Review of Of the Earth

[Nimish Gadgil]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Of the Earth" by Kim Cousins.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Of the Earth by Kim Cousins is an imaginative adventure appropriate to the time in which we live today. When a puppy finds herself alone in the destruction of a crumbling city, she is surprised to find friendship in the form of a large cat named Carl. When a wayfarer named Jim stops to fix his flat tire, he discovers them, and they begin adventure anew as they trek toward the Smoky Mountains in search of Jim’s friends and survival. Will they make it to their destination? Will they meet people along the way who are willing to help? What kind of challenges will the three companions face? To find out, you must read this enthralling story!

Although this book was initially placed in the genre of Other Fiction, it features a dystopian theme and includes elements of the Fantasy genre. There has always been a mystique surrounding talking animals. I found that element fascinating when I stepped into the story and realized that animals were part of the dialogue.

At the beginning of this book, the author explains the format and the use of italics and footnotes for clarity. Much of this story uses the Holy Bible as a source of inspiration, and scriptural footnotes are included so that readers may investigate on their own. It suggests that readers searching out the Easter eggs of discovery could find Easter instead.

The character development was excellent in this book. I loved the camaraderie between the animal characters in this story, and the connection between members of Jim’s community was close and caring. Jim’s journey carried him through many dangers, and he learned about himself and others on the way. I especially liked the recurrent theme of concern for others that appeared throughout the story.

There are many references to Christianity and its teachings in this book. The basic foundations of the salvation mentioned in the Holy Bible are presented within the story in an interesting way. I enjoyed how well that theme worked with the dystopian aspects of the plotline, as it seemed to add a new and deeper dimension to an otherwise somewhat frayed sub-genre. I feel that the adventurous storyline of the book reaches beyond religion and will appeal to readers of any faith. However, it may feel heavy-handed to those not of a particular faith.

As a negative point, readers looking for an escape from aspects relating to life during a pandemic or religious war may want to look elsewhere. These themes and events, such as natural disasters, the declination of civilization, and even spiritual exorcism, add a tone of violence to this book that is threaded throughout the narrative. In that sense, this book is not for the faint of heart, and I walked away from it with a heavier feeling.

As a positive point, the elements of adventure, common goodness, friendship, and romance cause this novel to blossom for the reader and make it a must-read. I recommend it to readers who feel drawn to a dramatic plot. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy dystopian drama. In addition, this is an exceptionally well-edited book. I rate this book with 4 out of 4 stars for these reasons.

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Of the Earth
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It looks like a very exciting book. I will try to get hold of the book and read it, as I always love adventure stories.

[Monika Amunyela]

Wow! Fresh air is what described this book's contents whereby mother earth is the main character and nature is beautiful feeling with wonderful creations.

[Monika Amunyela]

Wow! Fresh air is what described this book's contents whereby mother earth is the main character and nature is beautiful feeling with wonderful creations.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

This sure sounds interesting. Talking animals, excellent character development, and inspiration from the Bible? I am thinking I will have to read this and see if I can find the Easter. Thank you for your intriguing review!

[Janet Lester]

Of The Earth got my attention with talking animals. Being able to tell the difference between animal and human dialogue by italics make it fun! I’m not sure how I feel about the Holy Bible references in the book. If your curious or looking for answers in that aspect, give it a read, and find Easter….not just Easter eggs!

[Mawiyya]

The adventures of a puppy, cat and Jim. I can’t imagine something more belonging of the absurdist fantasy genre than talking animals. Luckily for the author I enjoy absurdist fantasy and a good adventure story. Great review! It certainly invoked my interest in reading the book!

[Bertha Jackson]

The friendship between humans, a puppy, and a cat while taking an adventurous journey into the Smoky Mountains based on the Bible is sure to draw many readers. Thank you for your review.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

This is a unique book as fantasy and non-fiction are combined. With talking animals and some happening in the Holy Bible includes, it's rare for the book to have both. I'm in awe. Congratulations to the author on BOTD!

[Amy Luman]

We all need someone to care about us and to help us on our way. Congratulations on BOTD!

[Timothy Rucinski]

Talking animals? Christian literature? Nope. Not my cup of tea. But the plot sounds interesting and I'm certain there will be many that will enjoy this story. Congrats to the author on BOTD.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an interesting dystopian other fiction novel highlighting adventure, action, friendship, survival, elements of fantasy, and unique characterization. The book is temporarily discounted on Amazon Kindle and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD.

[Anaïs Quesson]

I am for sure intrigued by this book. I am hooked by the themes involved and the characters' journey. I might not be religious, but both your review and the free sample I got to read really made me want to read this book. (A friendship between a human, a talking puppy and a talking cat?? I'm in!)
I will write down the title and might give it a try later this year!

Thank you VernaVi for this comprehensive and well-written review, congratulations

[Reaper9295]

I felt bad for the puppy. Having no name. But it made me happy that the cat took him in. And tried to explain the unwanted danger he was about to bring upon himself.

[Hy Be]

The book likes quite interesting touching every aspects of human life. The friendship between puppy and protagonist looks promising.

[Benjamin Akuboh]

This book feels like a soup of a zombie apocalypse, Animal Farm, and the proverbial Last Days in the Bible. Don't mind reading it at all because of the curiosity that it brings up. Congrats to the author for making BOTD!