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Cover of Red Lightning

Red Lightning

John Varley (2006)

SubgenreEpic Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesThunder and Lightning #2
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.84
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Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

Death

Positive tags

Coming of AgeAdventureMystery

Hero archetypes

Colonist / SettlerComing-of-Age Hero

Protagonist archetypes

Reluctant Hero

Tropes

Coming of AgeFish out of WaterColonizationReluctant HeroMystery

Themes

ExplorationOverdevelopment vs NatureFamily LegacyEnvironmental ImpactMysteryHomecoming

Synopsis

The son of one of the first explorers of Mars, Ray Garcia-Strickland is tired of the overdevelopment and tourists there, and when Earth is struck by a mysterious object, he is forced to return to Earth to help solve the mystery.

Is Red Lightning appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

This sci-fi adventure features a Mars-born teen returning to Earth to solve a mystery involving a catastrophic impact. Expect moderate disaster-related peril and some violence, but no sexual content or strong language.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death.

Who'll love this

Teens will enjoy following a Mars native navigating unfamiliar Earth while racing to solve a planet-threatening mystery.

Tags

Hard Science FictionMysterySpace Opera