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Rebel Seed
A beautiful child is born into a family that idolizes him from the cradle. Adoration is fed to him from a silver spoon and nothing is too much for the golden (wash belly) boy. Nurtured by manifestly counter-productive adulation Marcus morphs into a monster child. He becomes manipulative and controlling - everything must go his way - or no way.
The monster child matures into an unruly and un-containable teen rogue, who gives no heed to morals, principles or laws, pushing already unstintingly liberal boundaries ever wider into indisputably rebellious territory and acquires the moniker "Rebel Seed".
Like any decent self-destructive rebel, Marcus is drawn to the streets for he craves excitement - a fast life that quickly subsumes him into a parallel world where hustlers and villains are adored as superstars. And soon he too walks in the shoes of a gangster, reveling in the shadowy existence - blinded and consumed by fleshly lusts he commits the most villainous acts, gaining fruitless gratification from the dubious respect of his peers.
But is Marcus' gangster's paradise really a glimpse of hell?
This story delves into the complex subject matters of un-forgiveness and forgiveness, and effectively demonstrates the power of redeeming love.
NOTE:
This novel deals with the sensitive subject matter of drug abuse and addiction to Cocaine (AKA Charlie), crack and marijuana.
The monster child matures into an unruly and un-containable teen rogue, who gives no heed to morals, principles or laws, pushing already unstintingly liberal boundaries ever wider into indisputably rebellious territory and acquires the moniker "Rebel Seed".
Like any decent self-destructive rebel, Marcus is drawn to the streets for he craves excitement - a fast life that quickly subsumes him into a parallel world where hustlers and villains are adored as superstars. And soon he too walks in the shoes of a gangster, reveling in the shadowy existence - blinded and consumed by fleshly lusts he commits the most villainous acts, gaining fruitless gratification from the dubious respect of his peers.
But is Marcus' gangster's paradise really a glimpse of hell?
This story delves into the complex subject matters of un-forgiveness and forgiveness, and effectively demonstrates the power of redeeming love.
NOTE:
This novel deals with the sensitive subject matter of drug abuse and addiction to Cocaine (AKA Charlie), crack and marijuana.
Unknown Binding
First published July 10, 2015
1 person is currently reading
764 people want to read
About the author
Eugenie Laverne Mitchell
5 books233 followersEugenie Laverne Mitchell writes from the heart. The tales she skilfully weaves spring from a fertile imagination but are coloured by some vaguely similar life observations. She was motivated to start writing, in order to convey messages of hope, grace, truth and love with the aim that her work will in some way be a positive influence upon readers.
A born Storyteller, as a child her creative outlet was into poetry, most of which told short stories. When she became a teenager the poems graduated into songs. She still writes songs today and incorporates some of her song lyrics into her novels.
For example, "Prodigal Daughter" is a song featured in "Philanthropic Ways".
In her early twenties Eugenie began to receive inspiration to write a novel but was just too busy with life and so put off doing so until the compulsion became too strong to ignore and she began to write "WASHED" mostly on weekends and during holidays.
"WASHED" was finally published in 2012 - it has been very well received.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Her second novel, "Philanthropic Ways" was published in 2014 and the third, "Rebel Seed", in 2015.
The fourth novel "The Yard Girl - Sienna's Story" was published on 25 December 2018 and is receiving great reviews.
LOOK OUT for "The Yard Girl II - Miranda's Story" - Now available in ebook and paperback format from Amazon.
You can find out more about this Author and her books at: Author Eugenie Laverne Mitchell Corner on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Please feel welcome to come on board as a member and join in the community.
Eugenie Laverne will keep on writing the unique stories that she has to tell, to introduce to the world the true to life characters that inhabit her imagination. She hopes that her messages of truth, hope, love, grace and faith will transcend barriers. And she does not seek to provoke any denominational debate but that the positive messages will overshadow such futility.
