JAMES ROLLINS: SANDSTORM

Regarding subjects related to water: All the chemistries described in the book are based on facts, including the weird conformation of water into buckyballs. The topic of magmatic or Earth-generated water is also based on the work of geologist Stephen Reiss, among many others.

Moving to Arabia, the geology of the region is unique. Twenty thousand years ago, the deserts of Oman were indeed once verdant savannahs full of rivers, lakes, and streams. Wildlife was abundant, and Neolithic hunters roamed the lands. This desertification of the region has indeed been attributed to a natural condition called “orbital forcing” or “Milankovitch Forcing.” Basically it’s a “wobble” in the Earth’s rotation that occurs at periodic intervals.

Most of the archaeological and historical details of Oman are real, including the tomb of Nabi Imran in Salalah, the tomb of Ayoub (Job) in the mountains, and of course, the ruins of Ubar at Shisur. Photos of all these places will be linked on my Web site (www.jamesrollins.com) for the curious or armchair traveler. Also, to read more about the discovery of Ubar, I highly recommend The Road to Ubar by Nicolas Clapp.

On to some minor miscellaneous details. First, the reclusive Shahra tribespeople do exist in the Dhofar Mountains and claim heritage to the kings of Ubar. They still speak a dialect considered to be the oldest in Arabia. The Omani flagship, the Shabab Oman, is an actual ship (sorry for blowing it up). And speaking of blowing things up, the iron camel that exploded at the beginning of the novel still resides somewhere at the British Museum. Safe and sound…at least for now.

IIMPOSEon too many people. First, Carolyn McCray must be acknowledged and worshiped for her ceaseless friendship and guidance from the first word to the last…and beyond. And Steve Prey for his arduous and detailed help with schematics, logistics, artwork, and sound input of a critical nature. And his wife, Judy Prey, for putting up with Steve and me and the many last-minute, desperate requests I’ve made on her time. The same above-and-beyond efforts were faced, accepted, and exceeded by Penny Hill (with the help of Bernie and Kurt, of course). For help with details in the novel, I must thank Jason R. Mancini, senior researcher for the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. And for help with languages, Diane Daigle and David Evans. Additionally, the book would not be what it is without my chief advisers, who rake me over the coals on a regular basis, in no particular order: Chris Crowe, Michael Gallowglas, Lee Garrett, David Murray, Dennis Grayson, Dave Meek, Royale Adams, Jane O’Riva, Kathy Duarte, Steve Cooper, Susan Tunis, and Caroline Williams. For the map used here, I must acknowledge its source: The CIA World Factbook 2000 Finally, the four people who continue to remain my most loyal supporters: my editor, Lyssa Keusch; my agents, Russ Galen and Danny Baror; and my publicist, Jim Davis. And as always, I must stress any and all errors of fact or detail fall squarely on my own shoulders.

James Rollinsis the bestselling author of five previous novels: Subterranean, Excavation, Deep Fathom, Amazonia and Ice Hunt He has a doctorate in veterinary medicine and his own practice in Sacramento, California. An amateur spelunker and a certified scuba enthusiast, he can often be found either underground or underwater.

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Subterranean

Excavation

Deep Fathom

Amazonia

Ice Hunt

Sandstorm