The Skeleton Key

Name: The Skeleton Key
Author: James Rollins

A short story.

From New York Times bestselling author James Rollins comes a thrilling short story that delves deep beneath the city of Paris to a dark necropolis, where the only means for escape is... The Skeleton Key.

Seichan is ripped out of the Sigma series for an adventure all her own — but can she survive? The beautiful and elusive assassin wakes in a hotel in Paris with a deadly electronic collar fastened to her throat. Joined by a boy who is similarly threatened, she must rescue the son of a hated enemy, who has fallen under the sway of the nefarious leader of an apocalyptic cult. To survive, she must venture into the dark world beneath the City of Lights, into the infamous catacombs of Paris. Caught between two enemies, she must fight for her life…while time ticks down toward a fiery apocalypse. But in the dark, surrounded by the moldering bones of the dead, even success does not equal survival. In the end, the only true hope for the world lies in a stunning act of betrayal.

Included with this short story is a sneak peek at the first 70 pages of The Devil Colony, where a clue unlocked by The Skeleton Key will play a key role.

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Published: 2011

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Sigma Force

The series

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The Sigma Force series is a heart-pounding blend of military thrillers, historical mysteries, and action-packed adventures that have captivated readers worldwide. Created by bestselling author James Rollins, this series has earned critical acclaim for its fast-paced plots, complex characters, and its masterful combination of real-world history and thrilling fictional narratives. Perfect for fans of gripping espionage thrillers, action-packed sagas, and puzzle-filled mysteries, Sigma Force offers an unforgettable reading experience.

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At the heart of the series is Sigma Force, an elite covert military unit tasked with solving the world’s most dangerous and mind-bending crises. Comprised of brilliant scientists, former military operatives, and world-class experts, Sigma Force operates in the shadows, preventing global catastrophes before they occur. The series follows the team as they battle dangerous enemies, unravel long-forgotten secrets, and uncover hidden truths buried deep in history. Each novel offers a thrilling ride, blending ancient conspiracies, cutting-edge science, and high-octane action that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

With a unique ability to seamlessly incorporate real-world historical events, ancient artifacts, and scientific advancements into gripping plots, Sigma Force is more than just an action series—it’s an intellectual adventure. From ancient civilizations to advanced technologies, each book in the series offers a deeper exploration of the world around us, weaving together historical intrigue and modern-day stakes. Whether the team is racing against time to prevent a global disaster or unraveling an ancient puzzle, their dynamic personalities and high-stakes missions make every story a compelling read.

The Sigma Force series has garnered a loyal fan base and widespread acclaim for its intricate plots, smart writing, and attention to detail. Each installment combines elements of suspense, historical fiction, and cutting-edge science into a thrilling narrative that stands out in the genre. Fans of action-adventure novels, spy thrillers, and historical mysteries will find themselves absorbed in this bestselling saga, where every twist and turn heightens the stakes.

A must-read for anyone who loves high-energy thrillers, historical puzzles, and global conspiracy narratives, Sigma Force delivers a unique and captivating blend of adventure and intellect. If you’re looking for a series that combines complex characters with world-changing missions and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this series is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.