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Children Of The Anunnaki - Mark Barnette
Children Of The Anunnaki
Mark Barnette
ISBN: 9781606250013
Triom Publishing
Reviewed By Regina Kingston
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
From beginning to end, Children Of The Anunnaki
is a gripping, action-packed read guaranteed to thrill readers of all
ages. Book One in The Empire Chronicles trilogy, Mark Barnette's
compelling tale highlights the ongoing efforts of the Order and the
Guardians, two conflicting groups of descendants hailing from a proud
ancient race of beings known as the Anunnaki, the original progenitors
of the human race. According to legend, from their seat of power on
what is presently called Mars the Anunnaki maintained a prosperous
ruling empire over thousands of years – until they were violently
challenged by a sinster fallen race of beings known as the Ha.Sa.Tan.
As the ensuing prolonged war ultimately proved too much for them to
endure, the Anunnaki were forced to abdicate their positions of
authority, and their descendants successfully escaped to planet Earth
with the surreptitious mission of re-establishing the once-proud
prominence of their ancestors, a mission that slowly but surely
proceeds for thousands of years.
Enter Dr. Dallas Roark; a
brilliant linguist and archaeologist whose life and career are going
nowhere fast, he inadvertently soon becomes the central figure in the
continuing battle between the Order and the Guardians over the ultimate
legacy of the Anunnaki. However, the deeper his involvement in
discovering the real truth behind the ancient legends and myths of the
universe, the more dangerous his life becomes, and he finds himself
striving to protect not only the secrets that he eventually uncovers
but also the sanctity of his own life. With each new twist and turn of
the unfolding cosmic story, Roark becomes increasingly unsure of just
who to trust – until the ultimate truth literally emerges right before
his very eyes…
Kudos to Barnette for crafting such a classic
tale of mystery, suspense, intrigue, and action all woven into one
dynamite, can't-miss story. Filled with accurate, insightful historical
references, as well as fresh takes on biblical lore and Sunday School
lessons of old, Children Of The Anunnaki
is a well-researched, expertly crafted work sure to enlighten and
entertain. A welcome first installment in what promises to be a
genre-bending series. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Mark Barnette (Children Of The Anunnaki)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Mark. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Mark Barnette: My pleasure. Thank you for speaking with me. I'm very excited to have this opportunity to share my book and my thoughts with you.
AR: It's obvious from the detail in which you craft the story that it wasn't something you just threw together in a flash. How extensive was the research that you performed in putting it all together?
MB: The Empire Chronicles series is a concept that has, quite literally, been years in the making. In all, I spent six years researching and developing the trilogy's storyline. In that time, I read almost every book on the subjects of speculative and alternative history, as well as the more traditional areas of archaeology, geography, and other assorted sciences.
I feel that good science fiction is an extrapolation of the actual, so I began with what we all know and tried to turn it on its head.
I've also had the benefit of traveling extensively, and this allowed me to bring a level of authenticity to the character's surroundings that I feel is crucial to telling any good tale.
AR: In light of all that is revealed to him in a very short period of time - not to mention his logical, scientific mindset - how is Dr. Roark able to suspend his disbelief and buy into the Guardians' story of human history?
MB: Obviously, that was a question I asked myself as I crafted the novel. Clearly, there are some physical elements built into the narrative designed to convince Dallas quickly of the truthfulness of The Guardians' story - the mere existence of the emerald tablets, for one. Such an artifact, retrieved in the way it was, would make even the most hardened scientist open his mind to the possibilities.
In addition, his introduction to the Guardians comes as he's facing a personal crisis brought about by a lack of personal or professional accomplishment. Thus, the stage is set, providing him with both internal and external motivations to accept their radically different world view. Of course, there are other facts as well, and I encourage the readers to explore that question for themselves.
AR: Our reviewer mentioned that you shed modern contextual light on many of the ancient legends and precepts of mainstream religion - often effectively refuting many of them. How has all the knowledge that you gained in crafting the book affected your own personal beliefs?
MB: Actually, I was first exposed to such possibilities many years ago, in college. It came as a great shock at the time to learn the true historical roots of modern Western religious thought. I would have to say that this experience was the genesis – pardon the pun – of my questions on all things religious.
As for the material in the book, I make no claim of these arguments originating with me, although I did make an effort to weave a single fabric from many such threads. Certainly, many people, if not most people, know of the similarity between Old Testament stories such as Noah and virtually identical stories written in the much more ancient Sumerian language.
It isn't a great leap to understand that Abraham grew up in the region of ancient Sumer and would have heard those ancient myths and legends. When he moved his tribe across the River Jordan, I'd guess he just took those stories with him.
I simply took that concept a little further. What if the Sumerians had written down the stories of a still earlier culture, modifying them to fit within their own cultural context?
