Review by Kevin_Muinde -- Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas
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Kevin_Muinde
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- Latest Review: Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas
Review by Kevin_Muinde -- Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas
[Following is a volunteer review of "Heaven and Earth" by Arturo Riojas.]
2 out of 4 stars
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Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas is a well-crafted, fictitious novel that brings together earthlings and extraterrestrials in a concerted effort to combat the dangerous effects of cadmium poisoning. It follows Olga Ramos, a Californian researcher at NASA and her good friend Gavilan who she met in an engineering and science conference. Later on they are approached by an extraterrestrial named Nivla. He claims to be from the planet Treretum and that his home planet is in danger. They are being fed on by a predatory species called Muimdac (Cadmium spelt in reverse). Out of desperation they have turned to Earth for help. The Treretumians and Earthlings team up so as to avert the danger.
The inclusion of Cadmium facts after every chapter in my perspective is good. Though being optional, I would advise against skipping them. The fact sections are meant to flow with the overall story so as to have a better understanding of the intentions of the novel. This engages the audience by inspiring emotions. The idea of human beings working together with extraterrestrials in an attempt to save humanity from Cadmium poisoning boards well with the book. Riojas is able to point out well that cadmium poisoning needs global attention.
Some improvements should be made especially with regards to grammar and fluency. The use of brackets to translate the Spanish texts into English is good since it is meant to create a better understanding for those who do not know Spanish, but I believe it is overused. This is seen in some chapters were there are pages full Spanish and bracketed translation, this becomes distracting to the reader. Riojas should think of leaving out some translations and use footnotes.
Heaven and Earth was edited quite well but more editing should be done so as to deal with the grammatical errors and typos that I encountered. Some of the phrases seemed to be direct translations, this was at times confusing for me. Riojas’ use of italics to represent or capture the character’s thoughts was good but there were a few scenarios were it seemed they were used in the text randomly, and were a distraction to me. The italics made no sense to me, as they did not represent the thoughts of the character or add meaning to a phrase.
Heaven and Earth is not only a good fictional book but it revolutionizes how we think of Cadmium; The author is able to create awareness on Cadmium poisoning. I would recommend the book to anyone who values their health and well-being. Since the book is able to accomplish its intended purpose of creating Cadmium poisoning awareness in a thrilling way, I rate it 2 out of 4 stars.
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Heaven and Earth
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2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas is a well-crafted, fictitious novel that brings together earthlings and extraterrestrials in a concerted effort to combat the dangerous effects of cadmium poisoning. It follows Olga Ramos, a Californian researcher at NASA and her good friend Gavilan who she met in an engineering and science conference. Later on they are approached by an extraterrestrial named Nivla. He claims to be from the planet Treretum and that his home planet is in danger. They are being fed on by a predatory species called Muimdac (Cadmium spelt in reverse). Out of desperation they have turned to Earth for help. The Treretumians and Earthlings team up so as to avert the danger.
The inclusion of Cadmium facts after every chapter in my perspective is good. Though being optional, I would advise against skipping them. The fact sections are meant to flow with the overall story so as to have a better understanding of the intentions of the novel. This engages the audience by inspiring emotions. The idea of human beings working together with extraterrestrials in an attempt to save humanity from Cadmium poisoning boards well with the book. Riojas is able to point out well that cadmium poisoning needs global attention.
Some improvements should be made especially with regards to grammar and fluency. The use of brackets to translate the Spanish texts into English is good since it is meant to create a better understanding for those who do not know Spanish, but I believe it is overused. This is seen in some chapters were there are pages full Spanish and bracketed translation, this becomes distracting to the reader. Riojas should think of leaving out some translations and use footnotes.
Heaven and Earth was edited quite well but more editing should be done so as to deal with the grammatical errors and typos that I encountered. Some of the phrases seemed to be direct translations, this was at times confusing for me. Riojas’ use of italics to represent or capture the character’s thoughts was good but there were a few scenarios were it seemed they were used in the text randomly, and were a distraction to me. The italics made no sense to me, as they did not represent the thoughts of the character or add meaning to a phrase.
Heaven and Earth is not only a good fictional book but it revolutionizes how we think of Cadmium; The author is able to create awareness on Cadmium poisoning. I would recommend the book to anyone who values their health and well-being. Since the book is able to accomplish its intended purpose of creating Cadmium poisoning awareness in a thrilling way, I rate it 2 out of 4 stars.
******
Heaven and Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kevin_Muinde's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas
