77 pages • 2 hours read
Trail of Lightning
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Book Brief
287
Novel • Fiction
Diné reservation • Post-apocalyptic
2018
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse, Maggie Hoskie, a young Dinétah woman with supernatural abilities, hunts monsters in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world while grappling with her past and complex relationships. She partners with Kai, a medicine man in training, to uncover the origins of new threats as they confront ancient gods and personal demons. The book contains themes of trauma, grief, and violence.
Adventurous
Gritty
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
30,085 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse offers a fresh take on urban fantasy, blending Navajo mythology with a post-apocalyptic setting. Praise highlights its strong world-building and memorable protagonist, Maggie Hoskie. Some critics note occasional pacing issues and a reliance on genre tropes. Overall, it is an engaging and culturally rich debut.
Who Should Read Trail of Lightning?
Readers who enjoy visceral fantasy with strong female leads and indigenous mythology will love Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse. Fans of N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season and Neil Gaiman's American Gods will appreciate its gritty post-apocalyptic setting and rich cultural tapestry.
30,085 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kai
Kai
A young Dinétah man training to be a Medicine Man, recognized for his knowledge of monsters and diverse supernatural abilities, and who becomes a significant partner to Maggie.
Neizghání
Neizghání
A Dinétah Holy Person and Maggie's former mentor, whose reputation as a hero among the Diné contrasts with his complex relationship with Maggie.
Grandpa Tah
Grandpa Tah
An elderly and well-liked monster expert who serves as a grandfather figure to both Maggie and Kai, fostering a strong sense of family and support.
Ma’ii (Coyote)
Ma’ii (Coyote)
A Diné trickster god with a complex relationship with Maggie, known for his manipulations and playful, yet cunning methods.
Grace Goodacre
Grace Goodacre
A tough bar owner who, despite initial reservations, provides a safe haven and guidance for Maggie and her allies.
Longarm
Longarm
A member of the Citizen’s Watch and Guard, known for his deep-seated grudge against Maggie and his frequent attempts to make trouble for her.
287
Novel • Fiction
Diné reservation • Post-apocalyptic
2018
YA
18+ years
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