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The Creation Seekers #1
The Lake Lights
What are the mysterious lights flitting above Oregon's Oswego Lake on moonlit nights? Marsh gas? Ball lightning? Holdovers from the dawn of Creation? Or not-so-mythical creatures slinking in the shadows of half-remembered Scottish legends?
When young Jonathan Oliver makes it his personal project to track down the source of the elusive Lake Lights, his search takes him to Iron Mountain’s abandoned Prosser Mine and its whispered, age-old secrets. After his brilliant physicist father is kidnapped by Taliban insurgents in the wilds of Afghanistan, a grieving Jon is left to decode a cryptic message leading to yet more mysteries and a remarkable, game-changing invention.
While Jon and his grandfather concoct their own contraption to explore the Prosser Mine, they must also match wits with a devious, unscrupulous scientist who will stop at nothing to steal the device Jon has found and sell it to a shadowy criminal organization. Jon’s dual discoveries not only help him to deliver his city from total annihilation but also ultimately rock the scientific world to its very foundations.
When young Jonathan Oliver makes it his personal project to track down the source of the elusive Lake Lights, his search takes him to Iron Mountain’s abandoned Prosser Mine and its whispered, age-old secrets. After his brilliant physicist father is kidnapped by Taliban insurgents in the wilds of Afghanistan, a grieving Jon is left to decode a cryptic message leading to yet more mysteries and a remarkable, game-changing invention.
While Jon and his grandfather concoct their own contraption to explore the Prosser Mine, they must also match wits with a devious, unscrupulous scientist who will stop at nothing to steal the device Jon has found and sell it to a shadowy criminal organization. Jon’s dual discoveries not only help him to deliver his city from total annihilation but also ultimately rock the scientific world to its very foundations.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2017
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
William D. Burt
12 books74 followersWilliam D. Burt is the award-winning author of the seven-title Christian allegorical "King of the Trees" series. (Author Website) Other works are in progress. His first series title, The King of the Trees, won the silver medal in the category of Christian fantasy in the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest. The Golden Wood (Book 3) was a finalist in the category of Children's fable.
All seven of Burt's series titles have been awarded five stars by Readers' Favorite reviewers.
Volume I in his new Creation Seekers series, The Lake Lights is Burt’s first foray into the realm of science fiction. The plot deals with the investigation of an unusual lake phenomenon in Oregon as well as the discovery of a world-changing invention that helps prevent a nuclear disaster.
Sequel to The Lake Lights, The Vikings of Loch Morar is set primarily in Scotland and deals with prehistoric water creatures as well as a Viking treasure.
Having spent most of his teenage years living in Middle Earth, the author is an avid fantasy fan. The first edition of his first fantasy title, The King of the Trees, came out in 1998. While still in high school, he began his writing career editing his father's popular identification guides, "Edible and Poisonous Plants of the Western/Eastern States." As an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Western Oregon University, he served as a successful grant-writer and program coordinator.
Burt holds a B.S. in English from Lewis and Clark College and an M.S. from Western Oregon University in Deaf Education. He is an RID-certified sign-language interpreter with over 30 years' experience. His interests include reading, foreign languages and mycology. He is married with two grown children.
All seven of Burt's series titles have been awarded five stars by Readers' Favorite reviewers.
Volume I in his new Creation Seekers series, The Lake Lights is Burt’s first foray into the realm of science fiction. The plot deals with the investigation of an unusual lake phenomenon in Oregon as well as the discovery of a world-changing invention that helps prevent a nuclear disaster.
Sequel to The Lake Lights, The Vikings of Loch Morar is set primarily in Scotland and deals with prehistoric water creatures as well as a Viking treasure.
Having spent most of his teenage years living in Middle Earth, the author is an avid fantasy fan. The first edition of his first fantasy title, The King of the Trees, came out in 1998. While still in high school, he began his writing career editing his father's popular identification guides, "Edible and Poisonous Plants of the Western/Eastern States." As an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Western Oregon University, he served as a successful grant-writer and program coordinator.
Burt holds a B.S. in English from Lewis and Clark College and an M.S. from Western Oregon University in Deaf Education. He is an RID-certified sign-language interpreter with over 30 years' experience. His interests include reading, foreign languages and mycology. He is married with two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 8, 2017
Let me start by telling you that the cover of this book, is honestly quite beautiful. It looks mystical, and quite secretive all at the same time. It is quite artistic, and I honestly like the way it is calling you in, making you want to open the book, and check it out.
So, that’s what I did. And I must admit, I am glad that I did. This book, was truly a bit of a mystery, and even suspense, and to top it off-a pinch of education all wrapped up into one. Thing is, I kept on reading, because I wanted to know what all the hype was about, and what was going to happen next. Once you start into this book, there is no putting it down, simply put, because there is something you will need to know after every page turn.
