PROPHET OF BONES by Ted Kosmatka ✮✮✮✮

I am not much of a fan of sci-fi books, but I really enjoyed this one—probably because the sci-fi elements were very subtle, which for me made them feel more real. The main story line involves an archeological dig in Indonesia, where bones from a hitherto unknown species are found. The main character, Paul, suspects that there is something not quite human about the bones, but human enough to start trouble. By this point, the reader realizes that the current government in the United States is a very far right conservative one and that many issues involving freedom of speech, religion, and education are dealt with very differently than they used to be. Let’s just say that there is one faction that does not want word of these other human-like beings to get out. And then there is the group that plans to exploit this find for all its worth. Think Jurassic Park, and you get an inkling of where the book is headed.

While Kosmatka’s book lacks the sustained tension of Crichton’s work, if you enjoyed the premise of Jurassic Park I think you will enjoy this read. I am very fascinated by genetics and similar biology topics, so I found this novel, which includes three pages of biographical references that the author used to ensure his science was sound, an intellectually stimulating read as well as an entertaining one. That said, he never takes his research to such a point that the plot would drag for those who are not interested in the topic—I felt it was well-paced.

If you are a fan of scientific thrillers with a bit of a sci-fi bent to them, this is one I am confident you would enjoy.

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