Review by Wally1327 -- Salt of the Earth

[Wally1327]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Salt of the Earth" by Kate Moschandreas.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Salt of the Earth by Kate Moschandreas
I gave Salt of the Earth two out of four stars.

My decision was primarily based on the writing style which was somewhat stiff. I disliked most the staccato way of introducing suspense which was done to acquire a deliberate affect yet failed miserably. The story premise was good, yet not all that original. I believe it may appeal to readers in their 20’s rather than a more jaded reader. I liked most the descriptions given of future cities. They were well done and believable making the reader picture an unappealing world with little food or water.
The layout of the plot was confusing from the beginning. I could not differentiate characters and their roles. From the beginning introduction to David, inventor, mentor and lover to Jess (also an inventor) the plot got steadily more confusing. David’s invention was for water desalination, Jess’s for a new type of turbine. Water was a scarcity so the invention would be of great value to many companies.
A series of events then occurs where David is beaten, Jess makes a run, and Matteo, a bad boy enters the picture. He has apparently been hired to follow Jess. They meet and run for some underground steam tunnels which hold the key to their survival. More characters are introduced such as POP ( a group of people concerned about the future of earth) who is fighting for the invention against the de Sol company, who are solely in the fight for money.
Jess is forced to meet with officials to sign over the inventions for an enormous sum of money. Jess is put on the stage with the Governor of California. Jess refuses to sign and tells the crowd the inventions are for the whole world at no cost. Both Jess and Matteo are attacked but survive.
When released from hospital, guess what? They are a “couple” and Jess begins assembling her turbines to provide water. This is done with the assumption to quickly erase California’s drought. This story would have held more interest at half the length. Writing is choppy and difficult to follow so the reader failed to know the characters in depth. The style of writing was not conducive to holding interest or suspense.

FYI: Profanity found beginning on Page 23, 3rd paragraph. More followed.

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Salt of the Earth
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