Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
Reviewed by: Katie Smith, Reference Specialist
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Suggested Age: Adult
What is this Book About? In a post-apocalyptic future, where the United States has fallen to The Great Flood and resulting Energy Wars, the Dinétah nation (and former Navajo reservation) has been reborn – complete with old gods, old magic, and old monsters. Maggie Hoskie is a monster hunter, trained by the immortal Neizghání. Slinging her arsenal of knives, guns, and supernatural clan powers, she fights to keep the people of Dinétah safe – until Neizghání abandons her. After struggling to find new purpose and suffering in isolation, she’s thrown back into the action when a local girl goes missing and Maggie is called upon to put down the monster who took her. When she uncovers dark forces behind the monster’s making, Maggie has to make some dangerous allegations and call upon the experience of wise leaders, charming medicine men, and trickster gods to put evil powers to rest.
My Review: This is a stunning, impressive first novel – and the integration of Native mythologies makes this a unique, stand-out pick for urban fantasy and supernatural fans. I read Trail of Lightning at breakneck speeds, completely drawn in by the engaging characters and intense action. My favorite interactions were between the main characters – Maggie and Kai – and the old gods, who had their own motivations and stakes in the story. I was also deeply invested in learning all about Maggie’s powers and past, since her character is so dark and complicated. WARNING: This book has plenty of gore and unpleasant imagery. If you can’t stomach this, you may wish to stay away – but otherwise, this is a very moving, intense, and memorable novel. VERDICT: Very unique – a must-read for fans of urban fantasy!
Three Words That Describe This Book: Vivid, Mythological, Violent
Give it a Try if You Like: American Gods by Neil Gaiman, Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
