I've read all of James Rollins books and his Sigma Force story line is very enjoyable and a fun read

James Rollins is by far the best author I have every read a book by. I became a fan of his after reading "Amazonia". I have read every book he has ever written, some of the older books twice. I love his Sigma Force books, but I have to be honest and say that I wish he would write another novel like "Amazonia", "Excavation", etc. Like I said, I love his Sigma Force books too, but it would be great if he would write another adventure book with strange creatures, crazy locations, and the deadly situations that made me a huge fan in the first place. I will continue to buy and read everything he writes, but one more crazy adventure with unexplained animals would be great. To fans of James Rollins first books like "Amazonia", etc.: you should read James A. David's "Footprints of Thunder" and "Thunder of Time"; and to die hard Sigma Force fans, you should try David Lynn Golemon's "Event" and "Legend".

The Last Oracle by James Rollins starts with what promises to be an interesting concept, but is a promise not kept. It quickly deteriorates into a plot that is convoluted and contrived, with a cast of characters large enough to rival a Cecil B. De Mille epic. Page after page of gunfights seems to be the authors attempt to qualify the book as a thriller. After sloshing through about half the book, I found myself rooting for a pair of Bengal Tigers, and decided I'd already wasted my money, I was not about to waste any more of my time.

I have read every other James Rollins book and enjoyed them tremendously and this is no different, excellent. Sets a good pace, keeps you interested.

I would highly recommend this book.

Another great read from Rollins. He keeps the story moving at such a good pace. characters are engaging. The premise is a blend of the past and present and flows well together.

This is a very good story with a lot of it based on facts. I already knew of some of the nuclear waste problems in Russia and a bit about autistic people. Rollins did a great job tying the story together about Sigma force personnel working with the autistic children and trying to prevent a major catastrophy. I think he also did a good job making the characters in the story seem believable. The only problem I had was with all the luck both Monk and Gray seemed to be having in staying alive. If I had half that luck I would be winning the lottery this weekend.

The first thing any reader needs to know about this book is that it is a work of 'escape fiction,' meaning that you have to be prepared for anything and everything, and you have to be ready to enter into a state of suspension of disbelief. That is, you have to tell yourself that you're willing to accept anything and everything, knowing that it's probably a bit far-fetched or over the top -- and in return, you get a few hours of sheer entertainment to take you away from the mundane. So having made that statement, I can say that within that particular context, this was a pretty decent book, well worth the time that it took to read. I have the other Sigma Force series novels, but haven't yet read them all, but you can bet I'll be going back to them as soon as I have a chance. I want to see what I missed in the meantime, which leads to my second bit of advice: I feel like I missed something having not read the complete series up to the time of The Last Oracle and I might have felt a bit better about the action in this novel had I been more up to date on the exploits of Sigma Force.

"The Last Oracle" refers to the Oracle of Delphi, beginning with the destruction of the temple by the Romans. Fast forward to the 20th century in the Carpathian mountains, where a group of children are being sought after by some not-so-nice KGB-ish type people; then we finally land in the present, where a scientist's death sparks an incredible adventure story that doesn't let up once it starts. Without trying to summarize the plot (it will give away the whole shebang if I do), I will say that Rollins has an ingenious mind ... there are layers within layers of action between the covers of this novel, some very unexpected twists and turns and some very nasty villains.
I would recommend this one to readers who are into escape fiction, to readers who have acquainted themselves with Sigma Force (or other James Rollins novels), and to anyone just wanting something very different to read. It's nonstop action all the way -- never a dull moment.

The number of neural circuits in the human brain is in the order of ten followed by a million zeroes. How big is that? The total number of atoms in the entire universe is only ten followed by eighty zeroes. Astounding scientific facts like these underpin this complex and fascinating thriller. They make its incredible premise seem perfectly possible--even, in some form, inevitable. Rollins is an amazingly inventive writer. An awful lot of those circuits must be blazing away in his head...

I absolutely loved the earliest Rollins novels, and im always ok when things get a little over the top heavy. My disbelief can be suspended to a point, but with every novel now, Rollins just seems to try to amp the over-the-top aspects to a crazily unbelievable level. The Sigma novels started out fairly decently but have now deteriorated into a cross between the most outlandish James Bond movies, with a healthy does of X-men, Star Trek and maybe some Dr. Who mixed in as well.

If you like movies such as this years Wanted, or the latest Indy Jones movie or think The Transformers are for real, then thats what you get when you read the Sigma novels these days. If its totally over the top crazy, then thats what Rollins will give you. Of course, in his authors note, he gives you factual footnotes to what occurs in the novel.

Perhaps its not totally fiction, but when you indulge heavily in the metaphysics along with every other thing thrown into these stories, from the impossible escapes, the superhuman feats from the heroes and villains alike, and all the cool little ultra secret and out of this world techno-gadgets which dont seem to be in mass use just yet, then it just tends to be too much for believabilitys sake and i havent even scratched the surface as to what hes thrown into his books now.

