firefly99's review against another edition
4.0
I love Rollins' writing style, and the stories he chooses are all very science-based. His novels are very much "what if" scenarios. This one has a heavy basis in evolution theory, quantum mechanics, and Nazi history. He uses a lot of facts, and builds a story around these facts. If you have some knowledge of the science, his ideas make sense. If you have no science background, the great characters and the fast-paced action are plenty to hold your attention. Black Order is one of his finest, in my opinion. The ideas are so intriguing, and very believable. Excellent book.
tlfuller13's review
3.0
James Rollins presents another exciting adventure with Gray Pierce and Painter Crowe, and their team. This series is a favorite of my family's and we enjoy comparing each other's likes, dislikes, of each book. This perhaps won't be my favorite long term, but as a follow up to Map of Bones, this was entertaining to read.
I enjoyed Painter Crowe as a character and the quick shift from agent to director was abrupt, but happy that in the 2nd he still played a key part, and in Black Order had a very strong presence. Not that I don't enjoy Gray, I just felt jilted at the transition from one person to the next.
Black Order's scientific subject is much more recent than the preceding Sandstorm and Map of Bones subject, impact coming from World War 2 time. Evolution is not a strong area of my interest, but with how Rollins creates a conversation, it brings a new light to the subject.
I enjoyed Painter Crowe as a character and the quick shift from agent to director was abrupt, but happy that in the 2nd he still played a key part, and in Black Order had a very strong presence. Not that I don't enjoy Gray, I just felt jilted at the transition from one person to the next.
Black Order's scientific subject is much more recent than the preceding Sandstorm and Map of Bones subject, impact coming from World War 2 time. Evolution is not a strong area of my interest, but with how Rollins creates a conversation, it brings a new light to the subject.
ashconklin's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kbilodeau114's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
22andrea22's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sgrabb's review against another edition
3.0
Except for the obvious translation errors and typos in the German language portions, and some obvious errors in research regarding what it Celtic and what is Germanic, the story was interesting even if the errors were distracting.
theinkwyrm's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
By far the best of Rollins’ books that I’ve read so far. I actually really enjoyed all of the different plot lines. The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is I feel like Painter and Gray’s story lines were too similar as far as the macro-plot went. I’m happy that all the main characters seem to be getting their happy endings.
By far the best of Rollins’ books that I’ve read so far. I actually really enjoyed all of the different plot lines. The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is I feel like Painter and Gray’s story lines were too similar as far as the macro-plot went. I’m happy that all the main characters seem to be getting their happy endings.
rmichno's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, fast paced read. Likeable characters and interesting villains. Sometimes the plot got a bit too wacky, but overall it kept multiple plots together.
trsclee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0