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Lightning Road #1
Joshua and the Lightning Road
Stay away from the window, don’t go outside when it’s storming and whatever you do, do not touch the orb.
Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper’s grandpa has always warned him about the dangers of lightning. But Joshua never put much stock in his grandpa’s rumblings as anything more than the ravings of an old man with a vast imagination. Then one night, when Joshua and his best friend are home alone during a frightful storm, Joshua learns his grandpa was right. A bolt of lightning strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever.
To get him back, Joshua must travel the Lightning Road to a dark place that steals children for energy. But getting back home and saving his friend won’t be easy, as Joshua must face the terrifying Child Collector and fend off ferocious and unnatural beasts intent on destroying him.
In this world, Joshua possesses powers he never knew he had, and soon, Joshua’s mission becomes more than a search for his friend. He means to send all the stolen children home—and doing so becomes the battle of his life.
Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper’s grandpa has always warned him about the dangers of lightning. But Joshua never put much stock in his grandpa’s rumblings as anything more than the ravings of an old man with a vast imagination. Then one night, when Joshua and his best friend are home alone during a frightful storm, Joshua learns his grandpa was right. A bolt of lightning strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever.
To get him back, Joshua must travel the Lightning Road to a dark place that steals children for energy. But getting back home and saving his friend won’t be easy, as Joshua must face the terrifying Child Collector and fend off ferocious and unnatural beasts intent on destroying him.
In this world, Joshua possesses powers he never knew he had, and soon, Joshua’s mission becomes more than a search for his friend. He means to send all the stolen children home—and doing so becomes the battle of his life.
278 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
3 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Donna Galanti
14 books657 followersDonna Galanti is the author of the middle-grade Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, Loon Cove Summer as well as the Element Trilogy paranormal thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer.
Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...
Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 5, 2015
What I thought – The descriptions in this book were so vivid I could feel, smell and envision the setting. The characters were solid. Joshua was totally believable. He had all the right characteristics of a great main character – brave, smart and kind, but he also acted like the kid he is. The world Ms. Galanti created can be totally frightening at times, but it is done in a way that is kid-friendly. I personally found the whole idea of a “child collector” terrifying, but also intriguing. Ms. Galanti’s writing style pulls the reader along, answering questions about the story but then revealing new questions. It really keeps you reading. The story has a lot of action but also a great plot line that strings everything together. The ending is satisfying but leaves the reader wanting to get into the next book in the series.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2015
Thank you to Donna Galanti for giving me a free copy of her book and to Literary Rambles for hosting said giveaway! I received this book in the mail on Friday and finished it on Saturday, so I’m pretty proud of myself for getting to the review so quickly. Does this mean I get a gold sticker?
Rating: Three out of Five Stars—Good
Now, let me just say, I really, REALLY, wanted to give this book four stars. After all, I don’t like tearing apart a fellow writer’s work. I know how it feels to receive criticism. And Donna asked me to review her book, so I feel like a monster giving her three stars after she sent me a sweet card and everything. Excuse me while I retreat to the Corner of Shame. So I want to preface this by telling you that I did enjoy JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD, and I know that if I were in the intended Middle Grade age range, I would be quicker to give it four stars. After all, I don’t read much MG, so I may not be the best judge of this genre. But before I tell you why I’m giving it three stars, let me start with what I liked about the book.
Even though Joshua doesn’t leap off the page like many memorable MG characters do (and seriously, it’s important for MG characters to have a strong, unique voice), he is still an admirable protagonist. While he makes hasty/stupid decisions from time to time (though seriously, would we have any books if characters didn’t?), he has a good heart. On a number of occasions, he risks his welfare, his happiness, and even his life for others without considering—even for a moment—the consequences of his actions. Granted, not many twelve-year olds actually think they’re going to die if they do something dangerous. But I don’t want to undermine how genuinely unselfish Joshua is. Like, I think my cold, dark heart shed a few tears.
He isn’t arrogant, even when he has reason to be, and he doesn’t call attention to himself or assume that he’s the best. Instead, he puts others first like the gentleman he is. And while he disobeys his grandfather by taking the Lightning Orb, his reasons are almost honorable enough to justify his actions (not that I advocate disobeying your guardians, and the end never justifies the means). But hey, tell a twelve-year-old not to touch the mysterious, glowing thing, and what do you expect them to do?
Also, I loved the mood and the setting. I loved the feel of the story and the color scheme. I’m almost certain that, if I were younger and less hard-hearted, I would have been swept along with the plot. It wasn’t as predictable as I expected coming in, and the supporting cast was interesting—to say the least. I could never quite figure out Leandro, Hekate was a delightfully icky villain (don’t even get me started on Cronag, the Child Collector), and I fell head-over-heels for Charlie. He speaks French—am I swooning? (No, because he’s like, thirteen, and that would be totally inappropriate.)
So here are the reasons I chose to give only three stars when I wanted to give four. I understand that, with children’s stories, authors are expected to use a simpler writing style. After all, it might be a little much to ask an eleven-year-old to read CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (great book, by the way). So maybe my judgement is a little unfair—please forgive me. But be that as it may, I felt the writing lacked some of the artistry I’ve enjoyed in various other MG novels (like Stefan Bachmann’s THE PECULIAR and THE WHATNOT, J.M. Barrie’s PETER PAN, and Cornelia Funke’s INKHEART). That’s not to say there wasn’t any at all—Galanti included some great similes and some vivid word pictures. Her descriptions appealed to all five senses (though maybe she dwelt too much on how things smelled—my nose was starting to hurt). And she avoided the dreadful, book-killing info dump. (Not to mention, art is very subjective—so this is just my opinion, folks.)
