gripping, and intriguing novel. I really like the twist in the novel. The Quantum Evolution that is instrumental to the novel is most thought-provoking! (Hey, Rollins managed to make me become interested in physics. That is an achievement lol.) Rollins managed to use science (quantum theory) in his novel without it being too heavy-going, instead it gave an edge to his novel. I personally think this is one of his best books to date. =) Now I can't wait to read his latest novel, The Judas Strain, another Sigma Force book. LOL.

Updated 18 July 2007, 8:37am
The Judas Strain is out in the shops, at least, at Borders it is. Not sure about the NLB, might want to check before you head down to the library to borrow it.