A born Storyteller, as a child her creative outlet was into poetry, most of which told short stories. When she became a teenager the poems graduated into songs. She still writes songs today and incorporates some of her song lyrics into her novels.
For example, "Prodigal Daughter" is a song featured in "Philanthropic Ways".
In her early twenties Eugenie began to receive inspiration to write a novel but was just too busy with life and so put off doing so until the compulsion became too strong to ignore and she began to write "WASHED" mostly on weekends and during holidays.
"WASHED" was finally published in 2012 - it has been very well received.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Her second novel, "Philanthropic Ways" was published in 2014 and the third, "Rebel Seed", in 2015.
The fourth novel "The Yard Girl - Sienna's Story" was published on 25 December 2018 and is receiving great reviews.
LOOK OUT for "The Yard Girl II - Miranda's Story" - Now available in ebook and paperback format from Amazon.
You can find out more about this Author and her books at: Author Eugenie Laverne Mitchell Corner on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Please feel welcome to come on board as a member and join in the community.
Eugenie Laverne will keep on writing the unique stories that she has to tell, to introduce to the world the true to life characters that inhabit her imagination. She hopes that her messages of truth, hope, love, grace and faith will transcend barriers. And she does not seek to provoke any denominational debate but that the positive messages will overshadow such futility.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 23, 2015
Sorry to seem biased but I really do like this story, although I wrote it :-]
February 21, 2016
Such an uplifting story!
Rebel Seed tells the story of Marcus Allen, the "wash belly" baby (a Jamaican term meaning the last child born) of a good, respectable family. As the youngest, he is spoiled and always gets his way. But the lenience and coddling he receives during childhood work to his detriment as he grows into an out-of-control, selfish, manipulative man.
Marcus enters the seedy world of drugs, gangsters and crime, turning his back on those who love him. His life descends further into despair and hopelessness as his self-destructive behaviors compel him to lie, cheat, steal and maim.
He becomes a drowning man, struggling to stay afloat of his perilous lifestyle.
Told through Marcus' point of view, readers are taken on a journey into the madness and get a glimpse of a lifestyle fraught with addiction, substance abuse, violence, immorality and deceit. Ms. Mitchell's masterful story-telling will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what will happen to Marcus and those he so callously hurts in the process of satisfying his selfish needs. Each character is unique and so well-developed, you'll feel as though you personally know them. You'll care for them and worry about them. Even Marcus, with his many faults* and flaws, will earn your compassion.
This is a poignant story of one man's struggle to find and redeem himself. It is a heartwarming and inspirational tale of triumph in the face of adversity. I look forward to the next motivational book by this extremely talented author.
* He does plenty of truly terrible, horrific things
Rebel Seed tells the story of Marcus Allen, the "wash belly" baby (a Jamaican term meaning the last child born) of a good, respectable family. As the youngest, he is spoiled and always gets his way. But the lenience and coddling he receives during childhood work to his detriment as he grows into an out-of-control, selfish, manipulative man.
Marcus enters the seedy world of drugs, gangsters and crime, turning his back on those who love him. His life descends further into despair and hopelessness as his self-destructive behaviors compel him to lie, cheat, steal and maim.
He becomes a drowning man, struggling to stay afloat of his perilous lifestyle.
Told through Marcus' point of view, readers are taken on a journey into the madness and get a glimpse of a lifestyle fraught with addiction, substance abuse, violence, immorality and deceit. Ms. Mitchell's masterful story-telling will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what will happen to Marcus and those he so callously hurts in the process of satisfying his selfish needs. Each character is unique and so well-developed, you'll feel as though you personally know them. You'll care for them and worry about them. Even Marcus, with his many faults* and flaws, will earn your compassion.
This is a poignant story of one man's struggle to find and redeem himself. It is a heartwarming and inspirational tale of triumph in the face of adversity. I look forward to the next motivational book by this extremely talented author.
