5 Reasons to Read: "Trail of Lightning" by Rebecca Roanhorse

TL;DR

"Native American urban fantasy featuring a Diné monster hunter with incredible clan powers and a dangerous quest."

Transcript

Bibliophiles of the internet, my name’s Adriana, and today I’m here to give you 5 reasons to read “Trail of Lightning” by Rebecca Roanhorse. This is an #ownvoices Native American urban fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic landscape. It’s about Maggie, who is a Diné monster hunter, and the wielder of some pretty incredible clan powers. Basically she’s ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 The book presents a plausible and realistic exploration of the aftermath of the apocalypse, with surviving Native nations struggling against colonizers and limited resources.
• 🖐️ Native creation myths and stories play a central role in the book, which is rare and important in a genre where these stories are often discredited or dismissed.
• ❓ The relationship dynamic between Maggie and Kai is compelling, as their contrasting personalities and approaches create tension and emotional depth.
• 🤢 The story challenges the conception that modern Native existence is solely about inherent suffering or trauma, instead suggesting a cycle of betrayal and deep-seated distrust.
• 🤯 "Trail of Lightning" explores the hard work of decolonizing the mind and undoing the damaging effects of colonization, confronting the roots of destructive patterns and emotional blocks.
• 😣 The book contains triggers related to graphic murder, brutality, and severe physical trauma, so readers should be aware of this content.
• 😠 The world-building in the book is well-done, presenting a Mad Max-like landscape with restructured authority and power dynamics.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the setting of "Trail of Lightning"?

"Trail of Lightning" is set in a post-apocalyptic America, where ancient monsters from Native creation myths have returned.

Q: What are Maggie's abilities?

Maggie is blessed with clan powers that grant her incredible speed and the ability to see a million different ways to dispatch threats. She becomes a skilled and fast monster hunter.

Q: How does Maggie's relationship with Kai, an unconventional medicine man, impact the story?

Maggie and Kai have contrasting approaches to monsters and mythical challenges, which leads to clashes. Their relationship adds depth and complexity to the story.

Q: How does the book address the aftermath of the apocalypse?

The book explores how surviving Native nations struggle against colonizers and limited resources. It portrays the plausibility of Native nations outliving forces trying to destroy them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Trail of Lightning" is a Native American urban fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic America, where ancient monsters from Native creation myths have returned.

• The protagonist, Maggie, is a Diné monster hunter with powerful clan powers, leading her on a dangerous quest to investigate a missing girl.

• The book explores the aftermath of the apocalypse called Big Water, where surviving Native nations struggle against colonizers and limited resources.