Mark is a geologist. When earthquakes shatter much of the planet, he is sent to the Himalayas to investigate, as the source of the geological problem appears to originate high in the mountains. Meeting a spiritual mystic group, Mark is torn between what he knows as fact and what the spiritual mystics believe. And then, when a giant cosmic creature appears in space, hovering above earth, and another giant cosmic creature is born from where it was nested for centuries in the harsh mountain terrain, Mark is swept up in the politics of fear and the need to escape the vindictive nature of humanity as it fights fear with its only acceptable option: weapons. Injured in the battle to protect the birthing cosmic creature, what the spiritual mystics call a cosmic swan, Mark is carried away with the mystic group, living on the swan’s wings and learning more about the universe. Until, far away from Earth, he learns that his beloved planet is on a collision course with doom.

Bill Copeland’s science fiction novel, Cosmic Swan, may appear far-fetched, but so many realistic scenarios are presented that the plausible likelihood of such an adventure is not so far off base as one would think. The setting and situations presented, the multiple earthquakes around the world, followed by devastating tsunamis causing multiple deaths heighten mankind’s fear of an apocalyptic finale. Fear is a dangerous weapon, and, when presented with an unknown situation, fear is the driving force behind military action to annihilate what is perceived as a threat. The plot develops around Mark’s study of the unsettling earthquakes that are literally rocking the planet. As the plot develops, the reader learns that there are greater threats to the planet. The characters are reasonably well developed and certainly likable. There are good characters versus bad characters as one would expect in a well-developed drama. Cosmic Swan makes for an interesting read.

The world is in a state of panic. Massive earthquakes are wracking the planet and it seems to originate deep under the Himalayas, where the Pacific plate crashes up against the Asian plate. In Cosmic Swan by Bill Copeland, USGS (United States Geological Survey) geologist Mark is dispatched to Tibet to figure out just what is happening underneath the Himalayas. Once there, Mark discovers a strange but beautiful woman, high up in a cave on Mt Kailas, Kusoom. Kusoom is the leader of a religious cult gathered on the mountain to protect and ensure the safe birth of an alien creature, the Cosmic Swan, whose egg was buried deep in earth’s magma some billions of years ago. Initially dismissing Kusoom as just another religious fanatic, Mark soon realizes that there is indeed something growing deep within the bowels of the earth and it is close to breaking out. What Mark doesn’t understand is he is about to learn of a potential extinction threat for the earth and he will embark on a journey across the galaxies searching for a way to save his beloved planet.

Author Bill Copeland has presented us with a fanciful scenario in Cosmic Swan that allows the reader to embark on an adventure across interstellar space with Mark and his compatriots. The premise is an unusual and original one and the reader is quickly caught up in the race to save the planet. The author’s writing style is clipped and simple, with short, pithy sentences. The end was too unexpected for my liking which leads me to believe there is more planned in this series. I did enjoy the relationship that developed between Mark and Kusoom and kept wondering when it would transform into a full-blooded romantic relationship. This sense of heightened tension certainly added well to the narrative. It was a unique read although perhaps one more aimed at young adults.

If you like science fiction that blurs the boundary between science and spirituality, Cosmic Swan by Bill Copeland may be for you. The world is experiencing deadly earthquakes and tsunamis. Major ground displacements are measured deep in the earth near the Tibet-Nepal border, and a major crack has opened in the face of Mount Kailas, regarded by many as a holy place. There is a grave concern that when these destructive forces blow, the eruption could kill millions of people in Asia or even mean the last days of life on earth. Mark Joff, a geologist with the U. S. Geological Survey, is sent to investigate. What he finds is inconceivable. Certainly, it can’t be related to the strange comet approaching Earth. Or can it?

In Cosmic Swan, Copeland gives us a highly imaginative story that addresses the survivability of mankind when faced with the possible destruction of our world. Although not noted as part of a series, its abrupt ending and unresolved plotline suggest a planned sequel. However, the story is fully enjoyable as it is. The storyline moves at a good pace, introducing new characters and plot twists from start to finish. The narrative is descriptive and reflects both Copeland’s love of astronomy and his spiritual outlook. “The spirit of humanity does not contradict science,” the protagonist says to another scientist, who replies, “We pursue science to help the human spirit flourish.” Overall, I found myself utterly enchanted by the concept of cosmic swans: powerful, intelligent, sentient bird-like beings who travel faster than light and carry the equivalent lifeforms of a small planet on their backs as they move across the galaxy. Made me wish I could hop on one. An entertaining read.

“It is time for a great being to be born.” In Cosmic Swan by Bill Copeland, Earth is suffering from a series of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis that costs millions of people their homes and life. Geologist and a senior member of the U.S. Geological Survey, Mark Joff, goes to Tibet to investigate and meet an unusual group, the Purpurisians, under the holy Mt. Kailas. Leader of the group, Kusoom, reveals that she and her people are guarding the birth of the Great Being Agni that is happening soon, which is also the cause of the recent natural disasters. Meanwhile, a strange blue comet which has been on Earth’s radar for some time is revealed to be the Cosmic Swan Neela, the mother of Agni that has returned for its child. While the Tibetan-Chinese Army considers the creature to be a threat, Mark and the Tibetan locals try to protect the prophesied being.

Copeland’s Cosmic Swan has an interesting and unique premise. The way we humans initially respond to something that’s beyond our understanding is accurately depicted. Skepticism, or worse, military reaction is predictable when it comes to our species. However “human beings are teachable, highly aware, and capable of rising to great understanding.” The plot is well-paced and the narrative is clear-cut with clean prose. It was easy to relate to the characters particularly Mark and Kusoom. Without risking a spoiler, the second half of the story is my favorite, when Agni and its Symbionts are seemingly free from danger on Earth before the plot takes on interesting twists. Learning more about the Cosmic Swans is fascinating. On the whole, this is a solid and imaginative sci-fi with prevalent and transcendent spiritual messages.