World religions and ancient prophesies agree: The Apocalypse is coming. Set in an alternate timeline before the Apocalypse, "Another Eternity" is an allegory of faith, power and politics taken to their ultimate extremes. Another Eternity is set in a not too distant future that seems increasingly likely to come. Yet, in its alternate timeline, the period of the story spans six decades during the past century in a place very much like the one in which we live. While suggesting one possible political and religious future which may trump all others, this is also a tale of adventure and intrigue with a twist at every turn.Trapped on an isolated prairie homestead early in the 20th century, Miriam Campbell is visited by powerful angels and receives prophetic visions. Drawn from her confused blending of ancient Egyptian religion with Christian beliefs, Miriam's journal record of her visions becomes the basis of a powerful cult seeking absolute religious and political power. Six decades later, university professor Hank Lofgren and two of his students, Zach Kirk and Elvie Rafferty, spend a summer in the Drumheller badlands digging into the history of Alberta's defunct coal mines. On his days off, Zach explores the region's history and, in the process, stumbles on a secret that may cost all of their lives. Against Joshua Erdmann's will, his cousin John Priestley and the Miriam Church tell the congregation that Joshua is the born-again Saviour. The only fly in the ointment is Zach and Elvie, investigating this secret church and its political intrigues after their mentor, Hank Lofgren, has died under mysterious circumstances. Faced with the growing power of the Miriam Church and its political arm, will Zach and Elvie be able to learn the truth? Will they even survive the weight of the powerful cabal of priests about to seize control of the province of Alberta? Can this cult be stopped?Review: This is a rollicking good book! It would be ideal for a summertime booklist or a quick holiday read. By turns suspenseful, irreverently funny, and historically interesting, this book takes the reader on an allegorical journey like no other. MacKenzie is a master of the slow build, and from simple beginnings the plot begins to twist and turn in unexpected directions. For those familiar with the Old and New Testaments, there will be many familiar references, but the story works well on its own as well. The letters and journal entries that form the centrepiece of the book are well-written and compelling. Definitely recommend this one.- Meg Freer, March 11, 2017
About the Author: Canadian novelist, poet, arts reviewer, and performer Bob MacKenzie has been writing poetry, fiction, arts commentary and criticism, and songs since 1965. Reflection, his first book of poetry, was published in 1966. Bob's poetry has been widely published in newspapers, magazines, journals and anthologies across Canada and The United States, and worldwide; including, with noted Canadian printmaker G. Brender a Brandis, five of his poems as signed and numbered limited edition prints and a limited edition art-book, The Little Song (1975). Bob has also released six albums of spoken word and songs with the performance group Poem de Terre, including War & Love (2006); and published other books of fiction and seven books of poetry. Bob's prose and poetry has received a number of awards, including an Ontario Arts Council grant for literature, and the Canada Council's National Art Bank has several visual arts representations of his poetry.