But on the whole, I felt that her sentence structures tended toward the weaker side, and her grammar needed shoring up in places. (Slap me if I sound too much like a pretentious little snob. I assure you, I’ve only read, like, five grammar books.) It’s one thing to use commonly accepted grammatical errors in dialogue, especially when children are speaking. They wouldn’t sound like real kids if they talked like they’d just come home from prep school (unless, of course, you’re writing about characters who just came home from prep school, in which case, knock yourself out). But I’m a little less forgiving of grammatical errors embedded in the narrative itself. After all, kids learn English usage and grammar through reading as much as schooling, if not more. They’ll pick these things up without even realizing it. And there’s a fine line between striving for authenticity and setting a bad example. That, more than anything, is why I chose three stars instead of four. (Now excuse me while I go hide in the corner, because I’m sure there have been grammatical errors in my blog before.)
To summarize, because of grosser elements (like descriptively stinky people and snot), JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD may appeal more to boys than girls—or at least, that’s the impression I got. While it doesn’t have the same humor and breadth, it may still appeal to fans of PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF. Not everyone will love it, but I don’t think it was a waste of time, and I look forward to reading the sequel, JOSHUA AND THE ARROW REALM.
Rating: Three out of Five Stars—Good
Now, let me just say, I really, REALLY, wanted to give this book four stars. After all, I don’t like tearing apart a fellow writer’s work. I know how it feels to receive criticism. And Donna asked me to review her book, so I feel like a monster giving her three stars after she sent me a sweet card and everything. Excuse me while I retreat to the Corner of Shame. So I want to preface this by telling you that I did enjoy JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD, and I know that if I were in the intended Middle Grade age range, I would be quicker to give it four stars. After all, I don’t read much MG, so I may not be the best judge of this genre. But before I tell you why I’m giving it three stars, let me start with what I liked about the book.
Even though Joshua doesn’t leap off the page like many memorable MG characters do (and seriously, it’s important for MG characters to have a strong, unique voice), he is still an admirable protagonist. While he makes hasty/stupid decisions from time to time (though seriously, would we have any books if characters didn’t?), he has a good heart. On a number of occasions, he risks his welfare, his happiness, and even his life for others without considering—even for a moment—the consequences of his actions. Granted, not many twelve-year olds actually think they’re going to die if they do something dangerous. But I don’t want to undermine how genuinely unselfish Joshua is. Like, I think my cold, dark heart shed a few tears.
He isn’t arrogant, even when he has reason to be, and he doesn’t call attention to himself or assume that he’s the best. Instead, he puts others first like the gentleman he is. And while he disobeys his grandfather by taking the Lightning Orb, his reasons are almost honorable enough to justify his actions (not that I advocate disobeying your guardians, and the end never justifies the means). But hey, tell a twelve-year-old not to touch the mysterious, glowing thing, and what do you expect them to do?
Also, I loved the mood and the setting. I loved the feel of the story and the color scheme. I’m almost certain that, if I were younger and less hard-hearted, I would have been swept along with the plot. It wasn’t as predictable as I expected coming in, and the supporting cast was interesting—to say the least. I could never quite figure out Leandro, Hekate was a delightfully icky villain (don’t even get me started on Cronag, the Child Collector), and I fell head-over-heels for Charlie. He speaks French—am I swooning? (No, because he’s like, thirteen, and that would be totally inappropriate.)
So here are the reasons I chose to give only three stars when I wanted to give four. I understand that, with children’s stories, authors are expected to use a simpler writing style. After all, it might be a little much to ask an eleven-year-old to read CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (great book, by the way). So maybe my judgement is a little unfair—please forgive me. But be that as it may, I felt the writing lacked some of the artistry I’ve enjoyed in various other MG novels (like Stefan Bachmann’s THE PECULIAR and THE WHATNOT, J.M. Barrie’s PETER PAN, and Cornelia Funke’s INKHEART). That’s not to say there wasn’t any at all—Galanti included some great similes and some vivid word pictures. Her descriptions appealed to all five senses (though maybe she dwelt too much on how things smelled—my nose was starting to hurt). And she avoided the dreadful, book-killing info dump. (Not to mention, art is very subjective—so this is just my opinion, folks.)
But on the whole, I felt that her sentence structures tended toward the weaker side, and her grammar needed shoring up in places. (Slap me if I sound too much like a pretentious little snob. I assure you, I’ve only read, like, five grammar books.) It’s one thing to use commonly accepted grammatical errors in dialogue, especially when children are speaking. They wouldn’t sound like real kids if they talked like they’d just come home from prep school (unless, of course, you’re writing about characters who just came home from prep school, in which case, knock yourself out). But I’m a little less forgiving of grammatical errors embedded in the narrative itself. After all, kids learn English usage and grammar through reading as much as schooling, if not more. They’ll pick these things up without even realizing it. And there’s a fine line between striving for authenticity and setting a bad example. That, more than anything, is why I chose three stars instead of four. (Now excuse me while I go hide in the corner, because I’m sure there have been grammatical errors in my blog before.)
To summarize, because of grosser elements (like descriptively stinky people and snot), JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD may appeal more to boys than girls—or at least, that’s the impression I got. While it doesn’t have the same humor and breadth, it may still appeal to fans of PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF. Not everyone will love it, but I don’t think it was a waste of time, and I look forward to reading the sequel, JOSHUA AND THE ARROW REALM.
May 18, 2015
Twelve year old Joshua Cooper has been living with his grandfather, Bo Chez, ever since he was a baby. The two have always moved a lot, but now they are once again settled in a new place and Joshua finally has a best friend.
Or he does until one night very stormy night. While playing a fateful game of Hide and Seek, Joshua sees his best friend grabbed by a hand and suddenly disappear out the attic window in a burst of bright lightning right in front of his eyes. Then, after Finn disappears, Joshua hears a laugh and is threateningly told he will be next. But next for what and where's Finn?
Determined to get Finn back from wherever he has been taken, Joshua races downstairs, grabs a flashlight and the round crystal orb and photo of his mother his grandfather keeps in a box. He may not know what the orb is for, but he feels the needs to take it with him. Back at the attic, Joshua waits and sure enough, in flashes of lightning, he finds himself grabbed and next thing he knows, he's waking up in a guarded compound right in the midst of a crowd of other boys and girls.
