Das leibhaftige Böse treibt auf der Erde sein Unwesen, und die Archäologin Erin Granger ist die Einzige, die es aufhalten kann. Doch dafür muss sie ein uraltes Rätsel lösen, das im Evangelium des Blutes geschrieben steht: Was ist der Kelch des Luzifer und wie kann er neu geschmiedet werden? Und was hat es mit dem Rat des Unsterblichen Lazarus auf sich, dass sie Evas gebrochenes Versprechen an die Schlange im Paradies erfüllen soll? Erin läuft die Zeit davon, doch sie ist entschlossen, die Aufgabe zu lösen – auch wenn sie dafür im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes die Tore der Hölle durchschreiten muss
James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. His writing has been translated into more than forty languages and has sold more than 20 million books. The New York Times says, “Rollins is what you might wind up with if you tossed Michael Crichton and Dan Brown into a particle accelerator together.” NPR calls his work, “Adventurous and enormously engrossing.” Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets matched with stunning suspense. As a veterinarian, he had a practice in Sacramento for over a decade and still volunteers at local shelters. Nowadays, Rollins shares his home up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with two furry companions, Echo and Charlie. He also enjoys scuba diving, spelunking, kayaking, and hiking. Of course, he loves to travel and experience new places around the world, which often inspire his next globe-trotting adventure.
We all hate it when our favorite series or trilogy comes to an end, but I'm sure that we hate it even more when the last book didn't live up to one's expectations.
I had very high hopes for this because I really liked the first two books. I even rated the first one a 5 star rating. I thought that after reading this I might reread the trilogy again in the future, but I didn't like this book that much. It was cliche, and the characters weren't as good as they were before. It was a huge slap to the face that the ending ruined the whole series. Predictable and unsatisfactory at best.
The characters themselves weren't as they were before. Despite the fact that I've read the second book more than a year ago, I still remember most of what happened to them, and also what I liked about them. In this novel everyone was dull and a bit stupid. Everything didn't make sense, and it felt a bit like the two authors didn't write this.
Let me add in that the there was minimal action in this third novel. That means the useless ramblings were more prominent. This reason probably contributed to my disliking of the characters. They all just kept complaining about a lot of shit. The action didn't happen till around 80% of the novel. That's a huge amount of useless shit going on.
It took me 10 days to read this. Honestly my busy schedule should be the one to blame, but this was too short to reach 10 days, even with my busy schedule. I wasn't turning the pages because i was really enjoying myself, but rather to get things over with. At 50% I knew I wasn't going to like this very much, so I had to push myself to finish it and move on.
I read the first two novels way too long ago, and it was a time wherein I still enjoyed Dan Brown, Rollins, and the likes. It could be a huge possibility that I outgrown the genre itself. This book made me feel like I was reading Dan Brown, and not Rollins. Heavy on the cliche, predictable and stupid ending? I'm sick of reading the same thing. If i remember correctly though, the first two novels didn't possess these awful traits. I liked them because both were original and the writing was good. Could it be that Cantrell wrote this, or vice versa?
2.5/5 stars. I rounded up out of respect of the first two books. The whole series itself probably deserves a 4 or a 3.5, but this novel alone was awful. Bad writing, predictable plot, and dull characters. I might still reread the trilogy in the future, and hopefully by then I'd have a better reading experience of this novel. I'm still highly recommending the whole series, but watch out for this particular novel.
Initial thoughts:Holy hell!!!! What a fantastic conclusion to a great series!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this one!!!! Review to come. Eventually.
Review:
Actual rating: 5 What-An-Originally-Amazing-Storyline stars!!
No spoilers for any book in this series.
Well...this is going to be a difficult review to write. I tend to struggle with reviews of books in a series. How do you talk about what happened in this book, without spoiling what's happened in the previous books? None of my GR friends have read this, so I will tread lightly and be very general.
