Books Like...
'Sandstorm' by James Rollins is the first book in the Sigma Force series and follows a team of scientist soldiers who are tasked with investigating a mysterious explosion at the British Museum. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a dangerous plot involving ancient civilizations, archaeology, and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event. The book is described as a fast-paced action-adventure with a mix of science, history, mythology, and suspense, featuring kick-ass characters and exotic locations that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The writing style of James Rollins in 'Sandstorm' is praised for its blend of scientific facts with adrenaline-fueled fiction, creating a gripping and entertaining narrative. The book is commended for its non-stop action, intricate plot, likable characters, and a good balance between historical details, science, and myth, making it an addictive and enjoyable read for fans of thrillers and adventure novels.
If you liked Sandstorm, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry follows Cotton Malone, a retired espionage officer turned rare book dealer, who gets pulled into a quest by his former boss to find a lost treasure of the Knights Templar that challenges Christian orthodoxy. The narrative is described as well-researched, blending early Christianity and 14th-century France with a strong sense of place and time. The story involves a hunt for Templar secrets, clever clues, historical facts mixed with fiction, and a blend of action and adventure.
The book is likened to a mix of National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code, providing a thrilling adventure with real and fictional history intertwined. The characters, including Cotton Malone, Cassiopeia Vitt, and Henrik Thorvalsen, are well-developed and complement each other in their pursuit of justice and uncovering ancient mysteries. The author, Steve Berry, is praised for creating an engaging plot filled with twists, turns, and a balance between actual historical facts and fictional storytelling.
Cotton Malone spotted the knife at the same time he saw Stephanie Nelle. He was sitting at a table outside the Café Nikolaj, comfortable in a white lattice chair. The sunny afternoon was pleasant and ... - #2
Dirk Pitt, the protagonist in Clive Cussler's 'Pacific Vortex!', is an adventurer and deep-sea expert who is thrust into a perilous mission to salvage a missing nuclear submarine in the Pacific Vortex, a mysterious sea zone where numerous ships have vanished without a trace. As Pitt races against time, he faces underwater assassins, dangerous traps, and a femme fatale named Summer Moran. The book is described as a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with elements of mystery and suspense, reminiscent of a James Bond storyline. Cussler's writing style is noted to be entertaining, easy to read, and filled with clichés and formulaic elements that make for a light and enjoyable read.
Every ocean takes its toll of men and ships, yet none devours them with the voracious appetite of the Pacific. The mutiny on the Bounty took place in the Pacific, the mutineers burning the ship at Pit... - #3
'Seven Deadly Wonders' follows a team of adventurers on a quest to find seven hidden pieces of the Golden Capstone that used to sit atop the Great Pyramid of Giza. The plot is described as nonstop action, resembling a script for an Indiana Jones type movie, with the goal of saving the world from destruction and gaining world domination. The characters are a mix of nationalities, facing off against other teams in a race against time. The writing style is fast-paced, packed with action, and reads like an adventure game, providing a hit of adventure combined with archaeology and ancient history.
Their rivals had massive logistical and technical support: choppers, floodlights for night work, and boats of every kind — gunboats, houseboats, communications boats, three giant dredging barges for t... - #4
'Amazonia' by James Rollins is a high-speed thriller set in the Amazon rainforest, where a scientific expedition goes missing, leading to a search mission for answers and a mysterious cure. The plot involves elements of mystery, action, adventure, and scientific exploration, with a touch of fantasy and romance. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with vivid descriptions of the Amazonian jungle, mutated creatures, and suspenseful twists.
Padre Garcia Luiz Batista was struggling with his hoe, tilling weeds from the mission’s garden, when the stranger stumbled from the jungle. The figure wore a tattered pair of black denim pants and not... - #5
'The Hunt for Atlantis' follows Dr. Nina Wilde, an archaeologist in pursuit of the lost city of Atlantis. With support from a philanthropist, she embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of Atlantis, facing danger from the Brotherhood of Selasphorus. The plot is described as fast-paced, with a mix of characters and a page-turning storyline that takes the reader on a thrilling adventure around the world, filled with action, suspense, and archaeological quests.