* He does plenty of truly terrible, horrific things
December 9, 2015
I really enjoyed 'Washed' when I read it some months ago, and I was keen to read 'Rebel Seed' as soon as I saw it was available. It's a very different book, but no less well written or entertaining. I'm very happy to recommend this author's work and will look forward to reading whatever she writes next.
April 22, 2018
The more I read Rebel Seed, the more I enjoyed it. And the moral of the story was…. sometimes it takes an ever-increasing downward spiral in a wasted life before someone finally gets the point of their learning experiences.
It took a lonely place of sorrow, where Marcus knew there is no other way of escape, that brought him to repentance.
When he faced the truth about his wasted life, and seen his need for a great change, that’s when he came to confess his many sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
When a flood of memories and tears were emptying out of all the pain he had dealt with in his broken life, the remorse for all the misery he felt and caused his friends and loved ones freed him. His flood of tears continued as the contrite heart was emptying of a heartache that was being healed in forgiveness
It took the salvation of Marcus before I could see why the first of the book was so weighted down with his many sins. It took the long downward road of many lost loves because of his neglect and abuse, his obsession with drugs, using, selling them, and robbing others to keep his habit going. His violent behavior toward all who loved him when he thought they would come in between his drug habit, and self-indulgence in his many crimes. All the many drug-related, lawless anger that twisted in his mind to take over his life and destroy it completely was already working when he was on the run for his life. When Marcus is in the race for his survival finds himself in a church, where his remorse overwhelms him.
Rebel Seed shows how deeply drugs can drag people who develop a habit of drugs and drinking can completely waste their life. Eugenia Laverne Mitchell very interestingly reflects how so many relatives and friends of the reader feel about the people in their life that is just like Marcus, in all the depth of their lawless habits. She pulls them into the perilous times of Marcus Allen and every person in his life. We can almost feel the pain, of those who are living through his living hell.
When the change comes for Marcus Allen we feel his renewal in his spiritual awakening and it brings hope to the readers heart to believe that the possibility with prayer their own loved ones can be saved.
I really enjoyed the Rebel Seed, and I haven’t read fiction very much since I quit teaching creative writing in 2005. I give it 5 stars.
It took a lonely place of sorrow, where Marcus knew there is no other way of escape, that brought him to repentance.
When he faced the truth about his wasted life, and seen his need for a great change, that’s when he came to confess his many sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
When a flood of memories and tears were emptying out of all the pain he had dealt with in his broken life, the remorse for all the misery he felt and caused his friends and loved ones freed him. His flood of tears continued as the contrite heart was emptying of a heartache that was being healed in forgiveness
It took the salvation of Marcus before I could see why the first of the book was so weighted down with his many sins. It took the long downward road of many lost loves because of his neglect and abuse, his obsession with drugs, using, selling them, and robbing others to keep his habit going. His violent behavior toward all who loved him when he thought they would come in between his drug habit, and self-indulgence in his many crimes. All the many drug-related, lawless anger that twisted in his mind to take over his life and destroy it completely was already working when he was on the run for his life. When Marcus is in the race for his survival finds himself in a church, where his remorse overwhelms him.
Rebel Seed shows how deeply drugs can drag people who develop a habit of drugs and drinking can completely waste their life. Eugenia Laverne Mitchell very interestingly reflects how so many relatives and friends of the reader feel about the people in their life that is just like Marcus, in all the depth of their lawless habits. She pulls them into the perilous times of Marcus Allen and every person in his life. We can almost feel the pain, of those who are living through his living hell.
When the change comes for Marcus Allen we feel his renewal in his spiritual awakening and it brings hope to the readers heart to believe that the possibility with prayer their own loved ones can be saved.
I really enjoyed the Rebel Seed, and I haven’t read fiction very much since I quit teaching creative writing in 2005. I give it 5 stars.
December 5, 2015
I got this book as an exchange for a review as part of a Christian reading group. This is not ususaly the type of book I would read, but I must admit that I was impressed.
