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Black Lightning
Life moves on -- no matter what...
Following his father's puzzling disappearance and his mother's death, ten-year-old Samuel Baker goes through the motions of living in a world turned upside down. He wears an Apache talisman, a long ago gift from his father, in hopes its promise of strength and guidance is true. But what he truly wants is the power to bring his parents back.
Heartless Aunt Janis is elated at the prospect of becoming Samuel's legal guardian. She is sure an orphan boy will elicit such an outpouring of public sympathy that her husband will win his Senate bid by a landslide. But when Grandpa Tate arrives, things don't go as expected, especially when black lightning strikes!
Following his father's puzzling disappearance and his mother's death, ten-year-old Samuel Baker goes through the motions of living in a world turned upside down. He wears an Apache talisman, a long ago gift from his father, in hopes its promise of strength and guidance is true. But what he truly wants is the power to bring his parents back.
Heartless Aunt Janis is elated at the prospect of becoming Samuel's legal guardian. She is sure an orphan boy will elicit such an outpouring of public sympathy that her husband will win his Senate bid by a landslide. But when Grandpa Tate arrives, things don't go as expected, especially when black lightning strikes!
- GenresFantasy
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2016
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
K.S. Jones
8 books17 followersKaren (K.S.) Jones is an award-winning author, living in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Most days are spent writing historical fiction and romance novels, gardening, spending time with her dogs, and loving life with her husband, Richard.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 26, 2016
Black Lightning
by K S Jones
Black Lightning is the second book from this new and exciting published author the idea came from an experience in the Sonoran Desert where the author saw Black lightning pierce the sky and strike the ground. She wondered what the significance of this stranger than life fiction could be. This thought experiment has become the center of a great story about love and hope, and overcoming the impossible. The premise is based on the idea that missing people may have a supernatural reason for their abruptly truncated lives. A supernatural reason for all those missing person stories could not only give hope to the characters in the book but the reader as well.
The book is a great book to add to your YA section of your library, allowing a strong male character to give inspiration to young readers.
Samuel is a young boy faced with accepting the crushing loss of both his parents. Orphaned at a young age he was brought to Arizona to live with his estranged Grandfather. It was a rough start in a new chapter in Samuel’s life. In Arizona Samuel finds the connections he was missing with his long departed and missing father. His father had mysteriously disappeared years before. Just when Samuel thought he could find a place with his Grandfather, his Aunt and Uncle arrived with plans of their own, using their orphaned nephew as a political ploy to gain electoral favor. This is only the beginning of the story, the reader must explore farther to see how this conflict is resolved. I invite you to read this wonderful story yourselves and explore the supernatural world of Black Lightning.
by K S Jones
Black Lightning is the second book from this new and exciting published author the idea came from an experience in the Sonoran Desert where the author saw Black lightning pierce the sky and strike the ground. She wondered what the significance of this stranger than life fiction could be. This thought experiment has become the center of a great story about love and hope, and overcoming the impossible. The premise is based on the idea that missing people may have a supernatural reason for their abruptly truncated lives. A supernatural reason for all those missing person stories could not only give hope to the characters in the book but the reader as well.
The book is a great book to add to your YA section of your library, allowing a strong male character to give inspiration to young readers.
Samuel is a young boy faced with accepting the crushing loss of both his parents. Orphaned at a young age he was brought to Arizona to live with his estranged Grandfather. It was a rough start in a new chapter in Samuel’s life. In Arizona Samuel finds the connections he was missing with his long departed and missing father. His father had mysteriously disappeared years before. Just when Samuel thought he could find a place with his Grandfather, his Aunt and Uncle arrived with plans of their own, using their orphaned nephew as a political ploy to gain electoral favor. This is only the beginning of the story, the reader must explore farther to see how this conflict is resolved. I invite you to read this wonderful story yourselves and explore the supernatural world of Black Lightning.
June 22, 2017
Ten-year-old Samuel’s father disappeared years ago, and now his mother has passed away. With no one to care for him and no place to call home his aunt vies to adopt Samuel for purely selfish reasons. His prayers are answered though when his mom’s will puts an end to that notion. In accordance with his deceased mother's wishes he goes to live with his Grandfather in Arizona. Still grieving, and experiencing feelings of abandonment and insecurity, he dreams his father will someday return for him. Through his Grandpa’s connection with local Apache natives he learns of the legend of black lightning. In time Samuel and a friend make a grand discovery and, together, take some daring risks which put them in harm's way. But with the aid of a talisman given to him by his father they might just survive their perilous journey to the Last Land.
