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The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve
After being chosen as the new Planetary Progressors for Terran, an earth-like world reeling from the insurgency of the Tro^axk rebellion, Adam and Eve have no idea what to expect. But with three years of intense training under their belt they are sent across the universe to take command of a planet that has grown stagnate in time. Awakening naked in a pyramid temple upon a garden peninsula called Eden, Adam and Eve begin their mission: A mission designed to transform Terran from a backwards cultural cesspool and prepare its inhabitants for their next evolutionary epoch. Their only obstacle, Mikatta, the planet’s displaced ruler and the tribespeople he holds under his sway.
Nearly every religion and society in the world today begins with their story with Adam and Eve. And yet, this most basic story is couched in mysticism, myth, and vague detail. Did such a couple really exist? Were they the first man and woman on our planet–or is there more to the story?
For two hundred thousand years the Neanderthal race ruled Earth, then mysteriously, 40,000 years ago they disappeared forever leaving behind a new race of people, the Cro-Magnon. Why? What happened back then that changed our history?
The Garden of Eden, a perfect home built and designed for two people, until the serpent arrived. Who was the serpent? And what was he doing there in the first place? Is there a chance that the serpent is actually a reference to some hidden sexual transgression?
Imagine traveling billions of light years across space to settle an unknown world populated by primitive barbarians. Imagine being alone, just you and your spouse, the two of you in charge of an entire world with only your faith and your mission to guide you—and, of course, the devil waiting for that first fatal mistake.
Could you have done things better?
The Garden
A Love Story
A Saga of Good vs Evil
The Beginning of Humanity’s Historic Journey
Nearly every religion and society in the world today begins with their story with Adam and Eve. And yet, this most basic story is couched in mysticism, myth, and vague detail. Did such a couple really exist? Were they the first man and woman on our planet–or is there more to the story?
For two hundred thousand years the Neanderthal race ruled Earth, then mysteriously, 40,000 years ago they disappeared forever leaving behind a new race of people, the Cro-Magnon. Why? What happened back then that changed our history?
The Garden of Eden, a perfect home built and designed for two people, until the serpent arrived. Who was the serpent? And what was he doing there in the first place? Is there a chance that the serpent is actually a reference to some hidden sexual transgression?
Imagine traveling billions of light years across space to settle an unknown world populated by primitive barbarians. Imagine being alone, just you and your spouse, the two of you in charge of an entire world with only your faith and your mission to guide you—and, of course, the devil waiting for that first fatal mistake.
Could you have done things better?
The Garden
A Love Story
A Saga of Good vs Evil
The Beginning of Humanity’s Historic Journey
474 pages, ebook
First published June 3, 2012
22 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 2, 2013
This book was part of a blog tour, I received a copy for my honest review.
This is the story of Adam and Eve, with an original plot line.It's not the story that everyone knows but rather one that is believable and highly entertaining. The characters are accessible and their mistakes are ones that everyone could make. The different characters stories were a little hard to follow at first but I got used to it and I wasn't left with any questions at the end of the book. The writing is done exceptionally well, Paul is technically one of the best writers that I read in a long time. There was a certain quality to the work that turned it from being a boring remake of an old story to a new and exciting story of people from the past. I don't think there is really any thing that I can say that would properly do justice to how well this story is written. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
This is the story of Adam and Eve, with an original plot line.It's not the story that everyone knows but rather one that is believable and highly entertaining. The characters are accessible and their mistakes are ones that everyone could make. The different characters stories were a little hard to follow at first but I got used to it and I wasn't left with any questions at the end of the book. The writing is done exceptionally well, Paul is technically one of the best writers that I read in a long time. There was a certain quality to the work that turned it from being a boring remake of an old story to a new and exciting story of people from the past. I don't think there is really any thing that I can say that would properly do justice to how well this story is written. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
March 1, 2013
4 1/2 stars....
