The Ark: A New Beginning

Coined by Gibor Basri, a professor of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, a planemo is a rogue planet between the stars. Author Colin Edwards developed this concept as the premise for his novel, The Ark: A New Beginning. What would happen if a planemo named Ronin headed for Earth and collided with our moon?

Lunar-based astronomers, Sam Dyson and James Collins know the truth about Earth’s fate. Vice President Miles Garret knows the truth, too, but he and billionaire computer tycoon William Davies are withholding that truth from the public as they prepare underground shelters for their elite minion.

Meanwhile, Davies was heavily involved in financing The Ark Project ever since he found the crystals and mysterious paintings on cave walls in Mexico. His goal was to send earthly biological samples to an earth-like planet in a nearby star system to terra-form the planet for future human habitation.

Colin Edwards does an amazing job of character development in The Ark: A New Beginning. As tension rises on Earth as well as the moon, communication is shut off between the two, days prior to Ronin’s arrival. Edwards’ characters create imaginative ways to solve their dilemmas. For example, astronomer on the Ronin Project finds a way to contact his friend, Susan Ryan, advisor to President Clair Phillips to let the president know the facts.

Not to give away an intricate plot, let’s just say that people on Earth and the moon are tried to their limits to prevent the extinction of the human race and their own skins. The Ark: A New Beginning shines a spotlight on humanity’s best and worst as good and evil work together and in conflict to save the species and the all important self.

Edwards’ novel, published in 2013, is a fascinating read. However, the ending sets the stage for a sequel, which as of this date hasn’t materialized. Perhaps Mr. Colin Edwards would enlighten readers with his plans? (Leave all comments below.)