Dr. Nina Wilde took a deep breath as she paused at the door, her reflection gazing pensively back at her in the darkened glass. She was dressed more formally than normal, a rarely worn dark blue trous... - #6
In 'Angels & Demons', Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, is called upon to solve a mysterious symbol seared onto the chest of a murdered physicist, leading to evidence of an ancient secret brotherhood seeking revenge against the Catholic Church. The plot unfolds into a race against time across Rome with a mix of intense action, historical references, and a dark exploration of the conflict between religion and science. The writing style is fast-paced, with short chapters that keep readers engaged, though some find the plot predictable and the writing lacking in depth.
As he climbed, his vision began to blur. There was a thundering in his ears. I must reach her! But when he looked up again, the woman had disappeared. In her place stood an old man with rotting teeth.... - #7
"Ice Station" by Matthew Reilly is a fast-paced action thriller set in an isolated research station in Antarctica. The story follows Lieutenant Shane Schofield, also known as Scarecrow, as he leads a team of US Marines in a race against other world powers to secure a mysterious artifact that may be of extraterrestrial origin. The book is filled with non-stop action, high-tech weaponry, and intense sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Readers describe "Ice Station" as a roller-coaster ride of impossible situations and unbelievable heroics. The plot is filled with twists, secrets, and suspense, making it a gripping and addictive read. The writing style is fast-paced, with relentless action that never lets up, creating a cinematic experience akin to a Hollywood blockbuster.
There had been nothing wrong with the descent, despite the fact that it was so deep. Price and Davis were the most experienced divers at the station, and they had talked casually over the intercom the... - #8
H. Rider Haggard's 'King Solomon's Mines' is a classic adventure novel set in uncharted Africa, following the English adventurer Allan Quatermain on a quest to find a lost friend and a legendary treasure. The story is filled with imaginative perils, exciting discoveries, and a sense of mystery that keeps the reader engaged. The writing style is described as addictive, entertaining, and easy to read, transporting readers to a different time and place with its vivid descriptions and captivating storyline.
IT Is A CURIOUS thing that at my age—fifty-five last birthday—I should find myself taking up a pen to try and write a history. I wonder what sort of a history it will be when I have done it, if I ever... - #9
'The Eight' by Katherine Neville follows a dual storyline covering two women, Mirielle in 18th Century France and Catherine in 1973, who become connected to the Montglane chess service holding a mystic formula of great power. The plot intertwines historical events, treasure hunts, and the pursuit of ancient knowledge, all centered around a chess set with pieces that hold significant power. The narrative alternates between the past and present, weaving together intrigue, suspense, and adventure across different countries like France, Russia, Algeria, and New York.
The author, Katherine Neville, expertly connects characters and events to a chessboard with clarity, creating a captivating and complex plot. Despite some readers finding the book slow-paced at times, the intricate storyline, historical references, and the mystery surrounding the chess set keep readers engaged until the end. With themes of power, symbolism, and interconnected characters, 'The Eight' offers a blend of historical fiction, adventure, and suspense, appealing to readers who enjoy intricate plots and dual timelines.
A flock of nuns crossed the road, their crisp wimples fluttering about their heads like the wings of large sea birds. As they floated through the large stone gates of the town, chickens and geese scur... - #10
'Transfer of Power' in the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn is a high-octane political thriller where the White House is taken over by terrorists, leaving over 100 hostages and the president trapped inside. It's up to Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, to lead a stealthy rescue mission and regain control. The story is filled with action-packed sequences, espionage, and political intrigue, showcasing the heroism of Rapp and the intense battle between good and evil. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and rich in detail, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
A FINE MIST fell from the darkening spring sky as the black limousine turned off of E Street. The armor-plated car weaved through the concrete-and-steel barricades at a speed suggesting urgency. As th...