I'd like to thank the author and Innovative Online Book Tours for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this book for a few reasons. First, I'm a big science fiction fan. I love sci-fi. Second, I'm currently a month behind a rather large endeavor to read the entire Bible in one year. Out of the two months of the year so far, I'm....a month behind.... And finally, I have a guilty pleasure of watching the history channel, especially when they go into the whole "aliens were the beginning of our civilization" theme.
I cannot imagine a better mesh of those three than this book. A lot of us like to laugh at the crackpots who say UFOs exist. But on a realistic note, look how big the universe is, if even one thousandth of those stars had planets, and one thousandth of those planets were inhabitable, and a thousandth of those inhabitable planets had some sort of intelligent species, and one thousandth of those intelligent species could be space travelers....then this book could very well have happened.
I loved every minute of this book, from the very beginning to past when Kane killed Able. And yes, I finally have my answer of how the heck Noah could have lived over 800 years.
I'd like to thank the author and Innovative Online Book Tours for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this book for a few reasons. First, I'm a big science fiction fan. I love sci-fi. Second, I'm currently a month behind a rather large endeavor to read the entire Bible in one year. Out of the two months of the year so far, I'm....a month behind.... And finally, I have a guilty pleasure of watching the history channel, especially when they go into the whole "aliens were the beginning of our civilization" theme.
I cannot imagine a better mesh of those three than this book. A lot of us like to laugh at the crackpots who say UFOs exist. But on a realistic note, look how big the universe is, if even one thousandth of those stars had planets, and one thousandth of those planets were inhabitable, and a thousandth of those inhabitable planets had some sort of intelligent species, and one thousandth of those intelligent species could be space travelers....then this book could very well have happened.
I loved every minute of this book, from the very beginning to past when Kane killed Able. And yes, I finally have my answer of how the heck Noah could have lived over 800 years.
February 22, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a clever retelling of the story of Adam and Eve with a cool sci/fi twist that I found really engaging. I was impressed with so many elements of this book, and while I've seen the Adam and Eve plot used before in science fiction, this version really played with some new ideas that worked for me.
So, basically Adam and Eve are aliens. Their job is to come to Terran (Earth) and fix the crazy stuff that's been happening there since another alien, Mikatta, got out of hand. Because of Mikatta's antics before Adam and Eve arrive on the planet, the tribes already living there are not exactly the pillars of civilized society. As you might expect, the arrival of Adam and Eve brings some of the tribes joy and causes trouble with the others. There's a lot of pride going on with Earth's hottest alien couple as they strive to take command, but eventually they discover the pitfalls of being rulers.
The most impressive thing in this novel is the world building the author has undertaken. The alien society Adam and Eve come from is written about in great detail, and it was easy to imagine this whole other race of beings with a goal of experimenting on other planets and civilizations. I could picture Mr. Harry's description of the Big Bang vividly, as well as, the evolution of man.
I also liked the idea that Adam and Eve were scientists in their original world, but somewhat naive (even with all their training) when it came to life on Terran. Mikatta, who represents the Satan from the traditional tale, is brutal, sneaky, and full of loathing. An extremely well written character, Mikatta gets my vote for the Best Bad Guy That I've Read In A Long Time. Then again...he is the devil....
For me, there were only a few places where this story fell short. Remember that world building thing I was talking about? Well, it's pretty detailed with lots of names and places that are unfamiliar--typical science fiction stuff. Unfortunately, it was hard to keep all the names straight, and I did feel that parts of the narrative were a little slow and bogged with almost too much detail.
But remember folks, I'm always the first to admit that I'm blond and sometimes my brain is slow!
All in all, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to the readers at All Things Writing!
This is a clever retelling of the story of Adam and Eve with a cool sci/fi twist that I found really engaging. I was impressed with so many elements of this book, and while I've seen the Adam and Eve plot used before in science fiction, this version really played with some new ideas that worked for me.
