# Sandstorm (novel)

Sandstorm is the first novel by James Rollins, the first book in the Sigma Force continuing series about counter-terrorism, research, and covert operations.
The novel begins Commander Painter Crowe attempts to thwart a computer hacker who is putting the United States in danger. Meanwhile, in the British Museum, a private collection is destroyed and the cause cannot be explained. Sigma Force's quest takes them into the Arabian Desert and to a long-buried threat that may bring about the end of the balance of power.
This novel introduces Sigma Force and a mysterious opposing group, the Guild, who appear in several of Rollins' future Sigma Force novels.

## Plot

The story begins with a Dr. Safia al-Maaz, a renowned archaeologist known for her tenacity and brilliance, finds herself on the precipice of a groundbreaking discovery. Alongside her mentor, Dr. Kara Kensington, Safia uncovers an ancient city buried beneath the unforgiving sands of the Oman desert. This lost civilization, shrouded in mystery and time, promises to rewrite history books and offer unprecedented insights into a forgotten past. However, their discovery is not solely celebrated by the academic world.
Lurking in the shadows, unseen forces are drawn to the site by whispers of a legendary treasure rumored to be hidden within the ruins. Cassandra Sanchez, a cunning former spy turned mercenary, leads this clandestine group. Driven by a personal vendetta against Safia, whose past holds secrets both dangerous and alluring, Cassandra is determined to claim the treasure for herself, using it to further her own paramilitary agenda.
Meanwhile, Painter Crowe, director of Sigma, a shadowy U.S. intelligence agency, receives word of the excavation through his network of informants. Intrigued by the potential for advanced technology, Painter dispatches a team led by the stoic and capable Commander Grayson Pierce to investigate the site. The location holds a striking resemblance to Ubar, a mythical oasis said to possess the keys to unlocking unimaginable power - a legend long dismissed as mere folklore.
Safia's world turns upside down when she and her team are ambushed by Cassandra's ruthless mercenaries. In the ensuing chaos, Safia flees into the unforgiving desert landscape, encountering a tribe of Bedouin nomads who offer her refuge. The tribe's sheikh, the wise and experienced Omaha Dunn, takes Safia under his protection, recognizing her plight and the potential danger she faces.
As Painter and Grayson arrive in Oman, they meet with Kara, who reveals the site's potential connection to the legendary Ubar. Painter, fueled by his own ambitions, sees a chance to acquire an ancient weapon known as the "Eye of the Gods," rumored to hold the power to reshape the world.
The truth behind Cassandra's motivations surfaces - she seeks the treasure of Ubar as a means to fund her paramilitary operations, transforming her from a rogue agent into a formidable threat. Her ambition, fueled by a deep-seated vendetta against Safia, fuels a relentless pursuit, culminating in an attack on the Bedouin tribe that serves as Safia's sanctuary. Omaha and his loyal companions defend their home and their newfound ally, demonstrating their unwavering courage and loyalty.
Safia and Omaha form an unlikely alliance, their shared purpose driving them forward. They race against time, navigating treacherous desert landscapes and evading Cassandra's deadly mercenaries, following clues left by the ancients that lead them closer to the lost city of Ubar.
Painter's team, driven by their own agenda, tracks Safia and Omaha's movements. Kara, delving deeper into the secrets of Ubar, discovers a hidden map that reveals the location of the ancient city's hidden gates. A race against time ensues, with Safia, Omaha, and Painter's team pushing forward, desperate to reach Ubar before Cassandra lays claim to its treasures.
Reaching the heart of Ubar, they uncover the remnants of a civilization that wielded technology beyond the understanding of modern science. Time seems to bend and twist as they discover evidence of advanced weaponry, energy manipulation, and perhaps even the legendary "Eye of the Gods."
The final begins, Cassandra's forces are thwarted, their ambitions crushed by the combined strength of Safia, Omaha, and Painter's team. The secrets of Ubar are secured, at least for now. However, the story ends with a lingering sense of unease. The true potential of Ubar's technology remains a mystery, its power a double-edged sword. The danger of it falling into the wrong hands still looms, casting a shadow over the future. The sands of time have revealed a lost civilization and their secrets, but the quest for knowledge and power has only just begun.

## Characters

* Painter Crowe: Painter is the director of Sigma Force, a secret organization under the U.S. Department of Defense's DARPA. He is of Native American descent and possesses superhuman abilities due to exposure to uranium in his youth. Painter is highly intelligent, resourceful, and determined. He works closely with Grayson Pierce, leading the investigation into the mysterious attacks in the Arabian Desert.
* Grayson "Gray" Pierce: Gray is a former Special Forces operative and Painter's right-hand man in Sigma Force. He is a skilled fighter, linguist, and strategist. Gray is sent undercover to the Arabian Peninsula to investigate the attacks and uncovers a shocking conspiracy that threatens global stability.
* Cassandra Sanchez: A mysterious and alluring woman, Cassandra is somehow connected to the terrorist attacks. Her true loyalties are unknown, keeping Gray on edge as he tries to uncover her role in the conspiracy.
* Safia al-Maaz: An archaeologist from Oman, Safia becomes entangled in the plot when her discovery in the desert leads to a brutal attack. Her knowledge of ancient history proves crucial in unraveling the mystery.
* Kara Kensington: A wealthy and influential socialite, Kara's party in the Arabian desert becomes the site of a horrific attack, kicking off the events of the novel. Her connections to powerful figures around the world make her a key player in the unfolding drama.
* Omaha Dunn: A former Navy SEAL and Gray's childhood friend, Omaha provides tactical support and backup to Gray during his undercover mission. His skills as a warrior are invaluable in the treacherous landscape of the Arabian Peninsula.