Joshua has ended up in the world of Nostos, a scary place full of the now fallen-from-power descendants of the Greek Olympians, and where children who are kidnapped on earth are taken there to be auctioned off as slaves to whomever needs workers. Joshua finds himself, along with his new friend Charlie whom he met in the compound, bought by the evil power hungry Hekate to work in the Power Mill. There, they are expected to run in giant wheels generating power for Nostos. Quickly assessing that Finn hasn't been taken there, Joshua and Charlie escape to look for him elsewhere.
Their escape begins an adventure of epic proportion for Joshua and Charlie. And it doesn't take long for Hekate to suspect that the long prophesied Oracle has arrived on Nostos, a prophesy she has good reason to fear - the Oracle could restore full power to the Olympian heirs and, using their powers for good, would end her own evil quest for full power. Soon, the chase is on, with Joshua and Charlie looking for Finn, now accompanied by Leandro and Sam, who both has personal reasons for wanting to abandon Nostos and go to Earth. And along the way, Joshua discovers some real surprises about who he is.
Joshua and the Lightning Road is an exciting story with something for everyone. Galanti has created a world where one wrong step could cause you to simply fall of its edge into nothingness, and where Greek mythology comes to life for the readers in a full on good vs. evil power struggle, where creatures are both magical and scary, and where you have to be very careful about whom to trust, And the only way to get there or get home to earth is via the Lightning Road and that is no easy task.
Joshua is a great main character. He is loyal to his friend Finn, to the point of traveling to an unknown place to rescue him and he never wavers or loses sight of his goal. He is such a determined and stubborn kid who refuses to let obstacles get in his way. But he also has good instincts and the sense to trust them, especially concerning Sam and Leandro, whose help and familiarity with Nostos and the powers that be come in very handy for finding and rescuing Finn.
If you like fantasy books about friendship and family, loyalty and courage and especially about the meaning of home, Joshua and the Lightning Tree is the book for you. And is these things aren't your cup of tea, give a whirl anyway - you may be pleasantly surprised.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was sent to me by the author, Donna Galanti
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
Or he does until one night very stormy night. While playing a fateful game of Hide and Seek, Joshua sees his best friend grabbed by a hand and suddenly disappear out the attic window in a burst of bright lightning right in front of his eyes. Then, after Finn disappears, Joshua hears a laugh and is threateningly told he will be next. But next for what and where's Finn?
Determined to get Finn back from wherever he has been taken, Joshua races downstairs, grabs a flashlight and the round crystal orb and photo of his mother his grandfather keeps in a box. He may not know what the orb is for, but he feels the needs to take it with him. Back at the attic, Joshua waits and sure enough, in flashes of lightning, he finds himself grabbed and next thing he knows, he's waking up in a guarded compound right in the midst of a crowd of other boys and girls.
Joshua has ended up in the world of Nostos, a scary place full of the now fallen-from-power descendants of the Greek Olympians, and where children who are kidnapped on earth are taken there to be auctioned off as slaves to whomever needs workers. Joshua finds himself, along with his new friend Charlie whom he met in the compound, bought by the evil power hungry Hekate to work in the Power Mill. There, they are expected to run in giant wheels generating power for Nostos. Quickly assessing that Finn hasn't been taken there, Joshua and Charlie escape to look for him elsewhere.
Their escape begins an adventure of epic proportion for Joshua and Charlie. And it doesn't take long for Hekate to suspect that the long prophesied Oracle has arrived on Nostos, a prophesy she has good reason to fear - the Oracle could restore full power to the Olympian heirs and, using their powers for good, would end her own evil quest for full power. Soon, the chase is on, with Joshua and Charlie looking for Finn, now accompanied by Leandro and Sam, who both has personal reasons for wanting to abandon Nostos and go to Earth. And along the way, Joshua discovers some real surprises about who he is.
Joshua and the Lightning Road is an exciting story with something for everyone. Galanti has created a world where one wrong step could cause you to simply fall of its edge into nothingness, and where Greek mythology comes to life for the readers in a full on good vs. evil power struggle, where creatures are both magical and scary, and where you have to be very careful about whom to trust, And the only way to get there or get home to earth is via the Lightning Road and that is no easy task.
Joshua is a great main character. He is loyal to his friend Finn, to the point of traveling to an unknown place to rescue him and he never wavers or loses sight of his goal. He is such a determined and stubborn kid who refuses to let obstacles get in his way. But he also has good instincts and the sense to trust them, especially concerning Sam and Leandro, whose help and familiarity with Nostos and the powers that be come in very handy for finding and rescuing Finn.
If you like fantasy books about friendship and family, loyalty and courage and especially about the meaning of home, Joshua and the Lightning Tree is the book for you. And is these things aren't your cup of tea, give a whirl anyway - you may be pleasantly surprised.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was sent to me by the author, Donna Galanti
This review was originally posted on Randomly Reading
June 2, 2016
Joshua and the Lightning Road is a middle grade fantasy adventure with similarities to Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The premise is summarized nicely in an excerpt from Leandro’s History of Our People, a book within the book: “The Olympians heirs [of ancient gods] believed their time had come to an end, when one discovered that mortal children of Earth had powers to fuel their world. And so began the stealing of these children for vile purposes.” Twelve-year-old Joshua is one of these stolen children, and so is his friend Finn. Joshua just wants to find Finn and escape back to Earth. But could he be the Oracle, the prophesized one who would set the Lost Realm to rights?
This book was submitted to me through my children’s literature blog in exchange for an honest review. I accept very, very few, as books submitted this way usually lack in quality. But this one had a great cover, was well-edited, and had a decent premise. I accepted it.
