Review by KAMama -- Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas

[KAMama]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Heaven and Earth" by Arturo Riojas.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas is an unusual blending of science fiction with a discussion of health and safety issues involving cadmium and the prevalence of cadmium poisoning.

The cast of players includes a group of aliens on a recon mission to determine how humans have responded to the “seeds” that their predecessors have planted on Earth, a group of scientists working to make a diffence in their respective fields and at least a few government agecies tasked with protecting the status quo rather than the people they are supposed to protect.

Both of our main groups of protagonists are fighting an enemy that isn’t easy to see. While the aliens are fighting against an invading force that is microscopic in nature, our humans are battling unseen contaminants in the food supply as well as shadowy forces in the government trying to keep the truth hidden as well.

I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. While it touches on some major issues dear to me, such as environmental protection, transparency of government and social justice, the execution just falls a bit short. For instance, the inclusion of factual information at the end of chapters breaks up the flow of the story and makes it less enjoyable. However, if you are aware of how the book is organized beforehand, this effect could be minimized.

As for the story itself, the writing isn’t bad as much as stilted in the delivery. You can tell that the author is more skilled in technical writing than fiction.

It is obvious that Mr. Riojas is passionate about the issue of cadmium poisoning and the effects that its presence has on humans and other life on Earth. Unfortunately, the manner in which he presents his information by repeatedly “hitting you over the head” with frightening facts and technical jargon over and over tends to have the opposite effect that he intended.

I struggled with what rating to give Heaven and Earth. I enjoyed most of the story well enough despite being unhappy with the “surprise” ending. And the nonfiction sections about cadmium poisoning involves an important subject that needs to be discussed. I’d like to give the book 2 1/2 stars, but if forced to choose, I’d have to go with 2 out of 4 stars rather than 3. However, I feel that with some tweaks, Heaven and Earth would be a book I would happily recommend.

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Heaven and Earth
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[Aldonsa]

I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did...
Unfortunately, the manner in which he presents his information by repeatedly “hitting you over the head” with frightening facts and technical jargon over and over tends to have the opposite effect that he intended.

That is my thought exactly! I see an importance of problems described in the book, but the way of representing is too difficult.

You can tell that the author is more skilled in technical writing than fiction

Dr. Riojas is a scientist and his field is Natural Sciences, so he's indeed more familiar with technical writing. However, I know many scientists that were splendid fiction writers

[Jaime Lync]

Great review. I've been wondering if I should read this because the premise looks intriguing but the books seems rather lengthy and I'm not into that right now. Might still check it out but thanks to your review I know what to expect from it. Thanks.