So, basically Adam and Eve are aliens. Their job is to come to Terran (Earth) and fix the crazy stuff that's been happening there since another alien, Mikatta, got out of hand. Because of Mikatta's antics before Adam and Eve arrive on the planet, the tribes already living there are not exactly the pillars of civilized society. As you might expect, the arrival of Adam and Eve brings some of the tribes joy and causes trouble with the others. There's a lot of pride going on with Earth's hottest alien couple as they strive to take command, but eventually they discover the pitfalls of being rulers.
The most impressive thing in this novel is the world building the author has undertaken. The alien society Adam and Eve come from is written about in great detail, and it was easy to imagine this whole other race of beings with a goal of experimenting on other planets and civilizations. I could picture Mr. Harry's description of the Big Bang vividly, as well as, the evolution of man.
I also liked the idea that Adam and Eve were scientists in their original world, but somewhat naive (even with all their training) when it came to life on Terran. Mikatta, who represents the Satan from the traditional tale, is brutal, sneaky, and full of loathing. An extremely well written character, Mikatta gets my vote for the Best Bad Guy That I've Read In A Long Time. Then again...he is the devil....
For me, there were only a few places where this story fell short. Remember that world building thing I was talking about? Well, it's pretty detailed with lots of names and places that are unfamiliar--typical science fiction stuff. Unfortunately, it was hard to keep all the names straight, and I did feel that parts of the narrative were a little slow and bogged with almost too much detail.
But remember folks, I'm always the first to admit that I'm blond and sometimes my brain is slow!
All in all, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to the readers at All Things Writing!
February 19, 2013
For centuries, Adam and Eve's birth has been foretold. Their existence ensures that the Terran world will be saved. In God's eyes, they must uphold the values that have been instilled within them. Terran's survival is a must, a certainty they must ensure to the best of their ability. While they've been tasked with keeping the world and it's inhabitants alive and in order, temptation also circles them at every turn.
Mikatta yearns to possess Terran for himself. The need to infiltrate the Garden burns deep within his soul. Unfortunately, his access to it is non-existent. Somehow, some way, he will find a way to make it there. He must infiltrate it, at all costs. Even if it means doing away with those that have been tasked to protect the Garden itself.
Adjusting to their new lives, Adam and Eve's lives have changed in more ways than one. The hostile world's inhabitants do not take kindly to their new leaders, though some are willing to give them the benefit of a doubt. To some, they're an answer to their prayers. To others, they're nothing but a disruption to their way of life, something that must be culled before further harm comes to the environment.
While the task they've been given might seem a little daunting, Adam and Eve are determined to follow through on it. Their love for one another keeps them grounded, allowing them to undertake the objectives set before them in hopes of making the best of the situation they now find themselves. Terran is new to them, but they intend on learning everything about it in the time that's been allotted to them. If they're to succeed, they must remain firm in their beliefs, and avoid temptation, at all costs. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done.
This was a very unique retelling of the Adam and Eve story, but with a science-fiction twist. I enjoyed it immensely. We're able to see the couple triumph and fall, and pick themselves up again in hopes of making the best of what they've now been dealt with. Filled with a slew of new characters and worlds, we're able to dive in, and live the story through Adam and Eve's eyes. Granted, there were quite a few twists that left me a little mind-boggled, but that's the beauty of a good story, right?
Mikatta yearns to possess Terran for himself. The need to infiltrate the Garden burns deep within his soul. Unfortunately, his access to it is non-existent. Somehow, some way, he will find a way to make it there. He must infiltrate it, at all costs. Even if it means doing away with those that have been tasked to protect the Garden itself.
Adjusting to their new lives, Adam and Eve's lives have changed in more ways than one. The hostile world's inhabitants do not take kindly to their new leaders, though some are willing to give them the benefit of a doubt. To some, they're an answer to their prayers. To others, they're nothing but a disruption to their way of life, something that must be culled before further harm comes to the environment.
While the task they've been given might seem a little daunting, Adam and Eve are determined to follow through on it. Their love for one another keeps them grounded, allowing them to undertake the objectives set before them in hopes of making the best of the situation they now find themselves. Terran is new to them, but they intend on learning everything about it in the time that's been allotted to them. If they're to succeed, they must remain firm in their beliefs, and avoid temptation, at all costs. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done.
