Title: The Golden Spiral
Author: Lisa Mangum
First published May 4, 2010
365 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781606416358 (ISBN10: 1606416359)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
Abby is left heartbroken when Dante, the love of her life, disappears through the hourglass door and is sent back in time to hunt down three dangerous criminals. Determined to bring him back, Abby starts building her own time machine “door” to travel through time and save Dante.
But with each change she makes, her present reality becomes more and more chaotic. As Abby’s life spirals out of control, she must find a way to free Dante from his mission in the past.
With the help of an unexpected ally, Abby goes to great lengths to save her true love. Will she be able to change the course of time and bring Dante back to her side?
About the Author
Lisa Mangum has had a lifelong passion for books. Even as a child in elementary school, she spent her recess volunteering at the school library.
Her love for books only grew from there, and she eventually landed her first paying job shelving books at the Sandy Library. While attending the University of Utah, she worked for five years at Waldenbooks and graduated with honors with a degree in English.
Lisa’s love for reading extends to all genres, and it’s no surprise that she has been a part of the publishing department for Deseret Book since 1997. When Lisa isn’t reading, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, admiring sunsets, taking trips to Disneyland, and indulging in vanilla ice cream topped with fresh raspberries.
Lisa currently resides in Taylorsville, Utah, with her husband, Tracy. As an accomplished author, she has written the Hourglass Door trilogy and After Hello.
Editoral Review
The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum is a delightful addition to the young adult fantasy genre. Mangum, a prolific author of over twenty novels, including the popular Hourglass Door trilogy, creates an intriguing tale that expertly combines elements of mythology, science fiction, and romance to create an action-packed adventure that will leave readers wanting more.
In The Golden Spiral, Mangum introduces us to the main character, Holden, a sixteen-year-old boy who lives with his adoptive family in the small town of Crosscreek, Texas. Holden’s world is turned upside down when he discovers that he has the power to manipulate time and space.
His abilities quickly attract the attention of a group of scientists and a mysterious girl named Echo, who believes Holden is the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. The story takes the reader on a thrilling journey through different dimensions and ancient cultures, as Holden and his new friends search for a way to stop those who seek to exploit his powers for their own dark purposes.
Along the way, the characters face many challenges, including deadly booby traps, malicious rival groups, and difficult moral choices. The strength of The Golden Spiral lies in its imaginative and skillful world-building.
Mangum creates a vivid and believable multiverse, steeped in rich symbolism and mythology, that never feels contrived or confusing. The pacing is fast and exciting, with just enough time for character development and introspection.
The writing is clear and evocative, with a touch of humor that adds to the overall enjoyment of the story. The characters are likable and relatable, especially Holden, who is a refreshing change from the typical brooding and angsty teenage hero.
He is smart, witty, and genuinely kind, with a strong sense of justice and fairness. The supporting cast is equally interesting, each with their strengths and weaknesses that contribute to the success of the team.
One of the weaknesses of The Golden Spiral is its predictability. The plot follows a familiar formula, with a few twists that are not too surprising.
The themes of power, responsibility, and destiny have been explored before in similar books and movies, so some readers may find the story lacking in originality. Overall, The Golden Spiral is an enjoyable and exciting read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy.
It is suitable for readers of all ages, although younger readers may need some guidance with the more complex concepts. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars for its strong writing, engaging characters, and compelling story.
Fans of Lisa Mangum and young adult fantasy should definitely give this book a chance.