A Blast from the Past, by Navya Vihaan. Published by Mithaas Services Pvt. Past Ltd., 2026, 123p.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A Blast from the Past is a richly illustrated book featuring 21 chapters set against detailed geographical backdrops, spanning Cretaceous formations across India, Mongolia, China, Argentina, Egypt, Canada, Madagascar, and beyond.The work opens with a list of illustrations, geographical locations, a foreword by Prof. Ashok Sahni, and an engaging introduction.The introduction captures the author's deep fascination with dinosaurs, combining rigorous scientific detail with creative artistry.It conveys cultural richness through indigenous names and demonstrates accuracy with references to paleoart and paleogeographic maps.This thoughtful balance of enthusiasm, research, and creativity invites readers to explore prehistory through a unique fusion of science and storytelling.Chapter 1, Being a Hatchling is Bad for Health, depicts the fragile life of Titanosaurus hatchlings in prehistoric India.Sejal and Harshal step into a dangerous world filled with predators like Garoli the snake and Rahiolisaurus, as well as natural threats such as flash floods.Sejal's cautious nature and Harshal's curiosity make them easy to connect with, while details like gastroliths add useful scientific insight.Though there are small repetitions and slips, the chapter successfully combines accurate science with emotional storytelling, laying the groundwork for a tale of survival and companionship.Chapter 2, What a Way to Start a Morning, shows the daily life of Wapo, a huge Dreadnoughtus in prehistoric Argentina.The story begins with him waking in a humid forest, bothered by insects, and cooling off in mud before carefully heading to the river.His eating habitsswallowing stones to help digestion and feeding on tree ferns add scientific detail.Smaller dinosaurs, the Talenkauen, benefit from his messy eating, but an Orkoraptor attack suddenly breaks their routine.Wapo, too large to be threatened, ignores the danger and goes back to sleep.The chapter blends science with storytelling, balancing everyday survival with sudden drama, though casual wording and the quick ending slightly reduce the impact.Chapter 3: The cripple portrays the tough life of Jochi, a young Therizinosaurus who becomes crippled after a fight.Despite his injury, he manages to defeat an Alioramus, proving how dangerous his claws can be.But his small victory doesn't last long-a Tarbosaurus later kills him.The story mixes scientific details with dramatic events, showing both Jochi's strength and his weakness in a world ruled by predators.Chapter 4, A Good Night's Hunt, tells the story of Alejandro the Giganotosaurus, starting with his search for water at midday and ending with a group hunt in the evening.Set in Late Cretaceous Argentina, the chapter shows both the rich environment and the teamwork among the dinosaurs.The attack on a young Andesaurus is described with intensity and realism, while humor and friendship add warmth to the
Author: N. Malarkodi
Institution: Bangalore University
Language: English
Subfield: Paleontology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7225083184