This was a very unique retelling of the Adam and Eve story, but with a science-fiction twist. I enjoyed it immensely. We're able to see the couple triumph and fall, and pick themselves up again in hopes of making the best of what they've now been dealt with. Filled with a slew of new characters and worlds, we're able to dive in, and live the story through Adam and Eve's eyes. Granted, there were quite a few twists that left me a little mind-boggled, but that's the beauty of a good story, right?
May 23, 2013
Review: The Garden
The synopsis (book description) offers a very accurate view of exactly what this story is about. This is a different and interesting take on the creation story with Adam and Eve. Coming from a science background, I am usually very skeptical of science fiction books but this one more than surpassed my expectations. The book opens in a laboratory setting with Adam working on a genetic problem with some species. The wording is technical and spot on. I have to say that Paul Harry’s writing was exceptional and for being so technical – was an easy read. I was able to follow what was going on as well as look forward to what was coming up next.
I found this book to be a fantastic read because it managed to reinvigorate a time worn tale. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the interweaving of some religious aspects with science fiction. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining read. Be prepared to see things in a new way!
See my Review on www.jcckeith.blogspot.com
The synopsis (book description) offers a very accurate view of exactly what this story is about. This is a different and interesting take on the creation story with Adam and Eve. Coming from a science background, I am usually very skeptical of science fiction books but this one more than surpassed my expectations. The book opens in a laboratory setting with Adam working on a genetic problem with some species. The wording is technical and spot on. I have to say that Paul Harry’s writing was exceptional and for being so technical – was an easy read. I was able to follow what was going on as well as look forward to what was coming up next.
I found this book to be a fantastic read because it managed to reinvigorate a time worn tale. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the interweaving of some religious aspects with science fiction. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining read. Be prepared to see things in a new way!
See my Review on www.jcckeith.blogspot.com
January 1, 2013
"The Garden" is a novel that shows a totally different tale of Adam and Eve which actually made a bit more sense to me than the original story. The plot was well written even though, at times, I had a hard time following what was happening, it all came together at the end. Paul pens his characters believable and interesting although I would have like to see a character map instead of going back to find out who was who. Recommended to all readers.
Update from Author on 12/21/12:
The completed work now features a character plat to help with understanding who all the characters are, and two new additional scenes. One scene explains what happens to Mikatta and the other is a scene between Eve and Kane when Kane is forced to flee New Eden. These new scenes tie up some loose ends.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
Update from Author on 12/21/12:
The completed work now features a character plat to help with understanding who all the characters are, and two new additional scenes. One scene explains what happens to Mikatta and the other is a scene between Eve and Kane when Kane is forced to flee New Eden. These new scenes tie up some loose ends.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
September 16, 2024
If you've ever wondered about Adam and Eve, then this is the book for you. Already garnering fabulous reviews, “The Garden” is the life story of the two people who changed our lives unlike any other. They shaped everything in our world—you, your history, your religious beliefs, your customs, even your genetic makeup, and yet so little is known about their lives.
Now, for the first time, the veil has been lifted, and the real story can be told. Adam and Eve really existed, and their story is far richer than anything you’ve ever heard or read.
This version of the book is rated "R" for explicit sex scenes. Let's be real; sex plays a huge part in the unfolding of this story.
Now, for the first time, the veil has been lifted, and the real story can be told. Adam and Eve really existed, and their story is far richer than anything you’ve ever heard or read.
This version of the book is rated "R" for explicit sex scenes. Let's be real; sex plays a huge part in the unfolding of this story.
February 27, 2013
If you are looking for something different this is a great book for it. A new twist on a old story. Will not bother to add the plot of the book since you can read it everywhere, this is just to say that i really enjoyed the book and writing. If you read the preface i think it will grab you, it did me. Enjoy the new telling.
March 15, 2013
This book definitely gives Adam and Eve's story a different spin! I liked it alot! Adam and Eve from another planet! A great book over all. Not sure what else I could add that wasn't in the other reviews. The author did a great job of describing the characters and planets they are on. Nice details.
