Map of Bones by James Rollins (2006, Paperback, Reprint)

This is an exciting and fast pace story. It is in the same vain as The Da Vinci Code. The story is elaborate but I like the way the writer weaves through time linking all the clues. With geographical and historical reference galore, I learn a bit of stuff too. The characters are developed well and are likable. It is hard to put the book down.

Being a James Rollins fan I was looking forward to this one! Rollins does not let you down. In the same vein as the Da Vinci Code, BUT much better, I was up most the night turning page after page. Rollins writes not only with a fast paced style, but at the same time makes stop and think, what if this really was true, what if this really could happen? If you love fast action adventures, this one is for you.

Once you get past the similarity to DA VINCI CODE (WHAT ISN'T THESE DAYS), there is a good bit of research and thoughtful plotting to make this an adventure that is not an insult to your intelligence. Enjoyed AMBER ROOM so decided to try others by this author and I was NOT disappointed. Deb

Another Da Vinci Code but more high-paced thriller. I learned many things espicially historical facts when I read this book. This is the advantage. I was looking for thriller novel. But this book offers more than mediocre thriller, it teaches you something that you may not have to learn reading other book. Also, as a thriller it is A+.

If you like action, mystery, suspense and a good story, James Rollins is tops. This was a great book that mixed fact with fiction in a way the Da Vinci Code did. I enjoyed this book more than the Da Vinci Code as a matter of fact! It had good guys, bad guys, the bones of the Magi, history, high tech. gadgets - all of that stuff. Good Read!

Map of Bones is truly quenches the thirst for the ultimate thrill. Mixed in with many facts and true historical places, James Rollins takes you through a very real history yet at the same time weaving his spin on things. Not for the dull reader....more for the intelligent. Good read!

What a great read! Rollins has taken a great concept, the power of gold powder like that in manna and the ark of the covenant, and developed a fascinating story. The history behind the gold powder and the interest of US Special Ops and the Vatican are all explained in great detail with exceptional references to the historical support for all stated facts and assumptions. The biblical history behind this, much like that in The DVC or A&D, is based on Gnostic gospels which requires some "faith" (for lack of a better word), but again, everything is rooted in historical documentation.
The characters are all well written with unique personalities that 'feed' off of the other characters. The "good guys" are great, showing their shortcomings as well as their positive traits, and the "bad guys" are written wonderfully well, exposed to their core for what they are, what they want and what they are willing to do to achieve their goal.
A page turner from the start, I finished this book (which is over 500 pages in length) in under a week. I couldn't wait to get home from work each night to climb back in to the story.
Rollins balanced between both the protagonist and antagonist standpoints throughout the book to create tension and to set up the finale. Plot twists abound.
I have read many reviews that compare this book to "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons". I am a huge Dan Brown fan and I loved The DVC and A&D, but I have to give credit to Rollins; this book was better on all accounts. I would compare this to the work of Steve Berry; historical accuracy balanced with creative license to create a perfect work of fiction/non-fiction.

If you like Dan Brown or Steve Berry, books about the templars, historical fiction, or any type of espionage/thriller, then this book is for you.

A+. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my next James Rollins book as he is now one of my favorite authors.

Excellant fast paced read!! Well written and a great story line! You are able to place yourself within this story and "see" what is going on, page after page!! The author has really hit a home run with this one!

I have never read a book by this author that I didn't like and this one is no exception. Keeps you guessing till the very end. Full of action and suspense.

The book was in really good shape and was exactly like it was described. Everything I was expecting.