An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background.
Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book-a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family's history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you'll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!
This page-turning, young adult fiction story invites older children and teens into the real-life struggles of Nick. But it also ushers them into an imaginative exploration of the life of the young man Jesus saved as he wandered through the tombs. Best-selling author Marty Machowski uses both stories to introduce the reality of spiritual warfare and how its shadows affect and change us.
Machowski, a trusted teacher for children of all ages, presents a thoroughly biblical view of spiritual warfare that emphasizes the importance of humility and dangers of pride. Teens will be drawn to the story of Nick and his struggles and will learn, as they read, to also identify the shadows in their own life and turn from them. While the biblical teaching is evident throughout the narrative of Dragon Seed, Machowski also includes a twelve-lesson Bible study at the end of the book to help teens ground their understanding of spiritual warfare on biblical principles.
Youth pastors, leaders, and parents will also want to explore with teens the small group study at the end of the book with its unique take on spiritual warfare that emphasizes the biblical theme of humility. This is a perfect book to read with a group and discuss together the implications of Nick's struggles for their lives.
My thoughts:
I gave this book to my soon to be 13 year old thinking he would enjoy it since he loves books about dragons. When I asked him what he thought about it he replied "I didn't really like it, it was boring". Needing to write this review I proceeded to ask him why he didn't care for it. "It didn't have a big fight scene" he replied. Still not satisfied with his answer, I continued to ask him questions until he said something about it dealing with pride. At this point I figured that I was just going to have to read it for myself. I am so glad that I did! The book is about a 13 year old boy who was being disrespect to his mother. Well, now I totally get why my son didn't want to share much about the book. We have been dealing with his disrespectful attitude for awhile now. I had no idea what the story was about other than an angry teen uncovers a mystery and a dragon is involved. I asked my son if he felt convicted and he told me that he had. I admitted to him that I felt the same way. We decided to do the 12 Day Antidote that is in the back of the book because he never finished reading that part. God surely works in mysterious ways.
This allegory is not only for teens who are lacking in humility but it is also an eye opener for parents. To learn more visit Marty's website here and here to purchase a copy.
About Marty Machowski:
Marty is the Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over 25 years. Marty leads Promise Kingdom, the children's ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is the author of a systematic theology for children entitled "The Ology," "Long Story Short," "Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God," "The Gospel Story Sunday School Curriculum" and the companion "Gospel Story Children's Bible." He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania area. Find out more about Marty at his website, Facebook, and Twitter.
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