May 16, 2013
"The Garden, the Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve" gives a refreshing new look at the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. An old story with a Science fiction twist. Don't pass it up its a great read! Paul Harry has done it again. I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2014
DISCLAIMER: This book was given to The Review Board, of which I am a member, in exchange for an honest review. Following, is my honest, unbiased review of The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam & Eve.
~~~~
This story is 'The Creation' meets 'Star Trek'. A hybrid of both biblical and sci-fi. In essence this story relates that Adam & Eve are not from planet earth, known to them as Terran (Latin for land & earth), but from the Delii system, and are an advanced species of humanoid aliens that were sent to earth to teach primitive life and lead them into civility with one another.
Here you'll find a back story which sort of coincides with ancient human history, but goes even further to divulge the biblical secrets that historians cannot answer by offering them in the way of extraterrestrial intelligence.
In all truth I really loved the premise of this book. Being that I am a geek for anything historical, mythological/biblical, or scientific, this story begged to enchant my inner nerd, and did it well.
The overall story line was well narrated and the author has a good way of explaining the technological bits within the dialogue.
I also loved the use of actual biblical names/terms in the story. It offered more realism. Like their god's name is Jirah, as in Jehovah-Jirah.
There was also the implementation of a pyramid on their mother planet in the Delii system. I thought that was really cool.
In other words, it was obvious that the author did extensive research.
Although I really enjoyed the story, in being objective, I cannot judge the book on storyline alone. That being said, this book has GREAT potential but needs a lot of work. Following I will point out the things that have opportunity for improvement:
* The story needs a great deal of editing in syntax. I found lots of punctuation, grammatical and spelling mistakes throughout the entirety of the book.
* The very next thing that should be addressed, I believe, is pacing for in many instances the story's pace slows down significantly. It slows down so much, that it causes boredom. If the reader is a person that craves an upbeat, more tantalizing narrative. This may not be their cup of tea.
I truly wish that there had been a little more speed and conflict. Because, although the conflict was there, it was not until the end that it was further elaborated on.
I also think that having spread out the conflict throughout the entirety of the story, placing a little bit in each chapter, that it may have served as more of hook for readers. Unfortunately, you'll find that all of the conflict was revealed in some dialogue between characters and it was done in a very methodical way, in which a person may quickly lose interest. However, it was not further addressed until the very end.
* I think that there may have been way too many characters introduced all at once (the next bullet will explain more).
I also think that if all of these characters were absolutely necessary and had to be introduced into the story, that maybe it would've been a better idea to cut the story down into a series/episodes--I mean, it's already cut down into "parts". Each part could've easily been a "next installment".
Why do I say this? Because, this would've made it much easier to follow and the reader would've remembered all of the characters. I found myself having to force my brain to remember who which character was and why they were in the story.
* Even from the first chapter the reader is introduced not only to Adam and Eve, but to an entire planet of extraterrestrial beings, by name, function and species.
I fully understood what the author was doing with that and the best way that I could describe it is by referring you the the movie The Green Lanterns.
When Ryan Reynolds lands on the alien planet and is immediately introduced to several different alien species. I'm sure the point was to bring the authenticity of an evolved intelligent race.
However for the 'newbie' in sci-fi literature, this could be very confusing. So this is something that the author may want to consider changing or spreading out a little. Or if they must be all introduced right up front, then maybe only provide names for the characters that have a huge impact on the story.
* I found that chapter 13 from part 1, in particular, was extremely long and here is why. As I mentioned before, the author incorporates technological speech within dialogue, but it this chapter for example (although there were a few more that I felt the same way about), you'll find that it gets overwhelming somewhat. Like to the point where the reader potentially can get fatigued and in turn become uninterested.
I believe that the author should truly consider if ALL of that must be said. Sometimes leaving certain things to the imagination is a better route.
