By James Rollins
Published: 1 July 2011
Series: Sigma Force #7
Read: 14 July - 1 August 2011
Challenges: Mystery & Suspense Challenge #7
Review copy provided by HarperCollins / NetGalley
From the publisher
Deep in the Rocky Mountains, a gruesome discovery—hundreds of mummified bodies—stir international attention and fervent controversy. Despite doubts to the bodies’ origins, a local Native American group lays claim to the prehistoric remains, along with the strange artifacts found in the same cavern: gold plates inscribed with an unfathomable script.
During a riot at the dig site, an anthropologist dies horribly: burned to ash in a fiery explosion in plain view of television cameras. All evidence points to a radical group of Native Americans, including one agitator, a teenage firebrand who escapes with a vital clue to the murder and calls on the one person who might help: her uncle, Painter Crowe, director of Sigma Force.
To protect his niece and uncover the truth, Painter will ignite a war across the nation’s most powerful intelligence agencies. Yet, an even greater threat looms as events in the Rocky Mountains have set in motion a frightening chain reaction, a geological meltdown that threatens the entire western half of the U.S.
From the volcanic peaks of Iceland to the blistering deserts of the American Southwest, from the gold vaults of Fort Knox to the bubbling geysers of Yellowstone, Painter Crowe joins forces with Commander Gray Pierce to penetrate the shadowy heart of a dark cabal, one that has been manipulating American history since the founding of the thirteen colonies.
But can he discover the truth—one that could topple governments—before it destroys all he holds dear?
My thoughts
I have mentioned earlier that James Rollins is my go-to guy when it comes to scientific thrillers. His stories, while action-packed and over-the-top, are always based on facts and the plots are always relevant to today's world. This is also the case with The Devil Colony.
I have to admit that the science bit went a little over my head this time, but then again you don't need to understand the exact science to enjoy the story – which I did. I particularly liked the historical element, involving Native Americans, Lewis & Clark, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and an early draft of The Great Seal of the United States. I love these kinds of things; National Treasure is one of my favourite movies and this part of the book gave me that same feeling.
Although the Sigma Force books revolve around a whole team of characters, I personally wouldn't have minded seeing more of Grey and Seichan this time, especially considering the unexpected turn of events at the very end of the book. The character of Grey Pierce is much more three-dimensional than a lot of other action heroes around, and I always enjoy reading about him. I'm also wondering what is going to happen with Monk in the future, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.
Bottom line: The Devil Colony is another strong thriller from James Rollins that will take you on a roller coaster ride and maybe teach you a thing or two at the same time.
My rating:
The Sigma Force Series1. Sandstorm (2004)
2. Map of Bones (2005)
3. Black Order (2006)
4. The Judas Strain (2007)
5. The Last Oracle (2008)
6. The Doomsday Key (2009)
6.5 The Skeleton Key (short story exclusive) (2011)
7. The Devil Colony (2011)
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