This series is different from any other series I've read. It's supernatural. It's fiction. It's history. It's vampires. It's religion. The authors have taken actual events in religious history and spun them into a supernatural fiction. It's done so well, so seamlessly, that I found myself believing these things actually happened the way the authors wrote it. I loved the spin they put on the Catholic religion. I've read some reviews in which people were appalled that they wrote things the way they did. But, COME ON!!! It's fiction!!! Relax...
This conclusion to the series tied up all the loose ends. It answered every question I'd developed throughout the series. I loved this series. I loved the originality and the concepts they put out there. I'm sad to see it end. But I'm beyond satisfied in the way they ended it. If you haven't read this series and you enjoy supernatural stories, it wouldn't hurt you to look into this one. The first one was good, I liked it. But the second and third...WOW!!!!
The final book in a trilogy is always difficult to read, the knowledge that you have to say a fond farewell to characters that you have watched grow and develop into the multi dimensional beings that they are now.
Well can I just say that the Rollins and Cantrell writing combination did not disappoint. The return of Father Rhun Korza (sanguinist/ Knight of Christ), Dr Erin Grainger (archaeologist / Woman of Learning) and Sargent Jordan Stone (soldier / Warrior of Man) I have eagerly awaited since last year, they returned in an earth shattering explosion, fighting the one fight against evil, to prevent the return of the fallen angel Lucifer and the threatening cascade of darkness.
Beautifully written, the fusion of history, mythology and modern science again intertwines into a novel that grips the reader from the very beginning.
Questioning again how far beneath evil lies and just how the quest for salvation will go.
I have laughed and cried reading this book, I've mourned close friends and felt an array of emotions that i never expected.
It may be the end of the trilogy however I am ever hopeful that this will not be the end of the characters that I have grown to love.
Blood Infernal by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell Published 2015, William Morrow Stars: ★★★★★ Review also posted at: Slapdash & Sundry
This was it. This was the end... the end of the apocalyptic trilogy by James Rollins, one of my favorite authors, and his co-author Rebecca Cantrell. And I must say I'm disappointed... not in the quality of the book, but in the fact that it's OVER. James Rollins is an expert at adventure/action/techno-thrillers. I mean it when I say that. I preorder the hardcover of every new book of his that comes out. I'm addicted like nobody's business. This was really his first foray into another of my favorite genres: urban fantasy. And now it's over...
James, you've made it hard for me to be satisified with just your Sigma Force series when I know you're capable of mixing such great urban fantasy into your work. I guess I'll have to pick up your fantasy series written under your other pseudonym, James Clemens.
Anywho, enough of that digression. This story picks up a little while after the second book ended, finding each of our three prophesied-trio-protags working together, well, by working alone. Of course, their threads end up tying together again, leading them on a world-crossing adventure to stop the very dark angel of history himself, Lucifer, from rising and changing the world as we know it. They're facing off against Legion, a demon who can possess multiple darkness-tainted creatures at once and control them and see through their eyes.
Very explosive ending to a really fun trilogy. The trilogy isn't without it's flaws, and it has some stereotypical issues that the genre typically faces -- like characters being on the brink of death multiple times but it all working out... but there are reasons for it.
Plus, my favorite character, the Countess, gets more development in this one. :)
This is one flippin fantastic trilogy. The two authors definitely bring out the best in each other. This is one amazing story going off the wall on religious history. And it ends with happiness and love. LOVED LOVED LOVED it.
A very nice end to a good trilogy and a thumping good read.
All the loose ends tie up in a pretty satisfying manner and we even have room for a possible sequel. I loved the main characters, the action and the mystery, as well as the religious/supernatural side of the story.
I'm taking one star off though, because of bad editing. Small editing mistakes don't normally bother me, but these were a bit too big to ignore at times. For instance: one of our profesized trio has his right arm cut above the elbow and just a few chapters after it happens, he wields a blade with same right arm. These little details somehow manage to jump out when you really concentrate on the story. So.... bummer - not a full 5 star trilogy anymore.
