The Seed

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.

My thoughts: I enjoy a good myth or allegory style story, since they are enjoyable to read and figure out the true meaning of. While this one was interesting, it was hard for me to get into at times. I did like a lot of the over all themes of the story, though I didn't care for some of the language. I felt like, at times the story seemed to drag a bit. The lesson on fractals was interesting. And, I did like the message of the story. So, in the end, I was glad that I read the book. Of you enjoy stories like G.K. Chesterton, then I think this one is worth checking out. Guzman isn't quite as straight forward as Lewis, nor epic like Tolkien. I think comparing him to a modern Chesterton is a fair comparison though.
I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.