At least the characters are the same, with the same emotions, the same super-cool and tough female assassins, the ultra nutso lead conspirators, and always some gorgeous new female lead for one of the characters to hook up with during the storyline. You know, the same ole same ole. Always look for a thick dosage of sap too to go with the ending of the Sigma stories, esp. concerning Kat and Monk (nope, no janes or johns in superspydom).

I read these novels to get away from real worries and the current grim situations in todays real world, but sometimes a little bit of realism can be entertaining as well as the sci-fi stuff.

Maybe im being too harsh, and maybe im just not the target audience for his style writings now. Im sure he prob. has a larger fan-base than ever. HIs newest novels probably do him well but count me out now.

Ill stick with Daniel Silva or Vince Flynn, they seem to be a bit more down to earth. Sometimes thats not such a bad thing.

No spoilers

As my title suggests, while The Last Oracle was a good enough read, it is definitely does not rank among the top of the Sigma series. Although I enjoyed it and finished it in three days (like I do with all Rollins books), this book was the most predictable of the series. With Rollins I look forward to the "wow, I didn't see that coming moment" and I am usually not let down, but with The Last Oracle, nothing really floored me and had my jaw dropped.

Despite that, if you're a Rollins fan and have read any of his other novels--especially the Sigma series--and have enjoyed them, then you'll enjoy this one, at least to some extent, so read it.

I've been a huge James Rollins fan for the past 8 or so years and have read all his books (except the Indiana Jones adaptation) after completing this one and I've even started his fantasy series written under the name of James Clemens. Ever since the phenomenal success of The Da Vinci code authors have been going the way of "history" driven novels and Rollins is no different. SInce Sandstorm was released and we were introduced to the SIGMA Force Rollins has written in a more Dan Brownish style. I'm not saying this is bad but I am a huge fan of his earlier books. So here we are with the latest installment to the SIGMA Force series, I'm not going to deny that I was a little disappointed when I heard we would be getting more SIGMA because I just loved his stand-alone books so much and I'm getting a little tired of the Da Vinci style books.

So on to the book. I actually really enjoyed it. There wasn't a bunch of looking into symbols found on some church wall somewhere. It did have the repeat characters from the last SIGMA novels but it was more focused on following the story through the characters and what was happening present and not looking for symbols from the past. The story does have it's history references and the more I think about it I would compare this book to more of a Clive Cussler style because the is a prolog at the beginning that starts out hundreds of years ago in the Roman times and that story from there plays a part in the rest of the book. Fun read.

I've always been a Rollins fan and always will be and I'm still hoping for a break from the SIGMA Force but I'm sure the next will be another one.

Unfortunately, The Last Oracle is my least favorite of the Sigma Force books. The plot in this one is much more shallow and predictable (by far in my opinion) than any of the previous 4. I hate to have to say that because I love James Rollins. Even still, as a fan of this series it is still a must-read.

I've been a huge James Rollins fan for the past 8 or so years and have read all his books after completing this one and I've even started his fantasy series written under the name of James Clemens. Ever since the phenomenal success of The Da Vinci code authors have been going the way of "history" driven novels and Rollins is no different. SInce Sandstorm was released and we were introduced to the SIGMA Force Rollins has written in a more Dan Brownish style. I'm not saying this is bad but I am a huge fan of his earlier books. So here we are with the latest installment to the SIGMA Force series, I'm not going to deny that I was a little disappointed when I heard we would be getting more SIGMA because I just loved his stand-alone books so much and I'm getting a little tired of the Da Vinci style books.

So on to the book. I actually really enjoyed it. There wasn't a bunch of looking into symbols found on some church wall somewhere. It did have the repeat characters from the last SIGMA novels but it was more focused on following the story through the characters and what was happening present and not looking for symbols from the past. The story does have it's history references and the more I think about it I would compare this book to more of a Clive Cussler style because the is a prolog at the beginning that starts out hundreds of years ago in the Roman times and that story from there plays a part in the rest of the book. Fun read.

I've always been a Rollins fan and always will be and I'm still hoping for a break from the SIGMA Force but I'm sure the next will be another one.

I ordered a book and it was promptly delivered to my home via USPS.

Thanks

I have read the entire Sigma series and thought that The Last Oracle is definitely one of the best. The story varies a bit, like in Black Order, where the Guild does not play a part in the story. But nevertheless, it is fast paced, enjoyable story, all your favorite characters and some new ones. Great Read!!

I enjoy all of Rollins' books because they contain lots of action. In this one, however, it was confusing having 3 sets of characters doing three sets of things in three settings. I also wish that Rollins wrote with more humor. I cannot read a Robert Parker mystery without laughing out loud and I miss this when I read Rollins.

Jame Rollins is a very talented writer that grabs your attention the minute you open up one of his books. The Last Oracle is no exception. It was great to have Gray, Monk and the rest of the team back together. I always want more at the end of his books and want to keep reading about the characters.

