Review of Sent Back
- Hazel Arnaiz
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Review of Sent Back
Andrew Kirkpatrick was about five years old when his family left their rural home and moved to the city to live with his great-uncle. Grand Uncle Birdie, like his home, is an oddity. He has a unique collection of antique boxes, first-edition books, and other antiquities. Granduncle Birdie gained custody of him when he lost his parents. Andrew developed a fondness for Granduncle Birdie despite his oddities. Their mutual interest in antiquities likely influenced his decision to study ancient Egypt. His granduncle fell ill while Andrew was completing his thesis. He left Andrew a large estate but also unusual hints about his peculiar nature. These hints will lead Andrew on a mission that will take him back in time. He will uncover the mysteries of his ancestry, special abilities, and destiny.
Sent Back by Hortensia de los Santos is speculative fiction that blends ancient history, fantasy, mysticism, and spirituality. The book has vast information regarding ancient civilization, religion, and technology. The book's strength resides in its ability to share knowledge and revive interest in these topics. What I enjoyed most about the work was learning about the archeological sites related to ancient civilization. I was even encouraged to do additional research to learn more about them. It also offers a comparison of different religious beliefs. To name a few, it finds parallels between Greek mythology, Egyptian gods, Hinduism, and Christianity.
The book does not just repeat previously established concepts. It employs speculative fiction to explore alternatives that offer a fresh look at various ancient civilizations. It looks for similarities, correlations, and relatedness that could lead to further investigation. Similarly, it is worth noting that the book illustrates the comparable objectives of numerous religions throughout history. That is, to act in the best interests of humanity. Even calamities and uncertainties are part of the plan. Despite the main character's Christian faith, the book does not promote any of the religions explored.
The story appears to have two parts. Andrew's bond with his great-uncle is the focus of the first portion. The eccentric nature of Granduncle Birdie adds to the suspense that has kept the reader fascinated. The second half is all about Andrew's adventure. The story utilized time travel to present many ancient civilizations. Because the plot covers various societies and eras, supporting characters are plentiful. The individuals and scenarios in this section serve to move the story along. There isn't much room for emotional engagement with the characters. The second half was quite informative in terms of history and civilizations. However, unlike the first half, the second part must be equally emotionally engaging. Even with minor characters, the audience should be able to relate to them. It is one of the work's drawbacks. Another consideration is editing. There are various concerns with direct speech, homonyms, and spelling, to name a few. To address these concerns, I recommend another round of editing. Another idea for improvement is to include a glossary or a separate section for the historical and archaeological material. Individuals looking for additional information will find it helpful as a quick reference.
The language is simple and conversational. There are a few borderline profanities. But there are no explicit sex scenes. It is appropriate for any religious organization, despite covering a spectrum of mythology, spirituality, and other beliefs. The content is suitable for audiences aged thirteen and older. Those interested in archeology and ancient civilizations will find this book informative. If you are into science-based time travel stories, look elsewhere.
The book piques the reader's interest in history and archaeology. However, I must deduct a star for my concerns regarding the second part of the plot and the editing issues. That said, I rate it four out of five.
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Sent Back
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