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Monday, January 21, 2008

CSFF Blog Tour: Auralia's Colors Day One

CSSF Blog Tour

This month we feature Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet. Simply put, this book was phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed it (except for one point, but I'll talk about that on Wednesday. It's kind of a long story).

The book is the story of Auralia and starts when she is found by the river by two former criminals. And so we're plunged into a rich and detailed world, one in which colors have been outlawed in the House Abscar. This is problematic for Auralia, who has a talent for finding rich and vibrant colors in the world around her. What will happen when Auralia flouts the royal law by using her natural talent?

Overstreet's narrative simply sings throughout the whole book. I noticed at several points that he engaged in a great deal of "telling" (which, as most writers will tell you, is a major no-no). But he was able to get away with it because his prose was spot-on perfect. I didn't mind the "telling" at all. In fact, it was a joy to read.

Exploring Auralia's world was fantastic as well. Overstreet's creation had great depth to it with its own cultures and history. It was foreign enough to fascinate yet familiar enough to not overwhelm.

And then there's the Keeper. But I'll talk more about him tomorrow.

To sum it up, this is a fun, beautiful read. Make time for this one. You'll be glad you did.

Be sure to take a look at what others have to say:

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
Jason Joyner
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 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

4 comments:

Fantasythyme said...

Auralia's Colors was a nice read. It started slowly, like a weaver gathering the threads, and brought them togther into a world rich with beautiful scenes and complex characters. It seemed the more the Abascar City dwellers focused on gaining 'honor stripes' and blocking out the Expanse, the more they focused inward on themselves.

Valerie Comer said...

I second this: a beautiful read!

Rebecca LuElla Miller said...

Great intro, John. I look forward to your review, your discussion of the Keeper, and particularly the revelation of that one spot you weren't thrilled about.

Becky

Merrie Destefano said...

John,
A great beginning! I'm looking forward to your review on Wednesday!
Blessings,
Merrie Destefano