Ms. Galanti’s prose is often as lovely as anything I’ve ever read. (“The blue sun hung over us in an early morning lavender sky as tentacles of fog reached up to grab it.” Beautiful!) She also creates some great, kid-pleasing details, like malumpus-tongues—people who can speak to animals—and a society built around the descendants of ancient gods. The story is well crafted, with small clues written into the beginning that I didn’t even know were so vastly relevant until I went back and reread the first chapter. And the bedtime tale that Joshua’s grandfather tells him ends up having tremendous meaning. The progression works. The plot comes together. There’s action, decent characters, and a fantasy world that will please kids. It’s one of the better stories I’ve received through my website.
Yet, I have a few criticisms. Several times there were abrupt mention of things that could have been worked into the story earlier, like “the very horse on which he’d carted me from wherever we landed.” What horse? Did I miss something? I went back. I could find no mention of them riding in on a horse. Or “no waking from the nightmare this time.” Joshua was having nightmares? I went back. No nightmare. I also thought there were too many twists based on one or two characters. How many times can one person be a good guy/bad guy? How many times can a fallen character get up again? But mostly, this story simply didn’t grip me.
I don’t want to discourage this first time author. She’s got some great things going for her, and there are certainly kid lit enthusiasts who will find this adventure engaging. Unfortunately, I didn’t seem to be one of them.
This book was submitted to me through my children’s literature blog in exchange for an honest review. I accept very, very few, as books submitted this way usually lack in quality. But this one had a great cover, was well-edited, and had a decent premise. I accepted it.
Ms. Galanti’s prose is often as lovely as anything I’ve ever read. (“The blue sun hung over us in an early morning lavender sky as tentacles of fog reached up to grab it.” Beautiful!) She also creates some great, kid-pleasing details, like malumpus-tongues—people who can speak to animals—and a society built around the descendants of ancient gods. The story is well crafted, with small clues written into the beginning that I didn’t even know were so vastly relevant until I went back and reread the first chapter. And the bedtime tale that Joshua’s grandfather tells him ends up having tremendous meaning. The progression works. The plot comes together. There’s action, decent characters, and a fantasy world that will please kids. It’s one of the better stories I’ve received through my website.
Yet, I have a few criticisms. Several times there were abrupt mention of things that could have been worked into the story earlier, like “the very horse on which he’d carted me from wherever we landed.” What horse? Did I miss something? I went back. I could find no mention of them riding in on a horse. Or “no waking from the nightmare this time.” Joshua was having nightmares? I went back. No nightmare. I also thought there were too many twists based on one or two characters. How many times can one person be a good guy/bad guy? How many times can a fallen character get up again? But mostly, this story simply didn’t grip me.
I don’t want to discourage this first time author. She’s got some great things going for her, and there are certainly kid lit enthusiasts who will find this adventure engaging. Unfortunately, I didn’t seem to be one of them.
June 4, 2015
I’ve read other books by this author and was curious how she’d do with a children’s fantasy. She did just fine.
In the beginning there were two twelve year old boys playing in an attic on a dark and stormy night.
Then the lightning struck.
Finn was gone.
And there was only one.
Joshua must find Finn and bring him safely home. He must follow the Lightning Road. So he borrows an artifact from his grandfather’s collection and begins a dangerous, wonderous adventure.
Joshua awakens in a pit, surrounded by other children. It’s soon explained to him he’s in the Lost Realm of Nostos, that they are all slaves to be sold for labor. They can never go home again and anyone trying to run will be dealt with swiftly.
But Joshua is determined to find Finn and do just that, go home. Yet, as he flees the pit and meets other kids on the run, his plan becomes bigger. Now he has to save all the kids. And the path he has to take leads away from home, towards the danger.
This story is filled with amazing and terrifying creatures and a cast of characters that bring this world to life.
The addition of Greek mythology makes it even more fascinating and mysterious.
And the secrets surrounding some crucial characters adds to the suspense.
I drew on movies like The Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson to visual this world and the inhabitants created by the author. It led to a darker, richer experience.
Fans of fantasy adventures will eat this up.
I received this book for my honest review.
In the beginning there were two twelve year old boys playing in an attic on a dark and stormy night.
Then the lightning struck.
Finn was gone.
And there was only one.
Joshua must find Finn and bring him safely home. He must follow the Lightning Road. So he borrows an artifact from his grandfather’s collection and begins a dangerous, wonderous adventure.
Joshua awakens in a pit, surrounded by other children. It’s soon explained to him he’s in the Lost Realm of Nostos, that they are all slaves to be sold for labor. They can never go home again and anyone trying to run will be dealt with swiftly.
But Joshua is determined to find Finn and do just that, go home. Yet, as he flees the pit and meets other kids on the run, his plan becomes bigger. Now he has to save all the kids. And the path he has to take leads away from home, towards the danger.
This story is filled with amazing and terrifying creatures and a cast of characters that bring this world to life.
The addition of Greek mythology makes it even more fascinating and mysterious.
And the secrets surrounding some crucial characters adds to the suspense.
I drew on movies like The Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson to visual this world and the inhabitants created by the author. It led to a darker, richer experience.
Fans of fantasy adventures will eat this up.
I received this book for my honest review.
May 28, 2015
Joshua and the Lightning Road is a wonderfully imaginative adventure filled with family love, best friends, a new world, and frightening beasts. And, of course, horrible bad guys! Everything a middle grade reader will love.
Joshua is a bit of a misfit as he and his grandfather move often, but now he’s got a best friend. Until lightning strikes and his buddy Finn disappears! The only way to save Finn seems to be to beg the lightning to strike again and take Joshua. He arrives in a horrible world, the Lost Realm of Nostos, where the ancient Greek gods have withered and become powerless, but magic still exists. Those who wield it kidnap children from Earth to be their slaves and all the new arrivals are auctioned off to work in the realms of the now-uncaring old gods.
Joshua can’t find Finn, but he quickly befriends another boy and makes some gut-felt choices in whom to trust. This sets him onto a life-threatening adventure where he learns of his family’s connection to Nostos.
The story is well-told, sure to be a favorite of Percy Jackson fans, with a bit of Harry Potter thrown in. The monsters are well written and truly scary - on land, in water, and flying through the air. The connections to Greek myth are cool and interesting.
From a writing perspective, the book could have used another round of editing focusing on showing versus telling, adding more description, and watching for a few punctuation, pronoun, and head-hopping issues. The beginning is a little confusing – we don’t know the mc’s name for several pages. And it’s not necessary to use “then” quite so often, the reader knows it happens next.
But then we get bacon beer and all is forgiven! I enjoyed meeting the characters and expect them to be back in another book. I’m sure kids who enjoy adventures, especially in magical worlds, will read quickly and want more.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review. My rating is 3.5 stars, which I’ll round up to 4.
Joshua is a bit of a misfit as he and his grandfather move often, but now he’s got a best friend. Until lightning strikes and his buddy Finn disappears! The only way to save Finn seems to be to beg the lightning to strike again and take Joshua. He arrives in a horrible world, the Lost Realm of Nostos, where the ancient Greek gods have withered and become powerless, but magic still exists. Those who wield it kidnap children from Earth to be their slaves and all the new arrivals are auctioned off to work in the realms of the now-uncaring old gods.
Joshua can’t find Finn, but he quickly befriends another boy and makes some gut-felt choices in whom to trust. This sets him onto a life-threatening adventure where he learns of his family’s connection to Nostos.
The story is well-told, sure to be a favorite of Percy Jackson fans, with a bit of Harry Potter thrown in. The monsters are well written and truly scary - on land, in water, and flying through the air. The connections to Greek myth are cool and interesting.
From a writing perspective, the book could have used another round of editing focusing on showing versus telling, adding more description, and watching for a few punctuation, pronoun, and head-hopping issues. The beginning is a little confusing – we don’t know the mc’s name for several pages. And it’s not necessary to use “then” quite so often, the reader knows it happens next.
But then we get bacon beer and all is forgiven! I enjoyed meeting the characters and expect them to be back in another book. I’m sure kids who enjoy adventures, especially in magical worlds, will read quickly and want more.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review. My rating is 3.5 stars, which I’ll round up to 4.
May 19, 2015
Joshua never understood why his grandfather repeatedly warned him about lightning. But when he and his best friend, Finn get too close to the windows during a terrible storm, his grandfather's warnings take on new meaning. In a flash of lightning, Finn is snatched through the window. A hand grabs Joshua as well and the pair are taken to another realm where they must work as slaves to provide the energy to power the strange world.
Even worse, the two friends are separated and Joshua must devise a plan to find Finn. Together with his new friend, Charlie, they escape their work quarters only to find themselves on the Lightning Road in the face of a frightening "child collector" and beasts scarier than anything they could have imagined. Joshua must find courage he never knew existed to face the battle of his life against the fallen Greek Gods in the Lost Realm of Nostos. Will he have what it takes to rescue the kidnapped children and return them to earth?
Galanti creates a vivid mythological world with plenty of action that will keep the attention of the reader. At times terrifying, Joshua and the Lightning Road also touches on more heartwarming aspects like friendship and what it really takes to make a family. A solid recommendation for the fantasy, adventure fan. Strong, relatable characters and imaginative world building make this debut children's novel one you will hope will continue in a several book series.
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. Original review, appears on my blog, Boys To Books.
Even worse, the two friends are separated and Joshua must devise a plan to find Finn. Together with his new friend, Charlie, they escape their work quarters only to find themselves on the Lightning Road in the face of a frightening "child collector" and beasts scarier than anything they could have imagined. Joshua must find courage he never knew existed to face the battle of his life against the fallen Greek Gods in the Lost Realm of Nostos. Will he have what it takes to rescue the kidnapped children and return them to earth?
Galanti creates a vivid mythological world with plenty of action that will keep the attention of the reader. At times terrifying, Joshua and the Lightning Road also touches on more heartwarming aspects like friendship and what it really takes to make a family. A solid recommendation for the fantasy, adventure fan. Strong, relatable characters and imaginative world building make this debut children's novel one you will hope will continue in a several book series.
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. Original review, appears on my blog, Boys To Books.
May 26, 2015
I love middle grade stories like this one! A fun, fast-paced adventure story with themes that run the gamut from friendship to bravery, Joshua and the Lightning Road was a story I plan to share with my younger cousins and nieces and nephews, especially the boys!
Who knew the true danger of lightning? Joshua sure didn't, regardless of all of the warnings his grandpa, Bo Chez, has given him. When his best friend, and then himself, are grabbed by a pair of hands and taken, Joshua wishes he would have listened. Too late now, and it is up to Joshua to discover where they are, save his best friend Finn, the rest of the taken children, and hopefully himself. While on this terrifying adventure, Joseph learns things about himself that he never could have guessed. Will he succeed on this unexpected mission?
Joshua and the Lightning Road is such a good story. So fun, and fast-paced. Donna Galanti has a super seriously cool imagination, and she dragged me fully into this story, and I couldn't look away. Full of magic and mystery, with incredibly well developed characters (Here's looking at you, Joshua), I would not hesitate at all to recommend this story. I am 32, and I loved every second of it, and I would hand this off to my 12 year old cousin, and he would have a blast!
Thanks to Chapter by Chapter for letting me be a part of such an awesome tour!
Who knew the true danger of lightning? Joshua sure didn't, regardless of all of the warnings his grandpa, Bo Chez, has given him. When his best friend, and then himself, are grabbed by a pair of hands and taken, Joshua wishes he would have listened. Too late now, and it is up to Joshua to discover where they are, save his best friend Finn, the rest of the taken children, and hopefully himself. While on this terrifying adventure, Joseph learns things about himself that he never could have guessed. Will he succeed on this unexpected mission?
