The Combining — C.W. Crowe

The Revelation of Brian A. Pearlmitter series is a multi-volume, single story arc that explores many of the greatest mysteries in the universe. An alien presence promises to reveal how life began on Earth, how humans arrived and what the reason behind it all is. In this third volume, we find the core group of characters eagerly awaiting the final part of the Revelation - the part that will explain just about everything. Once this final piece is revealed, the nature of it is beyond shocking - especially once they are told the task that humans were put here to perform. It is a task that is designed to do nothing less than save all life. Only 7 years are available to prepare for this task which also requires a significant expansion in the number of members of the core group -the Connection. The characters continue to grow with the story as Roger becomes more acclimated to his leadership role, while Jane struggles with intense personal feelings that lead her to act in a very surprising manner. Bess finally gets her chance to shine in the spotlight and grows before our eyes - both from her accomplishments and from her mistakes. Other characters emerge to prominence as well; characters who do not have the best interests of the group in mind. All of a sudden, the group not only has to fight the clock, but also a new villain; one bent on stopping them from fulfilling their destiny.