Book Review of 'The Seed' {Mythical Fiction}

It's been a while since I've read a book best described as 'mythical fiction', so I thought I'd take a gander back into the realm I would consider Tolkien-esque. The Seed is full of wonderful imagery and description, but I had a difficult time connecting with the book and it's characters. I began very intrigued and liked the initial quick-pace of the novel, but as it went on I knew I was missing some connection to the characters and the symbolism. I think if this is a genre you enjoy and are able to sit and read the book in one sitting (or fairly close to it), then you will probably connect with this book more than I was able. But as a mom of 6, who gets interrupted while reading or had a few days in between readings, I had a trickier time (part of this is due to the main characters names changing throughout the novel--which I completely understood, but made it harder for me to see them in a more personal way). I'm still glad I read this and tried something different! It just wasn't for me.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review*

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Seed (New Growth Press, May 2016)

Young Madeline and Roark are desperately running from the shadow that destroyed their home and is threatening their lives.

One day, they encounter Tatus, an older man who has sworn to avenge the death of his family at the hands of the shadow, and they form an alliance with him. Tatus promises that he can keep them safe from the shadow if they will help him build a fortress. So they build.

But as fortress-building consumes their lives, Madeline and Roark are increasingly filled with anger and fear, and an unseen evil threatens to ultimately destroy them. When they finally face the shadow, he presents them with an unthinkable offer that will reveal shocking secrets of the forgotten past, the unseen present, and the unimaginable future.

We’ve all had the feeling that something’s not quite right with our lives. It’s bigger than any specific failure or disappointment. It’s bigger than any person. No matter what you achieve or how much you drink or sleep, you can’t shake it. It haunts you-night and day-and propels you to do something. So you build. You build and build the maze that is your exhausting life. Sound vaguely familiar?

The Seed: A True Myth is a journey into the personal labyrinths we create to protect ourselves and those we love from the pain of living in a broken world. Guzman’s “true myth” takes the reader on an unforgettable journey that is, in essence, the grand narrative of God’s redemptive work in the world. This page-turning Christian fantasy tale is packed with mystery and drama, and readers will feel the weight and power of redemption as they journey alongside Guzman’s characters in their epic battle. The Seed deftly communicates the heart of Trinitarian theology through story-without using theological language or Christian terms-and reinforces biblical themes such as God’s character and man’s true identity and calling.

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About the author:

A

Erik Guzman is Vice President of Communications and Executive Producer at Key Life Network. He’s the cohost of the nationally syndicated talk show Steve Brown, Etc. and announcer for "Key Life." His writing has been featured in Key Life's magazine and online at KeyLife.org, Liberate.org, Burnside Writers Collective, and Sojourners (sojo.net). He is also a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a drummer, and a 5th degree black belt in Aikido. Erik, his wife, and three children live near Orlando, Florida.