I like to generalize a review as to not give away too many plot details. The author did a good job of writing a credible way of bringing the main character to redemption. What made the book stand out was that it showed how one's negative actions can have a ripple effect not only on the people directly involved with the main character, but also to a third and even fourth level of consequences.This represented with the fact that while Christ forgives upon earnest repentance, it is difficult for humans to do so.
I like to generalize a review as to not give away too many plot details. The author did a good job of writing a credible way of bringing the main character to redemption. What made the book stand out was that it showed how one's negative actions can have a ripple effect not only on the people directly involved with the main character, but also to a third and even fourth level of consequences.This represented with the fact that while Christ forgives upon earnest repentance, it is difficult for humans to do so.
December 21, 2017
"Rebel Seed" was a very difficult book for me to read. The main character had zero likability; his countless "victims" seemed unbelievably foolish, at best; and the urban slum setting was overwhelmingly grim and depressing. Not at all a pleasure book.
But I was powerfully convicted while reading the book. I found myself in the role of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I was rooting for the main character to get caught and punished, when I should have been praying for his safe return. When God reached out to redeem him, I questioned it inwardly. It all seemed too quick and easy.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
And when his transformation seemed too sudden and complete and his happy ending too miraculous, my self-righteous indignation kicked into overdrive. Shouldn't there be more consequences for all his sins? Didn't righteous men like Moses and David pay heavy prices for their disobedience? And the spirit of judgment threatened to consume me.
But the Spirit reminded me that my sins aren't "smaller," I'm just more comfortable with them. And there are no sins Jesus cannot wash away and no person He does not love. He didn't come to save non-existent "good" people but rebels like Marcus and me (and everyone ever born). And that's a miracle He performs every day...
Rating 3.25/5 stars.
But I was powerfully convicted while reading the book. I found myself in the role of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I was rooting for the main character to get caught and punished, when I should have been praying for his safe return. When God reached out to redeem him, I questioned it inwardly. It all seemed too quick and easy.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
And when his transformation seemed too sudden and complete and his happy ending too miraculous, my self-righteous indignation kicked into overdrive. Shouldn't there be more consequences for all his sins? Didn't righteous men like Moses and David pay heavy prices for their disobedience? And the spirit of judgment threatened to consume me.
But the Spirit reminded me that my sins aren't "smaller," I'm just more comfortable with them. And there are no sins Jesus cannot wash away and no person He does not love. He didn't come to save non-existent "good" people but rebels like Marcus and me (and everyone ever born). And that's a miracle He performs every day...
Rating 3.25/5 stars.
Want to read
May 8, 2019Angel Gelique's review persuaded me yet again.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 2, 2018
Admittedly, when I started Rebel Seed, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. The book starts with a brief intro in the voice of the protagonist, Marcus, and I got the impression it might be story with an anti-hero and unreliable narrator. Given the back cover summary that really interested me. But, the prologue was the only part of the book in the main character's voice and from the beginning I was unsure how I would feel about the novel's narrative style. It felt like things were being summarized very quickly, sometimes with details I didn't always feel I needed. While on occasion I felt the same way throughout the rest of the novel, I quickly got pulled into Marcus's story and would recommend reading this book.
Being from West Virginia, I've seen far too many headlines, heard far too many stories, and been too close to those battling opioid dependencies and drug problems not to feel as if I knew Marcus. The behavior he exhibits throughout the novel sounded in line with what I'd observed from a loved one, though taken to a further extent with Marcus. For much of the novel, Marcus does absolutely nothing to counteract his drug problem and leaves a path of physical, social, and emotional carnage in his wake. Early on I got the impression he was like a Jamaican Scarface tearing through London. His story took some twists along the way that allowed for a more personal experience with his character than Tony Montana's over-the-top meteoric rise and fall. Which works well. Marcus isn't a drug lord. He's a normal guy who thought he was much more in control of situations and others than reality bore out. This is significant, because Tony Montana never had a chance for redemption, but Marcus did.
