This was the September selection for discussion in my Shelfari Mystery & Suspense group. I've wanted to read something by James Rollins but wasn't certain that this was the first I should try. Fortunately, the friend who recommended it (who has never steered me wrong) knew better as this was an exciting experience. The set upThe story takes place in a remote area of the Amazon jungle. A team is sent there to try to find out what happened to a science expedition four years prior. One of the members from that expedition suddenly showed up in one of the villages and died soon after. His physical transformation was inexplicable and the government organized a mission to investigate. Project Amazonia included a team of scientists, U. S. Rangers and the son of the leader of the earlier expedition.The issuesThe Amazon jungle is like no other environment, with botanical riches that can nurture, heal and destroy you if you don't know what you're doing. The normal hazards facing the team weren't the only problems this group faced as a mercenary was tracking them with evil intentions. They also had to contend with extraordinary situations as they reached and went beyond the region where the first expedition was last tracked. What I really liked about this storyAside from the nail-biting excitement from not knowing what new fresh hell lay around the next bend, the story was rich with cultural lore and botanical insight. I've known intellectually the value of the plant life in the Amazon but this was a fascinating education. It all was used to create a fantastical situation that rivaled any adventure film I've ever seen, laid out in a way that made it seem plausible. The mix of characters was equally interesting, especially with two women on the team. The obstacles they confronted were beyond frightening and as no one was sacred in this story, I never knew who wasn't going to make it to the next challenge. And, there was even a little romance, which I didn't anticipate. What I didn't like so muchNot everyone survives this exploration and at times, I felt like the bad guys were always winning or having the advantage. It started to get me down after awhile. I needed more wins for the good guys. The bottom lineAmazonia is an incredible story that was tons more interesting and exciting than I ever imagined. I liked the writing style and the characters were well developed. Without giving away too much, this book is equal parts fantasy and adventure as it is mystery and suspense. The treasures and secrets of the Amazon are immeasurable and the story leveraged every part of it. The action started on the first page and it never let up. I'm really glad I read this book.
Holy holes in the fence Batman! I found another big time fun read on the rapidly growing favorite reads shelf that fell through the cracks!Time for another short reivew. (Does two make a trend?...oh, I hope not..) This was my first introduction to James Rollins and thank God for that! She must have been listening!All James Rollins stories, save two, that I can think of get the same opening statement..."Fast Paced." This is no exception, however, in this one, I think the balance between speed of plot and details is handled better than in other Rollins Novels. There is a character that I'm sure becomes Joe Kowalski in later books that I just love, but he goes by a different name here (similar background). All action adventure stories need a Joe Kowolski type...he's great!I don't like the "Treasure" they find at the end of the story as much as in other James Rollins books, but I loved the adventure to it and back and I like the Hero and Heroine, also better than in other books (save Subterranean might have had a heroine whom I liked better). There is a lot of action, a lot of scientific mystery and mysterious amazing sub plots and twists and turns And, of course, monsters wiht HUGE SNAPPING TEETH! (cough)... I mean.. yes, quite frightening creatures that lurk in the depths of hte Amazaon basis. (cough) The villains were cool, not as interesting as Ice Hunt, but close enough. And at the end we see the begining of the Sigma Force Novels starting to get organized... a foreshadowing of serial fun to come (Starting with Sandstorm). But I digress. Summary-Good book, well paced for action adventure, some violence but generally what I'd call "Made for TV Movie" level violence, very managable. If not a great plot, great execution of plot (about the writing)...and of course...HUGE...Big...Monster with.. these huge big Gnashing TEETH... claws that could rip... (sigh) Look at the Bones MAN!.... and a guy who could be Joe Kowolski's twin brother... everything a good adventure needs!
What do You think about Amazonia (2002)?
I've read some of the reviews of this book, and I have to say that I really don't think that they (well, some of them) have been fair.If you're looking to read classical literature, read classical literature. If you're looking to read great and wondrous plays, allow me to recommend Shakespeare, Aristophanes, or Moliere. If you're looking for romance galore, perhaps Danielle Steele or the Harlequin Classics are more to your liking. However, if you want to read an edge of your seat, page turning t
—Denise
I never thought the book will be this good. I don’t think I will get one more book filled with this much stuff, mystery and action packed adventure. While nearing climax, the story created some kind of chill which I never felt before. Honestly saying I didn’t expect the book is going to lure me like this. I was just thinking, after 200 pages the pace of the story will reduce. It went till 300 pages.. then I forgot all those things in mind.. don’t know when the book ended. I was literally inside Amazon rain forest. Really not bothered for those who didn’t like the book. James Rollins you are the true mystery science fiction author. No words to praise the author s work. If you are a mystery / adventure / thriller fan.. go blindly pick this book. A true pioneer of Avatar. Someone please take a movie out of this. This book is neither a literary masterpiece nor I bothered about it. But it’s my most favorite read and it has surpassed Jurassic Park. This is my view about the book. Final words about Amazing Sensational Amazonia. I lost in time while reading.
—Arun Manickam
A great thriller for a long transatlantic airplane ride. However, it became at first too predictable and formulaic, and then just too far outside the realm of reality to retain any form of plausibility. The ending where -- in James Bond fashion -- everything gets blown up, was a bit too cliche. There were also too many well-telegraphed cliches that were apparent 50 pages ahead of time. In other words, for a thriller, there were few surprises, just a lot of chases and gun-play. But then again, I was looking for something to kill time on a 12 hour airline flight, and this fit the bill just fine.
—James Lyon
