So we normally think of onyx as strictly black (well, I did), but it actually is found in white, reddish brown, and banded. Those clippings fell to the ground since no heavenly body part can die, the gods turned those clippings to stone-later known as onyx. A Greek myth says that Cupid cut Venus’s fingernails while she was sleeping.

The name, Onyx, actually comes from the Greek word…well, “onyx,” meaning the nail of a finger or claw. Fun fact: some jasper amulets found in Egypt had scripture engraved into it to protect the wearer from death.īirthstone fact: Jasper is the “mystical” (Tibetan origin, dating back over 1,000 years) birthstone of October. No wonder it would show up in a crown Tox is after. Warriors would actually carry Red Jasper for protection. This mineral was also considered to be sacred, thought to bring healing and spiritual protection. Who knew?! (If you knew, please don’t tell me…let me continue to think I’m teaching you guys something new.) Thousands of years ago, it was used to carve other minerals (including lapis lazuli, which we’ll get to in a few!). Jasper was apparently a hot commodity way back when. So I thought I would do a little digging and see what other legends or ideas might be behind these jewels! When I was reading it, I was drawn to the idea that the “legacies” in the story had such legends behind them. Her latest novel, Crown of Souls, is INCREDIBLE. It means I’ve done my job of touting her well. Oh, you guys know who I’m talking about: Ronie Kendig. 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 she writes.

I would love to meet that 50 reviews requirement! If you’ve read Count Me In but haven’t written a review–even just one sentence is great!–would you please consider writing one? You can click here to be taken straight to Count Me In: Goodreads. Thank you!!!Įvery once in a while, you read a book that just blows your mind.

There are two requirements for this contest: 1) that your book is reader-nominated, and 2) that you have a minimum of 50 written reviews on Goodreads. I have one more favor! At the end of this month, a contest opens up. I’ve teamed up with some FAB author friends and guess what?! You guys are getting some excellent deals December 8th through 12th. Check out these deals before they run out! Click on the title to be taken to the Amazon page for that book.įREE if you sign up for her newsletter on her website So Rare a Giftīy Toni Shiloh and other authors : Only 99 cents!

The Thorn Bearer by Pepper D. Basham