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OUR FAVORITE PICKS FOR BOOKS, MOVIES & MUSIC. SLOW DOWN AND TAKE SOME TIME TO SNUGGLE UP WITH YOUR CANINE COMPANION. REACH FOR A GOOD BOOK, PLUG INTO A MOVIE, OR LISTEN TO MUSIC ABOUT DOGS.
BLOODLINE, from New York Times bestselling author James Rollins, finds a covert arm of our own Department of Defense (what a concept), involved in a genetic mystery with ties to both ancient history and modern-day government. The book redefines the meaning of life and death, taking you to the fore- front of medical, genetic and technological discovery. It reveals in fictional form, the fact that immortality has not only been studied for centuries, it has been achieved, albeit using less than moral experimenta-
tion. As a practicing doctor of veterinary medi-
cine who has studied evolutionary biology, Rollins uses his knowledge of medicine, science and the military industrial complex, to meld cutting edge science with history and reli- gion. Perhaps even more startling than the story itself, is the fact that much of it is based on evidence indicating that though this is a fictional account, it’s not based on fictional subject matter. Don’t be fooled into believing this a good guy vs. bad guy
story. My sense is this is bad guy vs. worse guy scenario, with bouts of occasional decency thrown in to keep us from com- pletely jettisoning any hope for the future of mankind. Yep. It’s a brutal reading, but the challenge is putting it down once you’ve swallowed the bait - hook, line and sinker. The bait being ‘Notes from the Historical Record.’ Closely followed by the equally jarring ‘Notes from the Scientific Record.’
“He has been given a scent, trapped in a wad of cloth. He was sent on the hunt for it. He lifts his nose toward the planks above. He sniffs, drawing in the richness there,
expanding trails in all directions, so many. But through it all, a single thread matches, connecting here to that wad of cloth. He has found what he hunted. He points his nose to the
scent and voices his success. He lets flow a soft whine, deep in his throat proclaiming his victory. He hears words in
one ear that melt through him. ‘Good dog.’ ” From Bloodline by James Rollins.
Published by William Morrow, June, 2012. Oh yeah…it’s a novel alright. But you better be prepared
for the assault on your senses. And while you’re at it, suspend any belief that you have a clue about what’s behind the curtain. The facts behind BLOODLINE are undeniable, and they
are what make it a chilling, yet satisfying read that just may change your life.
56 THE NEW BARKER Summer ~ 2012
James Rollins is dedicated to paying it forward. He is the founder of Authors United, a group of bestselling authors dedicated to raising funds and awareness for USA Cares. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping soldiers and their families, through job placement, housing assistance, and emergency aid. Their mission is simple: restore financial stability and self-sufficiency, while instilling a renewed sense of hope among the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our freedom. As a veterinarian, he is also committed to improving the lives of
animals. The Rollins family of dogs includes three Golden Retrievers, Duncan, Echo and Penny. Visit
www.JamesRollins.com. – Book reviews by Steve Cooke for The New Barker.
www.TheNewBarker.com
TRACKER, Rollins’ original e-book short story (which I reviewed in paperback thanks to the publisher including it with the BLOODLINE stuff), is actually a prequel to BLOODLINE in that it was released a few weeks before the 562-page novel. At 48 pages, it’s a much quicker read, though no less intense and spellbinding. In fact, the visual impact created by Rollins is stun- ning early and often. The shorter format just means he gets right to the point crafting this little gem. Location? First page. Plot scenario? First page. Character development? Always. How do you set this down
after a setup like this: “March 4, 5:32 P.M., Budapest, Hungary, He knew she was being hunted.” You had me at ‘She,’ John. Followed by this: “Seated at a chilly bistro table, wrapped in a woolen jacket, Tucker Wayne watched the woman hurry across the icy medieval plaza known as Szentharomsag, or Trinity Square. The Blonde, early twenties…” You had me at ‘medieval,’ John. I’ll
assume dear reader, that you’re not as easy as I am, so here’s a line or two on the next page: “He was the only one banished to the outdoor patio at the edge of the cold square. He and his partner.” Now this being a dog magazine and all, who do you think his partner is? Clue: it’s not Catwoman. Read it. You can thank me later. U
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