Lightning Days

Colin Harvey
Swimming Kangaroo Books (2006)
ISBN 1934041106
Reviewed by Nicole LeBoeuf for Reader Views (1/07)

Colin Harvey has reportedly been writing since the young age of nine. His experience shows in “Lightning Days,” as it was a finalist in the Fantasy and Science Fiction category of the Best Books in 2006 National Book Awards.

In the novel, Colin Harvey brings his imaginative ideas into the light of the “multiverse.” Although I don’t usually read science fiction, and I began with the mind of a skeptic, I became entranced by Harvey’s out-of-this world ideas. British Special Agent Josh Cassidy, leading his mix of British and American troops along with a gathering of Neanderthals from another world, fights alien invaders to save Earth.

Once you learn the characters of the book and get accustomed to the ever-changing setting, it is easy to fall into the complex world of Josh Cassidy. It begins with a journey into the heart of Afghanistan to investigate a mysterious heat source where he and his force find intelligent refugee Neanderthals hiding in the caves. They have shifted from other universes with the hope of escaping the race of amphibian Sauroids. The lizard-like beings have pursued them through many worlds trying to exterminate their race. Agent Cassidy and his crew are taken in by a Neanderthal named Sophia and it is from her that they learn about their plight. Cassidy, along with the recent American arrivals, decide to join the crusade to save the lives of the Thals and everyone on Earth.

“Lightning Days” is an action-packed science fiction novel that draws you in slowly and then captures you in one quick rush, holding you there until the dramatic conclusion. I would recommend it to any fan of science fiction, but it should not be limited to those who enjoy such a genre. Harvey’s imaginative ideas would be fascinating to anyone with an open mind and time to spend reading an enthralling book.

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