by Mike Carey, November 21, 2006

"An epic struggle has begun". And once you begin to read "The Kingdom of the Rainbow", you will be drawn into that struggle in this page-turning book by local author Robert Luck.

The Kingdom of the Rainbow is a book about - fish. But not your usual "how to catch em" guide. And not a "my fishing adventures" book. No, in the Kingdom of the Rainbow Luck has created for us an epic story featuring our favorite lake species. Rainbow, planted rainbow (called Secola), Jarak (brown trout) and many others populate lake Warma and provide the characters that draw us quickly into their world.

The story pits rainbow against brown trout in a struggle for control of lake Warma . The Jarak wish to control the lake and subjugate the rainbow and all other fish under them, to secure living space and feeding grounds. The Rainbow, meanwhile, have issues of their own with the Secola (planted rainbow) that appeared in lake Warma seven years earlier. As the book progresses we learn through the eyes of Makar, the chosen Rainbow prince, the secret of the Secola and the ties that bond Rainbow and Secola together.

Luck uses an inventive technique to connect the underwater world of the Rainbow with the world of man. Each chapter opens with excepts from newspapers and local personalities about changes that take place at "Cascade lake" as it struggles with development issues. It’s a clever and effective tool which I found to be as interesting as the primary story and which gave me a human connection with the fictional piscatorial story I was reading.

If you think that reading about a bunch of fictional fish characters would be silly, think again. The story is well written and paced. It truly is a "page-turner". I found myself caring about the heroes and the struggles of the Rainbow and Secola. And, as the story came to it’s exciting conclusion, I found myself wishing for a sequel. Mr. Luck has indicated he hopes to complete a trilogy with these characters. I for one will be on his mailing list for the next installment.

The Kingdom of the Rainbow would make a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who is a fishing enthusiast. You’ll gain a whole new perspective on our favorite pastime and I doubt you’ll look at fish the same way again. The book can be ordered from Amazon.com and is also available by order at Barnes and Nobles.

The Kingdom of the Rainbow is a self-published book by Robert Luck. He resides in Issaquah.



Mr. Luck has generously donated books to WashingtonLakes.com. While supplies last, if you make a donation to help WashingtonLakes.com remain online, I will send you a book signed by the author with our thanks.

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