The Vision: Green Stone of Healing [Paperback]

C. L. Talmadge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 21, 2005

Green Stone of Healing is an epic fantasy featuring four generations of strong female characters who inherit a gem that mends broken bones and broken hearts, shields or renders its wearer undetectable. Book 1: The Vision launches the series with Lieutenant Helen Andros, an opinionated, tough-minded physician who wears a mysterious green stone. Helen is also emotionally wounded and vulnerable, an illegitimate orphan in Azgard, a nation divided by race and rank. "Helen is a formidable protagonist." -Kirkus Reviews "Those who love deep intricate stories, full of mystery and action, dripping with power struggles and battles for dominion, this work is for you." -Shirley P. Johnson, Midwest Book Review, Amazon.com "..it's a gripping page-turner, and the characters are well-drawn and convincing. The story is compelling and quite captivating." -Anne Garber, evalu8.org

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Quiet Storm Books (September 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977007065
• ISBN-13: 978-0977007066
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,340,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, January 13, 2008

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Vision: Green Stone of Healing (Paperback)

I have to tell you right off, I usually do not review books in this genre, but author C.L. Talmadge has written a read that has kept my attention and drawn me into her series.
I would like to quote, if I may, her own words concerning it:

"Over several generations of strong female protagonists,
the series explores how state sanction for exclusionary
religious practices leads to the complete destruction
of an island nation called Azgard. Throughout, the
heroines and their mysterious green gem attempt to
offer a healing, inclusive alternative to a government
that persecutes those who do not look like or share
the religious beliefs of its top leaders."

Our author describes her series as, "a blue-state version of 'end-of-the world' faction without a traditional religious viewpoint. Instead, it examines alternative spiritual themes and sets forth a different interpretation of free will and good and evil."

In the first book of this series, " The Vision," I met Lt. Helen Andros, who is a physician with a gift for healing. Helen wears a green gemstone necklace from her mother with healing powers. Helen, however is a half-breed, and is treated with contempt in her land . She finds out she is the illegitimate daughter of Lord James, a powerful man in leadership.

In this second installment of this series, Helen and her father begin a battle of wits, each pulling against the other, in their ignorance of relationships. Their battle is long and fierce as they seek from each other, loyalty, compassion and finally love. It is not an easy road, and is filled with disturbing incidents as it is traveled. Many of the unfair acts done to Helen left me filled with rage, but her fortitude was amazing as she survived one obstacle after another. I enjoyed this installment in the series.
The author takes you deep into the life of Helen, both past and present, giving much more insight into her position and importance. The fierce struggle for power continues, those who were evil, becoming more so as the battle for complete dominion is paramount. It appears none are safe from the cruelty that reigns.

The story was both repulsive in the acts of the characters therein, but also heartfelt in devotion and love to those struggling for the good. The ending definitely left you wanting, and that is a good thing.
Exceptional job of writing, and keeping this story tightly together in a genre that is certainly difficult to do such, our author is top-notch. If you love an intense read, packed with sinister power seekers, grueling heartless characters, yet laced with mystical moments, the lure of peace and healing,and the hope that goodness will prevail, this read is for you. Excellent Job.