To save mankind’s future, the members of Sigma Force must make a devil’s bargain as they join forces with their most hated enemy to stop an ancient threat in this gripping adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins.THE DEMON CROWNOff the coast of Brazil, a team of scientists discovers a horror like no other, an island where all life has been eradicated, consumed and … has been eradicated, consumed and possessed by a species beyond imagination. Before they can report their discovery, a mysterious agency attacks the group, killing them all, save one, an entomologist, an expert on venomous creatures, Professor Ken Matsui from Cornell University.
Strangest of all, this inexplicable threat traces back to a terrifying secret buried a century ago beneath the National Mall: a cache of bones preserved in amber. The artifact was hidden away by a cabal of scientists―led by Alexander Graham Bell―to protect humankind. But they dared not destroy it, for the object also holds an astonishing promise for the future: the very secret of life after death.
Yet, nothing stays buried forever. An ancient horror―dormant in the marrow of those preserved bones―is free once more, nursed and developed into a weapon of incalculable strength and malignancy, ready to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
To stop its spread, Commander Grayson Pierce of Sigma Force must survive a direct attack on the island of Maui. To be there first has always been the core mission of Sigma Force, a covert team forged to be America’s front line against emerging threats. But this time, even Sigma may not be able to decipher this deadly mystery, one that traces back to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution.
With each new discovery, the menace they hunt is changing, growing, spreading―adapting and surviving every attempt to stop it from reconquering a world it once ruled. And each transformation makes it stronger . . . and smarter.
Running out of time and options, Commander Grayson Pierce will be forced to make an impossible choice. To eradicate this extinction-level threat and expose those involved, he will have to join forces with Sigma’s greatest enemy–the newly resurrected Guild―even it if means sacrificing one of his own.
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I had to good fortune to be on Maui when I began “Demon Crown” (I listened to the audio book format), which is where significant portions of the story unfold. And that was fun, but it did make me a bit nervous about the local insects! What Rollins does exceptionally well is blend historical fact, cutting-edge science, and fiction seamlessly—much like Michael Crichton, only better. Kowalski is at his best, as is Commander Pierce, and Seichan is tough as nails. The Sigma Force novels have continued to evolve, and we’ve witnessed the characters grow, becoming more like family rather than acquaintances. The plot is smart and timely, complimenting the rich characters, and the underlying theme of biological weapons is truly terrifying. “Demon Crown” is as entertaining as it is timely. Highly recommended!
Rollins has yet to disappoint. His writing is exceptionally well researched. The Demon Crown is full of history lessons told in a very entertaining way. The series is exceptional.
The Sigma series always draws me in to places and experiences I hadn’t imagined and keeps me reading and searching for a solution.
I absolutely loved this book! James Rollins is one of my favorite authors and he never disappoints. I am a diehard Sigma Force fan and can’t wait for the next book. The only thing bad about this book was that it wasn’t a 1000 pages long so that I could have read it longer.
James Rollins at his best! Set in Hawaii and the South Pacific, it is easy to imagine the landscape and the potential devastation. Action, adventure with a dash of romance — a page turner! Always love to see Sigma at work!
James Rollins writes fascinating tales depicting the broad “what if” scenarios with a quirky, scientific bent.
Very interesting I love the characters in this series.
I love, love, love James Rollins’ Sigma Force series books. Great characters. You will find yourself rootin’ for the good guys! Christian Baskous is a phenomenal narrator for the audiobook edition. Buckle up cause your goin’ on a wicked fun adventure with this series of books.
This was one of the best books I have read in a great while and the best of Rollins’ Sigma series.
The Devil’s in the Details
Why do so many readers love James Rollins’ books?
This one, The Demon Crown, begins on an isolated Hawaiian Island. Two of the heroes, Gray and Seichan, are enjoying the aquamarine water, the warm sun, the sandy beach, and each other. They’ve been fleeing from civilization for months, but when three drone planes filled with killer wasps attack the beach, the world abruptly finds them, and now there’s nowhere to hide.
The deadly prehistoric wasp species hibernated in amber for millions of years. The stinging beasts, a demonic secret that James Smithson took to his grave, were discovered at the end of WWII by a vengeful Japanese businessman. Decades later, the corporate head has finally found a way to unleash the hoard. Now it’s awake, hungry, and ready to repopulate the earth.
With all their experience outrunning trouble, Gray and Seichan quickly realize the dangers posed by the angry, buzzing swarm. Before they can escape into the blue Hawaiian water, Seichan is stung, painfully, letting us experience first hand the agonizing consequences of failure. The Sigma Force director, Painter Crow, and other key team members, Kat, Monk, and Kowolski, join the mission to stop the extraordinary threat before Hawaii is destroyed and the biological weapon is unleashed on the rest of the world.
On the surface, this plot might seem commonplace for the thriller genre, but where Rollins shines is in the details of execution. Exciting action is plentiful, but not gratuitous. Plot twists and turns are craftily concealed. The scientific details are superb, even pulling the reader into what it’s like to be various forms of wasps: drones, soldiers, and queens. The tea drunk by the origami wielding Japanese businessman isn’t just green tea. No, it’s green tea with brown rice. The locations are carefully chosen and drawn with a discerning eye. My favorite scenes take place in the Wieliczka salt mines, in Poland, which Rollins indicates in his ‘Fact or Fiction’ denouement are a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the artful descriptions of the ornate chapel carved from salt, to the varied figurines created over the centuries by miners lucky to ever see the light of day, the place is fascinating. Lastly, the characters are so richly-drawn that every time I read a new Sigma Force novel, I feel like I’m hanging out with old friends, who, like me, grow over time.
“The devil’s in the details,” my mamma always said. As usual, she was right. The Demon Crown is so realistic that readers who’re allergic to wasp stings will want to keep their Epipens handy so they don’t go into anaphylactic shock.
Anyone can publish a book this days, and many do. However, novel writing is an enormous undertaking, fraught with pitfalls. It’s tough to do well. Which explains why readers choose some authors to spend time with over and over again. Quality counts. With the level of mastery Rollins brings to all the little things, it’s clear to see why he’s a #1 NYT Bestselling author.
James Rollins in one of my favorite authors. His books always keep me engaged and on the edge of my seat and this book was no different. It’s amazing how may ways this man can come up with world ending scenarios that are completely believable and characters that are smart and determined enough to prevent it.
Keep up the great work and I can’t wait for your next book.
Sigma Force must save the world from prehistoric wasps. Who would have thought of that? Author James Rollins, that’s who.
Wow great read
Excellent Sigma Force story, yet stands alone too!
James Rollins’ first book is still his very best! However, if he writes it, I read it! One of the few authors that I will buy when the book first comes out.
Action, Adventure and historic content make this a MUST READ from the Sigma Force series!!!! LOVED IT !!!!!’nnn
James Rollins never fails to bring a bit of interesting history and information to his novels. It keeps you enthralled til the very end.
Typical Rollins fare – an action-packed, entertaining page turner
love Rollins works, always interesting
I appreciate the effort that James Rollins puts into finding new and fascinating ways to threaten the world. Without giving the story away, you will never look at a certain creature the same way again.