First of all, I finished a trilogy! Woo-hoo! It's so rare I need to celebrate it. Lol!
Sooo.......one last time the trio of the archaeologist, the marine and the priest are working to prevent literally all hell breaking loose. All I can say is Rollins never disappoints! I started this trilogy because I saw him last year at the LA Times Book Festival where he spoke about this collaboration with Rebecca Cantrell. I love these kinds of books that are about ancient history or religious history with action & adventure thrown in. I just find it so fascinating and I soak it up! Rollins is superb at this kind of thing. Even when this book was reaching its climax, I kept looking at the last few pages thinking, I don't want this to end. But alas, it did and I was very happy with it. 5 stars all the way around and for the entire trilogy. :)
If you want an explosive ending, you have to read a James Rollins book. If you want a mix of new-age religion, original fantasy, and breakneck action you have to read this James Rollins book. This trilogy was one I honestly never wanted to end. I've read a lot, but rarely have three characters made such a place in my heart as Rhun, Jordan and Erin. I bought the Blood Infernal audiobook because I couldn't wait until the paperback came out in my country and I'm definitely not sorry. To hear the accents I've only had to imagine until now was a delight. I'm still going to buy the paperback, of course, just so I can have the full collection. I wondered if I should leave a review because the ending left me truly speechless. And maybe a little regretful. I'm not afraid to admit I wanted Rhun and Erin to be together. I've adored their chemistry since the beginning, loving the longing, the secret glances, the way they grounded each other. And for a second there, near the end, with the possibility staring at us, I was truly happy. In true 'Sixth Sense' fashion, our writer duo swerved and made the ending as unexpected as it was grandeur. There isn't much I can say without spoiling the plot, so I'll just give a recommendation - if you're wondering if you should give the series a chance stop wondering. Go out to the nearest bookstore or go online, and with a few clicks you'll be the proud owner of one of the best series I've had the pleasure of reading. I'll be rereading these books as soon as I have enough free time. This is absolutely a story I never want to forget. One I'd love to relive again and again.
REVIEW: BLOOD INFERNAL by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell (Order of the Sanguines #3)
A rip-roaring historical prologue sets the scenery for this riveting thriller whose suspense never falters. Readers who loved the first two books in the Order of the Sanguines Series (BLOOD GOSPEL and INNOCENT BLOOD) will find this conclusion immensely appealing; those who haven't yet read the first two novels can still enjoy this one (and will be inspired to check out the earlier books, and enter the saga of the Sanguinists, once preternatural monsters who have converted to the Blood of Christ, and archaeologist extraordinaire Dr. Erin Granger, herself bonded to the Blood Gospel of Christ.
No surprises here, really, in the conclusion to the trilogy. There are more blasphmeres, more strigoi, more Sanguinists and more cameos from Famous Historical People. The main reason to keep reading is less about the Three of Prophecy and more about Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess of infamy and legend. She is - to my mind - the most interesting character here. Oh, and the lion cub. Another reason to continue to read.
Книгата е изпълнена с изобилни приключения, екшън, хорър и фентъзи. Героите бяха подложени на постоянен стрес. Гонени из цялото земно кълбо, те се биеха дори до смърт. Имаше много невъзможни ситуации, но книгата е трилър с фантастични елементи. Тримата от пророчеството отново се събират за един последен поход в името на светлината и спасението на човечеството. Заигравката с Библейските сюжети ми беше интересна, но в същото време интерпретация е с езотеричен уклон и един вид скрито за другите човеци познание. Няма как в такива книги да не се използват сюжети от Библията, буквално. Сангвинистите помагат на тримата от пророчеството, а те същевременно се борят със своите слабости. Трябва да спасят света от идването на Луцифер, който ще унищожи човека и ще създаде райски свят без неговото съществуване. Демоните ще бъдат щастливи в един такъв свят. Книгата е със забързано действие, кървава, с много битки и изпълнена с напрежение. Приключение след приключение. Допадна ми, но смесването и опорочаването на Библейските сюжети, ми дойде твърде много.
