Review: Sandstorm by James Rollins
Blurb:
The explosive first adventure in James Rollins' bestselling Sigma Force series!
A freak explosion in the British museum in London ignites a perilous race for an earth-shaking power source buried deep beneath the sands of history. Painter Crowe is an agent for Sigma Force, a covert arm of the Defense Department tasked with keeping dangerous scientific discoveries out of enemy hands. When an ancient artifact points the way toward the legendary "Atlantis of the Sands," Painter must travel across the world in search of the lost city-and a destructive power beyond imagining.
But Painter has competition. A band of ruthless mercenaries, led by a former friend and ally, are also intent on claiming the prize, and they will destroy anyone who gets in their way.
Ancient history collides with cutting-edge science-with the safety of the world at stake!
Review:
FAST AND FUN
“Sandstorm” by James Rollins was my first dive into his work, and I have to say, it’s an absolute whirlwind of action and adventure. The book is a techno-thriller, though the "techno" side of things feels pretty light compared to how it leans into the adventure genre. From the very start, it gives off major Indiana Jones vibes — there’s even a character named Omaha Dunn who everyone calls Indiana, much to his annoyance. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes romp that barely gives you time to catch your breath, which works both for and against it at times.
One of the upsides is that Rollins really knows how to keep the pages turning with his quick dialogue and huge action sequences. It's no wonder this book has been optioned for a high-budget TV show. Honestly, while reading it, I kept thinking how perfectly it would translate to the screen — especially with its massive set pieces and blockbuster-style thrills. There’s this mix of ancient Arabian mythology and cutting-edge technology that gives the story an exciting edge, and the lost city of Ubar, a real-life historical mystery, plays a key role in this. Rollins nails the spooky, mysterious vibe of these ancient places.
WHAT IF?
One of the biggest appeals of stories like it is the way they blend fantastical elements with just enough science to make everything feel almost believable. Rollins is a master at taking ancient myths, lost cities, and age-old mysteries, and then adding a fresh coat of science to make you think, "What if?" That mix of wonder and plausibility really amps up the excitement.
There’s something thrilling about exploring these grand, mysterious locations (the ending of the book is a clear, shiny example of this), where history and modern technology collide. Plus, the action is non-stop and cinematic, with huge set pieces that keep the adrenaline pumping. The sense of adventure is pure, larger-than-life fun, and reminded me of those classic blockbuster adventures we all love.
PAINTER & SAFIA
That said, the pacing can feel too fast, especially in the beginning. The book rushes into the action, leaving some character development in the dust. There are multiple POVs, which adds to the complexity, but not all of them feel fleshed out or necessary. Some characters just float in and out without making much of an impact. That’s a bit of a letdown because when Rollins does spend time with a character, especially the leads, they really shine.
The main protagonist, Painter Crowe, is the kind of character who almost seems too good to be true. I mean, he's an ex-Navy SEAL who’s also incredibly gifted in science, which sounds like an over-the-top superhero combo, right? But somehow, Rollins manages to make him not just believable, but actually likable. You can’t help but root for the guy. What I find especially interesting about Painter is his mixed-race background—half Native American, half Italian. It adds a unique layer to his character that’s not often explored in these types of action thrillers. It shapes some of his outlook and how others perceive him, which makes him feel more grounded, despite his larger-than-life skills. In the end, even though he’s super capable in almost every way, he's still relatable enough to cheer for, especially when he faces tough decisions and personal challenges along the way.
The female co-protagonist, Safia al-Maaz, really stood out for me in a way that I didn’t expect. Rollins does an excellent job balancing her complex backstory and past trauma with her character development throughout the story. She’s been through a lot, and you can feel the weight of it in her actions and decisions, but she never comes off as an overpowered "strong female character" trope. Instead, Safia’s strength feels very real and grounded—it's not just about being tough physically but mentally and emotionally as well. It’s refreshing to have a female lead who’s strong because of what she’s been through, not just because the plot demands it. Safia feels like a real person, which makes her journey all the more engaging.
I loved the balance between strong male and female protagonists — both were given depth and motivation, though I would’ve appreciated even more backstory to get a deeper understanding of who they are.
NO TRICKS
The action scenes were exactly what I was hoping for—bombastic and intense, but never over the top or gross. Rollins has a way of keeping the pace fast and the stakes high, with these huge set pieces that feel cinematic, but he knows where to draw the line so it doesn’t feel gratuitous. Even when the story gets creepy toward the end, with some really eerie moments, it’s handled well. It gives you that thrill without pushing it too far or relying on cheap horror tricks.
Overall, "Sandstorm" is a fun, fast read, perfect for fans of big adventure stories with a splash of ancient mystery. It’s not the most character-driven book out there, but it’s packed with enough thrills to keep you hooked. Plus, with 17 or 18 books in the Sigma Force series, there’s plenty more to explore. I’ve already grabbed six of the books for my shelf, so I’m in for the long haul. If you’re into blockbuster adventures with a sprinkle of tech intrigue, definitely give this one a try!