Fantasy combines with tribal lore to offer an exciting spin on an entirely compelling story which will entice young readers. Author K.S. Jones weaves an enchanting tale of superstition combined with a sci-fi element that will enthrall young audiences. With well-developed characters and a magical component, Samuel’s journey is one that will not soon be forgotten. Recommended for home and school libraries, Black Lightning has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Fantasy combines with tribal lore to offer an exciting spin on an entirely compelling story which will entice young readers. Author K.S. Jones weaves an enchanting tale of superstition combined with a sci-fi element that will enthrall young audiences. With well-developed characters and a magical component, Samuel’s journey is one that will not soon be forgotten. Recommended for home and school libraries, Black Lightning has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
September 15, 2017
In Black Lightning, by K.S. Jones, readers meet Samuel, whose mother was recently killed in a car accident. Because Samuel’s father disappeared some time ago, the boy is deemed an orphan. Although his mother intends for him to live with his grandfather, Samuel’s uncle’s wife has different plans for the boy. All this leads to Samuel’s running away and eventually ending up in another world where surprises and challenges await him. When Samuel experiences a test of faith in himself, he learns not to give up on his dreams—even when others have told him that something is impossible.
Few things make me happier than to find a great read for a middle-grader. The reason should be obvious: there are so few of them. Yes, at times one stumbles upon a good story. But rarely does one stumble across a great story that is also well told, and therefore, appropriate for recommending to middle-grade readers. I was delighted to find just such a thing with Black Lighting. In it, K.S. Jones provides her readers with a suggested and intriguing connection to the Native-American culture. Best of all, the story, which is told as a fantasy of sorts, includes elements with an almost sci-fi bent. If you’re looking for something for your middle-grade reader, check out this Literary Classics award winner, Black Lightning.
Few things make me happier than to find a great read for a middle-grader. The reason should be obvious: there are so few of them. Yes, at times one stumbles upon a good story. But rarely does one stumble across a great story that is also well told, and therefore, appropriate for recommending to middle-grade readers. I was delighted to find just such a thing with Black Lighting. In it, K.S. Jones provides her readers with a suggested and intriguing connection to the Native-American culture. Best of all, the story, which is told as a fantasy of sorts, includes elements with an almost sci-fi bent. If you’re looking for something for your middle-grade reader, check out this Literary Classics award winner, Black Lightning.
July 9, 2020
Once again, award winning author K. S. Jones creates an intriguing story that pulls you into the world of a lonely boy where a mystical amulet and ancient Apache legend collide in an unforgettable journey of determination in the face of the impossible. The last gift from his father, a simple talisman carved with the images of a man and a bolt of lightning, brings comfort to young Samuel bereft by the death of his mother and mysterious disappearance of his father. Caught in a roaring thunderstorm in the Arizona desert as bolts of lightning pepper the ground, Samuel is trapped in the dark fabric between land and sky with only the spirit of "The Gahe" to help him. Join Samuel as he rides the Black Lightning to his destiny.
February 16, 2023
Arizona Home
Thank you to K.S. Jones for this darling Young Adult fantasy book. While reading this, I thought of C.S. Lewis, Madeline d'Engle, and W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear.I
This story starts with sadness for Samuel, leads him through darkness, light, darkness and back to light again.
The description of Arizona and the Chiricaura band of Apache is spot-on.
I look forward to reading more of her books, which, by the way, would also be enjoyed by any age group. Blessings!
Thank you to K.S. Jones for this darling Young Adult fantasy book. While reading this, I thought of C.S. Lewis, Madeline d'Engle, and W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear.I
This story starts with sadness for Samuel, leads him through darkness, light, darkness and back to light again.
The description of Arizona and the Chiricaura band of Apache is spot-on.
I look forward to reading more of her books, which, by the way, would also be enjoyed by any age group. Blessings!
July 31, 2017
Black Lightning, a middle-grade novel, is a remarkable mix of fantasy, legend, and real life. Samuel looses both parents, but gains a grandfather and new friends early in the book. He learns to love his new family and new life before his evil aunt tries to insert her will into his life. As events develop, Samuel saves the day with his intellect and bravery. I highly recommend this book to middle grade readers!
June 3, 2016
Samuel Baker is not in a good place right now. His father disappeared a few years ago and his mother just recently died. Samuel is also being used as a pawn by his aunt in an effort to boost Sam's uncle's popularity in order to win a seat in the Senate. Fortunately, Samuel's mother's will designates someone else to take care of him and he heads to Arizona to live with his grandfather.
While in Arizona, Samuel learns a lot about Apache heritage from a local family, including tales regarding black lightning. No one is certain that the tales are true but everyone still watches out for the lightning. When Samuel tries to escape the clutches of his greedy aunt, his world turns upside-down.
Black Lightning is a well-written science fiction novel for middle grade - adult readers. The content is engaging and the plot is unique. The dialogue flows nicely and the book keeps the reader engaged. Black Lightning has science fiction elements that magnify an superbly written story of love, loss, and continuing on when it seems like there isn't any hope left at all.
The story is organized well, making it's fast pacing smooth. I was done with the book before I knew it, having been completely absorbed in Samuel's life and his journey. I highly recommend Black Lightning!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While in Arizona, Samuel learns a lot about Apache heritage from a local family, including tales regarding black lightning. No one is certain that the tales are true but everyone still watches out for the lightning. When Samuel tries to escape the clutches of his greedy aunt, his world turns upside-down.