* By the end of the story you do find resolution, and it all makes sense, however it did feel sort of anticlimactic. This could be due to the fact that as a whole the story was lethargic in it's pacing, therefore by the time the reader has reached the end they are no longer invested enough to appreciate the ending.
Overall The Garden is a story that entices the mind and entertains. With lots of work, this could be a best seller in the geek market.
PS: I say that with pride and as a compliment, because I'm a geek and I'd fully buy and keep this book on my shelf if it were improved. It's a story that deserves a revamp and lots of attention.
I deeply believe that if The Garden were overhauled, for a lack of a better term, it would be a great read. However, for now, due to all of the things mentioned above, I'm giving it 3 stars.
~~~~
This story is 'The Creation' meets 'Star Trek'. A hybrid of both biblical and sci-fi. In essence this story relates that Adam & Eve are not from planet earth, known to them as Terran (Latin for land & earth), but from the Delii system, and are an advanced species of humanoid aliens that were sent to earth to teach primitive life and lead them into civility with one another.
Here you'll find a back story which sort of coincides with ancient human history, but goes even further to divulge the biblical secrets that historians cannot answer by offering them in the way of extraterrestrial intelligence.
In all truth I really loved the premise of this book. Being that I am a geek for anything historical, mythological/biblical, or scientific, this story begged to enchant my inner nerd, and did it well.
The overall story line was well narrated and the author has a good way of explaining the technological bits within the dialogue.
I also loved the use of actual biblical names/terms in the story. It offered more realism. Like their god's name is Jirah, as in Jehovah-Jirah.
There was also the implementation of a pyramid on their mother planet in the Delii system. I thought that was really cool.
In other words, it was obvious that the author did extensive research.
Although I really enjoyed the story, in being objective, I cannot judge the book on storyline alone. That being said, this book has GREAT potential but needs a lot of work. Following I will point out the things that have opportunity for improvement:
* The story needs a great deal of editing in syntax. I found lots of punctuation, grammatical and spelling mistakes throughout the entirety of the book.
* The very next thing that should be addressed, I believe, is pacing for in many instances the story's pace slows down significantly. It slows down so much, that it causes boredom. If the reader is a person that craves an upbeat, more tantalizing narrative. This may not be their cup of tea.
I truly wish that there had been a little more speed and conflict. Because, although the conflict was there, it was not until the end that it was further elaborated on.
I also think that having spread out the conflict throughout the entirety of the story, placing a little bit in each chapter, that it may have served as more of hook for readers. Unfortunately, you'll find that all of the conflict was revealed in some dialogue between characters and it was done in a very methodical way, in which a person may quickly lose interest. However, it was not further addressed until the very end.
* I think that there may have been way too many characters introduced all at once (the next bullet will explain more).
I also think that if all of these characters were absolutely necessary and had to be introduced into the story, that maybe it would've been a better idea to cut the story down into a series/episodes--I mean, it's already cut down into "parts". Each part could've easily been a "next installment".
Why do I say this? Because, this would've made it much easier to follow and the reader would've remembered all of the characters. I found myself having to force my brain to remember who which character was and why they were in the story.
* Even from the first chapter the reader is introduced not only to Adam and Eve, but to an entire planet of extraterrestrial beings, by name, function and species.
I fully understood what the author was doing with that and the best way that I could describe it is by referring you the the movie The Green Lanterns.
When Ryan Reynolds lands on the alien planet and is immediately introduced to several different alien species. I'm sure the point was to bring the authenticity of an evolved intelligent race.
However for the 'newbie' in sci-fi literature, this could be very confusing. So this is something that the author may want to consider changing or spreading out a little. Or if they must be all introduced right up front, then maybe only provide names for the characters that have a huge impact on the story.
* I found that chapter 13 from part 1, in particular, was extremely long and here is why. As I mentioned before, the author incorporates technological speech within dialogue, but it this chapter for example (although there were a few more that I felt the same way about), you'll find that it gets overwhelming somewhat. Like to the point where the reader potentially can get fatigued and in turn become uninterested.