Joshua and the Lightning Road is such a good story. So fun, and fast-paced. Donna Galanti has a super seriously cool imagination, and she dragged me fully into this story, and I couldn't look away. Full of magic and mystery, with incredibly well developed characters (Here's looking at you, Joshua), I would not hesitate at all to recommend this story. I am 32, and I loved every second of it, and I would hand this off to my 12 year old cousin, and he would have a blast!
Thanks to Chapter by Chapter for letting me be a part of such an awesome tour!
June 10, 2015
Twelve year-old Joshua Cooper lives with his grandpa, Bo Chez. The old man likes to tell stories about Greek gods and Storm Masters. His rules are simple. Stay indoors, away from windows during lightning storms. And never touch the crystal orb locked in the case on the shelf. Then one stormy night when Joshua and his friend Finn are home alone, a bolt of lightning smashes through the window. In a blue flash his friend disappears. Joshua has no choice but to retrieve the orb and use it to find Finn. But before he can tap into its power, two hands yank him from this world into another.
Nostos is a frightening world where children are called Reekers and held as slaves. The evil queen Hekate reigns with terror over the Child Collectors who kidnap the children from Earth. Terrified, exhausted and separated from Finn, Joshua thinks only of escape from the hordes of desperate kids and the brutal slavery. However, the escape route becomes a maze that takes him on a journey deeper into the mysteries and magic of the Lost Realm.
Though Nostos is a bleak world, Galanti has populated it with fantastic creatures like kernitians and cadmeans, plus a cast of unpredictable characters with secrets of their own, creating a fantasy cloaked in mystery. “Joshua and the Lightning Road” is a heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish.
Nostos is a frightening world where children are called Reekers and held as slaves. The evil queen Hekate reigns with terror over the Child Collectors who kidnap the children from Earth. Terrified, exhausted and separated from Finn, Joshua thinks only of escape from the hordes of desperate kids and the brutal slavery. However, the escape route becomes a maze that takes him on a journey deeper into the mysteries and magic of the Lost Realm.
Though Nostos is a bleak world, Galanti has populated it with fantastic creatures like kernitians and cadmeans, plus a cast of unpredictable characters with secrets of their own, creating a fantasy cloaked in mystery. “Joshua and the Lightning Road” is a heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish.
December 28, 2015
Saw the author at a South Jersey Writers' Group Meeting! And then we read for our YA book club (Yes, it's Middle Grade but most of us are SJWG members :)
I liked it a lot. I'm a sucker for retellings, so the idea of a re-imagined Olympus where the Gods have fallen and their demigod descendents have run the world into despair was fantastic to me.
There were a lot of characters though, and strange beasts, and I kept getting them all confused. The story moved *lightning* fast (har), which was a bit of a challenge because I felt like I barely understood what was happening in one part before it moved to something else.
But overall it held together well, the heroes saved the day but with plenty of room for a sequel (and a big ? for a few of the characters' storylines!) Plus there was the Greek God thing (love). Looking forward to the sequel.....
I liked it a lot. I'm a sucker for retellings, so the idea of a re-imagined Olympus where the Gods have fallen and their demigod descendents have run the world into despair was fantastic to me.
There were a lot of characters though, and strange beasts, and I kept getting them all confused. The story moved *lightning* fast (har), which was a bit of a challenge because I felt like I barely understood what was happening in one part before it moved to something else.
But overall it held together well, the heroes saved the day but with plenty of room for a sequel (and a big ? for a few of the characters' storylines!) Plus there was the Greek God thing (love). Looking forward to the sequel.....
April 13, 2015
This was an action-packed adventure mixed with futuristic creatures and ancients myths. You can't beat that for an exciting combination.
Follow Joshua as he changes from a kidnapped victim to a hero, saving his friend and other stolen children to return them to earth via the Lightning Road.
There are many interesting characters and fantastical creatures. Some are good and others are evil. All are exciting and young readers will enjoy the tale as it unfolds.
It seems there's the promise of more adventure with Joshua and his beloved Bo Chez. I loved discovering that Bo Chez was much more than the old uncle Joshua spoke of with such love.
Follow Joshua as he changes from a kidnapped victim to a hero, saving his friend and other stolen children to return them to earth via the Lightning Road.
There are many interesting characters and fantastical creatures. Some are good and others are evil. All are exciting and young readers will enjoy the tale as it unfolds.
It seems there's the promise of more adventure with Joshua and his beloved Bo Chez. I loved discovering that Bo Chez was much more than the old uncle Joshua spoke of with such love.
Read
July 20, 2015A fun and innovative adventure story, Joshua and the Lightning Road takes the reader on an unforgettable ride.
August 11, 2025
Action fast-paced adventure, high stakes. The group grows slowly, unveiling goals. The main one is to save Joshua's friend, Finn, then return to Earth. Multiple worlds with root/inspiration in Olympic Gods and Greek Gods lore.
There is a need for a chosen one, but sometimes a chosen one is just someone doing the right thing and saving more than just one friend.
In volume one, Hekate is the main villain trying to take all power from these worlds filled by the stolen kids who fuel them.
It's exciting, inspiring, uplifting and motivating. I binged the first two volumes.
There is a need for a chosen one, but sometimes a chosen one is just someone doing the right thing and saving more than just one friend.
In volume one, Hekate is the main villain trying to take all power from these worlds filled by the stolen kids who fuel them.
It's exciting, inspiring, uplifting and motivating. I binged the first two volumes.
September 18, 2019
I don't read kids books for the most part with the exception of Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and H.I.V.E but when I saw the gorgeous covers I was so tempted to read it even though it was way outside of my comfort zone. I mean look at that amazing fox! There was lots of imagination in the plot with child snatchers and auctions, fire breathing foxes, scary creatures and bad guys. As a kid I would have loved this kind of read, I have no doubts about that. There was nothing much wrong with the actual writing, there was plenty happening to keep readers interested. For those who read a lot of middle grade books and enjoy that kind of read, I imagine that you would really enjoy this series. I just found that it didn't work for me personally but that is about my personal reading tastes rather than any problem with author or writing so don't let my rating put you off.