Black Lightning is a well-written science fiction novel for middle grade - adult readers. The content is engaging and the plot is unique. The dialogue flows nicely and the book keeps the reader engaged. Black Lightning has science fiction elements that magnify an superbly written story of love, loss, and continuing on when it seems like there isn't any hope left at all.
The story is organized well, making it's fast pacing smooth. I was done with the book before I knew it, having been completely absorbed in Samuel's life and his journey. I highly recommend Black Lightning!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2016
Poor Samuel. His life has fallen apart at the age of ten. His father disappeared without a trace two years ago, and his mother just died. And to top it all off, he's now caught in the middle of a custody battle between his Grandpa Tate and his despicable Aunt Janis (who only wants custody because adopting an orphan will help her senator husband's campaign).
While the grown-ups sort it out, Samuel goes to live with Grandpa Tate in Arizona, where he is told fantastical Native American stories about people disappearing over the years because of a phenomenon known as "black lightning". Before you know it, Samuel and his new friend Isabelle are swept away to a domed city known as Hearth, a place with as many questions as it has answers. But the biggest question is: can Samuel and Isabelle make their way home?
I loved this story. Samuel is a great main character despite his youthful age, possessing an adventurous spirit and an insatiable curiosity, which is something we all (hopefully) had at that age, and kids who read this story will identify with him, especially if they've been unlucky enough to lose a parent (or both).
Between this and Ms. Jones' other book, Shadow of the Hawk, she has created an enduring fan in me. Can't wait to see what comes next!
While the grown-ups sort it out, Samuel goes to live with Grandpa Tate in Arizona, where he is told fantastical Native American stories about people disappearing over the years because of a phenomenon known as "black lightning". Before you know it, Samuel and his new friend Isabelle are swept away to a domed city known as Hearth, a place with as many questions as it has answers. But the biggest question is: can Samuel and Isabelle make their way home?
I loved this story. Samuel is a great main character despite his youthful age, possessing an adventurous spirit and an insatiable curiosity, which is something we all (hopefully) had at that age, and kids who read this story will identify with him, especially if they've been unlucky enough to lose a parent (or both).
Between this and Ms. Jones' other book, Shadow of the Hawk, she has created an enduring fan in me. Can't wait to see what comes next!
May 18, 2016
Black Lightning
by K.S. Jones
Ten year old, Samuel Baker has lost everything, his father has disappeared and his mother is killed in a car accident. His opportunist aunt has plans for him to come live with her and her politically ambitious uncle. However his late mother had different ideas and left a will for him to live with his grandfather Tate, on his dilapidated ranch, Baker’s Acres, in the Cherichaua Hills of Arizona.
Samuel learns about the place his father was raised and the Indian legends surrounding the talisman he wears on his neck, given to him by his father. Little does he know how true a legend can be, when black lightning strikes and changes his world.
Ms. Jones does a wonderful job of describing Samuel’s environment, from attending his mother’s funeral, to exploring the Arizona landscape, and beyond.
The story is fast paced and riveting.
You will love Samuel and his determination and dedication to his friends, family, especially Grandpa Tate.
by K.S. Jones
Ten year old, Samuel Baker has lost everything, his father has disappeared and his mother is killed in a car accident. His opportunist aunt has plans for him to come live with her and her politically ambitious uncle. However his late mother had different ideas and left a will for him to live with his grandfather Tate, on his dilapidated ranch, Baker’s Acres, in the Cherichaua Hills of Arizona.
Samuel learns about the place his father was raised and the Indian legends surrounding the talisman he wears on his neck, given to him by his father. Little does he know how true a legend can be, when black lightning strikes and changes his world.
Ms. Jones does a wonderful job of describing Samuel’s environment, from attending his mother’s funeral, to exploring the Arizona landscape, and beyond.
The story is fast paced and riveting.
You will love Samuel and his determination and dedication to his friends, family, especially Grandpa Tate.
June 2, 2016
I was drawn to this book because I enjoyed the author's previous book Shadow of the Hawk, and while this book is a different genre, it is equally well-written.
Dealing with the sudden death of his mother, the mysterious disappearance of his father and a hideous aunt, Sam is drawn into a fusion of fantasy and Apache folklore. Younger readers will easily identify with the determination and courage of 10 year old Sam and Isabelle who work together to resolve the challenges they face. An excellent read!
Dealing with the sudden death of his mother, the mysterious disappearance of his father and a hideous aunt, Sam is drawn into a fusion of fantasy and Apache folklore. Younger readers will easily identify with the determination and courage of 10 year old Sam and Isabelle who work together to resolve the challenges they face. An excellent read!
September 1, 2016
This is a gripping story with believable characters (both good and bad) and a fascinating situation. I loved the Apache symbolism and the realistic setting as well as the alternate realm. Recommended for readers ages 8 and up who love adventure and exploring new realms, both on Earth and elsewhere.
October 29, 2016
This is a gripping story with believable characters (both good and bad) and a fascinating situation. I loved the Apache symbolism and the realistic setting as well as the alternate realm. Recommended for readers ages 8 and up who love adventure and exploring new realms, both on Earth and elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews