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Green Stone of Healing: The Vision

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The Toltecs dominated the island, narrow minded and set on power and domination their rule and their say so was law. They especially were against the Turanians, blue or green eyed people, their hatred ran deep for them, and there was a reason why although we are not fully aware of what it is in this first book of the series.

In the beginning of this read we meet Helen, a doctor in the service of the military, and one of great knowledge, but one that has little respect in the world she lives. Although few can deny her ability in healing; her independent rebellious nature causes anger in some and fear in others.

Helen Andros, daughter of Miriam Andros, a healer, is considered a half-breed, a beautiful woman with green eyes.. A woman who at the beginning of the read does not know who her father is, nor if her mother is alive or dead, after being sent away from her at a young age. The only thing she has is a necklace her mother gave her, one that has a green stone. This stone was given to her mother by Helen's father years ago, and has healing and protective powers, although Helen is not aware of that fact.

Despite the dislike of Helen, her abilities as a physician cannot be denied, and when the Prince falls ill, she is secretly ushered to his side. During this time she is arrested for entering the city without permission and her life begins to change due to one man, Lord Mordecai.

Lord Mordecai holds the title of Lord Protector and is respected among his people, but seeing the green stone that is now the property of Helen and her striking resemblance to her mother he knows she must surely be his daughter. Although he was never aware she existed. A confirmation is also given when a letter is read from Miriam naming him as the father.

A decision must be made by him; does he acknowledge that Helen is his daughter, for if he does it may well be the end of his career or even his life. Yet, he is a man of honor and the love that he still holds for Miriam spills over to his daughter and he saves her from certain death.

In this book you begin to taste the start of the supernatural; powers that some seem to have yet also seem to be hidden. You are given the knowledge that people of different civilizations that are at odds with one another will soon have their lives altered, although you are not sure how; but you realize that good is desperately trying to override the evil that is present.

I believe this first book is to introduce you to all the characters, their position in the series and their relationship one to another. The author includes a glossary of who's who at the end of the book, and also information of the different areas you will be reading about. This is a great help, because the story is complex and the characters and locations can be confusing, however they all are needed and flow together to begin a somewhat mystic tale.

Did you ever see a movie that has several parts and you have to wait until the next night to see what is going to happen? You sigh, because you say within yourself, " Oh it was just getting good!" that is how I felt when this work ended. The groundwork being laid, the author begins to uncover some secrets, but the answers await you in book two.

Those who love deep intricate stories, full of mystery and action, dripping with power struggles and battles for dominion, this work is for you. Just what is the secret behind the "Green Stone," that Helen wears proudly around her neck? What is the history of this stone; and how will this effect an entire civilization? The answers are in the future.

Shirley Johnson

This first book in a projected multi-book saga introduces us to Helen Andros, a feisty and appealing military physician in a world ruled by malign reactionary theocrats and riven by racial distinctions -- a world vaguely reminiscent of the contemporary US of A. Lieutenant Andros goes through more trials, both literally and figuratively, than the perils of Pauline, and, while she doesn't always come out on top, she makes for good company, with an irrepressible, wise-cracking style that blends elements of heroines from film noir and screwball comedy. The writing is solid, and a glossary at the back of the book helps readers keep track of an extensive cast of characters which includes virtuous, conflicted heroes like Lord James and Lord Matthew and hissable villains like Prince Enoch. Despite the bleak world of Azgard conjured by the author, the book feels humanistic and warm, and its concluding vision (the vision of the title) whets reader interest in future installments.

Green Stone of Healing is a fast-moving, complex fantasy series that follows four generations of strong women and the mysterious green stone that binds them to their people and culture as well as to each other. First in a series, The Vision nimbly covers the political, religious, and societal forces that converge in one person: Helen Andros. A very human heroine, Helen is trapped by forces from within as well as without. She struggles to understand who she is and her fate, while impacting nearly everyone around her. Her desires and best intentions often run afoul of her temper and her fierce stubbornness not to conform.

Snared in other people's webs of fear, deceit and power-grabbing, she becomes the loci of negative attention from the priests, rulers and military officers of her society. The Green Stone of Healing is destined to change her entire society, not just Helen.

Some readers will relate to her wild, compassionate heart and struggle to realize her destiny while keeping body and soul intact. Others will appreciate the fast action, complex political machinations and sometimes shocking violence of a society on the edge of implosion. There's magic woven in with the mundane realities. The author explores the concept of grand human cycles as represented by the multi-generational nature of the series and the reincarnation of the primary characters.

As a journalist and professional writer, Talmadge knows how to tell a story. This first book will hook you for the others to follow.

This is an intriguing book, and one showing considerable imagination. The plot lines maintained my interest throughout. The story never dragged and that is quite an achievement Not many authors nor books can lay claim to that. I quickly lose interest when I continually have to uncross my eyes. That never, ever happened with "Visions".
The author weaves a tale of moral fortitude,disturbing venality, hints of past wars and portents of future strife. Sexual aspects and tensions are appropriately presented as undertones, but do not go unnoticed.
The setting is somewhat futuristic and is cleverly presented what with skimmer and rotor vehicles. The author allows the reader to make what we will with this aspect of the story. This is a good way to do this.
I strongly advise studying the Glossary first. I didn't and had to play catch up. The Glossary is very interesting in and of itself. It is further evidence of the imaginative scope of the book.
The writing is excellent. It is very, very clearly written. This attribute cannot be overstated. I am sure I have read books as well written but none come to mind just now.

I am looking forward to an early release of the sequels and I hope they tie up some of the deliberate loose ends (hooks)left unaddressed. I heartily recommend "The Vision" to any thinking adult reader.