Copeland, Bill COSMIC SWAN Xlibris (137 pp.) $29.99; $19.99 paperback September 27, 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4415-5601-1 Paper: 978-1-4415-5600-4   A geologist investigating strange tectonic phenomena discovers a mind-blowing secret under a mountain in Tibet. For unknown reasons, the planet has been plagued by a seemingly unending string of earthquakes. To get a better handle on what’s going on, his superiors at the U.S. Geological Survey send geologist Mark Joff to Mount Kailas in Tibet, where the Indian subcontinent meets the Asian landmass, the apparent epicenter of the strange seismic activity. There the locals inform him that they have met a cult of otherworldly bluish people meditating in a cave opened up by the earthquakes. The cultists claim that the earthquakes are not caused by a rising magma plug (the leading scientific theory), but by the emergence of a Great Being, an enormous creature hatching from beneath the Earth’s crust after gestating underground for millennia. When the cultists show him he creature’s eye, Joff’s scientific skepticism rapidly gives way to concern for what the world’s governments might do when faced with the prospect of an enormous creature bursting through Earth’s surface, likely taking a large chunk of China with it. Meanwhile, a comet recently discovered by a pair of young astronomers shows signs of sentience as it hurtles toward Earth. In fact, it seems to be communicating with the Great Being emerg- ing in Tibet. Joff joins with his new Tibetan friends to save the Great Being while he and other earthlings must decide whether to mend a broken planet or forge a new path. Copeland’s plot is well paced, with action that builds as the climax approaches. The characters are likable and ably fleshed out, and the overall conceit, if outlandish, is interesting. The author’s prose is fairly tight, but drifts somewhat when characters engage in quasi-sci- entific planetary speculation. Well-written, with a unique cosmic and spiritual dimension. Kirkus Discoveries, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744 discoveries@kirkusreviews.com	For a deeper look: Download a Synopsis of Cosmic Swan Story           Cult Leader Kusoom     Illustration by Alain Baud Geologist Mark Joff     Illustration by Alain Baud See more details, including how to order a copy, at cosmicswan.net.   To follow the flight of the Cosmic Swan, see the BLOG of Cyberdrax.