Another confession, in spite of similarities to people I knew, because of some of his behaviors, I found it really hard to root for him. He's abusive in every meaning of the word and crazy selfish. It doesn't come across as just the drugs initially. Marcus himself is established early on as that kind of sociopathic menace that chills your spine. You really can't feel sorry for him until he finally begins be bested by the life he's eked out. From then on, Rebel Seed pulls the reader along in the hope that everyone can see a happier ending than things appear. You root for Marcus and his brother Gus. Some other major characters really don't get the attention I hoped based on their later significance, but in time you build your hopes for them too (example being Dierdre).
What really helped complete the book for me was the spiritual transformation Marcus undergoes. It is handled in a way that sounds very similar to other testimonies from converted drug addicts. To non-Christian readers and Christians who dislike the idea of miracles in literature, the latter portions of the book might be irksome. For me I found them spot on with real life stories I've heard and wasn't bothered by the transformation Marcus undergoes or that of those around him. Conversely, I found it encouraging.
The ending wasn't my favorite part of the book, though weighed in the balance between the gritty realism and encouraging transformative story being told, I came away really happy about this read.
Being from West Virginia, I've seen far too many headlines, heard far too many stories, and been too close to those battling opioid dependencies and drug problems not to feel as if I knew Marcus. The behavior he exhibits throughout the novel sounded in line with what I'd observed from a loved one, though taken to a further extent with Marcus. For much of the novel, Marcus does absolutely nothing to counteract his drug problem and leaves a path of physical, social, and emotional carnage in his wake. Early on I got the impression he was like a Jamaican Scarface tearing through London. His story took some twists along the way that allowed for a more personal experience with his character than Tony Montana's over-the-top meteoric rise and fall. Which works well. Marcus isn't a drug lord. He's a normal guy who thought he was much more in control of situations and others than reality bore out. This is significant, because Tony Montana never had a chance for redemption, but Marcus did.
Another confession, in spite of similarities to people I knew, because of some of his behaviors, I found it really hard to root for him. He's abusive in every meaning of the word and crazy selfish. It doesn't come across as just the drugs initially. Marcus himself is established early on as that kind of sociopathic menace that chills your spine. You really can't feel sorry for him until he finally begins be bested by the life he's eked out. From then on, Rebel Seed pulls the reader along in the hope that everyone can see a happier ending than things appear. You root for Marcus and his brother Gus. Some other major characters really don't get the attention I hoped based on their later significance, but in time you build your hopes for them too (example being Dierdre).
What really helped complete the book for me was the spiritual transformation Marcus undergoes. It is handled in a way that sounds very similar to other testimonies from converted drug addicts. To non-Christian readers and Christians who dislike the idea of miracles in literature, the latter portions of the book might be irksome. For me I found them spot on with real life stories I've heard and wasn't bothered by the transformation Marcus undergoes or that of those around him. Conversely, I found it encouraging.
The ending wasn't my favorite part of the book, though weighed in the balance between the gritty realism and encouraging transformative story being told, I came away really happy about this read.
February 6, 2018
Admittedly, although I like the overall message of this book, I just had a hard time dealing with the drama of the characters. I didn't like Marcus at all and even when his transformation happens, it was more so, eh. Kudos to Mitchell for giving me a character I thoroughly disliked but that's the point so it's not a bad thing.
Overall, the book was good with a heartfelt message.
Overall, the book was good with a heartfelt message.
September 7, 2015
At first, I didn't like it. I didn't like Marcus and his extremely bad choices, and I didn't like how he was raised to end up that way. But I kept reading. I wanted to yell at Marcus and slap him silly. And then, when I was about halfway through the book, and thought that everyone was gonna die, Marcus was saved. It was a beautiful moment to read about, and I rooted for him and for everything to turn out well until the very end. I give this book a 4/5 rating because while it was not my favorite (and it started out slow), I LOVED how it was REAL and how Jesus was shown in the book. Because I am not from the kind of culture that Marcus was involved in, and I have no personal experience remotely similar to his, I could not relate much. But I am glad I read the book!