Mr. Rollins needs a new formula
The Last Oracle was a good plot within a mediocre story in search of an ending. Mr. Rollins' writing formulae is getting a little too bizarre and repetitive for my taste. In this mix of too much action and not enough story depth, Mr. Rollins' novels are starting to take on a caricature all their own. At times I thought I was reading/watching one of those never ending Saturday matinee serials of the 1950's where the good guys always seem to escape impossible situations just in the nix of time. Enough already.
The Last Oracle centers on extreme bioengineering of the brain by a cabal of ruthless scientists to produce a contemporary Delphic Oracle. Led by a female Russian General and her genetically engineered politician son, the plan almost works but is thwarted by the secretive SIGMA Force in one preposterous hair raising adventure after another. All in all the entire tale is way over-the-top and stretches the credulity of a rational man.
Character development was weak at best. After several SIGMA Force novels the characters are still shallow and lack depth.
No gratuitous sex or language. Some excessive violence.
Recommendation: Save your money and wait for the paperback or get the hardback at your local library. A pulp fiction read at best.

Before I start I need to make one thing clear; this is a good book. Unfortunatly though I don't think it's one of his best.
Being a Rollins fan for a long time I've got a read all of his books, but this one didn't seem to me to be one of his best. When I pick up a Rollins book I don't put it down unless the mrs beats me and drags it away from me, but with this one I dare say there we're moments where I was thinking, b.o.r.i.n.g. Rollins is up there with the best in action thrillers but this one was a slight let down, and as I had, and many others, been waiting for a long time, there seemed to be an anti-climax.

On the good side, it's still easily readable, the action parts are still written well, almost better than Matthew Reilly at times, and just one word.....Monk. Thank you Mr Rollins, he saved this book.

So, in a nut shell, Rollins is back, but I hope his next one is back up there with the classics of Deep Fathom and Ice Hunt.

Before I start I need to make one thing clear; this is a good book. Unfortunatly though I don't think it's one of his best.
Being a Rollins fan for a long time I've got a read all of his books, but this one didn't seem to me to be one of his best. When I pick up a Rollins book I don't put it down unless the mrs beats me and drags it away from me, but with this one I dare say there we're moments where I was thinking, b.o.r.i.n.g. Rollins is up there with the best in action thrillers but this one was a slight let down, and as I had, and many others, been waiting for a long time, there seemed to be an anti-climax.

On the good side, it's still easily readable, the action parts are still written well, almost better than Matthew Reilly at times, and just one word.....Monk. Thank you Mr Rollins, he saved this book.

So, in a nut shell, Rollins is back, but I hope his next one is back up there with the classics of Deep Fathom and Ice Hunt.

Having read most of Rollins' books (I'm waiting until after seeing the movie before reading the Crystal Skull), his writing style and abilities are only getting better. Looking forward to his next offering!!

James Rollins is very prolific and can pick a subject out of thin air and make you drool all the way through the book! He is a wonderful writer, and his books are winners every time. He varies his subjects and keeps you excited, scared, happy, sad, whatever - during the entire process of reading all his books. "The Last Oracle" is no exception! A Number 10, again!

The Last Oracle was a really great summer read. The Sigma crew has their trials and tribulations, but in the end all is on the road to being well. Super storyline and a satisfying ending.

This book moves along, and although all tales in this genre ask the reader to stretch the bounds of imaginative credibility, this one is at the absolute limit. However about halfway through the book Rollins "jumps the shark" with an Indiana-Jones type scene that makes you curl your lip. At that precise point you feel a fool for riding along with the imaginative plot - "how can I disparage THIS scene when the story up to this point was fairly unbelievable?" It's like getting booted from your "escape reading" and slapped across the face with a made-for-TV scene from Aaron Spelling.

Anyways, it's a good read and if you buy into the plot for the sake of the read, which I mostly did, it is a fine escape and well-written.

With his latest book, Rollins has become less a writer and more a formula. Having read all the previous Sigma Force books, and many of his earlier works as well, I've always enjoyed his novels for the quick-paced, action-oriented light entertainment they are. No, I don't expect scientific accuracy or plausibility, or anything more than stock villains, two-dimensional characters and wooden dialogue. However, with The Last Oracle, it seems he's merely going through the motions, and simply just repeating the same one-trick pony. Many of the characters and situations in The Last Oracle are nearly identical to those in his previous book, The Judas Strain. It appears the author is slapping together random elements... a little science here, some paranormal speculation there... and then sending his characters around the world to various locales for the sole purpose of discovering some "lost" historical artifact or information to pull off an overly-simplistic and death-defying solution and world salvation at the last, miraculous second. In what appears to be now his goal to release a book a year, I fear any type of originality or ingenuity is being sacrificed to crank out generic product on a 12-month schedule. I hope for his next novel, the author takes some time to develop something fresh and inventive.

