Cover Image: Tides of Fire

Tides of Fire

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Tides of Fire is the 17th book in the Sigma Force series written by James Rollins. I stumbled upon this one at least a decade ago while waiting in an airport. Since then, I read them in order, enjoying the suspense thrillers as the heroes and heroines travel the world to save the planet from nefarious evildoers and unnatural disasters coming at us from earth, wind, rain and fire. In the latest novel, volcanoes are erupting at a quickening pace, and then water turns to fire in Southeast Asia. It all connects to a similar event back in 1815 when the infamous earthquake and its dark summer killed an enormous amount of people around the planet. What could rainbow serpents, matter from Mars, and coral have to do one another? Sigma solves the case but comes close to losing a few members several times. Overall, I enjoyed the book but it definitely is erring a bit too technical and science-fiction these days for my tastes. I prefer the more historical connections rather than alien life, but there was a mix here. Good history lessons, and Rollins always shares a few thoughts at the end of the book on what is reality and what he used as fiction to expand the story. You can read these in order except you may learn in reverse about some deaths or romantic liaisons.

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480 pages

4 stars

I have been reading James Rollins’ “Sigma” series from the beginning. I very much like the series and can hardly wait until the next book is out.

I like Mr. Rollins’ style. He blends authentic historical facts with speculative fiction. The Sigma team is made up of a solid core of very intelligent and capable characters. They are all unique individuals with special talents. His bottom line in each book is saving the world from catastrophe. (What we manage to do to nature and ourselves.)

The setting for this novel is Australia. An international research station has made some startling discoveries. And it doesn’t take long before things go awry. Fire, tsunamis, volcanoes!

What is going on? How is the team to stop this latest set of natural disasters?

Mr. Rollins has a very real talent for character creation. Having read the whole series, I have learned a great deal about all of the protagonists; their strengths and weaknesses. I really like this aspect of his writing. I like knowing the characters in a returning series. Reading about them is like spending time with old friends. His “bad guys” are really bad. They tend to be the megalomaniacal type without a care in the world who or what they hurt in the process.

I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

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Given the tragic ending to the craft that tried to explore the Titanic, this book is very interesting (also was written prior to that tragedy!).
Exploring natural disasters is a crew that has strong personalities and differing viewpoints but it all works. Many details that sometime overwhelmed me (not a usual sci/fi person), but if even someone like me (cozy mysteries comedies, beach reads, true crime, magical realism, etc) could find this book NOT PUT DOWNABLE, then I believe any reader would enjoy this book.

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Wow, this book is incredible! I had trouble putting it down. The level of details, and the scientific knowledge. The action is gripping, and the biological treat scary. I think this is the best book of the series. #TidesofFire #NeyGalley

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This wasn't for me. The writing was great, world building was executed well, and I even enjoyed some of the characters. It's just this sci-fi esque style wasn't for me and I found myself to lose interest pretty quickly.

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I have been obsessed with natural disasters since I was about 10 years old. I've been a fan of James Rollins for years. So you can imagine how excited I was to see that the newest installment of the Sigma Force series featured natural disasters. And I was not disappointed! The gang is all back and the story is as full of action, adventure, history, and science as ever. Seichan's internal struggles were really interesting to read about, and I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know! As always, I would definitely recommend this book.

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4.5 stars. Tides of Fire, the explosive 17th book in science fiction author James Rollins’ bestselling Sigma Force series, takes place in the region found near Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia. The series follows scientific/tech oceanographic specialists who are exploring the deep, deep ocean. The scientists include those in the disciplines of oceanography, volcanology, geology, biology and anthropology. They uncover a world threatening link that has caused massive volcanic eruptions.

Rollin does Incredible work tying together multiple threads and teaching the reader about volcanoes, deep sea creatures and even postulating that the Original Eve was not from Africa but an aboriginal woman from Australia. The characters’ differing personalities and strengths bring this story to life.

Thank you to Net Galley and Wm. Morrow for this ARC of Rollins’ latest book.

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James Rollins cranks up the excitement factor in his latest Sigma Force adventure Tides Of Fire. Commander Gray Pierce battles old enemies alongside his girlfriend while in the South Pacific, tectonic plates threaten world extinction.
Sigma favorites Monk and Kowalski have separate but equal missions above the sea and below.
Get set for nail biting suspense, high tension battles and edge of your seat escapes as volcanos erupt, bullets fly and torpedoes explode.
Rollins' intricate research provides another "what if" ecological disaster scenario that could really occur.
Set sail for the latest Sigma Force thriller with Tides Of Fire. Whether on land or miles below the sea, Rollins brings the heat.

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Another rip roaring Simga Force book. You have to suspend belief but good story. I like character interaction throughout the series. Fun adventure book.

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"Tides of Fire" is the latest in James Rollins' highly successful "Sigma" series of thrillers. I am grateful to William Morrow, the publisher of this book, for providing me with an ARC of this text. I have been following James Rollins for many years and own much of his canon. I am, in short, a fan. For those of you not familiar with the "Sigma" series, it is predicated on a top secret organization utilizing paramilitary operatives with scientific backgrounds to investigate threats to the nation or the world rooted in new technology or new understandings of cutting edge science. Something of the style of the series can be garnered from their headquarters located underneath the Smithsonian "castle" in Washington D.C. Rollins genre is the well informed thriller, and he is very good at what he does. In the literary world, Rollins is like a combination of Clive Cussler and Michael Crichton. The structural and thematic concerns addressed are rather like a combination of television's "X Files" and "The Man From Uncle." This particular book focuses on volcanic disturbances rooted in the Coral Sea (remember "Krakatoa") and involves clashes with both Russian and Chinese agents and military forces eager to participate in a coverup of what might have stimulated the aforementioned volcanic disturbances. The body count is high, and the action is non-stop. If you enjoy open minded technofiction, this is a must read. The characters are well drawn, and it is easy to identify with both the protagonists and their adversaries. Don't forget to read the information that follows the Epilogue relating to the author's sources and influences as well as the reality behind the technology and science featured in his book!

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Tides of Fire, Sigma Force Novels Book 23, by James Rollins.

This is one of my absolute favorite series. May it continue forever. I love that it combines historical mysteries with present day drama and cutting edge technology. Splash in some science along with a dose of newer scientific theories bordering on science fiction. Add fast-paced, world touring action and a small dose of romance, and you have another 5 star Sigma Force novel. These books have EVERYTHING.
In this novel, James Rollins weaves a tale that questions the very origin of our species. He takes us to the moon and deep into the see. We meet fantastical creatures. And, of course, race around the world to save humankind and life as we know it. We even run into an old fo along the way.
This book also dives a bit into Siechan's personal life, which I enjoyed.
The only thing I had a bit of trouble with, was keeping the names straight. There are a lot of characters in this book. More so than usual. There is a glossary in the front, but my eReader app is not so friendly when it comes to flipping back and forth. My problem, not the book. But maybe read the paperback version if your eReader is similar.
Five stars. Can't wait for book 24.

#bookreview #2023 #thriller #cuttingedge #newscience #newtechnology #origin #action #savetheworld #sigmaforce #netgalley

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Wow this one might just be a new favorite of mine , from Aboriginal mythology to Massive quakes, volcanic eruptions, and deadly tsunamis , it was non stop from the start, just like the others but it was so much more that I can't even put what I mean in to worlds , once again James Rollins shows me why his one of my all time favorite authors to keep on reading .

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