January 20, 2016
I found this book an interesting read because it took me into a world that is completely alien to mine. The characters are appealing and strong and I was able to sympathise with their thoughts and the different aspects of their lives. The author cleverly took me on a journey into places that I would never go and introduced me to subjects that I would never consider.
All round, I enjoyed reading 'Rebel Seed'.
All round, I enjoyed reading 'Rebel Seed'.
August 10, 2025
I'm giving this book 2 stars not because it's a bad book per se (although there were a couple of places where homophones were incorrectly used and some formatting choices, especially around speech that bugged me) but because it wasn't my cup of tea. I spent the first half of the book wondering exactly how Marcus kept getting away with being a jerk - we're told he's charming, but he never seems to show any sign of it - and the second half feeling somewhat proselytised at.
This isn't the sort of book I usually read even while making attempts to widen my reading horizons, and at the end of the day I'm not the target audience for it either.
This isn't the sort of book I usually read even while making attempts to widen my reading horizons, and at the end of the day I'm not the target audience for it either.
December 28, 2017
Great Story! But a bit confusing at first. But the overall story is great.
The story grips your attention right from the introduction pages, which was a plus. But once it started deeper into the story I got a little confused. I struggled for a bit trying to separate the characters from the drugs and people. The author's description and reference to drugs are in terms that make the reader think they are reading about a character rather than a substance.
After I got the confusion taken care of the story went smoothly and was enjoyable. I would recommend it to teens and adolescents.
I give it 3-stars!
The story grips your attention right from the introduction pages, which was a plus. But once it started deeper into the story I got a little confused. I struggled for a bit trying to separate the characters from the drugs and people. The author's description and reference to drugs are in terms that make the reader think they are reading about a character rather than a substance.
After I got the confusion taken care of the story went smoothly and was enjoyable. I would recommend it to teens and adolescents.
I give it 3-stars!
September 8, 2015
Marcus’ life in the beginning is one of crime, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and abusive relationships. He goes from one woman to the next, never faithful to the relationship and pushing his women to prostitute themselves to make him more money. He gets involved with fraud and has to run from friends who are also involved in crimes.
Just over halfway through the book one of his women is murdered and he believes he will be blamed. He wanders into a church, suddenly gets saved in an all-night prayer meeting, and changes completely.
I am always glad to see a character turn from sin to Christ and make real changes. However Marcus makes such a sudden and complete change, without much struggle, that is hard to believe. The first half of the book pulls you through the gutter with the dregs of humanity. The second half is weighed down by long sermons.
I read this book as part of a Christian review group and was asked to give an honest review. The theme of redemption is a good one, but some of its flaws outweighed the story for me. From a writer’s point of view I was disappointed that much of the story was simply narrated rather than creating scenes that made me feel like I was a part of the action. A number of persistent punctuation mistakes ran consistently throughout the book and also distracted from the plot. I have to admit I take a different doctrinal view from the author and I’m sure that colored my opinion, but I believe the story could be improved if the author studied her craft more.
Just over halfway through the book one of his women is murdered and he believes he will be blamed. He wanders into a church, suddenly gets saved in an all-night prayer meeting, and changes completely.
I am always glad to see a character turn from sin to Christ and make real changes. However Marcus makes such a sudden and complete change, without much struggle, that is hard to believe. The first half of the book pulls you through the gutter with the dregs of humanity. The second half is weighed down by long sermons.
I read this book as part of a Christian review group and was asked to give an honest review. The theme of redemption is a good one, but some of its flaws outweighed the story for me. From a writer’s point of view I was disappointed that much of the story was simply narrated rather than creating scenes that made me feel like I was a part of the action. A number of persistent punctuation mistakes ran consistently throughout the book and also distracted from the plot. I have to admit I take a different doctrinal view from the author and I’m sure that colored my opinion, but I believe the story could be improved if the author studied her craft more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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