I had a few plot niggles though. We are told that Joshua is not allowed to touch his grandpa's crystals and to stay away from the windows during a storm. I did wonder why Bo Chez would leave the boys alone during the storm if he was that concerned. I wanted a little more about those warnings before we dived right nt. Suddenly in the loft during the storm, the child snatcher appears and grabs Finn and takes him away. We get told that this is the man from Joshua's nightmares but there was no mention of any nightmares in the previous pages to set the story. Why not have a prologue with Joshua dreaming about the man and his grandpa's warnings mixed in with that? It would have set the scene a bit better for me. These minor niggles weren't huge though. Overall it was a decent story and I'm sorry that it didn't grab me in the way I hoped it would. I'm sure plenty others will enjoy it.
I had a few plot niggles though. We are told that Joshua is not allowed to touch his grandpa's crystals and to stay away from the windows during a storm. I did wonder why Bo Chez would leave the boys alone during the storm if he was that concerned. I wanted a little more about those warnings before we dived right nt. Suddenly in the loft during the storm, the child snatcher appears and grabs Finn and takes him away. We get told that this is the man from Joshua's nightmares but there was no mention of any nightmares in the previous pages to set the story. Why not have a prologue with Joshua dreaming about the man and his grandpa's warnings mixed in with that? It would have set the scene a bit better for me. These minor niggles weren't huge though. Overall it was a decent story and I'm sorry that it didn't grab me in the way I hoped it would. I'm sure plenty others will enjoy it.
February 24, 2017
Joshua and the Lightning Road has to be one of the best books I've read in years. Donna Galanti is brilliant with her story telling and I was captivated by the tale after just a few chapters. This was a wonderful, magical read that draws you in almost immediately. Fast paced action with twists and turns along the way. Kudos to such a fine author.
May 2, 2015
Donna Galanti takes middle grade by storm—literally. Just as her hero gets sucked onto the lightning road, JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD sucks the reader into a non-stop adventure.
From the initial flash of lightning to the book’s electrifying end, Galanti’s eerie Lost Realm of Nostos is fresh, scary, and deep. Richly atmospheric, the landscape teems with creepy monsters ready to devour Joshua and his friends as they battle the evil of fallen Greek gods. Watch out though! While running from the cadmean beast, you may fall off the edge of the world.
Galanti deftly draws her characters. Joshua is full of tumultuous emotions, questioning himself and his ability to be anything heroic. Each of his friends is individual, differentiated by voice and quirks. Joshua’s grandfather is larger than life, a mystery to be solved. The villains also leap off the page, relatable even as we root for their downfall. The cast blends together perfectly to help (and hinder) Joshua in his quest to rescue his best friend from the Child Collectors.
Imaginative, vivid, and dazzling, Galanti’s JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD takes the reader on a journey that is not just physical. Joshua faces demons within as well as without as his world shatters around him. While fighting for his life and his freedom, Joshua redefines his concepts of loyalty, friendship, home, and family. On his adventure to find his stolen friend, Joshua finds himself.
JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD is a juggernaut of a thrill ride, hurling the reader through chills, thrills, horror, and hope—perfect for the young adventurer in your life!
From the initial flash of lightning to the book’s electrifying end, Galanti’s eerie Lost Realm of Nostos is fresh, scary, and deep. Richly atmospheric, the landscape teems with creepy monsters ready to devour Joshua and his friends as they battle the evil of fallen Greek gods. Watch out though! While running from the cadmean beast, you may fall off the edge of the world.
Galanti deftly draws her characters. Joshua is full of tumultuous emotions, questioning himself and his ability to be anything heroic. Each of his friends is individual, differentiated by voice and quirks. Joshua’s grandfather is larger than life, a mystery to be solved. The villains also leap off the page, relatable even as we root for their downfall. The cast blends together perfectly to help (and hinder) Joshua in his quest to rescue his best friend from the Child Collectors.
Imaginative, vivid, and dazzling, Galanti’s JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD takes the reader on a journey that is not just physical. Joshua faces demons within as well as without as his world shatters around him. While fighting for his life and his freedom, Joshua redefines his concepts of loyalty, friendship, home, and family. On his adventure to find his stolen friend, Joshua finds himself.
JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD is a juggernaut of a thrill ride, hurling the reader through chills, thrills, horror, and hope—perfect for the young adventurer in your life!
June 1, 2015
Joshua and the Lightning Road by Donna Galanti is a book that I would recommend to anybody who enjoys mythology. Joshua is a character that kids and adults will be able to relate to because he's brave, scared and stubborn. These are qualities most of us demonstrate at one point or another. I like the way that myths were interwoven into the story. Kids who don’t know a lot about mythology will still be able to enjoy and understand the story, but those who know more will have an added bonus. People who like a lot of action and adventure will be thrilled with the battle scenes, which are scary, but not too scary. I like the themes of friendship and family that run throughout the book, as well as honesty and building trust. The book is fast paced and intriguing. I was satisfied with the way the story ended (which means things were wrapped up and I wasn't left with a cliffhanger). I look forward to reading the next book in the series and finding out what happens next! Wonderful writing!
February 17, 2016
Admittedly, I am not a reader of sci-fi or fantasy, especially middle grade books in this category. However, Donna Galanti’s “JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD” (2015) was a game changer. Her novel hooked me right away, from page one, and never released its grip. I cared about the main character, wanted to know what would happen next, and found myself rooting for Joshua throughout the journey. Carefully and adeptly plotted, expertly tense and conflict-based, and with a voice that will suck you right in, “Joshua and the Lightning Road” is a book you will not regret buying, and you will be very glad you read. It will not leave your consciousness any time soon. Targeting age ranges 9-12, this is a fun read for adults as well. Read it, and spread the [literary] word, fast.
