Book Review: Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins

At times a bit far-fetched, Kingdom of Bones is an edge-of-your-seat thriller!

The book takes place in the Congo, which is mostly a thick jungle full of bugs and snakes and many other deadly things I don't like to think about. And Rollins makes the setting come alive. Then there are the genetically altered beasts which turn the usually annoying ants into deadly virus-carrying little animals. And there are many other animals that have changed, which makes this whole story even more creepy.

I kept wanting to say, "No! Turn back! You can't keep going under these conditions!" But of course, they do keep going. After all, the fate of the world is in their hands. And not only the virus and the jungle, but there is also a bad guy who is using everything he has to stop them. And he has a lot to use.

Kingdom of Bones is the 22nd book in the Sigma Force series, and I think I may have read one other. It didn't matter for the story, even though I'm sure there are a lot of backstories I don't know. 

So, yeah, this one is about a deadly virus. Rollins discusses his concerns about publishing this book in the introduction. It does cause you to stop and think about what we as humans may be doing to cause these pandemics. But it is also a very entertaining romp, with characters that at least some people are familiar with.  And I loved the technology and weaponry that is used. And the dog, of course. If you can handle the subject matter, Kindom of Bones is worth it.

Published by William Morrow, April 19, 2022
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
464 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Audiobook Review: The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston

The Lost City of the Monkey God was a bit detailed, but the audio version kept my interest, and it is a fascinating story.

The Lost City of the Monkey God is the true account of Preston's adventure into previously unexplored territory in the Honduran jungle in search of a legendary lost city. There is a lot of history and perspective before this journey actually begins. That is what I mean by detailed. But I believe most of it is necessary, and since I was listening, it was much easier to get through.

And then, they go on this amazing (and frightening) adventure, and there is still much of the book remaining.  That is because many of those on the trip ended up with a nasty parasite, leishmaniasis, that is truly horrifying.

I must first admit that I have a profound, paralyzing, and (I know) totally irrational fear of snakes. So the snakes described in this book are the stuff of my nightmares. I've always been told that "they are afraid of you," but these snakes (fer de lance) put that notion to shame. So just be warned if you fear snakes, this book will not help.

The rainforest they explored was previously unexplored not only because of the wildlife, but because it is so thick that it is almost impenetrable. Trying to hike is so slow and difficult that no one previously has been able to make it. These scientists used a relatively new technology called Lidar mapping to isolate specific areas that might contain the city. I also cannot imagine dealing with the insects, other wildlife, discomfort, constant mud, and wetness that is required to make a journey like this. It is just totally out of my comfort zone. So I was a bit distracted by all that when reading about their discoveries. And their discoveries are fascinating!

Also adding to the intrigue is that these discoveries, the methods used, and what has happened since is all very controversial in the scientific community. Of course, we are only getting one biased perspective here, so you may be interesting in further research after reading Preston's account.

As far as nonfiction goes, The Lost City of the Monkey God rates pretty high in my book. And the audio narrator, Bill Mumy, is superb. It is written in the first person, and he is spot-on with the drama and emotion of the narration.

I'm also left with some sadness, concern, and curiosity about how all of these people are faring since some of them are still (and probably will always) battle leishmaniasis.

I recommend The Lost City of the Monkey God, especially the audio version.

Published by Grand Central, 2017
Audiobook obtained from the library
336 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Audio Book Review: State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

I had no idea where State of Wonder was headed. It's beautifully written and compelling, but the story was kind of unexpected.

I don't read blurbs, so I went in blind. I really enjoy that. I try to figure out where we're going, and it was really difficult in this book but not in a bad way. Someone recommended the book, and I needed an audiobook. State of Wonder was available at the library so I jumped. I'm so glad I did.

Marina Singh is a doctor working for a pharmaceutical company. When the story opens, she is given a letter informing her that a very good friend and colleague has died. He was sent to the Amazon jungle to check up on research being conducted by Dr. Swenson, who hasn't been heard of for quite some time. The cryptic letter is from Dr. Swenson and states that Dr. Anders Eckman died of a fever and was buried in the jungle.

Eckman's wife needs to know what happened. Mr. Fox, Marina's boss and secret lover, needs to know what Dr. Swenson is up to. So, he sends Marina to Manaus, Brazil, to investigate. Just finding Dr. Swenson proves to be a daunting task. Marina has her own issues too. You see, she was a student of Dr. Swenson. Marina was supposed to be a gynecologist, but something happened to change her career path, and she's not looking forward to seeing Dr. Swenson.

Life in the jungle is like living on another planet. I don't want to give too many details, because you must experience the language and descriptions for yourself. State of Wonder is a multi-layered story with character that practically jump into your lap, they are so vividly described. Even the secondary characters.

There are a lot of surprises, and like I said, I didn't see any of them coming. You just have to find out what is going to happen -- to all of the characters -- and you can't stop turning the pages (or in my case, you can't press "stop!")

I don't know what else to say. This is one of those books that I can't describe, and I can't even do it justice in a review. Suffice it to say that State of Wonder is special.

The narrator, Hope Davis, is excellent. I'm SURE her voice for Dr. Swenson is absolutely how Patchett heard it in her own head. I highly recommend this book and the audio version. I think selected mature teens will enjoy the story, but this one is most suitable for adults. I need to get my husband to read this so we can talk about it. If you've reviewed State of Wonder,  please leave me a link. I'd love to know what you thought.

Published by Harper, 2011 (audio by Harper Audio)
Audio book obtained from the library
368 pages

Rating: 5/5

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