I have enjoyed reading all Mr. Rollins' previous books, and this one is no exception. The book captured my attention quickly and moved at a fast pace. Like the other Sigma Force novels, this one starts with a historical event that has a bearing on the rest of the story and then moves to the present day. As always there is a ton technical and scientific detail throughout the book. My biggest complaint about the book was the abundance of separate story lines. In past books, the author has featured several different story lines, but they never seemed to distract from the main story as they did in this book. With all of the jumping back and forth, I felt the connection the author normally develops with his characters was lost. The book is still a very good read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Mr. Rollins' books or is looking for an entertaining read.

I have enjoyed reading all Mr. Rollins' previous books, and this one is no exception. The book captured my attention quickly and moved at a fast pace. Like the other Sigma Force novels, this one starts with a historical event that has a bearing on the rest of the story and then moves to the present day. As always there is a ton technical and scientific detail throughout the book. My biggest complaint about the book was the abundance of separate story lines. In past books, the author has featured several different story lines, but they never seemed to distract from the main story as they did in this book. With all of the jumping back and forth, I felt the connection the author normally develops with his characters was lost. The book is still a very good read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Mr. Rollins' books or is looking for an entertaining read.

This was a great, gripping book. If you love James Rollin, you will love this story. The return characters are likable and lovable as always. The concept and research he did was excellent. The storyline is interesting and the action scenes are fast paced. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you read his last novel, you must read "The Last Oracle." The last page leaves you dying for his next novel. This is assuming you have read his other novels.

This book is a scifi/ thriller,with an interesting story with a historical foundation, while popular fiction does not really address the reality of autism, the book is premised on the subset of children who are savants. The book extrapolates out to children who posses extremely unusual skills (resulting from inhuman experiments). I cannot speak for the historical accuracy of the book, but, after reading this book I was amazed to discover Chernobyl was so very serious -- I was rather young when the incident happened. I found the interaction among of US Federal government agencies a little unbelievable, living in Washington, DC, it would be hard to hide the villain's conduct. There are organizations that work for the government that basically do not go out of their way to highlight their existence-- but political convenience or necessity would prevent an organization like Sigma force from actually functioning as portrayed. The government would also never hire anyone with a criminal background no matter how skilled. The author has great skill, however, I wonder if the Sigma Force concept is actually holding him back (more and more of the books in the series must be devoted to providing the back-story to the characters so one can remember who everyone is from the previous book in the series.)

I pre-ordered this book and the book arrived sooner than i expected and in perfect condition! I've read the book already and i highly recommend it!

I've read every one of James' books and he hasn't disappointed me yet. This is another example of how he can expand on his Sigma Force team without all the naysayers yelling about Da Vinci Code clones. It is a well-written, exciting story with enough real facts to give it an authenticity that makes it very believable despite some over the top action. Then again, this is an action thriller so action and thrills are part of the bargain.

I want to say so much more but don't want to give away any of the plot, just in case this is the first review someone reads.

I will say, though, that I'm glad one particular character survived, as I would have been mad if this person disappeared forever. An exciting adventure from page one to the end. Great job Jim! Highly recommended.

Wow! Another win for James Rollins!
I became a fan of his about 3 months ago and since then I have read 7 of his novels! I get my hands on one and I can't seem to put it down! I am loving the 'Sigma Force' novels. This one ''The Last Oracle'' was of course true to form and did not disappoint.
I am looking forward to the next in the series!
Keep up the awesome work James, I think I am a fan for life!

I reallyl enjoyed this book tremendously, intelligent writing, interesting and intricate plot, excellent character development, and most of all, quite believable! Highly recommend this one especially if you are a history fan. The way the various historical events are tied in make for a fascinating reading.

James Rollins manages to combine great action sequences with multiple threads of a crescendoing cataclysmic world event rooted in science but underscored by a supernatural/spiritual component, and this recipe is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat even as you find yourself mentally piqued.

If there is a weakness to his books, it is that the characters are pretty much static in their development, and occasionally descend into caricatures of action heroes. However, especially if you read several of Rollins' Sigma series books, you will find yourself liking, and caring, for these people. It doesn't require a Doestoevsky to create a universe that can enthrall and fascinate you. Rollins succeeds just fine.

Lastly, I cannot stress how satisfying it is to read a modern action thriller which does not shy away from the supernatural/spiritual/mystical. All too often secularism seems to be the sine qua non of action authors, a badge of honor which establishes their bona fides. As an engineer by education, I enjoy science and reason as much as the next guy, but I also know that I am not alone in contemplating, and even being reassured, by the Mysteries which the Universe so tantalizingly offers. Rollins seems to understand this, and indeed, what sets his books apart is the inclusion of these Mysteries in the fabric of his stories.

So if you want hair raising adventure,fascinating historical and geographical context, scientific conjecture that pushes the envelope and philosophical metaphysics all combined in a great read, you've found the right book. Enjoy the journey!

James Rollins has done it again. This book was phenominal. If you have read Rollins other books, he once again provides the SciFi based Indiana Jones style books that are some difficult to explain, yet so amazing to read.

In this book, Sigma is back in the action and many of the cliff hangers from the previous book are answered and the pace of the book picks up very quickly. The story in a nutshell is a potential devasation to the world based on the unique qualities surrounding autistic savants. The character development and the plot is exciting, energetic and very difficult to put down. I have been waiting for this book for a year and i was not disappointed at all.

