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Black Earth #1
Black Earth - How We Got Here
Synopsis:
It’s late September 2019 when a young astronomer working at the Haleakala Space Observatory, in Maui Hawaii, accidentally spots a black dot in the night sky that is occulting the stars that lie behind it. The Earth-sized black sphere is in our solar system and is calculated to be closely trailing Earth by only seventy-five million miles. And, is on the same ecliptic plane.
NASA launches an unmanned probe to Earth’s nearest neighbor, given the name ILK-87b. The images coming back from the black planet both shock and amaze those inside the halls of NASA. Curiosity, fear, and dread, overcome insiders as infrastructure has been detected on the black mass. Scientists are confounded as infrared telescopes are not detecting a heat signature. After a secret meeting of the G8 world leaders is held, an international manned-mission is scheduled.
Prior to the scheduled manned-mission, a secret satellite orbiting the planet, now dubbed Black Earth, detects light emanating from a triangular structure with pentagon shaped corners. When astronauts finally arrive, two of them, Dr. Carrick ‘Rock’ Michaels and Dr. Kaley ‘Kinzi’ London, are dispatched to investigate. When they arrive at the triangular mega-plex they are shocked when an exterior airlock door opens. What the two find on the other side will change everything we know about man’s origins on Earth and how climate change decided the fate of a once great society, named Zenith.
Inside of the structure called The Triad, Carrick and Kinzi stand face to face with a one hundred-fifteen year old man named Erik, he greets the two by saying, “What took you so long?” Erik tells them the story of Zenith and it’s mass migration to Earth beginning 6000 years ago. As the astronauts are preparing to depart for their journey back to Earth, Carrick shocks them by saying that he will remain on Black Earth. Over the next thirteen months, Carrick will learn the history of Zenith and what prompted it’s mass migration to Earth. Carrick will be shocked to discover that many of Earth’s greatest historical figures are actually from the planet Zenith. These figures, hundreds of them, helped shaped Earth’s growth and spurred its medical and technological advancements. Not all of these historical figures were good though.
The connection between Erik and Carrick is unexplainable and will lead to a story that has never been told before. This story will connect the dots of the universe and answer the age old questions of: Are we alone in the universe? How humans came to be on Earth? What are the origins of religion, racism and segregation? And finally: How we got here?
What happens next will bridge the planetary gap between Earth and Zenith, life and death, time and space, and will result in the heartbreaking story of love, family, and mankind’s past, present, and future.
It’s late September 2019 when a young astronomer working at the Haleakala Space Observatory, in Maui Hawaii, accidentally spots a black dot in the night sky that is occulting the stars that lie behind it. The Earth-sized black sphere is in our solar system and is calculated to be closely trailing Earth by only seventy-five million miles. And, is on the same ecliptic plane.
NASA launches an unmanned probe to Earth’s nearest neighbor, given the name ILK-87b. The images coming back from the black planet both shock and amaze those inside the halls of NASA. Curiosity, fear, and dread, overcome insiders as infrastructure has been detected on the black mass. Scientists are confounded as infrared telescopes are not detecting a heat signature. After a secret meeting of the G8 world leaders is held, an international manned-mission is scheduled.
Prior to the scheduled manned-mission, a secret satellite orbiting the planet, now dubbed Black Earth, detects light emanating from a triangular structure with pentagon shaped corners. When astronauts finally arrive, two of them, Dr. Carrick ‘Rock’ Michaels and Dr. Kaley ‘Kinzi’ London, are dispatched to investigate. When they arrive at the triangular mega-plex they are shocked when an exterior airlock door opens. What the two find on the other side will change everything we know about man’s origins on Earth and how climate change decided the fate of a once great society, named Zenith.
Inside of the structure called The Triad, Carrick and Kinzi stand face to face with a one hundred-fifteen year old man named Erik, he greets the two by saying, “What took you so long?” Erik tells them the story of Zenith and it’s mass migration to Earth beginning 6000 years ago. As the astronauts are preparing to depart for their journey back to Earth, Carrick shocks them by saying that he will remain on Black Earth. Over the next thirteen months, Carrick will learn the history of Zenith and what prompted it’s mass migration to Earth. Carrick will be shocked to discover that many of Earth’s greatest historical figures are actually from the planet Zenith. These figures, hundreds of them, helped shaped Earth’s growth and spurred its medical and technological advancements. Not all of these historical figures were good though.
