New Kind of Giveaway for The Oracles and the Jewels

Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce a new kind of giveaway for The Oracles and the Jewels by Lutheran author Rev. C. S. Stanford. Here’s what I’m going to do . . . !

For the next two weeks, you can enter this giveaway by commenting on this original giveaway post. Each comment will count as one entry. HOWEVER, since this book is such a phenomenal Lutheran book, you can leave one comment as yourself and additional comments with your name and the name of a Lutheran influencer (pastor, blogger, etc.) who you think would also read and appreciate the book. Get it? So comment as yourself. And, if you think of others, comment again with both your name and that individuals’. No more than your own name and one other per comment, but multiple comments are totally allowed. Yes, I’ll allow you to name someone already named by someone else, but let’s not go crazy about it. Ok? No one will win more than one copy, but I think this will be a great way to spread word about a great book!

A few caveats: I will only mail books to addresses in the USA. (If my Australian sister wins, I will hand deliver next time I see her.) I will make an honest effort to find an address for Lutherans suggested, but if I can’t find an address within a few days, and if you can’t supply an address, I may need to draw a different winner. Deadline will be October 11th. I’ll draw randomized names in time to email and/or post about it Monday, October 14th.

Now, to whet your appetite:

The Oracles and the Jewels Review

The Oracles and the Jewels is fantasy fiction with some great theological elements. Although the setting is much different than our world, with its own rich mythology and tantalizing landscape, I saw a lot of overlap with Scriptural symbolism, themes, concepts, etc. And, as one of the main characters is attending the Academy of Theological Sciences and Conjuring Arts, the theology didn’t need to be hidden! How wonderfully refreshing!

Those who appreciate ritual, mystery, heritage, and reverence will be pleased. And, as many levels of meaningful references I caught, I bet there were even more, reserved for second and third readings. This is just a really good book.

Again, it is fantastical. There is quite a bit of world-building, again much of it rich in double meaning. It is not journey- or quest-based fantasy, but there are monsters, different kinds of folks, and vines that prey upon the unsuspecting. There are spell casters and healers. There is also, particularly in the last perhaps third of the book, violence and warfare.

But one of the things that struck me the most was how well beauty and the arts were wrapped into the storylines and details. It was refreshing and encouraging, emotionally and intellectually. It was lovely to read about and imagine.

There is a lot of beauty and imagination to enjoy in this book. Even better were how so many of the pieces fit together, including how the priests and military interact! 

The first half is slower than the second. It does not end on a cliffhanger, but it certainly does leave you hoping for the next volume! Which I will totally tell you about whenever I hear it is published! 🙂

Feel free to ask questions about the book in the comments if you’d like to, as you sign up for the drawing. I’ll be happy to answer ’em. Honestly, I wish I could go through this book in a book club with my parents. Maybe that sounds odd, but I’ve already loaned the book to my mom! 😀

As always, to add more books to your reading list, visit my list of Living Lutheran Authors.