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.
AUTHOR
Erik Guzman, MBA, is VP of Communications and Executive Producer at Key Life Network, cohost of the nationally syndicated talk show Steve Brown, Etc., announcer for Key Life, and his writing has been featured in magazines and online. He is also a 5th degree black belt in Aikido and a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Erik, his wife, and three children live near Orlando, Florida.
"It's rare, but sometimes one reads a book that is so absorbing that one can't put it down, so filled with truth that one can never 'un-see' it, and so profound that one will never forget it. The Seed is that kind of book. The 'experience' of reading The Seed will haunt me the rest of my life. I don't even have the words to describe that 'experience.' Experience it for yourself and then give this book to everyone you know."
Steve Brown, Author; Key Life radio broadcaster
"There are not adequate words to convey the beauty of this extraordinary journey. Erik has taken the journey, and tells the Story in a way that will awaken your imagination for it and reignite your desire for union and communion with Love—for life without end in the Love Fractal. The Seed will grow on you and in you as you read."
Chuck DeGroat, PhD, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling and Senior Fellow, Newbigin House of Studies; author of Wholeheartedness, Toughest People to Love, and Leaving Egypt
"There are stories that we know so well they lose their power to overwhelm, transform, warm, and enlighten us. The story of God's love for sinners is sadly one. But here, in this beautifully written fantasy, Erik Guzman has done what many writers try to do without success. He's made that old story come alive in a new, illuminating way, the way of Love. The Seedwill both remind of the old story and teach you new truth about the repeating 'pattern of Love in the world' and how we are loved, not for what we do but because we are His. Buy this book. Share it with your family."
Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, Author of Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longing
"Erik Guzman is one of the most exciting, insightful, articulate, economic, and powerful writers on the planet. I hate reading fiction but I LOVED this book."
Jim Henderson, Executive Producer of Jim Henderson Presents: William Paul Young, Author of The Shack
"In his 'true myth,' Erik Guzman brilliantly tells all of our stories. Allow yourself the disorienting and reorienting experience of going backward to find the seed and discover all the unlikely places Love has been growing in between the empty, pain-filled, and cynical places in our hearts. No other story has invited me like The Seed to let Love find me, no matter how terrifying and startling, and then to let Love grow within and remake me."
Sharon Hersh, Professional counselor; adjunct professor; speaker; author of several books, including The Last Addiction: Why Self-Help Is Not Enough
"The Seed captures your attention and sizzles with fun and brave theological vitality. You don't know why yet, but it doesn't get any better than life in the Love Fractal. This story will lead you to explore the contours of what it means to hear God say, 'I love you because you are mine.'
Justin S. Holcomb, Episcopal priest; seminary professor; author of On the Grace of God and God Made All of Me
"Imagine hearing a brand-new version of your favorite classic song. You recognize the familiar melody immediately, even though the arrangement is new, the instrumentation original, the phrasing fresh. You smile. You have always loved this song, and now, thanks to the artist, you love it even more. Now open this book. If you're like me, you will find yourself smiling over and over again."
Nate Larkin, Founder of the Samson Society; author of Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood
"Why are we in so much pain? Why do we hurt each other? How is it that we've become so disconnected from the divine, ourselves, nature, and each other? In vivid parabolic storytelling, Erik Guzman channels George MacDonald and J. R. R. Tolkien in The Seed: A True Myth. Mysterious dragons, dark forests, living trees, and love fractals greet us as Erik lures us on a path where allegory meets biography. Highly recommended!"
Mike Morrell, Founder, the Speakeasy network; writer
"The Inklings taught us that we need good stories and Guzman has given us one here. Men build with bricks to keep safe, and despair is met with Love. At each turn of this book we meet truth breathed through myth—the biblical story perceived through a vivid imagination. The geek in me loved every minute."
Ryan M. Reeves, MDiv, MA, PhD, Dean & Assistant Professor of Historical Theology, Gordon-Conwell
"I am undone. I just finished The Seed: A True Myth and I can't stop weeping. What a hope-building, eternity-embracing, eye-lifting, heart-exploding book. I am so grateful for Erik's work. Truly. I can't remember the last time a Christian book moved me in this way. You will not be disappointed."
Jessica Thompson, Speaker; author of Everyday Grace: Infusing All of Your Relationships with the Love of Jesus
"Along with Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen, and C. S. Lewis, Erik Guzman has managed to write in such a way that the unconditional love of God is experienced through man's words. I have been profoundly affected by this True Myth."
Zach Van Dyke, Teaching Minister at Summit Church, Orlando, FL
"A colorful, right-brained feast that satisfies the soul and stimulates the imagination."
Frank Viola, Author; speaker; blogger at frankviola.org
"In a religious tradition frequently marked by walls, divisions, and differences, The Seed provides a grand story of spiritual journey—one that is interwoven with all times, places, and beings, and where every action is completed with redemption. A beautiful and compelling book."
David Wimbish, Vocalist in the Collection
"You've never read anything like Erik Guzman's The Seed—an ambitious, beautifully written yarn that skirts the line between allegory, fantasy, and myth in extremely inventive fashion. He has somehow managed to capture a great deal of the wonder and weirdness, urgency and beauty, of the biblical material that inspired it—a major breath of fresh air, in other words. No matter how well you think you know the 'old, old story,' no matter how high or labyrinthine your inner walls have grown, this is truly a tale that will 'take you by the tail' and not let go! You've been warned."
David Zahl, Editor of The Mockingbird Blog; author of A Mess of Help: From the Crucified Soul of Rock n Roll
"Erik Guzman's retelling of the Bible's story of creation and redemption bears fascinating elements of Carl Jung, C. S. Lewis, and the Brothers Grimm. If you don't blink you can even spot Ayn Rand and Jack Kerouac. In short, there's something for everyone in this tale that takes you from the Garden of Eden to the City of God. It's a wild ride from start to finish, and you'll never be bored. Here's to the Love Fractal!"
Paul Zahl, Episcopal minister and theologian
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Matt Johnson
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Marvin Olasky
The plot in this book is so thick and twisty, that I really didn’t know who to trust. The book has incredible visuals weaved into the storyline, but I was also a bit confused at times with some of the characters. By the end of the book I was really able to see how every character and action was weaving together to create the story.
The Seed is complex, yet easy to read, smaller book. The storyline moves at a good pace and the characters are well fleshed. They are deep and dramatic, without being over-characterized as sometimes happens. I enjoyed the understory of God’s love and redemption that unfolds within the overall story. Great allegory.
“The Seed” is one of the most mesmerizing books that I have picked up in quite some time (and I read a lot of books).
The Seed tells an imaginative and highly allegorical version of humanity’s fall and redemption, and with its mythic style, the story has a unique and engaging pull from beginning to end. For fans of myth and allegory, The Seed would be a perfect read.
This book was an interesting and unique book filled with lots of twists and turns and a lot of thought provoking content. I liked how it was written in a fantasy type manner which made it all the more interesting and engaging. It brought some excellent truths to light in such an engaging manner and really kept one thinking long after the final page was turned. A truly delightful and unique book that I highly recommend. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Seed is full of wonderful imagery and description, but I had a difficult time connecting with the book and it’s characters. I began very intrigued and liked the initial quick-pace of the novel, but as it went on I knew I was missing some connection to the characters and the symbolism. I think if this is a genre you enjoy and are able to sit and read the book in one sitting (or fairly close to it), then you will probably connect with this book more than I was able. But as a mom of 6, who gets interrupted while reading or had a few days in between readings, I had a trickier time. I’m still glad I read this and tried something different! It just wasn’t for me.
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…
In all, a story that provides rich images of Biblical stories and underlying truth of man’s sin, God’s love and redemption. It may very well be a story that ignites some in seeking God’s words.
The Seed is an interesting book on several levels, though I found it somewhat difficult reading. I don’t normally mind reading allegorical or mythical books. In fact I’m in the minority when it comes to other writer/editor friends in that I like speculative/fantasy/allegorical fiction. The characters were okay, though I had trouble getting into them at first as well. Again I think that might have been the timeline-jumping thing. Also the lack of names and then name changes for each of the characters was a little tricky to keep up with. But in the end, I did like the book.
This was a unique allegory that was an interesting summer read.