Every once in a while, you read a book that just blows your mind. I happen to have my mind blown a little more frequently than “once in a while,” but there is one author that does this with every.single.book she writes. Oh, you guys know who I’m talking about: Ronie Kendig.
Yeah, I know. You aren’t at all surprised. Good. It means I’ve done my job of touting her well.
Her latest novel, Crown of Souls, is INCREDIBLE. When I was reading it, I was drawn to the idea that the “legacies” in the story had such legends behind them. So I thought I would do a little digging and see what other legends or ideas might be behind these jewels!
Jasper:
Jasper was apparently a hot commodity way back when. Thousands of years ago, it was used to carve other minerals (including lapis lazuli, which we’ll get to in a few!). Who knew?! (If you knew, please don’t tell me…let me continue to think I’m teaching you guys something new.)
This mineral was also considered to be sacred, thought to bring healing and spiritual protection. Warriors would actually carry Red Jasper for protection. No wonder it would show up in a crown Tox is after. Fun fact: some jasper amulets found in Egypt had scripture engraved into it to protect the wearer from death.
Birthstone fact: Jasper is the “mystical” (Tibetan origin, dating back over 1,000 years) birthstone of October.
Onyx:
The name, Onyx, actually comes from the Greek word…well, “onyx,” meaning the nail of a finger or claw. A Greek myth says that Cupid cut Venus’s fingernails while she was sleeping. Those clippings fell to the ground; since no heavenly body part can die, the gods turned those clippings to stone—later known as onyx.
So we normally think of onyx as strictly black (well, I did), but it actually is found in white, reddish brown, and banded. There’s another form of onyx that is reddish brown with white and lighter red bands. Very cool.
Birthstone and fun facts: Onyx is the mystical birthstone of December (so I get to claim it as my birthstone!). It’s also given on the 7th and 10th wedding anniversary.
My husband owes me. 😉
Carnelian:
I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t know much about this gem outside of the fact that it’s often used for beads and cameos. But I was able to find a few interesting things about it.
Ancient Egyptians believed that wearing a carnelian ring would eliminate bad tempers, hatred, jealousy, and anger. During the Renaissance, it was believed to have the ability to offer protection…and prevent skin and blood diseases, nosebleeds, and insanity.
Fun fact: Carnelian is found in light to dark orange, pink, red, and…dark gray.
Lapis Lazuli:
Okay. I think this one is my favorite. It’s so gorgeous!! I just might have to ask the hubby for some lapis lazuli jewelry. 😉
Lapis lazuli is actually not considered a mineral. It’s a straight-up rock. It is made up of various minerals, but includes calcite (the white), sodalite (the blue), and pyrite—also known as fool’s gold. In order to be considered a mineral, it would need to have only one component. Interesting!
This rock was often ground up for various uses, including medical and cosmetic. The Egyptians used it for seals, eyelid cosmetics, and even carved it into vases and figurines. It was often used as a powder mixed with milk to relieve ulcers and boils. And, uh…the Romans used it as an aphrodisiac.
Kinda ruins the moment, huh?
Birthstone fact: Lapis lazuli is actually the traditional birthstone of December, and is a modern alternative to today’s turquoise.
These jewels play an integral part of Crown of Souls. But to find out why, you have to read the story. No spoilers here!
Read my review of Crown of Souls.
Grab the first two books:
Novella: The Warrior’s Seal
Book one: Conspiracy of Silence
Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig
When You Stare Into the Abyss It Also Stares Into You
The bullet that rips into Cole “Tox” Russell was never meant to kill. It was meant to send a message. Only one man is skilled enough to have taken the shot, a rogue Special Forces operator who vanished months ago.
Alec King is perhaps the only person as skilled as Tox, and he’s out for justice. Furious with orders that got his men killed, he intends to make those responsible pay. And he insists Tox join him, believing they are the same breed of soldier.
Afraid his old friend could be right, Tox battles a growing darkness within himself as he and his team are forced into another deadly encounter with antiquity. It appears Alec is harnessing the power of a mysterious artifact, a crown that history has linked to some of the worst slaughters in humanity. Racing to stop Alec before his vengeance is unleashed, Tox must fight the monster without becoming one.
Buy it on Amazon (not an affiliate link).
Have you read Crown of Souls yet? If so, what drew you to the book? What gems are your favorite or interest you the most?
I loved this book, too, Mikal! It was amazing. I will admit that it was so intense that I had to alternate it with a lighter read to keep my anxiety under control. 😀 Ronie Kendig’s books are so fantastic! Thanks for the fun, interesting info on the jewels.
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LOL!!!! Winnie, you’re a hoot!! It was definitely an intense read, in gorgeous Ronie-style. ❤ Love, love, LOVE Ronie!!
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Great post! I enjoyed reading about the jewels. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Kailey!!
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I have yet to read this, but I am reading Conspiracy. Ronnie is a wonderful writer. I was at our local flea market today at the Hartville Marketplace in Hartville, Ohio and a reseller says she sells well with men. That was not surprising. I learn good writing from her everytime I read one of her books!
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Mark, Ronie is phenomenal!! I learn a lot about writing men, though I’m a completely different genre, from her. Her ability to bring you right to the edge, make you lose your breath, and pull you back just enough to let your heart start beating again until the next sentence is so unique.
Thank you so much for stopping by!!
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I’ve not read the book, but loved the information on gemstones. Of course I love aquamarine, as I’m a March baby. I have an aquamarine ring that my grandparents gave me when I was 10. It’s nothing fancy, but has a lot of sentimental value for me.
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Hi Perrianne (I adore your name!)! I absolutely love aquamarine!! When my son was 7-years-old, he bought me a tiny aquamarine pendant set in yellow gold–no chain. It’s one of my most cherished pieces of jewelry, so I totally understand where you’re coming from. ❤
Thank you so much for stopping by!
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Love this post! And I’m a December baby too! Love Tox ❤️
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Of COURSE you’re a December baby! Because you rock. Just like all us December babies. 😉
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Love learning about the rocks and gems. Very interesting facts! Haven’t read this book yet but will.
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Hi Vicky! I found it all interesting, too! And yes!!! Please do read this book. It’s utterly fantastic! I can’t wait for the last book in this series!
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I haven’t read this book “yet”. My birthstone is Emerald but I love all gems. I make jewelry, so I’ve had my share of gemstone beads. Aquamarine and Lapis are beautiful. I have a carnelian set from my grandmother, who was a missionary to China. I also have an ivory ring. from her. This book looks exceptional!
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Paula, that’s incredible! How special to have that jewelry from your grandmother. What a legacy! (Umm…no pun intended considering the jewels in the book are called legacies.)
Be sure to read the first two books in the series that are linked above! The novella is free! 😁 And yes!! It’s definitely exceptional!
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Very interesting facts about these gems. I haven’t read of her books yet but plan to soon!
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Donna!
Please do read her books. Just be sure to look up on occasion to take a breath. 😉
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