The connection between Erik and Carrick is unexplainable and will lead to a story that has never been told before. This story will connect the dots of the universe and answer the age old questions of: Are we alone in the universe? How humans came to be on Earth? What are the origins of religion, racism and segregation? And finally: How we got here?
What happens next will bridge the planetary gap between Earth and Zenith, life and death, time and space, and will result in the heartbreaking story of love, family, and mankind’s past, present, and future.
383 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 21, 2021
So proud of this series. My heart and soul went into these books. I hope you enjoy.
May 3, 2021
Outstanding!
Brilliant!
Couldn't put it down.
I don't typically rave about a book, but this one was an outstanding read. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that makes you think.
Brilliant!
Couldn't put it down.
I don't typically rave about a book, but this one was an outstanding read. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that makes you think.
February 24, 2021
This was Michael Cook's first venture in the science fiction foray, and he proved just how good of a storyteller he can be. Black Earth is a blend of space fiction, science fiction, human interest, love story, cautionary societal tale, and political tale very well woven into a plot and storyline that moves at just the right pace to keep the reader interested and involved in the story. Character development is excellent, and Mr. Cook has researched his science and space information well. I can see this story being picked up as a movie or maybe a television series if the author continues to write more books in the same series. He presently has a sequel to this book, and I am glad I didn't read the first book until the second was available.
Although I feel the storyline deserves a 5-star rating, I am giving the book three stars because since Michael Cook is a novice author, it took him a little while to hit his stride in terms of writing style, and the first part of the book is not as good as the last half. Additionally, the book contains so many editing errors that should have been caught before publishing; it slows the reader down and makes the book flow less easily. I fully expect his second book in the series to be worthy of 5 stars, and I am anxious to begin it now. It is a sincere compliment to the author that I read this book in one 15-hour sitting because I couldn't put it down. Good job, Mr. Cook. Your audience now awaits more!
Although I feel the storyline deserves a 5-star rating, I am giving the book three stars because since Michael Cook is a novice author, it took him a little while to hit his stride in terms of writing style, and the first part of the book is not as good as the last half. Additionally, the book contains so many editing errors that should have been caught before publishing; it slows the reader down and makes the book flow less easily. I fully expect his second book in the series to be worthy of 5 stars, and I am anxious to begin it now. It is a sincere compliment to the author that I read this book in one 15-hour sitting because I couldn't put it down. Good job, Mr. Cook. Your audience now awaits more!
September 20, 2021
I struggled with giving this book its score, because if it had started the way it ended, I would have probably not even read it to the end.
In the first half or so of the book, I was completely hooked. I experienced something I hadn't in a while; that need to keep reading, having to tell everyone about this cool book I picked up. Cook wrote about space exploration in a way that was both informative and exciting.
Then something changed.
The pacing was completely different. Most of the narrative started taking place through endless conversation. The humour was cringeworthy. The story went from gripping to predictable.
I finished this book hoping that it would somehow get better. It didn't.
In the first half or so of the book, I was completely hooked. I experienced something I hadn't in a while; that need to keep reading, having to tell everyone about this cool book I picked up. Cook wrote about space exploration in a way that was both informative and exciting.
Then something changed.
The pacing was completely different. Most of the narrative started taking place through endless conversation. The humour was cringeworthy. The story went from gripping to predictable.
I finished this book hoping that it would somehow get better. It didn't.
June 7, 2020
Wow so much more than title reveals
While I never imagined being remotely interested in this genre of reading, I found it to be a wonderful
Collaboration of multiple genres from science fiction mystery romance and more! Thought provoking every page of the way. Look forward to more this author...
While I never imagined being remotely interested in this genre of reading, I found it to be a wonderful
Collaboration of multiple genres from science fiction mystery romance and more! Thought provoking every page of the way. Look forward to more this author...
June 3, 2020
Author Michael Cook took me on an exciting journey that served as a great escape from reality and also offered some intriguing insight. I'd love to read more from this author!
October 25, 2020
Good story
I liked the story. A little contrived but interesting. Not really science fiction as much as a cautionary tale of global warming.
