Rating: 
Summary: flat and plodding
Review: I expected to read a sciencific fact-based book with lots of suspense, intelligent characters, and steamy atmospherics, but I got a plot,--or should I say plod--that was completely flat, with stock villians and insipid heroes. For an example of sterotypical characters, look at Rollins' depiction of the U.S. Rangers. If I ever get stranded in the jungle with these guys (and one gal)--then, I hope to be rescued by Black Hawk Down, or Big Bird! The science is virtually non-existent; the research into the Yanomamo and other indigenous people of the Amazon is weak, and the American scientists are portrayed as shallow seekers for a big Cure. The plot goes in leaps and I was unable to acheive the "willing suspension of disbelief" that is essential to an engaging adventure novel. I like Lincoln Childs!
Rating: 
Summary: I Love a Mystery
Review: When I was a boy (1946), I used to lay in bed and listen to a radio show called "I Love a Mystery". It only lasted for 15 minutes each night but use to scare the hell out of me as Doc, Reggie and Jack took on the mystery and majic of the night. This book had the same effect as each night I would read a few chapters about a team of men and women who were trying to locate a group that disappeared 5 years earlier in the amazon. The thrill of the quest which was followed by non-stop action and a little majic had me turning each page slowly so I won't miss a thing even though I was never sure what would happen next. If you want to take a wild ride with James Rollins down the Amazon never knowing what's aroound the bend as you encounter creatures, old enemies and a whole new world, then put on a reading lamp, turn down the lights and sit back, hang on, and enjoy. I read all the mystery and thrillers on the market and this is clearly one of the best this year.........
Rating: 
Summary: Welcome to the Painforest!
Review: Although it's a bit reminiscent of Matthew Reilly's "Temple" (both use giant jaguars) and uses the over-used story of a team racing to find the cure to a virus that's about to wipe out the world, I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and I never got bored. Rollins' books are always dependable in delivering action and he's actually better than Reilly at character development. Rollins has visited caves, the jungle and the deep blue sea. Can't wait to see what he's got planned next.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the wait
Review: Amazonia is the best novel by James Rollins so far. In the vein of a good Michael Crichton story, Amazonia carries you away to a strange land and tosses in some fun technology. I also found the botanical info interesting. I hope we don't have to wait too long for novel #4
Rating:
Summary: JAWS meets INDIANA JONES
Review: I don't know what it is about Mr. Rollins books, but they just keep getting better and better. I've already read this book twice and I think I even enjoyed it better on the second read to get the nuances of his characters and wonderfully crafted plot. The first time I read the book, the action just carries you page after page (I read the entire book in a day). But it was just as fun to read a second time to appreciate the subtleties that I missed the first time. So buy this book (and his others). I can't wait to see what he does next.
Rating:
Summary: Top notch entertainment
Review: This is one heck of an adventure. As far as entertainment is concerned, James Rollins will fulfill your needs. Nathan Rand is the main protagonist. He has lost both his mother and father to the dangerous Amazon. The government would like his help in finding the trail his father took four years ago. It seems a member of his father's original team has shown up alive after four years, but lives just long enough to say a few words to a shaman in a small Amazonian village. He also had a real arm in place of one that was amputated several years earlier. There is something out there that could change the world. Nathan's team includes Army Rangers as well as a group of scientists. The obstacles encountered will leave no man unscarred. I just love stories like this. High adventure in the vain of Indiana Jones. The writing was so vivid it was like watching the big screen. It has fantasy with sci-fi, it has horror and mutations, and it covers the sciences from archeology to biology to evolution. Jaguars, anacondas, black caimans, piranhas, black ants, and one of the most vicious creatures, a woman called Tshui, are all part of the dangers (at least the normal dangers). You'll enjoy this escape to the dangerous Amazon. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Best One Yet
Review: This book is by far Rollins' best work. Any fan of Cussler, Du Brul, or Reilly will surely enjoy this one. The book is very well written and the extent of reaserch that Rollins put into the subject was perfect.
Rating:
Summary: [great] adventure!
Review: I can't believe that James Rollins, just gets better and better, but he does! 'Amazonia' is not only action-packed but full of rich characterizations. The thing I really admire about Mr. Rollins is his use of known science and taking just beyond the edge of understanding. Kudos!
Rating:
Summary: Note to reviewer JOTUJ...
Review: Ok....one would think everyone knows online etiquette by now. I guess not. CAPS means you're shouting. Looks rude, feels rude, sounds rude, whichever way you read it....After reading your review, no need to read the book. As for the book in question, this story is imaginative, as adventurous as anything I've ever read in this genre, well written and at least marginally believable compared to Matt Reilly's novels. Sure, I'm a Reilly fan as well, but you can't compare apples and oranges. Reilly writes comic books in novel form. Rollins writes novels, period. Need I say more? For action/adventure fans out there, read it. It's well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: SAME STORY DIFFERENT SETTINGS
Review: A MAN MISSING 4 YEARS, WALKS OUT OF THE AMAZON, AND DIES SHORTLY AFTER BEING RESCUED. THE MYSTERY; THIS MAN HAD ONLY ONE ARM WHEN HE WENT MISSING, AND HAS MISTERIOUSLY REGROWN THAT ARM? AN EXPEDITION OF SCIENTISTS, AND MILITARY PERSONEL IS SENT INTO THE AMAZON TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MAN, AND THE GROUP HE DISAPPEARED WITH 4 YEARS AGO. THE EXPEDITION IS CONSTANTLY ASSAILED BY MAN EATING LOCUSTS? PIRHANA WITH LEGS? AND THOUSAND POUND JAGUARS? (SOUNDS LIKE JERASIC PARK IF YOU ASK ME!) THE WHOLE PREMISE OF THE NOVEL IS BASED ON A TREE THAT CONTROLS EVOLUTION, AND HAS REMARKABLE HEALING POWERS WHEN NEAR IT, BUT CAUSES WIDESPREAD PLAGUE TO ANYONE TRYING TO ESCAPE THE POWER OF THE TREE, AND THOSE HE/SHE COMES IN CONTACT WITH? THE AUTHOR ALSO PREACHES ON THE LIE OF EVOLUTION THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. MY BEST ADVICE; READ MATHEW REILLY'S "ICE STATION", "TEMPLE", OR "AREA 7" INSTEAD. THOUGH THE BOOKS(INCLUDING THIS ONE) LACKS BELIEVABILITY, AT LEAST REILLY'S BOOKS HAVE ENOUGH ACTION TO KEEP YOU INTERESTED. HE DOESN'T PREACH ON EVOLUTION, EITHER!
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