***I received this book for free from (William Morrow) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
In the final installment of The Order of the Sanguines by Rollins and Cantrell, things are looking rather bleak for our heroes and it will take cunning, knowledge, a bit of luck, faith in each other, and maybe a surprise or two, to survive what's coming next. Can they come together or will evil push them into betraying each other? Once again, the authors take our heroes across the globe from Italy, Egypt, Czech Republic, France, and Nepal.
What we known going into Blood Infernal. Lucifer is ready to break free from his chains that bind him to Hell thanks to a Sanguines betrayer who truly believed the lies he was sold. Good is being over-run by evil strigoi with super strength around the globe and it's not looking too good for the home team when it arrives within their mist.
Blood Infernal is the final amazing book in the Order of the Sanguines trilogy. Rollins and Cantrell have woven together an adventure story mixed with religion, history and the supernatural. We are joined again by The Knight of Christ, Rhun Korza; The Warrior of Man, Jordan Stone; and the Woman of Learning, Erin Granger. Other key characters from the first two books also return and their stories interconnect. They travel to Italy and the Czech Republic, the Pyrenees and even further, hoping to keep the Apocalypse from starting. The team must battle a demon named Legion and face Lucifer himself. Very little time is left.
Blood Infernal has a wonderful and thrilling plot. It's a page-turning ride from the beginning to its powerful conclusion. I'm sad that the story is over but I enjoyed reading it very much. When I first started the trilogy I wasn't sure I would enjoy it nearly as much as I did. I loved the historical aspects along with some very strong and believable characters. Initially I questioned the need for the vampires but they added extra layers to the story. I highly recommend reading the books in order to enjoy the full story, beginning with Blood of the Gospels.
This is a great action series that is steeped in the history of the catholic church and the ancient sect of the Sanguines. This book wraps up the story line of Erin and Jordon and their quest to keep mankind alive and keep the "Gates of Hell" locked. As they travel through time and the Vatican's library and underground catacombs they must sacrifice to win.
This rude of a story is well written & it's best to read all of the books I order to understand & enjoy! Thank you James & Rebecca for the journey you have shared! I await to read more !
What a fantastic ending to an amazing and dark story. My favorite part was with Lucifer. Totally awesome and I would love that to have happened instead of the Bible's story of Revelations.
I am curious about 2 parts. I want to know what Elizabeth and Rhun decide to do together. There are hints but no clear picture. I can imagine it will be wonderful though. The other part I am wondering is whether anything happens to Jordan and Erin in the future. I could see a next generation story.
Blood Infernal brings the Order of the Sanguines series to an end, and it was a story I happily powered through. Although the second book remains my favourite in the series, this one certainly had me hooked.
As has been the case throughout the series, there was plenty packed into this one. There were many new elements introduced to bring the story together, the elements adding unexpected twist to details we thought we knew well. I confess, some of the details that came together at the end were a bit anticlimactic, but as a whole the story had me more than hooked.
It’s certainly worth reading if you’ve enjoyed the two prior books.
The end of the trilogy already? Well, that sucks. But that's okay.
Yes, I'm rating this one five stars in advance, 'cause it's gotta be just that awesome. I just hope I don't really have to wait till December 2015...
Review: Well, it looks like this one may well and truly be the end of the trilogy. Sure, there's easily potential for further adventures, but after that ending...
And along the way, of course, there was nothing short of the typical Rollins high action and high adventure. Not to mention my favorite part of reading these types of stories - major history-bending. I'm a sucker for that, and the Sanguines Trilogy is no exception.
With that being said, I hereby bid this amazing - and amazingly underrated - series ave atque vale!
