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Monday, June 15, 2009
We're a week out from the release of The Doomsday Key, and as I mentioned in the previous entry, I thought I'd use this space to share some of the science behind this book.
But before we get to that, I also wanted to report that The Last Oracle is currently enjoying a run on bestseller lists across the country (#7 on the New York Times list; #6 in Publishers Weekly). Again those numbers are no reflection on my part--it's all you out there, supporting the books. Not a day goes by that I don't appreciate every note, e-mail, or posted reader reviews. It's word-of-mouth that really sells books, and I have to say you all rock! THANKS AGAIN AND ALWAYS!
Now onto The Doomsday Key. The last posting we talked about history behind the book, basically all things related to DOOM: the Doomsday Book, the Prophecy of the Popes, the Doomsday Vault. But there's also some intriguing science at the heart of this story, specifically concerning two topics.
First, the book explores the science behind the genetic engineering of plants used in food production, specifically genetically-modified crops. Some of the details behind this industry--and believe me, it's a HUGE multi-billion dollar industry--are both shocking and frightening. Just a few facts. Of the forty or such crops approved in the United States, only eight have published safety studies. And such crops are wildly uncontrolled. In 2000, a genetically modified corn called StarLink, a corn NOT meant for human consumption, got into 300 different brands, including Kellogg cereal. Genetically modified plants have been found growing wild thirty miles from where they were planted. Some people call these crops "Frankenfoods." And for good reason. It's not just weed and insect resistance that is being engineered into these plants, but also some disturbing traits. One company developed a corn that had a built-in contraceptive agent, lessening the fertility of whoever consumed it.
So for a thriller writer, it begs the question: what if someone got hold of this industry, decided he knew what was best for the world? What might happen?
Another intriguing bit of science in this story concerns the fate of the world's honeybees. As has been well reported, one-third of the bees in the United States have vanished, in a condition known as Colony Collapse Disorder. And it's still progressing. To quote Elizabeth Weise's article in an issue of last month's USA TOday, "Bees are dying for reasons known and unknown. The known reasons include a new fungal disease and a parasite called the vampire mite. . .What's unknown is the phenomena called colony collapse disorder. . . no one knows what's making them sick."Well, actually there is an answer. You'll read about it in The Doomsday Key--and most frightening of all, it's true.
So I hope that whets your appetite abit for the book. But I don't want to leave everyone with the impression that The Doomsday Key is all about history and science. It's also a great sprawling adventure novel. To quote Booklist's review of the book: "A case could be made that this guy doesn't write novels--he builds roller coasters." So I hope you grab a ticket and hop on board.
Jim
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Comments
Name: Riccardo Date: 2009-06-17
Well, that's quite a scary bit of science behind this book.. (The world is going blessing...) Anyway, I'm really intrigued by the historical facts you mentioned last week.. it's going to be a fun book, as ever!
Name: Erica K Date: 2009-06-17
Ooo... I knew this one was coming out, but as I'm not all caught up on the others so I was in no hurry to buy it. Well, now I'm going to have to catch up, because I'm horribly curious...
Name: Andrew Date: 2009-06-17
Wow this is just great another 6 more days to go
Name: Dr. Chee Ming Wong Date: 2009-06-17
There were some intruiging fringe science related to the energy world grid system and alignments with gold, and interruption with colony bees being unable to find their ways back to their colonies due to all the wireless/mobile mast disrupting their internal GPS/ probably on a genetic level. Show me the honey!
Name: Bonnie Date: 2009-06-17
Can't wait to download this on my Kindle.
Name: Margie Date: 2009-06-17
I have been waiting patiently for another of your books to come out. I am shocked about the Popes and dismayed about the bees, but I sure am looking forward to reading your book - I just wish you could write 3-4 at once.......I go into wirdrawal when I don't have one of your books to read!
Name: Cherei Date: 2009-06-18
GMO's, honeybees, and an ancient prophecy.. 2012 just around the corner.. Ummm.. I knew we should have been colonizing the stars by now! I await June 23rd! It seems SO far away. lol
Name: Steve Date: 2009-06-19
Cannot wait to read the Doomsday Key! I'm all caught up with the other novels and have two other friends hooked on them. Dr. Rollins, you are the best!!
Name: dave Date: 2009-06-19
4 days till DOOMSDAY! im strapped into the coaster waitin for takeoff! thanks jim for everything from all of us!
Name: L Date: 2009-06-21
Nice two appetizers... Looking forward to the main course.
Name: Dave Date: 2009-06-21
So, i'm re-reading the post as i'm eating a bowl of kellogg's frosted (CORN) flakes. Yummy! I hope i don't go blind before Tuesday! And i know my wife didn't eat THAT much cereal in 2000, as our little Sami was born then. :O)
Name: Lou Riddell Date: 2009-06-22
I can't wait for THE DOOMSDAY KEY! Love your other books, and I'm sure this one will be a winner, also. Thanks for the bit of history behind the books, definitely something to whet the appetite for more...
Name: Louise Kendall Date: 2009-06-22
I never buy hardcover books when first out, too expensive. That said, never doesn't apply to any James Rollins book. I'll be buying this ASAP! Your books are amazing - can't wait!
Name: Joyce Thatcher Date: 2009-06-22
Going to the bookstore tomorrow!!!!
Name: Trisha MacDonald Bruce Date: 2009-06-22
Every aspect of this book to me will be frightening but interesting. Living on a farm that has crops and livestock, I have looked into genetically modified information before. I raise Scottish Highland Cattle with are if they are the registered variety, unchanged. I love to see Celtic creep into novels, we are such a superstitious and mystic breed. Until tomorrow......
Name: Evan Kinnett Date: 2009-06-22
I had forgotten that you were coming out with another one a few months after the young adult one you just published, im very excited, cant wait!
Name: Jo Ann Date: 2009-06-17
Roller coaster...you bet...can't wait to read it!!!