Donna Galanti’s website: http://www.donnagalanti.com/
Amazon page to purchase “Joshua and the Lightning Road”: http://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Lightnin...…
Donna Galanti’s website: http://www.donnagalanti.com/
Amazon page to purchase “Joshua and the Lightning Road”: http://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Lightnin...…
June 18, 2015
This was an action-packed adventure with every chapter! Galanti has quite skillfully written a plot that keeps you guessing, giving just enough information and background for it to make sense. The characters are pretty fantastic, too, though I did find myself getting frustrated with Joshua on occasion when I felt he was being a tad imperceptive (though I guess he had good reason to be pretty emotional—he goes through a lot). My other trouble was with the setting, and I felt a little lost between the different realms or places of enslavement. I did wish for a rough map or something at the beginning, but I think I got it by the end. Speaking of which, it had a great ending, with just enough pull for more books in the series. I do recommend it, especially for fans of the Percy Jackson series.
*I received an this ebook in exchange for an honest review
*I received an this ebook in exchange for an honest review
June 15, 2015
Joshua and the Lightning Road is mythological thrill ride. From the very first chapter to the exciting climax, I found myself cheering out loud for Joshua, Chez and his new friends. Galanti spins a tale of another world with history, present and future that is creative, dark and mystical. Plus she gracefully weaves in heartfelt relationships that will leave you wanting more. This book is perfect for young boys and girls, and will intrigue adults as well, because it is a story they will get lost in, and they will finish wanting to visit the Lightning Road.
January 27, 2018
Donna Galanti’s middle grade picture book Joshua and the Storm Master: A Lightning Road Halloween Adventure is a fast-paced, high adventure fantasy read. Galanti has everything from Greek gods to fantastical creatures chasing poor Joshua, who appears not to be of Earth either. But to keep this fantasy grounded, Galanti centered it on family. Everyone wants to be a part of a loving family, both Joshua and those who chase him. If you’re looking for a vivid fun read, then Joshua and the Storm Master is for you.
December 30, 2018
This turned out to be a really good book. It's full of adventure! A great choice of book for young readers. Perfect for anyone who is unsure about reading as the story really reels you in.
*I received a copy of this book for free. The review is my own,honest and unsolicited.
*I received a copy of this book for free. The review is my own,honest and unsolicited.
December 19, 2015
Great book. I enjoyed this and look forward to passing it on.
January 18, 2025
I loved the idea of a 'lightning road', that description elicits a whole slew of ideas of what could happen in the story. To me it promised adventure and action in this story, and I think it delivered. I liked how the author intertwined the Greek mythology parallels with the story. I had hoped to see more of the gods but we only get one or two and the rest are their descendants.
I like Joshua, he's a good main character, a typical twelve-year-old boy. He handles things in a believable manner and I like that he doesn't hide his feelings. He has good morals and sticks to them. I liked seeing Joshua make all his friends and how loyal they are to each other. Loved seeing that in books.
While this is great, I have a complaint that there were only two women in this story! Yes, there are other women mentioned, but they never appeared and they were only talked about. There are only two females who Joshua encounters and the main one is a bad person. I know this book is primarily aimed at young male readers but come on, boys can read about boys being friends with girls too!
The pacing is quick. If you're a speed reader, you can definitely read it in one sitting. The writing is didn't quite affect me as I wanted, it was blunt and didn't click with me emotionally. I feel like it could have been written in a clearer manner because sometimes I had to re-read a scene to completely understand what happened. While the writing was short and fast this reads more as a steady adventure. I didn't feel like there were huge stakes in this book to make me squirm with excitement but I did feel like this book read for a middle schooler so it's entertaining. However, as an adult reading this, you may see some flaws in the story that may irk you in terms of common sense.
I wanted to like this book much more than I did. Something just fell a little short of it for me. It could have been some of the loose ends when I finished the book. It didn't feel like a satisfying ending for me. This may be because I'm an adult reading a MG book but I tried not to let that affect my judgement as I read. I just didn't feel as emotionally invested in the story as I wish I could have been. I think Joshua and his friends are good characters but I feel the execution just didn't quite make the story for me. Still, this is a book that a young reader can enjoy if they are open to the adventures in another world and are fond of books parallel to Greek mythology.
2.5 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
I like Joshua, he's a good main character, a typical twelve-year-old boy. He handles things in a believable manner and I like that he doesn't hide his feelings. He has good morals and sticks to them. I liked seeing Joshua make all his friends and how loyal they are to each other. Loved seeing that in books.
While this is great, I have a complaint that there were only two women in this story! Yes, there are other women mentioned, but they never appeared and they were only talked about. There are only two females who Joshua encounters and the main one is a bad person. I know this book is primarily aimed at young male readers but come on, boys can read about boys being friends with girls too!
The pacing is quick. If you're a speed reader, you can definitely read it in one sitting. The writing is didn't quite affect me as I wanted, it was blunt and didn't click with me emotionally. I feel like it could have been written in a clearer manner because sometimes I had to re-read a scene to completely understand what happened. While the writing was short and fast this reads more as a steady adventure. I didn't feel like there were huge stakes in this book to make me squirm with excitement but I did feel like this book read for a middle schooler so it's entertaining. However, as an adult reading this, you may see some flaws in the story that may irk you in terms of common sense.
I wanted to like this book much more than I did. Something just fell a little short of it for me. It could have been some of the loose ends when I finished the book. It didn't feel like a satisfying ending for me. This may be because I'm an adult reading a MG book but I tried not to let that affect my judgement as I read. I just didn't feel as emotionally invested in the story as I wish I could have been. I think Joshua and his friends are good characters but I feel the execution just didn't quite make the story for me. Still, this is a book that a young reader can enjoy if they are open to the adventures in another world and are fond of books parallel to Greek mythology.
2.5 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
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