The Seed: A True Myth by Erik Guzman in Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Seed (New Growth Press, May 2016)
The Seed: A True Myth

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 REVIEW:

I want to preface my review by stating, I don’t usually read “fiction” books anymore. And quite honestly at first glance of this book I was tempted to pass by it like I generally do so many others in this genre. However, I managed to look at it just long enough to see the description of this book and felt drawn to read it. I was not disappointed! This is definitely a book I would recommend to others. Regardless of if you read “fiction” books or non-fiction books this book is great.

From the start of the book Guzman does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the story. Guzman wrote this book in such a captivating manner. I generally do a lot of reading but I was so drawn into the story of this book that I finished it in less than 2 days. Really if the first day had been longer I could have finished it then. One of the things I love the most about the book is although the book is “fiction” it is rooted in immense truth that defines who we are as people and the journey we all find ourselves in throughout our lives. Through metaphor and allegorical insight you come to see yourself in the story and through it become deeply connected with God’s story as well.

In a style much like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis the reader embarks on a journey where things are not always as they appear. Allow your understanding of what is important in life be expanded. Come see how our most prized trinkets and pursuits, with the right perspective, can repulse us. How the things that once quenched our hunger and thirst don’t really satisfy. And see that we are all called into a larger story than what we often settle for.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

The Seed: A True Myth

 

NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.