Good things this month for the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy blog tour - if you like colorful things. That is because we are highlighting the book Auralia's Colors, by Jeffrey Overstreet. If you are tired of reading the typical fantasy fare, or if you think that Christian fiction can't produce unique, striking fiction, then you need to take a look at this book.
The kingdom of Abascar has been in drab doldrums since their missing queen decreed that all colorful items be stored at the palace to build the realm's prestige. This was supposed to be a temporary edict until the time of "Abascar's Spring," but since the queen disappeared, the ailing king has continued the cold-hearted rule and drained the people's spirits as well.
Outside of the walls of the great city is where the Gatherers struggle to survive. Banished to the forest for various crimes, they toil to make amends and perhaps win a pardon from the king. However, one day a mysterious girl is found in the footprint of a monster, and she is raised by the motley ragamuffins who discovered her.
Auralia proceeds to live without abandon, from a young age having a talent for finding or creating colors and decorating beautiful gifts for the Gatherers. As she grows older, her forbidden talent draws unwanted attention, and may be the turning point for the whole kingdom. But will the turning be a blessing - or a curse?
I will offer my review tomorrow. In the meantime, check out the web site for the book, and Jeffrey Overstreet's insightful blog. Also see my tourmates below for varied opinions and content for the tour. I'm interested to see what people have to say with this one!
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Kait
Karen
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
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Looking forward to the review. Check out my review today, and my interview tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteNice review Jason. I liked the idea that Auralia found colors in nature so the Gatherers outside the city walls could enjoy nature's colors too. The story seemed to hint at taking time to enjoy the Lord's creation.
ReplyDeleteTim
I agree that Auralia's Colors is different than any other story I've read. I'm calling it literary fantasy as I really think it has the ability to pull readers from both sides and introduce them to how the other half lives!
ReplyDeleteGood intro, Jason. I agree that this book breaks new ground, and I hope it does well so editors and agents will know this is what fantasy readers want--not more of the same. Not that I'm complaining about earlier Christian fantasies. I just think we need variety.
ReplyDeleteBecky
Jason,
ReplyDeleteWhen you say:
"If you are tired of reading the typical fantasy fare, or if you think that Christian fiction can't produce unique, striking fiction, then you need to take a look at this book."
I say "gotta agree with you there"!
This really is a unique book.
I was in some way tricked by its back cover when it says:
"Auralia's gift opens doors from the palace to the dungeons, setting the stage for violent and miraculous change in the great houses of the Expanse."
Maybe the miracle is still coming, but with this book, it appears to have been a curse, which you mentioned as one of the possibilities. The book really shows The Keeper's judgment for the King rejecting Auralia's gift.
If you have time, please take a look at my review of the book on my blog. I forgot to tell Becky that I was taking part in the CSFF Blog tour this month, and so am not on the list of participants.
http://robert.epictales.org
Thanks!
Thanks for leaving the comments guys. I hope to get around to some of the tour sites on Tuesday. A good book like this deserves some buzz.
ReplyDeleteI'll try and look for your review tomorrow
ReplyDelete