By Simon Laffy
E-book by ACM Retro Ltd

Reviewed by Lynda-Louise Tomlinson

Simon Laffy’s ‘Seed of Satan’ is an irresistibly morish tale of war, betrayal, love and murder. Based loosely around the use of germ warfare during World War One, Laffy’s fictionalised account also explores the use of bomber aircraft, an element of war that Laffy believes is under-reported.

The novel concentrates mainly on the lives of two twin brothers, Michael and William, who through family issues end up on opposing sides leading to more than just a battle between countries but between siblings also.

Karl Ziegler, a chemistry professor and founder of the deadly Seed of Satan, becomes a target for the allies due to his risk to human life. Karl is the first character we are introduced to and makes for a very interesting start to a book you just can’t put down. Each character is explained in such detail that you begin to feel like you know them and the more that happens, the more you feel for them.

Despite its fictional status, Seed of Satan is a platform for Simon Laffy to express his knowledge and interest of the time, the geography and the different elements of World War One. Having been bass player for glam-rock band Girl and worked with the likes of Def Leppard and the Sex Pistols, Seed of Satan is Laffy’s first novel.

It is so well written that he comes across as educated as a professor and as talented as a professional writer with a passion and understanding of connecting with his reader.

Seed of Satan is out now in paperback and e-book by ACM Retro Ltd coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the L.-31 Zeppelin air raid on England.