Review of Of the Earth
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Angela Hollen
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Review of Of the Earth
[Following is a volunteer review of "Of the Earth" by Kim Cousins.]
A pandemic has broken out across the globe. Natural disasters killed millions of people. A familiar figure in politics stepped onto the world stage to create a single government amidst all of the confusion and chaos. Under his orders, people are required to receive the mark of allegiance to him and are microchipped to allow them to buy and sell goods and function in society. Those refusing the mark are put to death. Although many see their leader as a savior, Christians believe he is the Antichrist.
Published in 2021, Of the Earth by Kim Cousins is Book 1 of the Clashing Kingdoms Series. The story began with an Australian Shepherd puppy who was left alone after her owner, killed by PeaceKeepers, for refusing to receive the government’s mark. When the puppy went into the streets she met Carl, an orange Tabby cat. It is at this time we learn that animals can speak to each other.
Jim Wilkins, a Special Operations medic with the former US Army, left the Army when the PeaceKeepers of the New World Order took over the military. He is travelling to the Smoky Mountains where several of his Army buddies plan to set up an outpost. While stopped in a city to replace a tire on his truck, he met Carl and the wounded puppy, which he names Mattie. Jim decided to take the animals with him on his journey.
On his way to join his fellow Army buddies, Jim met a whole host of characters, some of whom are also traveling to reconnect with family and friends. Each character that comes into Jim’s life all become integral to the story. Jim continues his travels with different characters, stopping to meet other people along the way.
Although I consider Jim to be the main character of this story, others become the main focus as the story progresses. The transitions between different plot points are seamless and the story line is easy to follow. I found it difficult to take a break from reading this book. I quickly grew to love each character as if they were a part of my family and I found myself going along on an emotional roller coaster. I really enjoyed reading a story in which all of the supporting characters interact with each other for a common goal of finding peace and strengthening their faith. Miracles play an important role for the faithful.
A noteworthy aspect of the story is the inclusion of footnotes for passages in the Holy Bible that encourage the reader to reference them for a deeper understanding of a quoted passage or a referenced story. This is an interesting addition to the story line that I have never encountered before. Although there are heavy undertones of Christianity throughout the story, they are appropriate given the fact that Christians are being hunted by the PeaceKeepers, the military of the New World Order’s supreme leader. I also enjoyed the fact that animals can speak to each other and Carl and Mattie met many new animals on their travels with Jim. All of the animals are loyal to their owners and each would give their lives for their people.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars without any hesitation. The story is unique and well-told. The book is a joy to read from beginning to end. The author, Kim Cousins, does a masterful job of providing a temporary escape from reality while also making the story relatable to the world in the present day and age. The dystopian theme is a good reminder just how dangerous governments can be when under the rule of an authoritarian leader. It leaves the reader will a chilling realization that this could happen anywhere at any time. The editing is top-notch as I found no errors of punctuation or grammar.
This book is appropriate for teens and interesting enough for adults. I hesitate to recommend it for certain pre-teens because the political and religious aspects may be difficult for them to fully understand the implications of what can arise out of such a chaotic world. However, I do feel that the book is especially appropriate for anyone who practices religion. Readers will find inspiration and solace in the pages of this book. I look forward to reading future books in this series.
******
Of the Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A pandemic has broken out across the globe. Natural disasters killed millions of people. A familiar figure in politics stepped onto the world stage to create a single government amidst all of the confusion and chaos. Under his orders, people are required to receive the mark of allegiance to him and are microchipped to allow them to buy and sell goods and function in society. Those refusing the mark are put to death. Although many see their leader as a savior, Christians believe he is the Antichrist.
Published in 2021, Of the Earth by Kim Cousins is Book 1 of the Clashing Kingdoms Series. The story began with an Australian Shepherd puppy who was left alone after her owner, killed by PeaceKeepers, for refusing to receive the government’s mark. When the puppy went into the streets she met Carl, an orange Tabby cat. It is at this time we learn that animals can speak to each other.
Jim Wilkins, a Special Operations medic with the former US Army, left the Army when the PeaceKeepers of the New World Order took over the military. He is travelling to the Smoky Mountains where several of his Army buddies plan to set up an outpost. While stopped in a city to replace a tire on his truck, he met Carl and the wounded puppy, which he names Mattie. Jim decided to take the animals with him on his journey.
On his way to join his fellow Army buddies, Jim met a whole host of characters, some of whom are also traveling to reconnect with family and friends. Each character that comes into Jim’s life all become integral to the story. Jim continues his travels with different characters, stopping to meet other people along the way.
Although I consider Jim to be the main character of this story, others become the main focus as the story progresses. The transitions between different plot points are seamless and the story line is easy to follow. I found it difficult to take a break from reading this book. I quickly grew to love each character as if they were a part of my family and I found myself going along on an emotional roller coaster. I really enjoyed reading a story in which all of the supporting characters interact with each other for a common goal of finding peace and strengthening their faith. Miracles play an important role for the faithful.
A noteworthy aspect of the story is the inclusion of footnotes for passages in the Holy Bible that encourage the reader to reference them for a deeper understanding of a quoted passage or a referenced story. This is an interesting addition to the story line that I have never encountered before. Although there are heavy undertones of Christianity throughout the story, they are appropriate given the fact that Christians are being hunted by the PeaceKeepers, the military of the New World Order’s supreme leader. I also enjoyed the fact that animals can speak to each other and Carl and Mattie met many new animals on their travels with Jim. All of the animals are loyal to their owners and each would give their lives for their people.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars without any hesitation. The story is unique and well-told. The book is a joy to read from beginning to end. The author, Kim Cousins, does a masterful job of providing a temporary escape from reality while also making the story relatable to the world in the present day and age. The dystopian theme is a good reminder just how dangerous governments can be when under the rule of an authoritarian leader. It leaves the reader will a chilling realization that this could happen anywhere at any time. The editing is top-notch as I found no errors of punctuation or grammar.
This book is appropriate for teens and interesting enough for adults. I hesitate to recommend it for certain pre-teens because the political and religious aspects may be difficult for them to fully understand the implications of what can arise out of such a chaotic world. However, I do feel that the book is especially appropriate for anyone who practices religion. Readers will find inspiration and solace in the pages of this book. I look forward to reading future books in this series.
******
Of the Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Jake Miller by Billy Ray Williams