Once again i am left waiting for the next great Rollins novel. But i am left fulfilled with my expectations on this book. Thanks again Mr. Rollins for a great story.

Having discovered a way to manipulate and enhance autistic savants as part of a plan to bio-engineer the world's next great prophet, a rogue group of Cold War scientists triggers an unexpectedly dangerous side effect in its young patients. BT.
As is typical for a James Rollins novel, A lot of research and effort was put into it. With all the science-and some pseudoscience as well-comes a fast action-packed plot that assimilates the two like very few authors can. Kudo's To Rollins for a great 5 star escape.

I generally finish a Rollins novel in a day - not this one. I had to keep closing the book in order to slow life down. This book hits the ground running and doesn't stop until the last provocative word that leaves things open for another great adventure. I was glad to see Painter, Gray and mostly especially, Monk, return. I don't know how I'd handle a friendship with Rollins as I confess that his imagination mind/world might be a little heavy to handle, but as an author he's one of my favorites. Be prepared for a heart quickening, racing without a rest read. And the ending -- well, it's not predicted. A great book and a great writer.

Mysterious supernatural phenomena juxtaposed with pseudo-science and a dash of Indiana Jones thrown on the floor a la Jackson Pollack. The real mystery here is how do his books get so many 5 star reviews. Take a look at some of the 5 star reviews and judge for yourself.

Weaving history, current events, and unusual tidbits of knowledge with his creative storytelling makes any James Rollins book great fun and THE LAST ORACLE continues the tradition. You'll want to get comfy because you may want read it in one sitting. The SIGMA Force is back in another thriller complete with savant children, Chernobyl, diabolical scientists, gypsies and lots of action. If you are a reader of Rollins' previous works you'll recognize the characters and see their stories brought up to date.

Like a spider, Rollins weaves a complex web and the reader has a chance to follow the threads through not only the past and present, but also through India, Russia, Washington, DC and other locations as the various characters tangle themselves in a deep mystery that has the possibility of eradicating mankind.

The book's title THE LAST ORACLE, refers to the Oracle of Delphi and the plotline is based on a cabal of scientists who manipulate the brains and talents of autistic-savant children with the goal of world peace. Some group members, however, have other plans for the children that are not so altruistic. Stopping the bad guys is where the SIGMA Force comes in and the worldwide chase begins. Chernobyl plays a key role, psychic abilities are also important to the storyline and SIGMA teams up with gypsies in a rather remarkable way --- (some great historical tidbits here). If you know the SIGMA characters you'll appreciate the updates to their stories. Plus you get the drawings that Rollins' includes with his novels - always a nice addition.

While I lay no claim to psychic talent I do predict that if you read this book you'll be fascinated with the historical and scientific information, you'll find the storyline thrilling and the book hard to put down.

As a writer myself I struggle to get into some books, but this was brilliant entertainment. A great mixture of religion, politics and fiction all in a magic soup of fition.
What if you could bioengineer the next great world prophet: scientifically produce the next Buddha, the next Muhammad, or the next Jesus? Would it mark the Second Coming or initiate a chain reaction with disastrous consequences?

A master at combining historical and religious intrigue with edge-of-your-seat adventure, New York Times bestselling author James Rollins brings back SIGMA Force to battle a group of rogue scientists who've unleashed a bioengineering project that could bring about the extinction of humankind.

In Washington, D.C., a homeless man dies in Commander Gray Pierce's arms, shot by an assassin's bullet. But the death leaves behind a greater mystery: a bloody coin found clutched in the dead man's hand, an ancient relic that can be traced back to the Greek Oracle of Delphi. As ruthless hunters search for the stolen artifact, Gray Pierce discovers that the coin is the key to unlocking a plot that dates back to the Cold War and threatens the very foundation of humanity.

An international think tank of scientists known as the Jasons has discovered a way to bioengineer autistic children who show savant talents--mathematical geniuses, statistical masterminds, brilliant conceptual artists--into something far greater and far more frightening, in hopes of creating a world prophet for the new millennium, one to be manipulated to create a new era of global peace . . . a peace on their own terms.

Halfway around the world, a man wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of who he is, knowing only that he's a prisoner in a subterranean research facility. With the help of three unusual children, he makes his escape across a mountainous and radioactive countryside, pursued by savage hunters bred in the same laboratory. But his goal is not escape, nor even survival. In order to thwart a plot to wipe out a quarter of the world's population, he must sacrifice all, even the children who rescued him.

From ancient Greek temples to glittering mausoleums, from the slums of India to the toxic ruins of Russia, two men must race against time to solve a mystery that dates back to the first famous oracle of history--the Greek Oracle of Delphi.

But one question remains: Will the past be enough to save the future?

James Rollins has given us another span the globe, action packed adventure in The Last Oracle. But this one is very unique from his previous novels. As always it is filled with a ton of scientific information that you cannot believe to be true (but much of it is and he proves it in the end) He also finds a way to tie the whole thing to Monk in a very believable way.

