by Jason Joyner | Jan 21, 2008 | Auralia's Colors, Blog, books, CSFF, reading, speculative fiction
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
by Jason Joyner | Jan 21, 2008 | Auralia's Colors, Blog, books, CSFF, reading, speculative fiction
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
by Jason Joyner | Jan 19, 2008 | arts, Blog, writing craft
Brandilyn Collins did a series of posts this week on a book entitled Art and Fear. It was a great series of posts. If you’re not already keeping up with Brandilyn’s blog, shame on you. It was a real challenge for any practitioner of the arts, in a good way.
I’ve ordered the book, so I may share my own thoughts once I get it. Looks like a resource that can help us keep going.
by Jason Joyner | Jan 19, 2008 | arts, Blog, writing craft
Brandilyn Collins did a series of posts this week on a book entitled Art and Fear. It was a great series of posts. If you’re not already keeping up with Brandilyn’s blog, shame on you. It was a real challenge for any practitioner of the arts, in a good way.
I’ve ordered the book, so I may share my own thoughts once I get it. Looks like a resource that can help us keep going.
by Jason Joyner | Jan 17, 2008 | Biblical worldview, Blog, Christianity, culture, ministry, missions
Alright, time to wrap this one up. And yes, this is posted on Friday with a Wednesday date.
Did anyone guess what major area of society was left? Has anyone heard a little something about an election this year?
The final sphere of influence listed is Government. This is a no-brainer that it is an area that seriously needs positive influence. Since it leads and guides society in so many ways, it is imperative that Christians are willing to get the training to serve in such an important area.
I personally would want to see believers going into these areas to serve to truly act according to the mind of Christ as listed in Philippians 2. I get very tired of politicians who loudly shout of the evils of unrighteousness and tear down opponents in the process, even for a “good” cause. I am not the authority here, but I would rather see a politician or public servant who is humble, who works with people rather than against people, and find ways to make the best impact on culture without polarizing everything. Maybe the best example of this type of influencer would be William Wilberforce (though he could be polarizing when needed).
So that is it for discussing the Seven Spheres of Influence. I hope that we will see more Christians moving out into areas of culture intentionally, to make a difference through Spirit-led, Biblical principles. From Act One to International Justice Mission to Business Men’s Fellowship and many more examples, there are people working to make a change in our nation and in the world. Everyone is called to do something. We can even have Christians making godly highways. Or…something like that (just checking to see if Mark is paying attention).