Hundreds of thousands of years ago in Ethiopia, a handful of genetic mutations split the primates from man and humanity was born. Now, eons later, further splits from the apes are being unearthed. And with them, a disturbing realization.

Our split was only one of many.

And yet we survived because humans had something the others did not ? a unique ingredient that has only now been rediscovered. First in the mountains of South America, where it was promptly destroyed by the Chinese. And now a second source in Africa. The epicenter of mankind's very inception.

A place that John Clay and Alison Shaw must find quickly. Because the Russians already know what we are searching for. And the Chinese want back what is rightfully theirs.

The mother of all secrets awaits the world, in Africa. One that will not only explain who we are, but will decipher the very code within our own DNA.

Michael C. Grumley lives in Northern California with his wife and two young daughters where he works in Information Technology. michaelgrumley.com @michaelcgrumley