I loved the first two in this trilogy but this final book was quite a disappointment. The characters were flat and the plot quite predictable, even though it took a long time getting there. I also dislike it when the final, most crucial mystery that has to be solved in order to save the world is discovered by pure accident. All of that build-up from the first two novels, the courage of the trio of protagonists, the intensity of the action, the critical nature of their mission all comes down pure chance?
4.5 Stars! Wonderful way to end the story ARC, loved it. I would suggest that to start with the first book and work your way to this one, as you need the full ARC to understand what Erin, Jordan and Rhun went through in order to save the world. Good collaboration between JR and RC and I hope that we might see these characters mix it up with Sigma at some point.
This is the third book in the Order of the Sanguinists trilogy. The book had everything the the final book in a series should have...epic battles, a strong love story (or two) and answers for any remaining questions.
The series rated 4 to 4.5 for me with each book getting higher marks as the tension built and the story unfolded.
This book ends the trilogy and in it the three heroes save the world as expected. But not without a lot of trouble and betrayal. There is a lot of unexpected twists and turns to the religious prophecy at the very end that you'll have to read about as I won't tell you.
I am ecstatic and somewhat sad that I am pretty much done with this three part series. It feels as if I spent my summer vacationing with my crazy long lost relatives, getting closer to them, riding the overwhelming crazy train that you cannot wait to get off, but when you do and it's time to go home, you find yourself not really wanting to leave.
But now that I have left crazy town, I can now tell you all how my stay was. (Not gonna lie. Some of the crazy did rub off on me so don't mind if I start to ramble nonsense through the rest of this review.)
The series as a whole was very well written and I also enjoyed them individually. The characters were, despite some of them being Strigoi and Sanguine, surprisingly very relatable.
This third book gave me everything a final book is supposed to. The same consistency in action, storyline and character development as well as a great ending that brings peaceful closure.
I loved everything about this series! I felt as if I was watching Bram Stokers Dracula, Tomb Raider, The Mummy and the Exorcist all at once. Filled with horror, a ton of biblical references (which didn't bother me that much since I don't believe in religion), exciting adventures, epic characters and a dash of romance, this was truly a fun read and I highly recommend picking this series up.
Both of these authors made a wonderful team and I am now planning to read more from both of them.
This 3rd book from the Order of the Sanguines Series, completes the trilogy telling an exciting tale of a prophecy that could result in the Apocalypse. With the discovery of the Blood Gospel, a tome written by Christ in his own blood, led the prophesized warrior trio from the holy grounds in Rome to Prague, Czech Republic to the Pyrenees Mountains in France then to Tsum Valley, Nepal, fighting against time and the powerful forces of darkness to save the world from looming Apocalypse. The Reader is kept on the edge of her seat, worrying whether the protagonists could solve thought provoking obstacles to go on to their next destination, distressing how they could overcome the conspiracies and survive intense physical combat. Amongst this chaos and excitement the Reader experience warmth from the romance and love between the protagonists. At the end the Reader is surprised by an unexpected twist that made her pause to ponder on the outcome. Yes it was a good read.
Este é então o último livro da trilogia Os Sanguinistas e, por isso, vamos a reencontrar o nosso trio - Erin, Jordan e o padre Rhun Korza - bem como alguns dos personagens os livros anteriores, como é o caso do sanguinista Christian e da condessa Elizabeth Bathory! E, desta vez, têm que tentar impedir o Apocalise e confrontar o próprio Lucifer. Volto a referir que adoro esta mistura de géneros criada pelos autores, com fantasia, sobrenatural, religião e história, numa narrativa de ficção mas muito bem construída e tão bem descrita que quase nos parece tudo muito real. E, desta vez, com ligações a John Dee , o astrólogo e alquimista da Rainha Elizabeth I. Temos, uma vez mais, a luta entre o Bem e o Mal mas, onde o Mal está ainda mais poderoso! E, volto a dizer, adoro a condessa Elizabeth Bathory! E se os autores voltassem a escrever sobre ela e Rhun, eu ir adorar ler!