I believe that the author should truly consider if ALL of that must be said. Sometimes leaving certain things to the imagination is a better route.
* By the end of the story you do find resolution, and it all makes sense, however it did feel sort of anticlimactic. This could be due to the fact that as a whole the story was lethargic in it's pacing, therefore by the time the reader has reached the end they are no longer invested enough to appreciate the ending.
Overall The Garden is a story that entices the mind and entertains. With lots of work, this could be a best seller in the geek market.
PS: I say that with pride and as a compliment, because I'm a geek and I'd fully buy and keep this book on my shelf if it were improved. It's a story that deserves a revamp and lots of attention.
I deeply believe that if The Garden were overhauled, for a lack of a better term, it would be a great read. However, for now, due to all of the things mentioned above, I'm giving it 3 stars.
June 16, 2014
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
My first attempt at reading this book was back in mid-March. At that particular time, I didn't feel I could give this book due justice. As a result I made the decision to wait until I had a bit more time between my other assigned reads so I could return and give this work undivided attention.
The approach of this book completely blew me away and made me want to read it in the first place. To challenge the original story of Adam and Eve and mix it with sci-fi. It had all the makings of a wonderful story.
Unfortunately, the premise is where the excitement ended. The very beginning of it seemed like a movie script of sorts with all of the characters listed at the very beginning--extremely scientific in the breakdown. Cool points for methodical but to a newbie or beginning reader of sci-fi, this can serve as intimidating even before one gets fully invested in the pages.
There were plenty of failures in syntax: missing words, grammar and punctuation goofs all over the place. It was hard to ignore them and my brain and eyes doing auto correct served to deter from the read.
Another stumbling block was the pace of the narrative. The telling of the back story put the pace at a tremendous sacrifice, along with the conflict. Plus, just when I thought the ends would justify the means in terms of the ending, the conclusion fell massively short.
In addition, there were way too many characters and situations to keep up with. The author would have done better dividing this massive work into shorter books. This would have provided better ease in keeping up with the characters and caring about their plights. However, in this composition, I failed to fully connect or care about their struggles.
With further editing, a more simplistic breakdown of story, and lingering resolution, The Garden could shape up to be a wonderful go-to for that person who wants something out of the ordinary and a challenge to religious presentation.
In its current form, it fails miserably. The Garden will now join the list of other books where I shake my head and say, "I had such high hopes for you."
My first attempt at reading this book was back in mid-March. At that particular time, I didn't feel I could give this book due justice. As a result I made the decision to wait until I had a bit more time between my other assigned reads so I could return and give this work undivided attention.
The approach of this book completely blew me away and made me want to read it in the first place. To challenge the original story of Adam and Eve and mix it with sci-fi. It had all the makings of a wonderful story.
Unfortunately, the premise is where the excitement ended. The very beginning of it seemed like a movie script of sorts with all of the characters listed at the very beginning--extremely scientific in the breakdown. Cool points for methodical but to a newbie or beginning reader of sci-fi, this can serve as intimidating even before one gets fully invested in the pages.
There were plenty of failures in syntax: missing words, grammar and punctuation goofs all over the place. It was hard to ignore them and my brain and eyes doing auto correct served to deter from the read.
Another stumbling block was the pace of the narrative. The telling of the back story put the pace at a tremendous sacrifice, along with the conflict. Plus, just when I thought the ends would justify the means in terms of the ending, the conclusion fell massively short.
In addition, there were way too many characters and situations to keep up with. The author would have done better dividing this massive work into shorter books. This would have provided better ease in keeping up with the characters and caring about their plights. However, in this composition, I failed to fully connect or care about their struggles.
With further editing, a more simplistic breakdown of story, and lingering resolution, The Garden could shape up to be a wonderful go-to for that person who wants something out of the ordinary and a challenge to religious presentation.
In its current form, it fails miserably. The Garden will now join the list of other books where I shake my head and say, "I had such high hopes for you."
January 26, 2014
I thought it was a promising premise, but I couldn't wade through more than the first few chapters. Too dry, too slow, too boring.
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