TOP SECRET THIS IS A COVER SHEET FOR CLASSIFIED INFORMATION. So begins Coronado local Elliott Garber’s new book The Chimera Sequence, which is a heart-pounding ride through global political hotspots and the pinnacle of power, Washington, D.C. The book follows military veterinarian, Dr. Cole McBride, as he discovers a bioengineered virus deep within the forests of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus is responsible for decimating a family of mountain gorillas and the humans who are unlucky enough to be exposed to the pathogen. The big question deals with who is behind the highly communicable and exceedingly lethal virus. To get that answer, Garber takes the reader from widely disparate corners of the globe as the reader is introduced to the cast of characters that are all linked together through circumstances and blood.
In addition to McBride, Garber presents some memorable individuals like the Kambale brothers who have dedicated their lives to the protection and survival of the endangered gorillas; Marna Van Wyk, South African helicopter pilot and McBride’s love interest; Vincent Lukwiya, brutal military leader in Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army; and Dr. Bill Shackleton of the Centers for Disease Control. All the characters are based on reality as they either have real-life counterparts or reflect general people such as mountain rangers and sadistic criminals.
Elliott Garber is both an accomplished veterinarian and military officer who resides here with his wife, Becca (who happens to be an eCoronado staff writer), and their two young children. He comes from a rich background in veterinary medicine, public health research, and world travel. While completing his doctorate in veterinary medicine, he also obtained Masters’ degrees in comparative biological sciences and public health. That may seem like an unusual combination but according to Garber, he was always interested in the bigger picture and how “animal health impacts…humans and the environment.” He is well-versed in the complex worlds of geopolitics and disease, two things that go hand in hand in both the novel and our real life, which fulfills one of Garber’s goals which was to write a book that is plausible and “grounded in the real world.”
Garber’s love for animals is apparent in the story because he focuses on characters such as McBride who are willing to risk life and limb to ensure the mountain gorillas’ protection and conservation. Garber admits, “I like the mountain gorillas in particular because they’re a unique species.” He continues, “because [the gorillas] are so similar to us in a lot of ways…they’ve kind of captivated the public’s imagination.” He credits Dian Fossey’s book, Gorillas in the Mist, with shedding light on the lives of these magnificent animals who can appear human-like in both appearance and behavior. This aspect allows us to have what Garber calls an “intimate connection with gorillas” which makes the story compelling and emotional.
It is difficult to believe that this is Garber’s first novel because he imbues his characters with a great deal of depth, allowing readers to form a clear picture of who the characters are and what drives their actions. He is also adept at making complicated scientific concepts accessible to readers who may not know the difference between a beaker and a Bunsen burner. His pacing is effective as it moves at a rapid clip with the majority of the story taking place over a span of seven days which creates palpable tension and unyielding suspense. The novel also presents different storylines and jumps around from far-flung Rwanda to Washington, D.C., from Tehran to Atlanta. Garber maintains solid continuity throughout and credits this format with “allowing him to have a more complex story overall.”
The story is topical as it reflects our current reality where terror threats from radical extremists based half a world away are broadcast on a weekly basis. The story also mirrors western governments’ fear about how terrifyingly easily it would be for a bioengineered threat to be developed and released upon mankind and effortlessly spread by our internationally connected world.
Importantly, the story also deals with the threat of a pandemic. Like the terror alerts, news about potential diseases and viruses which may threaten millions of lives seemingly pop up every six months or so. As Americans hear about a virus’ lethality and contagiousness they are often left in the dark about the place where the virus originates. Garber sheds light on conflicts and issues that impact less developed nations and this particular aspect fits with his background in public health and his own personal objective to help protect both endangered species and “the people and…ecosystems that depend upon them.” His novel also clearly illustrates how mankind’s greed-based activities, like strip mining and illegal and brutal military campaigns, wreak havoc on innocent people and on Earth’s delicate ecosystems which serve as habitat to some of the most majestic animals on the planet.
The Chimera Sequence is a great read because it has all the elements of good storytelling. It is gripping, intriguing, and terrifying, and you won’t be surprised to find yourself staying up much too late to finish chapters. But don’t just take my word for it. The book is endorsed by New York Time’s best-selling author and “America’s Veterinarian”, Dr. Marty Becker, who advises readers to “not pick up…Garber’s book unless you’re ready for an adventure.” It is also recommended by the co-director of the Gorilla Doctors, Dr. Mike Cranfield, who calls the book “totally fascinating” with a “scarily plausible plot.” The book has been well-received on both Goodreads and Amazon and has garnered a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on both sites. Garber’s novel makes for a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift. Or just buy it for yourself if you want to lose yourself in a complex and absorbing story.
Garber has a fascinating website where you can learn more about The Chimera Sequence and his work in the scientific and animal community. You can access it by clicking here: elliottgarber.com
You can easily purchase his book in hardcover, paperback, audio, or for Kindle by clicking here: amazon.com