I liked the story. A little contrived but interesting. Not really science fiction as much as a cautionary tale of global warming.
May 20, 2020
I was the first to proof this book, and I was so sad when it was over! I was left wanting more and not ready to let go of the characters I grew to love so much. This book has so many elements that make it a great read! It was very informative and relevant, and I immediately found myself drawn in. Michael, thank you for taking us on this incredible journey and for writing something that leaves us pondering about the world long after the story ends.
June 3, 2020
A gripping story of space exploration, family, and personal triumph. This book has something every type of reader can enjoy and relate to. Definitely word reading!
Read
June 3, 2020Great read from front to back with a fantastic storyline. Highly recommend for anyone who is into space travel and sci-fi!
September 11, 2020
Absolutely amazing! I could not put it down after I started. It relates to daily life just enough to make the book believable. It is by far my new favorite book!
June 1, 2021
Interesting!
This is a fascinating text, full of information that made me think if the author was referring to actual reality or fiction. This is a must-read book.
This is a fascinating text, full of information that made me think if the author was referring to actual reality or fiction. This is a must-read book.
May 25, 2020
Intriguing, definitely a must get!
June 16, 2020
Black Earth: How we got here is a must read book. It has a very interesting story line filled with lots of emotions, excitement, informational and filled with adventure. My favorite characters are Carrick and Erik and their relationship from the first time they met till the end.
November 17, 2020
I couldn't put down the book until I've read around half of it. It was interesting, engaging, and I couldn't wait to see what happens next. And then, suddenly, it became a bit boring. Explaining the same thing again and again, first Carrick, then Jordan. Same thing all over. I must admit, I started skipping some paragraphs in part that was involving Jordan. I didn't quite understand what were all those technicalities of his training needed for (maybe it's just me). And then, the story became emotional. And although I knew where it was going, emotions around it were real and I even almost shed a tear.
There were some little things that bothered me while reading, but overall the story was good. I understand that the main meaning was to make readers think about our future on Earth, and that part worked for me well.
There were some little things that bothered me while reading, but overall the story was good. I understand that the main meaning was to make readers think about our future on Earth, and that part worked for me well.
April 7, 2021
Starts well..then grinds you down
Interesting concept, and has a very bright start. But about half way in it just slows down, the recounting of the back story becomes drudgery, and the small flaws (like naming the mission after the lead agent's surname...who turns out to be completely inept at his job BTW) becomes far too grating. The twist, well probably easily guessed half way through. Had potential, but in the end disappointing.
Interesting concept, and has a very bright start. But about half way in it just slows down, the recounting of the back story becomes drudgery, and the small flaws (like naming the mission after the lead agent's surname...who turns out to be completely inept at his job BTW) becomes far too grating. The twist, well probably easily guessed half way through. Had potential, but in the end disappointing.
May 6, 2021
An interesting premise let down by a robotic narrator and too many science jumps regarding evolution, gravitational effects of planetary motion etc.
August 13, 2021
Disappointing
Well, this novel started off nicely with some sci fi suspense but degenerated into a sappy do-gooder tale. No action.
Well, this novel started off nicely with some sci fi suspense but degenerated into a sappy do-gooder tale. No action.
January 17, 2022
Wonderful reading. Loved it
January 1, 2024
1.5 out of 5
I'm not sure where to start with this one other to say, it's not good. I have no plans to read the sequel.
What I liked:
It has the potential to be a good story, but unfortunately, the idea surpassed this author's skill to bring it to fruition.
What I didn't like:
It took 80 pages before I realized the main character was Carrick Michaels. 80 pages. It was just one long info dump up until that point. The author did a lot of research but did not have the experience to determine what was relevant to moving a story forward. There was a story here, maybe not an original one, but there was a story. It was just overwhelmed by way too much info-dumping, telling versus showing, and stating the obvious.
The character development was flat. It was on the verge of getting there, but the characters were not fully formed. The dialogue was painful to read and cringy. I don't know anyone who talks like this in real life.
The world-building was lacking. There were big holes in the science at the beginning that the author attempted to address, clumsily, in later chapters. It states in the acknowledgment that he consulted with scientists who make documentaries on this subject, which is an excellent idea, but how he chose to incorporate that information did not work.
I would have given him three stars except for this last thing. He needed to employ a sensitivity reader. He describes the white characters in great detail and glosses over the black and brown characters. He used outdated terms like African American. A lot of the jokes were misogynistic and cringy. There was one paragraph that used ableist terms to describe the visually impaired.
Overall:
The author is excellent at marketing. I was certainly enticed enough to purchase a copy. It's just a shame that the product is subpar. If the author can correct some of the bigger issues, then he will have a winner.
I'm not sure where to start with this one other to say, it's not good. I have no plans to read the sequel.
What I liked:
It has the potential to be a good story, but unfortunately, the idea surpassed this author's skill to bring it to fruition.
What I didn't like:
It took 80 pages before I realized the main character was Carrick Michaels. 80 pages. It was just one long info dump up until that point. The author did a lot of research but did not have the experience to determine what was relevant to moving a story forward. There was a story here, maybe not an original one, but there was a story. It was just overwhelmed by way too much info-dumping, telling versus showing, and stating the obvious.
The character development was flat. It was on the verge of getting there, but the characters were not fully formed. The dialogue was painful to read and cringy. I don't know anyone who talks like this in real life.
The world-building was lacking. There were big holes in the science at the beginning that the author attempted to address, clumsily, in later chapters. It states in the acknowledgment that he consulted with scientists who make documentaries on this subject, which is an excellent idea, but how he chose to incorporate that information did not work.
I would have given him three stars except for this last thing. He needed to employ a sensitivity reader. He describes the white characters in great detail and glosses over the black and brown characters. He used outdated terms like African American. A lot of the jokes were misogynistic and cringy. There was one paragraph that used ableist terms to describe the visually impaired.
Overall:
The author is excellent at marketing. I was certainly enticed enough to purchase a copy. It's just a shame that the product is subpar. If the author can correct some of the bigger issues, then he will have a winner.
January 17, 2022
I am not going to lie, I originally only got this book because the author runs an escape room I went to with a friend. He had a deal running where you could get slightly cheaper tickets if you bought his book. I immediately said "yes" because cheaper tickets and a book is a pretty good deal. This kind of story isn't usually something I'd read, but as I was waiting for a ride from the escape room, I figured it couldn't hurt to start reading the book. Despite the rather unique way I discovered this book, I was intrigued the second I started the first chapter. The dialogue took about 50 pages to find its natural stride, but when it did, the book became very enjoyable. I ended up lending it to my mum, who also really enjoyed the book. Black Earth is one of the five books I lugged from the US to the country I live in now (five out of the hundreds of books I had to donate) and I believe that is a massive testament to how good it is once it finds its voice. Honestly, I think with a little editing and some promoting, it could get very popular!
February 9, 2023
Normally I’m not much into science fiction, but this book captured my interest and kept me reading. Very very intriguing. I was taken along on the journey to another plant with characters that you will instantly bond with. Tell me you haven’t wondered if there’s life out.there somewhere? This book is filled with adventure, suspense, history, relationships and love. This book will make you think about today’s world and where we are headed. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you won’t want it to end. It’ a must read!
March 25, 2025
I could not put this book down! This was a very intriguing story. I loved all the characters and especially the relationship between Carrick and Erik. The book was beautifully written and it definitely kept my interest from start to finish. It was well thought out and will keep you wanting to turn that next page! I am hoping there will be a sequel!
February 24, 2022
So cool!! Loved the idea of earth starting somewhere else first. Yes! That’s what I said. Get the book and read it. It’ll really make you think. Very original and easy to read. I’m off to part 2! Happy reading!
May 20, 2020
Dear Reader, I am shamelessly leaving myself the first ever review of my new book. I want you to know that I, like many authors, have put my heart and soul into this book. But I also hired the science editor who is responsible for the award winning documentary, In the Shadow of the Moon (2007), Professor Christopher Riley; along with a literary editor that is an editor for the BBC in London and also worked for Vice Media, Jacqui Farnham.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful story of discovery, human origins, religious origins, family, lost love, triumph of the human spirit, and perseverance.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful story of discovery, human origins, religious origins, family, lost love, triumph of the human spirit, and perseverance.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews