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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Lightning Seed is the first book in the Messenger series by John Durant, set on the mechanical planet of Ma’a. Evl, a young boy living with his widowed mother, becomes the guardian of the mysterious Lightning Seed, an artifact of immense power. As they struggle to survive, Evl inadvertently unlocks the Seed’s abilities, setting off a series of events that could reshape the universe. Pursued by the Otuun empire’s elite forces, Evl must use his tribal gifts to protect the Seed while uncovering long-forgotten worlds and knowledge, all while navigating a battle for his own existence. The worldbuilding and presentation of the mechanical planet of Ma’a, filled with colossal structures and fascinating tech, draws readers into a richly imagined, futuristic dystopia. The world is vast and immersive, but also detailed in the way that the societal structure and way of life affect the attitudes and emotions of the people so realistically, and it’s this connection that makes you want to fall into Ma’a and explore it for yourself.
Evl’s journey from a relatable boy dreaming of a better life to a reluctant hero fighting for survival is skillfully portrayed, with Durant balancing his vulnerability and strength so that we’re always with him and rooting for him, but never fully convinced that he’ll succeed. This gives a crucial glimmer of hope to the action-packed narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Evl’s struggle to control the Lightning Seed’s power unfolds against a backdrop of high stakes that climb as the plot’s speed and tension amp up. Beyond this thrilling sci-fi action, the novel also explores themes of power, the emotional toll of survival, and the rediscovery of lost knowledge, offering a thought-provoking examination of how forgotten truths can reshape not just worlds, but entire civilizations, and how the writers of history are the ones who truly shape it. Overall, The Lightning Seed by John Durant is a fascinating novel that I highly recommend, and I can’t wait to see where this engaging series takes readers next.
