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Altar of Eden: Early Review
Friday, November 06, 2009
First, sorry for the lag time between blogs of late. Some of you may know that I've been juggling with a few medical problems in my family. The most recent being my younger sister's diagnosis of breast cancer. So I've been spending lots of time in the offices of surgeons and oncologists. I'll be going with her on her first chemotherapy session tomorrow.
But I did want to share a bit about this winter's book, Altar of Eden. First here's a sneak peek of the flap jacket copy
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A master at combining heart-stopping suspense and scientific intrigue, New York Times bestselling author James Rollins returns with a thrilling adventure like no other--a shocking story of cruel genetic experiments done in the name of national security…and, most disturbing of all, tied to a secret history of the Book of Genesis.
ALTAR OF EDEN
Following the fall of Baghdad, two Iraqi boys stumble upon armed men looting the city zoo, opening the floodgates for the smuggling of hundreds of exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles to Western nations. But this crime hides a deeper secret. Amid a hail of bullets, an underground secret weapons lab is ransacked--and something even more horrific is set free.
Seven years later, Louisiana state veterinarian Lorna Polk stumbles upon a fishing trawler shipwrecked on a barrier island. The crew is missing or dead, but the boat holds a frightening cargo: a caged group of exotic animals, clearly part of a black market smuggling ring.
Yet, something is wrong with these beasts, disturbing deformities that make no sense: a parrot with no feathers, a pair of Capuchin monkeys conjoined at the hip, a jaguar cub with the dentition of a saber-tooth tiger. They also all share one uncanny trait--a disturbingly heightened intelligence.
To uncover the truth about the origin of this strange cargo and the terrorist threat it poses, Lorna must team up with a man who shares a dark and bloody past with her, now an agent of the U.S. Border Patrol, Jack Menard.
Together, the two must hunt for a beast that escaped the shipwreck while uncovering a mystery tied to fractal science and genetic engineering, all to expose a horrifying secret that traces back to mankind’s earliest roots.
But can Lorna stop what is about to be born upon the altar of Eden before it threatens not only the world, but also the very foundation of what it means to be human?
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I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book. My clients at the clinic used to ask me all the time: "You're a veterinarian. Why don't you write about one? Something like James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small?" Well, my short answer was: "Because not enough people die in those Herriot books." I was working 14-16 hours a day as vet, and I didn't want to go home and write about one." Well, now that I write full time and do some volunteer work on the side, I thought it might be high time for me to tackle a veterinary thriller (I'm not sure there is such a subgenre...but there is now <grin>).
I also love New Orleans. I've visited the city countless times before and after Katrina and knew I always wanted to set a story there: the rich culture, the haunted aspect of the city, the prehistoric beauty of the surrounding bayous and swamps. So this stand-alone adventure gave me a chance to do just that. By the way, here's a photo of the swamp taken when I was last down there.
I was also fascinated by a veterinary facility on the outskirts of the city: the Audubon Center for the Research of Endangered Species (ACRES). It's not open to the public, but it's associated with the city zoo. The researchers there are using cutting-edge science (cloning, in vitro fertilization, cryogenics) to help protect various endangered species. They also have a macabre sense of humor about it all. They cloned a species of wildcat and named the resulting kitten Ditteaux (pronounced "ditto"). Is there any better name for a cloned cat?
So that's where Dr. Lorna Polk works before being pulled into an adventure that will spread beyond the US border and deep into the history of mankind. She's also aided by a man with whom she shares a dark past, a Border Patrol agent named Jack Menard. I hope you enjoy this latest adventure. The book is slated for release the last Tuesday in December, just barely squeaking this book into the 2009 calendar year. It's currently available for pre-order. I look forward to hearing from you all about this side excursion from the Sigma series.
Oh, and speaking of Sigma. What's the next book about? Well, it's my biggest story yet, where lingering questions will be answered and all Hell breaks loose (in this case literally). If you don't believe me, here's the official release of the title: THE DEVIL COLONY.
Want to know more? Stay tuned!
Jim
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Comments
Name: Soly Brown Date: 2009-11-07
I can't wait to read it!!!
Name: Jeff Hobbs Date: 2009-11-07
I love you stand alone books, even more than the Sigma series. Keep them coming! I have read everything since I stumbled on to Subterranean. You Rock!!
Name: Jenn Van Ness Date: 2009-11-07
Best wishes and good karma to you and your sister!
Name: Rakesh Date: 2009-11-08
Unsure whether you aware of your huge fan base in India.. I wish you would set on of your roaring thrillers in this exotic land !!
Name: Rakesh Date: 2009-11-08
Blame my creaky keyboard for those awful typos.. :)
Name: Candace E. Salima Date: 2009-11-08
Sorry to hear about your sister, James. My prayers and thoughts will remain with her that she may have a speedy and full recovery. Altar of Eden sounds fascinating. Can't wait to dive in. The Devil Colony? Oh yeah, sounds perfect for a continuation of the Sigma series. Can't wait.
Name: Amy D. Shojai, CABC Date: 2009-11-08
Can't wait to read it! And....hope you'll still have time for the radio interview about your latest on my "Pet Peeves" show (we talked about this last Thrillerfest). Positive thoughts coming to your sister... Will send an email followup soon. I'm at deadline on my APBT book!
Name: Rita Date: 2009-11-08
I hope all the treatments will work fast for your sister. Wishing you both all the best and strength. How cool that the new book is set partly in Louisiana. I lived there six years and loved it! New Orleans certainly and Mardi Gras and Audubon zoo, but there's also many other great places. Can't wait for the new Sigma. I can't imagine the hell being more lose than in Black order but I take your word for it!
Name: Autumn Blesh Date: 2009-11-08
You are such a tease!!!! Devil colony? Altar of Eden sounds wonderful can't wait. How long until you know what contest will be?
Name: Debbie's World of Books Date: 2009-11-08
So sorry to hear about your sister. I hope the treatment goes successfully. The book sounds great and cannot wait to read it.
Name: Pete Yanul Date: 2009-11-11
Jim: You're one of my favorite authors, and Subterranean and Amazonia are two of my all-time favorite novels. I personally enjoy standalone books better than series, so I'm really looking forward to Altar of Eden. I hope this is a sign that you're going to go back and forth between the Sigma series (which I still enjoy) and new standalones. Best Regards, Pete
Name: Elena Denisenko Date: 2009-11-11
Hello Jim. I regret for illness of your sister and I wish her the prompt recover. I think, that you too want it. Then do not forget, that "If you want something, all Universe will promote that your desire has come true." I wish you that the source of your forces was never exhausted. Your books are fine, and your care of sister is invaluable.
Name: L Date: 2009-11-12
Looking forward to exploring the new adventure. Hope this time with your sister is special for you both. Keep laughing and...fresh smoothies are great with a little chemotherapy, and, with a pitch doctoring bedside manners...as memory serves.
Name: Allan Wilson Date: 2009-11-15
Hi Jim, I would like to wish you and your sister all the best. My aunty has been diagnosed with Cancer and it is only a matter of time before it takes her life. I wish your sister a speedy recovery and all the best for you and your family! Stay strong and hang in there!
Name: Arlie G Date: 2009-11-15
Hi Jim Sorry to read your sister is going through a hard time. Glad you are being there for her. Your both in my heart and prayers. Arlie
Name: Dan Coles Date: 2009-11-15
Wow, can't wait. Also can't wait to here more about the next SIGMA book. Love them. Are the rest of your catalogue going to be re-released in Australia?
Name: Dave Date: 2009-11-16
James, I was around often on this site about a year ago and disappeared to work on a project for a little while. I am back (mlattsco) and happy as heck that Altar is coming! Thanks! Dave
Name: Ken C. Date: 2009-11-17
Have to say that I am a big fan of the stand-alones. Of course, I read everything you write, but love the way you are able to stretch reality in the stand-alones. Good thoughts to you and your sister!
Name: Gerardo Perez Date: 2009-11-18
I've just finished TDK, and certainly can't wait to see what's next for SIGMA and the guys! Keep on te good writing and I'll keep on recommending you to everyone I know!
Name: Alayne Date: 2009-11-25
I am so glad you're doing another non-SIGMA thriller. I love the SIGMA series, but I enjoyed your earlier books more, the sci-fi aspect was always thrilling. I would love to get my hands on an advanced copy of Alter of Eden to review for my book blog. I'll be searching William Morrow/Harper Collins to see if they have an ARC program like other publishers. Best of luck! Alayne TheCrowdedLeaf.wordpress.com
Name: Deborah Date: 2010-06-27
Sorry to hear about your sister, she will be in our prayers. First let me say, as an Author you are a genius. I have read all your Sigma Books and Altar of Eden. Altar of Eden being my least favorite, I guess I just want more of that Sigma Team. As a stand alone book and considering the subject matter, Altar of Eden Rocks. I have already pre-ordered Devil Colony and am much anticipating my Sigma Force Team in Action..Thanks James you are a wonderful writer, God Bless you...If you need any covers...by Son is an Amazing Artist.
Name: Elaine Manzanilla Date: 2009-11-07
Wow! now you've really got my attention... can't wait to read it. Best wishes for your sister and your family. Stay strong.