The Lake on the cover is meant to be Oswego Lake, and it is on one of the moonlit nights. Our main character, Jonathan Oliver is homeschooled. And he has a project to do. For this project, he is going to look into the source of the lake lights.
Yes, look at the cover of the book again. Jonathan and his curiosity has him wondering if maybe the marsh is causing the lights, or maybe some kind of gases.
Eventually, as Jonathan manages to search all around the lake, he finds an old Prosser mine, and many of its secrets. There are many old devices within this cave, things Jonathan didn’t even understand.
On top of all of this, Jonathan’s father, Matthew ends up missing. Luckily, Jon’s grandfather is willing to help decode the things Jon has found, and figure out even, if they are dangerous, or what. In the meantime, of all this, the father’s past business partner wants to get his hands on one of the devices, and has plans of his own, to sell it to an organization up to no good.
Jon’s discovery cause him to reveal more than he had bargained for. With all of these discoveries the scientific world can surely benefit from these findings. The main thing he has to keep warding off, is the partner who is up to no good, and keep himself a step ahead of him. To do so, will keep the town from ending up doomed.
This book is action, suspense, and truly entertaining, because you never know which way to turn, and what will happen next. This is truly an entertaining five-star must read for any age group! I in fact would recommend it as a bed time story to read, not because it will put you to sleep, but because it is seems like that kind of story I personally would like to have read to me before bed. But, that is just my opinion.
So, that’s what I did. And I must admit, I am glad that I did. This book, was truly a bit of a mystery, and even suspense, and to top it off-a pinch of education all wrapped up into one. Thing is, I kept on reading, because I wanted to know what all the hype was about, and what was going to happen next. Once you start into this book, there is no putting it down, simply put, because there is something you will need to know after every page turn.
The Lake on the cover is meant to be Oswego Lake, and it is on one of the moonlit nights. Our main character, Jonathan Oliver is homeschooled. And he has a project to do. For this project, he is going to look into the source of the lake lights.
Yes, look at the cover of the book again. Jonathan and his curiosity has him wondering if maybe the marsh is causing the lights, or maybe some kind of gases.
Eventually, as Jonathan manages to search all around the lake, he finds an old Prosser mine, and many of its secrets. There are many old devices within this cave, things Jonathan didn’t even understand.
On top of all of this, Jonathan’s father, Matthew ends up missing. Luckily, Jon’s grandfather is willing to help decode the things Jon has found, and figure out even, if they are dangerous, or what. In the meantime, of all this, the father’s past business partner wants to get his hands on one of the devices, and has plans of his own, to sell it to an organization up to no good.
Jon’s discovery cause him to reveal more than he had bargained for. With all of these discoveries the scientific world can surely benefit from these findings. The main thing he has to keep warding off, is the partner who is up to no good, and keep himself a step ahead of him. To do so, will keep the town from ending up doomed.
This book is action, suspense, and truly entertaining, because you never know which way to turn, and what will happen next. This is truly an entertaining five-star must read for any age group! I in fact would recommend it as a bed time story to read, not because it will put you to sleep, but because it is seems like that kind of story I personally would like to have read to me before bed. But, that is just my opinion.
May 19, 2019
There is much to like about The Lake Lights - mystery, strange creatures, science, a main character with dyslexia, a code to break, and international crime. The book contains a lot of science - particularly physics and paleontology - I cannot comment of the accuracy of the scientific content. While there is a lot of science - it is all important to the plot and is not presented in way that would overpower the story. It is more about the story than the science.
The mystery and intrigue aspects of the book appear to be well-thought out. I appreciate that the characters, especially Jon, show growth over the course of the story. I also like the fact that Jon and his grandfather are willing to stand up for their Christian beliefs even in the face of criticism and mockery.
Are there still dinosaurs or prehistoric creatures alive today? I’d like to believe so and I don’t think I am alone. William Burt includes mysterious creatures in this interesting story which turn out to be Pterosaurs with a luminescent capabilities. There are many aspects to the plot of The Lake Lights which are all neatly tied up at the end of the story. I look forward to reading more books in the Creation Seekers series.
I think this story will appeal to those in grades 5 and up - especially those with an interest in science, paleontology, and creationism. Those who struggle with dyslexia may also be encouraged to find a book character who struggles with it as well. I would not hesitate to place this book in my K-12 Christian School library.
I want to thank Interviews & Reviews and author William Burt for the complimentary e-copy of The Lake Lights.
The mystery and intrigue aspects of the book appear to be well-thought out. I appreciate that the characters, especially Jon, show growth over the course of the story. I also like the fact that Jon and his grandfather are willing to stand up for their Christian beliefs even in the face of criticism and mockery.
Are there still dinosaurs or prehistoric creatures alive today? I’d like to believe so and I don’t think I am alone. William Burt includes mysterious creatures in this interesting story which turn out to be Pterosaurs with a luminescent capabilities. There are many aspects to the plot of The Lake Lights which are all neatly tied up at the end of the story. I look forward to reading more books in the Creation Seekers series.
I think this story will appeal to those in grades 5 and up - especially those with an interest in science, paleontology, and creationism. Those who struggle with dyslexia may also be encouraged to find a book character who struggles with it as well. I would not hesitate to place this book in my K-12 Christian School library.
I want to thank Interviews & Reviews and author William Burt for the complimentary e-copy of The Lake Lights.
September 29, 2017
“The Lake Lights” by William D. Burt is the first book in his new Creation Series Seekers.
Jonathan Oliver, the main character, comes from a long line of scientists and inventors, and after the disappearance of his father, sets out to discover what the strange creatures are over Lake Oswego.
Jon's quest becomes more than a scientific homeschooling project when he is confronted by evilness that wants to destroy his father’s legacy and family at all costs.
God is an integral part of the story as William D. Burt discusses evolution versus creationism. Throughout “The Lake Lights,” God’s concern over the affairs of men is emphasized, and the compatibility of Christianity with science is explored, giving the book a Christian worldview
I enjoyed the intrigue, the suspense, and the surprise ending that ties everything together into a delightful and engaging story.
While the book is geared toward a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Lake Lights” in my “old age” and learned a few scientific facts. I also highly recommend “The Lake Lights” to homeschooling families and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
William D. Burt is the award-winning author of the seven-title Christian allegorical "King of the Trees" series. Other works are in progress. Two of his titles (out of three submitted) were finalists in the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest: "The King of the Trees" and "The Golden Wood."
Jonathan Oliver, the main character, comes from a long line of scientists and inventors, and after the disappearance of his father, sets out to discover what the strange creatures are over Lake Oswego.
Jon's quest becomes more than a scientific homeschooling project when he is confronted by evilness that wants to destroy his father’s legacy and family at all costs.
God is an integral part of the story as William D. Burt discusses evolution versus creationism. Throughout “The Lake Lights,” God’s concern over the affairs of men is emphasized, and the compatibility of Christianity with science is explored, giving the book a Christian worldview
I enjoyed the intrigue, the suspense, and the surprise ending that ties everything together into a delightful and engaging story.
While the book is geared toward a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Lake Lights” in my “old age” and learned a few scientific facts. I also highly recommend “The Lake Lights” to homeschooling families and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
William D. Burt is the award-winning author of the seven-title Christian allegorical "King of the Trees" series. Other works are in progress. Two of his titles (out of three submitted) were finalists in the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest: "The King of the Trees" and "The Golden Wood."
June 25, 2019
This is a great book for middle school readers! I enjoyed the unique combination of adventure, creation science, science fiction, and faith. (And of course riding a Pteranodon is every kid's dream...)
I really didn't expect a kid's book to have such an unexpected twist at the end, but The Lake Lights surprised me.
Overall, I enjoyed the read, and I can honestly say I have never read a book quite like this.
I really didn't expect a kid's book to have such an unexpected twist at the end, but The Lake Lights surprised me.
Overall, I enjoyed the read, and I can honestly say I have never read a book quite like this.
January 13, 2024
I enjoyed this quick-paced sci-fi/fantasy adventure, set in a town I know well! References to local streets, etc. make it fun. A boy and his grandfather make new scientific discoveries, avert a nasty criminal, and good things result all around. The only thing that irked me was the stressed out mother who had a lot on her plate, but nevertheless was such a nag! She did come around in the end, though.
January 10, 2019
What if the Earth wasn’t as old as people think it is? This is a question William Burt explores in his creature feature The Lake Lights. Sort of reminding me of the classics like The Legend of Boggy Creek, this book sees a family squaring off against an ancient menace. It’s actiony, but also spiritual, adding meaning to the intensity. Great for any monster lovers out there like me.
April 30, 2019
Fast-paced and fascinating
Jonathan Oliver's adventures kept me on the edge of my seat. Action-packed with a bit of mystery thrown in, The Lake Lights had a science fiction feel to it--while also discussing solid facts. I found it a fun and fascinating read.
Jonathan Oliver's adventures kept me on the edge of my seat. Action-packed with a bit of mystery thrown in, The Lake Lights had a science fiction feel to it--while also discussing solid facts. I found it a fun and fascinating read.
January 2, 2023
I think I would have enjoyed this book more as a ten or eleven year old. Inconsistencies in the story, unrepentant lying, and characters’ oblivion to the clues made the read tedious at times, but it has lots of fun moments, too.
March 19, 2018
Fun Read! Great character development and the story was very engaging.
December 29, 2024
Story line was great. A creative read for young adults. The religious aspect was very present but not overbearing.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews