But the best parts of the book are the philosophical and scientific discussions that occur during various levels of the plot. The 'adventure' part of the novel is gripping, and kept me turning the pages-I couldn't put the book down. He is a formidable opponent for Jared, even though they seem to have similar philosophies and outlooks. Reino is a genius, an incredible athlete, and a giant of a man. His specialty-in Mayan civilization-helps to untangle a few of the puzzles they encounter along the way.īut, in addition to finding the rain-forest, they encounter a secret army and biology laboratory scientists headed by insane biologist Reino. Chris Burgeis, a doctoral student in anthropology, accompanies Jared on the trip. He is an ecology activist, with the goal of filming a virgin rain-forest, to help save it from development. Documentary film maker Jared Foster drives his specially-equipped truck from Colorado to Guatemala. In this novel, Mark Longo weaves a wonderful story that combines action, adventure, science, philosophy, anthropology and religion.

**Previously published as The Shaman: Science, Nature, Prophecy** Nature, it seems, has already found a champion and it is no longer the rainforests that are in danger. Though Jared travels to save the environment, he will be forced to make an unexpected decision. People have been mysteriously disappearing from the region, the Mayans predict the end of time, and a satellite dish atop a remote jungle ruin hints at the resurgence of a conquered race.

With the help of his beautiful but volatile lover and a loyal anthropologist friend, he gathers clues to an unfolding prophecy of apocalypse. He intends to perform “the ultimate sacrifice” to restore balance and harmony to the universe.ĭocumentary film maker Jared Foster travels to Guatemala to save his beloved rainforests from development. He has become consumed by their wailing cries for revenge. He has heard their desperate pleas for mercy. Rojo Reino has come to believe he can commune with the spirits of the forests. Recognizing a link between the modern concept of “swarm intelligence” and ancient notions of “spirit” and “soul,” Dr. What might the coordinated behavior of ant colonies, where no individual ants are in charge, have to do with ancient notions of spirit and soul? Vainglorious Sun is a philosophical mystery-thriller at the cutting-edge of science and the mystical unknown.įamed biologist Xavier del Rojo Reino is an environmentalist, a genius, and a direct descendent of the last Mayan kings.

Vainglorious Sun by Mark D. Longo