Dragon Seed - by Marty Machowski (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Dragon Seed is a gripping, dual-layered story that helps teens understand spiritual warfare through both real-life struggles and a powerful biblical narrative.

When Nick's life begins to spiral--marked by anger, family tension, and a missing father--he is drawn into a mysterious family legacy through an old, handwritten book. As he reads, Nick encounters the story of another troubled young man from Scripture, creating a compelling parallel that reveals deeper truths about sin, pride, and the unseen battle for the heart.

Blending contemporary fiction with biblical storytelling, Marty Machowski invites middle-schoolers and teens to explore the reality of spiritual warfare in a way that is both imaginative and grounded in truth. With a twelve-lesson Bible study included, the book moves beyond story into discipleship, helping readers identify the "shadows" in their own lives and turn toward Christ with humility and faith.

Review Quotes

"Dragon Seed unmasks and disarms the pride that so easily takes root in the heart. In the tradition of Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, Machowski retells the ancient saga of our defeated Enemy, through one family's spiritual battle. Between the page-turning plot and thought-provoking studies, teens and their parents will find much to discuss. It's divine truth through good story--one might even say, diabolically good."
Champ Thornton, Author of The Radical Book for Kids

"In Dragon Seed, Marty Machowski pulls back the curtain to give us a creative and sobering look at the 'cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil.' While the story is aimed at teenagers, adults would do well to reflect on its pages and the insidious nature of pride. I hope that readers young and old will pick up a copy of Dragon Seed to help them prayerfully consider the pride at work in their own hearts and give thanks to the One who ransomed those stony hearts."
John Perritt, Resource Coordinator at Reformed Youth Ministries; author of Your Days Are Numbered and What Would Judas Do?

"I gave my ten-year-old daughter a copy of Dragon Seed. Her mother caught her up an hour and a half past her bedtime still read;ing. When asked 'Why are you still up?' she replied, 'I couldn't put it down! I wanted to find out what happens next.' Need I say more? Dragon Seed captivated my daughter's imagination, as I'm sure it will with your own children. In a day and age where Christian allegories are uncommon, Marty Machowski's Dragon Seed is a very welcome addition to our library. If you have a teen who shows you attitude, disrespect, and disregard, then Dragon Seed will be a help you and your kid. We all need help with fighting pride and cultivating humility. So read Marty's book along with your teen, so you can deal with the roots of pride taking over your own heart!"
Deepak Reju, Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC; author of On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church and Preparing for Fatherhood

"I recently read Dragon Seed together with three of my grandsons, Daniel (12), Silas (13), and Matthew (14). Through this fascinating story, the boys gained a renewed understanding of the gospel and the horror of pride. I strongly recommend Dragon Seed for teens and young adults."
William Farley, Author of Gospel Powered Parenting

"My two boys and I loved Dragon Seed. Our imaginations and hearts have been stirred by its distinct message so creatively wrapped in a great story. It has led to significant conversations about the awful;ness of rebellion against God and the dangers of letting the 'seed' take root in our hearts. Parents, don't hesitate! Read this together with your adolescent . . . indeed, Nick's struggles are familiar to all of us."
Barry Joslin, Professor of Christian Theology, Boyce College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY