Altar of Eden

Altar of Eden is the latest book by James Rollins. Rollins writes books that capture readers and take them on some wild rides. This time he explores gene manipulation for military purposes.

Dr. Lorna Polk works for ACRES - the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species - as a geneticist trying to prevent more animals from becoming extinct. Working and living in New Orleans she is aware of the black market for endangered animals who are sometimes smuggled in through the bayou from outside of the country.

Jack Menard, an agent with Border Patrol, calls Dr. Polk when a ship is washed up on one of the small islands in the bayou after a storm. But this boat of animals is unlike any other that has been smuggled into the area. These animals are not only genetically engineered, but they have traits that have died out thousands of years ago. For example, the sabre-toothed Jaguar that has escaped.

Dr. Polk, Menard, and a team of Cajun volunteers must hunt down the Jaguar before it can finds its next meal. Once that impossible task is complete, the team as ACRES will study the other animals and try to find out who created them.

Rollins is a master of suspense writing based on science - science fiction without aliens or dragons. He takes the latest research news and weaves stories that could conceivably happen as a result. His books are fast-paced thrillers that will keep readers up late to finish the story.

Rollins, James. (2010). Altar of Eden. New York: William Morrow.