I did have fun exploring around the edges of religious thought - testing the limits, if you will. One example that relates to the novel would be that while the world's major religions all agree that God created humanity, nowhere is it written that He only created humanity on Earth. Belief in God and life on other planets are not, to my mind, mutually exclusive concepts.
AR: Do you think that there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe?
MB: Elsewhere? I sometimes wonder if there's any intelligent life anywhere…just kidding. Seriously, I think it's clear from a statistical point of view that the odds of intelligent life existing are far more likely than not.
Besides the statistics of it, I find the thought of other life exciting. As the saying goes, "the Lord moves in mysterious ways, and I would not shield my eyes from the glory of his works." Actually, I stole that line from an episode of M*A*S*H*, but it makes the point far more eloquently than I.
AR: We're sure the reactions that you've gotten to the book have been - to say the least - interesting. Can you share with us what readers and reviewers have had to say about it?
MB: I have two funny stories about what I've heard from readers. The first was from a woman who claimed to be in continuous contact with the Anunnaki; she said they enjoyed the book immensely. The second concerns a professor of linguistics from the Midwest whose name is – and this is the truth – Dallas Roark. He wanted to know how I came up with my character and if someone put me up to using his name. Of course, I had no idea that this man even existed, but it took a little work to convince him of that.
Honestly, I've been extremely flattered and humbled by the response to the book; it's gratifying to have your efforts appreciated. My single favorite response was from one reader who described it as "Indiana Jones meets the Da Vinci Code." Another compared it to Arthur C. Clarke's Rama series, though I would never dare to make such a bold comparison myself.
I'd have to say the most consistent comment has been praise for the research and attention to detail. Everyone seems to be fascinated by the weaving of actual history with reasoned speculation into a fast-paced and readable tale. I've also been most pleased by praise I've received from those who readily admit that science fiction is not their favorite genre.
I think all writers enjoy knowing that their efforts are well received. As storytellers, we want to take our readers on a journey of discovery to give them a chance to explore a different reality or view things in a new way, or maybe just to provide an opportunity to escape into another world.
AR: Children of the Anunnaki is the first installment in The Empire Chronicles trilogy. Can you share more with us about the remaining two books in the series?
MB: The first thing I can share are the titles. The sequel, which is almost completed, is entitled "From the Ashes of Eden," and the final book is the series I'm tentatively calling "Destroyer of Worlds."
The religious overtones of both titles are a hint. It's certainly no secret that, throughout history, differing religion beliefs have been at the center of more wars that any other cause.
Picking up on the comment earlier about refuting modern religious precepts, let's just say I definitely continue to examine these questions. I consider myself in good company on that score. Robert Heinlein, who was, by the way, my favorite author when I was growing up, tackled similar questions in several of his books. I would have to say his efforts definitely influenced me on that score.
Past the religious issue, "Ashes" is a somewhat darker tale that finds Dallas questioning his ability to fulfill the enormity of the task given him. Finally, don't forget there are several chambers to find, each with unique components designed by the emperor to revive his ancient ruling house.
AR: How has your experience been thus far with your publisher, Triom Publishing?
MB: I've been extremely happy with Triom. They've been extremely supportive. They put together a wonderful production team that was a pleasure to work with. For any new author, I couldn't recommend a better publisher; they really understand the process from an author's perspective.
AR: Do you have a website or other place where our readers can learn more about you and your writings?
MB: Yes, I do: www.markbarnette.com. I hope to be adding a blog in the near future, as well as a "Current News" section to update readers on the latest information on archaeology, history, and other subjects related to my work.
AR: Also, how can people contact you directly?
MB: They can email me at mark@markbarnette.com. I promise to answer all emails, and I look forward to hearing from readers. In fact, one of the plot lines in "Ashes" came about as a result of a question asked by a reader. It prompted me to do some research – I can't say on what, it would reveal too much about the book – and it tied in perfectly with what I wanted to develop in the sequel. So you see, writing, like life, is a work in progress.
AR: Will you be making any appearances or conducting any readings/signings anytime soon where our readers can come support you?
MB: I sincerely hope so. I've been asked to have a book signing by a local Borders, and I'm working out the details now.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
MB: Yes – two, actually. First, I am extremely proud to announce that Children of the Anunnaki was recently chosen as the Award Winner in the Fantasy/Science Fiction category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.
Second, I would say to any potential authors out there that if you have a book inside you, let it out; you'll both be much happier. Once you do, then run to your computer and Google Ellen Reid. If anyone can help you go from would-be author to successful author, it's Ellen.
AR: Thanks again, Mark, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
MB: Thank you so much, and remember: keep an eye out for "From the Ashes of Eden"!