BOOK REVIEW: Firefly: Let There Be Light - by Sean Croons

TITLE: Firefly - Let There Be Light
AUTHOR: Sean Croons
PUBLISHED BY: Black Rose Writing

For readers looking for comedy and action in an original, entertaining adventure story, this story has it all. It is ideal for children and includes insights for those of all ages. The hero of the piece, Firefly Flash has just reached the imago stage of firefly development in which he has shed his youthful exoskeleton, gaining the ability to fly and to emit light and it's really gone to his head. He spends his time flitting around his home turf of Temple Hollow avoiding work and getting into mischief.

When his latest madcap exploit spirals out of control, he lands himself and his two friends, Lucy and Tommy far from home in a treacherous Texas desert. Meanwhile, Temple Hollow is captured by a gang of oppressive dragonflies and it’s all Flash's fault.

A furtive chance meeting in the desert inspires Flash to team up with The Misfits, a motley crew who he enlists to join him on his mission to return home. They run into trouble again and again and yet these trials are nothing in parallel to the larger-than-life skirmish awaiting them back in Temple Hollow.

Set in various locations in the USA, human beings are nowhere in sight; the story is perfect for children of all ages, especially those interested in insects and soft-bodied beetles that are commonly called fireflies, glow-worms, or lightning bugs. With a smattering of languages spoken by the featured insects and accompanying characters, everything seems perfectly natural amidst the lavish locations where the antics take place.

This comedic adventure emphasizes the need for courage in the face of trials and includes messages of hope for all children. The story is captivating, charming, winsome and astute, with lyrical prose and meaningful lessons about human nature.

The yings and yangs of theology are implanted amongst the escapades, along with messages about the environment, coupled with knowledge of various species. Copious contradictions appear as themes, such as good versus evil, flight versus fight, dictatorship versus equality. The dictums are unpretentious and on-point along with unforeseen fatherly advice.

I would have liked to see more of the imaginative black and white line drawings which accompany the text as they help bring the story to life. I liked the small sized chapters which are something I appreciate when reading a book; it makes it easy for readers to put the book down and pick up again and helps readers dip in and out of the story.

The book is exciting and well-written and the pivotal musician showdown completed the story.

Illustrations are by Janelle Jordan.

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard