“Everything you’ve done, your past, it’s all just a story you tell yourself. Some if it is true, but some of it is lies.”
Trail of Lightning is filled with lines that I highlighted and reread. This is one of the best. It is one that I not only identify with, but one that revealed much about the characters in this awesome novel. Described as a “Native American Urban Fantasy,” the book takes place after an apocalyptic flood that has decimated much of the US, but this catastrophe only brought severe drought to the Navajo land. The “five-fingers” (humans), the gods and the gifted now live in a constant clash over resources and power.
Maggie Hoskie is a monster-slayer with magical abilities who has been mostly adrift after the great change… She has had few who have stayed by her and her knack for killing. Some of this is because of her gift and some is because of her reluctance to let people in. Her friendship with Tah, a local medicine man, puts her in contact with Kai, a young man who may be the perfect partner in her latest mission. Interactions with the shifty Coyote obviously create complications for the pair, and they will need to accept help from a series of unlikely allies.
Trail of Lightning is definitely a quick read, but this isn’t just flawthrowing kills and demi-god pit fighting… it’s the pages in between the chaos that will stick with me. The dedication to the Native American mythos, and Maggie’s strong, multi-dimensional character make this the perfect start to a series.
Roanhorse has written a book with characters and a setting that is ready for many more stories. And most readers, like me, are enthusiastically waiting for those to come.
Highly recommended.
Actually I haven’t heard of this book until last month when someone recommended it to me on GR and said they were interested in my opinions on it. I am not a big fan of apocalyptic settings, but I am a sucker when it comes to good characters. I am more intrigued now by this wonderful review 🙂
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Thanks!
Def good characters. And some unexpected twists:)
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I loved this too, I’m excited for book two!
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Me too! I just requested it!
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So glad to hear you enjoyed this one! Definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
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Looking back on it… I liked so much about it and maybe more than I mentioned in the review. That kinda happens sometimes a couple days after finishing a book.
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Yeah, for sure!
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I LOVED the worldbuilding in this one! Also, the cover for this series is so awesome. I think I like Book 2’s even better. 😀
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Agreed! And am definitely excited to explore the world more.
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Amazing review and now I am sad that I haven’t gotten around to reading this one yet!!
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Thank you! It’s a v good one. I got the recommendation from our blogging community:)
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I’ve seen so much love for this series, but never got around to it. You’re definitely making me want to give it a shot though! Awesome review! 😀
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Thank you!
It’s a good monster hunt in an exciting and unique setting. Fun stuff.
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This one is sitting on my shelf. I did read her Hugo award winning short story though. It was really good.
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Cool! Good tip. I’ll definitely look into it.
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Very glad to hear you enjoyed it! Roanhorse has truly written something special here!
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Love your review and likewise can’t wait for more.
Lynn 😀
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I was very lucky to have received the second book today. I won’t read it for awhile (too many lined up), but am excited to start.
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Great review! I’m so happy to have read this book, and can’t wait for #2!
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Thanks so much for stopping by. I can’t imagine where the story will go!
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