Friday, February 15, 2008

Auralia's Colors

Auralia's Colors, by Jeffrey Overstreet

I don’t often impulsively buy books, but this was one. The cover looked so cool, I had to pick it up and feel it. And the back had a review by Kathy Tyers, author of the Firebird series. AND then I saw the author had written some stuff for Christianity Today

Ah ha, I thought! A fantasy book written by a Christian! Could it be good, or more than good?

The plot sounded promising. After reading a chapter or so in the store, I was hooked. I still had money on a gift card, so I got it, almost as excited to be supporting a Christian fantasy writer as to have a new exciting story to read. But of course, the story’s the main thing. ;-)

This tale Overstreet weaves is enchanting. Not only is it an interesting and unpredictable plot, with unpredictable and charming characters, but his language sneaks up on one with stunning bits of poetry. And there are deeper truths shimmering on the edges, mysterious and creative, but as sure as the coming sunrise.

It has been a long, long time since I have finished a book that left me with such a swirling sea of emotions inside.

It was deeply , and sad, and horribly haunting.

So many things happened toward the end, loose threads nearly forgotten woven back in with great weight and purpose. Such beautiful loss, and fragile hope. It will take me a while to soak in the ending. What does one do with one’s self after finishing such a moving story? I already want to re-read certain echoing passages that clearly whisper truth.

Be forwarned. It ends well, but there are other threats looming, and the sequel doesn't come out until September.

(Disclaimer/Warning: It is quite violent and gruesome in spots, and a few made-up words used in name-calling. And there are certain sorts of sin hinted at a little more than I prefer. ;( So this is definitely not a children’s book. I suppose it’s a little worse than That Hideous Strength, though mostly the same sort of nastiness. Nothing bad claiming to be good.)

Edit: Thanks to one poster's comment, I found and changed my spelling error. My apologies to Mr. Jeffrey (not Jeffery) Overstreet.

4 comments:

  1. Lady Rael, if you love Christian fantasy, you might consider joining the CSFF Blog Tour. We read Christian science fiction and fantasy books and talk about them, just as you did with Auralia's Colors. In fact, we featured the book in January.

    Our February tour starts on Monday, and we're discussing Chris Walley's The Shadow and Night.

    Becky

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  2. That book sounds very interesting! I guess I wouldn't have considered it just from the cover, but you had me as soon as you mentioned the author, I've read some great articles by him.
    But talking about Christian fantasy: I am, needless to say, more than excited to see what kind of story you will come up with in the end, now that you've gone professional!

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  3. Rael,

    After reading your post, I requested that this book be purchased for our library collection. I am the first on the list to read it when it arrives!

    What is this about going professional?

    Tamera
    myredcord

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  4. Anonymous6:24 PM

    Thanks for the review!

    One quick correction: Jeffrey is spelled with an "rey", not an "ery".

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