This story is certainly a one of a kind. I have never read anything in this subject matter. It was really nice to have a bit of a departure from Seichan and The Guild. I loved this book and as usual Rollins delivers a great thriller with cutting edge science, weapons, and top notch action and adventure around the world with historical tie-in. ANOTHER WINNER!

Sigma Force leader Commander Gray Pierce is walking across the DC Mall when a homeless man stops him before collapsing in his arms. The man dies almost immediately, but not before he gives Gray a strange coin with apparently the Greek letter Sigma etched in its center or perhaps just an odd shaped capital E.

Gray later learns the deceased was Neurology Professor Archibald Polk of MIT. From his command post underneath the Smithsonian Castle, Gray tries to learn more about the coin and what happened to the dead academic. Soon he and his unit begin unraveling a nasty plot of insane Russians planning to radioactively poison the world, genetically alter mammals and savant children with implants behind their ears and American espionage units plotting, plotting, and plotting. Only the third century Oracle at Delphi Greece seems to provide answers, cryptically over time of course.

This excellent over the top thriller hooks the reader from the moment the homeless professor accosts Gray who acts so real when he pulls out his wallet to give the man money to get rid of him and when he thinks AIDS upon seeing the blood. The story line starts fast, goes global, and accelerates taking the audience for an entertaining ride with twists and tilts as only James Rollins could do linking Ancient Greece, modern nuclear warfare, and genetics into a suburb action filled tale.

Harriet Klausner

James Rollins continues to put out great books that are fun easy reads, but also make you think just a little about what could happen. With The Last Oracle, Rollins dives into nuclear waste, child experiments, and the desire for power, in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages.

Sigma is back and once again, Gray Pierce is on the case, a case that literally falls right into his lap when a man is shot right in front of the Sigma head quarters. Thus begins a sting of events that will put the lives of "millions" in danger and bring you to Russia where Gray must once again save the world from a disaster, but this time he might have help from a lost friend.

Along the way we are introduced to young autistic children with incredible powers of the mind. Reading about what they can do makes you wonder about the abilities we all might have inside us. At the end of the book, Rollins goes through what is fictional and the truth at the heart of his story, please don't skip this section it is facinating.

The Last Oracle continues the Sigma adventure and leave the door open for many more in this fine series of books! Rollins has another winner!

K.F. Zuzulo is the author of A Genie in the House of Saud: Zubis Rises
Buy the popcorn: This novel reads like a fast-paced action movie. It has suspense, crackling diaglogue, mysticism, and mystery. The opening scenes introduce us to a link that goes back thousands of years and the Oracle at Delphi. Cut to 1959 and a tie-in with Mother Russia and burgeoning Cold War scientific experiments on children who have unusual genetic abilities of prophecy and foresight. This is then threaded to current day Sigma Force and a scientist who seeks their help and who also knows the mystery that connects the children to Russia to the Oracle. Got that, so far?
Rollins keeps many balls in the air at one time; there are also Gypsies and Punjabi Indians and secret U.S. governmental agencies fighting a sort of civil war. Don't be discouraged if you lose your own footing, just as an old friend and Sigma operative, Monk, loses his footing in the slippery Urul Mountains. He quickly regains his balance and his motivation as he leads some desperate "special" children to safety, even while his colleague Gray Pierce tracks the same leads on the other side of the world. The reader will also regain the perspective of the original plot -- having to do with prophetic abilities enhanced by radiation and genes. As usual, Rollins has enough research-backed snippets of fact that you're intrigued enough to pass over some of the unbelievable get-away scenarios.
But those same scenes would make for some great breathtaking action on the big screen.

Ive read several James Rollins books, all of the sigma series and a couple non-sigma. This has just rocketed to the top of my favorites list. The first book I read was Sandstorm which I loved, and i enjoyed his other novels, but The Last Oracle has just kicked Sandstorm out of the top position. The Last Oracle takes up right where Judas Strain leaves off. Its a non-stop adventure filled with chilling revelations and high intensity action. The characters are so developed and involving that you start to feel their hardships along with them. There are some new faces, along with the classics, and even some surprise ones. The story and characters are so powerful that I was almost in tears at the end. If you are going to read this book, I would suggest reading the other sigma's chronologically first. Just so you can get to know the other characters and their past.

I began this whole saga with 'Subterranean' several years ago...moved onto 'Excavation' and have devoured everything written by Rollins ever since. He continues to impress and while raising the bar with each successive novel, the one thing he can do that many authors who write in the same genre have a problem doing: he stays consistently GOOD.

I forget which book in which SIGMA Force began with, but suffice it to say that these boys stay busy! One thing that Rollins does REALLY well is the seamless way in which he weaves fact and fiction together. I really appreciate at the end of his books you can find information that explains the origins of specific parts of the story and just how REAL or imagined they truly are. More than once I was shocked to discover just how far so-called Scientific Experiments have gone in the pursuit of honest-to-goodness strange and bizarre X-Files-like results.

Can man truly--and scientifically predict the future? Just how deep did the Soviet's get into mind-control? While we may never know the EXACT details regarding this, the fact that tests actually were conducted lend an eerie authenticity to the storylines Rollins produces. In one vein I am constantly amazed at what mankind is capable of achieving--consequently I am constantly repulsed at what man is capable of descending to in order to accomplish sometimes truly horrific outcomes.

WARNING: to begin a Rollins novel is to gamble with your time--sometimes dangerously so. If you require a night FULL of sleep to do your job properly, you may just wish to begin this as you wrap up your shift for the weekend, because it draws you in, as do ALL of his previous works do, and once you begin, you find yourself again and again saying to yourself: I'll go to sleep after I finish the NEXT chapter...okay, the one after THAT... Sure, you might have better self-control than I do, and face it, let's hope you do if you're a slow reader--but one thing IS for certain: this book aims to satisfy and entertain you, and once again I can say that James Rollins comes through yet AGAIN. The Last Oracle is in EVERY way a worthy addition to the SIGMA Force series and a fantastic read specifically even without the novels that preceed it.

The first James Rollins book I ever read was SUBTERRANEAN. It was a "lost world" adventure, about an underground world that spawned the marsupial creatures that inhabit Australia. The book was a blistering good read and I read it - held completely in thrall - in a single sitting. Not many 400-page novels can do that to me these days.

Rollins is the pseudonym of Jim Czajkowski, but he also writes fantasy novels under the pen name James Clemens. As Clemens, he's written and published seven high fantasy novels so far, with more in the works.

Writing under the Rollins name, he wrote five stand-alone thrillers that took readers inside the earth -- SUBTERRANEAN, into high mountains -- EXCAVATION, to the ocean's bottom -- DEEP FATHOM, through the deepest jungles -- AMAZONIA, and to the most remote and dangerous pole in the world -- ICE HUNT. He also wrote the novelization of the newest Indiana Jones movie, INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.

In SANDSTORM, Rollins introduced a covert espionage team called Sigma Force that deals with archeological and scientific threats to the world. Made up of scientists and military personnel, Sigma Force goes anywhere and battles anything to ferret out puzzles and mysterious left throughout history. Imagine Dan Brown on steroids with Tom Clancy weaponry and you've got a good idea of what Rollins does in these books.

His interest in science and history are immediately noticeable in these books. They're carefully researched (albeit with an eye toward getting Rollins and his fans where they want to go in high adventure), and the pacing is absolutely frantic. Not only does Rollins present information, but he also leavens the exciting mixture with no-holds barred conjecture on his part. He doesn't just know how to relay information, he's quite handy at spinning theories in bite-sized chunks that don't get in the way of the action and don't blow the readers away. I read these books for the information bytes almost as much as for the action and adventure.

The fifth and newest novel in the series, THE LAST ORACLE begins with a bang. After a prologue containing a compelling peek back at the Oracle of Delphi, Commander Gray Pierce is approached by a man only seconds before he's shot and dies in Pierce's arms. The callous murder sends Sigma Force into motion to try to figure out what's going on. Especially since the dead man seemed to know about Sigma Force, one of the most closely guarded secrets in the United States espionage network.

The man turns out to be Dr. Polk, one of the men who helped create Sigma Force. As soon as that mystery is cleared up, the team realizes that Polk - not Pierce - was the intended target all along. Even more mysterious, Polk was a walking dead man, already dying from radiation poisoning.

Rollins plants his clues deftly, charging into the adventure vigorously. A coin clutched by Polk leads them to the museum, and to Dr. Polk's daughter, Elizabeth. I love the pacing of these books, but Rollins strips the characters down a lot, leaving them more blocked-out than filled in. Sometimes I miss not getting to know more about them, but then I realize with the headlong pacing of the books there's no real way to explore any kind of personal life.

In short order, Rollins has got his plot up and running, separating Sigma Force into teams and branching out with different avenues of action. Director Painter Crowe and his group try to figure out the mystery of the Russian girl that falls into their hands while Gray Pierce follows up on the trail of bread crumbs Dr. Polk has left behind. On another front, we pick up the story of yet another Sigma Force member who's fighting for his life to escape enemy clutches with a cadre of the psychically gifted children. And then there are the machinations of the bad guys.

Although I finished the book in a couple sittings, I admit I had to take a breath now and again to figure out who was doing what to whom from time to time. Rollins introduces all the elements of his adventure, from the Oracle of Delphi to the Gypsy culture to Punjab history, then kicks in a lot of psychic spying (remote viewing that the Russians spent so much time with) as well as archeological and scientific background.

Rollins tells his story adroitly, like a sketch artist. He lays out a line that gives the reader just enough to whet the imagination, then jumps to another set of characters and does the same. The pacing and plotting is pure potboiler, and these books could have easily been pulps or serials movies back in the 1940s. Rollins has acknowledge a love of Doc Savage novels when he was younger, and it truly shows.

THE LAST ORACLE also deals with a cliffhanger left over from THE JUDAS STRAIN, and a lot of fans are going to be reading with even more interest than the casual reader. Rollins puts a lot on the line for his regular readers, and they're going to respond.

The book is out just in time for summer. But I have to warn you, if you open this book and begin reading expecting to have a calm day of it, you're going to spend the day on the beach or in a hammock tensed up, dodging bullets and bad guys, and trying to figure out the final mystery of THE LAST ORACLE.

James Rollins has been writing fast-paced speculative fiction since his first novel, SUBTERRANEAN, was published in 1999. Nine other releases followed, including the novelization of the latest Indiana Jones movie, INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. With THE LAST ORACLE, Rollins may have penned the perfect beach book for the summer of 2008.

The novel opens in A.D. 398 with a flashback scene involving the Greek Oracle at Delphi, which legend states may have possessed the greatest power of any oracle in history. An international think tank of rogue scientists known as the Jasons becomes aware of and joins with a Russian group that has been trying since the start of the Cold War to produce their own "oracle" by experimenting with autistic children who have shown savant talents. They have been bioengineered over many years into a great force capable of producing a future prophet who could bring about world peace. The U.S. Defense organization known as SIGMA Force soon learns that this misguided goal will only come about after millions of lives are lost in a global cleansing, the magnitude of which the world has never seen.

Commander Gray Pierce and his team are thrust into this latest mission after Professor Archibald Polk of MIT is assassinated and dies in the arms of Pierce on the great mall in Washington, D.C. They quickly learn that Polk was a founder and member of the Jasons. What's worse is their discovery of the reasons behind Polk's alleged assassination --- to hide the secrets behind the Uranus and Saturn projects that involve the creation of a new oracle somewhere in Russia.

Simultaneous to this plot line is another story involving an American man who awakes in a subterranean Russian research facility with complete amnesia. He escapes with the assistance of three special children and a brilliant chimpanzee. They set off on their own adventure, which has them pursued by the Russian military and a group of savage wild animals as they head towards the radioactive underground mines located in the shadow of Chernobyl.

Pierce and company race against time not only to reveal the secrets behind the Uranus and Saturn projects but also to uncover clues left at the site of the original Greek Oracle that might foretell the events to follow. While translating the Sanskrit secrets found at the Oracle site, the SIGMA team is shaken by the discovery of the translated warning: "The world will burn...unless the many become one." What does this mean, and how do they stop the world from burning?

James Rollins has written a fast-paced, exciting page-turner that should please fans of adventure and speculative fiction everywhere. THE LAST ORACLE is well-researched and includes an Author's Note that defines many of the fiction and nonfiction elements of the book. Most eye-opening is the time he spends examining the many famous autistic savants throughout history (Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, Beethoven, etc.). The seed of the novel comes from a quote by Dr. Temple Grandin: "If by some magic, autism had been eradicated from the face of the earth, then men would still be socializing in front of a wood fire at the entrance to a cave." Very thought-provoking for a beach book!

--- Reviewed by Ray Palen

Sigma Force #5 continues Rollins' string of exciting, fact-based adventures in the vein of The Da Vinci Code, mixing science, religion and myth. The Last Oracle is great fun and moves very quickly, never allowing the myriad of interesting historical tidbits to bog down the story. You'll love it if you like the novels of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler or Douglas Preston/Lincoln Childs. Perfect summer reading.
Also recommended: A Stranger Lies There - winner of the Malice Domestic Award for best first mystery.

In a summer reading daze? Go out and buy James Rollins' latest saga. He just keeps getting better and better; as a writer, he seems to be positioning himself as the Ian Fleming of the new millennium. James Bond faced a host of 20th-century villains, and Rollins' Painter Crowe and Gray Pierce, along with the SIGMA crew, battle even more nefarious monsters out for world domination and conquest. But, unlike other creators of action genre novels, Rollins places the action much more historically, outlining carefully the past that has brought mankind even again to the brink. If the genius is in the details, this author certainly covers all the bases. And then some. The back story of his latest epic is nothing less than the Oracle at Delphi, the classic Greek seer who was sought out by all. How was this oracle able to foresee the future . . . and what happened to her descendants? Would it be possible to trace the bloodline, and then bioengineer the next great world leader?
Rollins' way with a story has grown: There is a denseness, an historical inevitability, a sociological and philosophic center that is marvelous to enjoy. This is not to say that there's any loss of action or suspense, but it's all on a more solid foundation in reality, a complete plausibility to all of the events, an ability to explain seeming coincidences, illustrate the plot, get it rolling and letting it logically build to its frightening conclusions.
But all of this is really a bit too heavy-handed lit major to appreciate Rollins true talent. The Last Oracle is simply a great read; you'll find the characters and ideas stay with you long after putting the book down. Especially wonderful is the character of Marta, a great galumphing chimpanzee who will bring a smile and a tear to everyone, and who has a lot to teach humanity about love.