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Courage, Faith, and Moving Forward
Pilgrims of Stone and Saber follows a young princess as she embarks on a quest for destiny while grappling with an involuntary marriage and the pursuit of a prophesied savior, amidst a backdrop of spiritual awakening. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It started with a vision of a woman wandering through the world, unsure of her destiny or willingness to follow it. The Lodestone was a very powerful symbol that kept coming to mind and I followed that inspiration through the writing of the story.
Can you describe your process for developing the character of Pilgrim and how you balanced her personal journey with the larger narrative?
The development of Pilgrim’s character felt very much like a journey of self-discovery as I was struggling to develop the courage it took to face down my own demons. Balancing her personal journey with the larger narrative was tricky at times as I tend to focus on the internal conflicts rather heavily in my writing, but I kept in mind that we all are small in the grand scheme of things, but if we allow ourselves to be used for the greater good (for God’s glory and the fulfillment of His will) we can make a huge impact.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Courage, faith, and moving forward.
What can readers expect from book two of The Lodestone Chronicles?
Book 2 of The Lodestone Chronicles follows the story of De Ia Maia, who we meet at the end of Book 1. It is a story of romance and learning our own worth by considering the great sacrifice of someone who loves us beyond comprehension – Jesus Christ.
De Ia Maia fights to regain her adopted mother’s love and approval, navigate a whirlwind romance, and defeat a dark monster that threatens to destroy her city.
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Pilgrim is one of the Anointed, and the Lodestone has always kept her safe. She trusts in its power, but she does not want the life her mother lived. Her father, the King of Bavi, wishes to leave his throne to her—she doesn’t want that either.
Her supernatural guardian hid her in the Emerald Hills, and it was going well. For the last decade she herded cattle, dealt with a grouchy benefactor, and dodged the barbaric courting rituals of the Emerald Hillsmen. But her guardian’s beacon has disappeared, and now evil forces are hunting her.
When an overzealous Hillsman attempts to make her his bride, the magic of the Lodestone spurs her on. As the Lodestone’s power guides her into battle she has a decision to make…
Will Pilgrim sacrifice it all to defeat the darkness threatening their world?
Pilgrims of Stone and Saber
Pilgrims of Stone and Saber, the opening installment of the Lodestone Chronicles by J. B. Wagner, delves into a Christian fantasy narrative centered around a young woman’s quest for her destiny. The protagonist, known as Pilgrim or Pruoschkinytees, is a princess whose life is upended when her father falls under the spell of a new wife in his harem. Furnished with a staff, saber, and a lodestone—a keepsake from her deceased mother—Pilgrim reenters the world of her birth. She finds herself in an involuntary marriage to General Gershom, her father’s confidant. Despite her attempts to escape, Pilgrim is persistently drawn back into this unwelcome alliance. Their deity, Ya-Beresh, guides Pilgrim and Gershom on a journey to locate a prophesied savior, Yarash-Ohr.
The novel explores themes of spiritual discovery and religious awakening, with the supporting cast adding intrigue to the narrative. Notably, the story includes elements such as gladiatorial battles and a shape-shifting dragon, contributing to the fantastical aspect of the book. The world-building takes an understated approach, focusing more on the characters’ internal journeys than on detailed settings or timelines. This leaves room for interpretation and personal imagination regarding the era and religious context.
While the romantic elements are central to the plot, they unfold in a unique and unpredictable manner, offering a fresh perspective on character relationships. The dynamics, especially in romantic situations, evolve in a way that may seem unconventional, inviting readers to explore the complexities of the characters’ interactions.
The protagonist, Pilgrim, is initially introduced as a figure of considerable independence, and her journey invites readers to witness the evolution of her character. This transformation, particularly in the context of traditional gender roles and societal expectations, offers a thought-provoking exploration of agency and self-determination.
The novel’s blend of elements, including magic, women in active combat roles, and complex personal narratives, provides a diverse tapestry that might broaden the horizons of traditional Christian literature readers. For those with more progressive views, the depiction of marriage, gender roles, and cultural norms in the book opens the door for meaningful discussions and reflections on these themes.
Pilgrims of Stone and Saber presents a fantasy and spiritual exploration blend with elements that will engage some readers while potentially challenging others. The narrative weaves through themes of faith, destiny, and personal growth, set against a backdrop of fantastical elements and complex character relationships.
ISBN: 1738151212 | Pages: 242
LITERARY TITAN 