About the Gems

by Diane E. Samson

As many Christian fantasy writers will tell you, as a child I read my way through the wardrobe to Narnia and in some ways never came back. It opened my eyes to a world of adventure while providing my young mind with countless lessons of truth. C.S. Lewis mentioned in the first book’s forward that by the time it was printed, his goddaughter Lucy would be too old for fairy tales.

Even as a child I knew witchcraft was forbidden in the Bible, yet I understood the magic in The Chronicles of Narnia to be of the fairy tale kind, meaning not real in our world. That was the spirit in which I wrote the Gems of Fire series, though it’s much less of an allegory.

In perhaps a small way similar to the white witch in Narnia fighting Aslan for dominion, in the Sunderland world, the Most High contends against the “lesser gods.” I used the small “g” gods in that they are spiritual beings, perhaps like the powers of this dark world, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms spoken of in Ephesians. When we become Christians, we are transferred out of their kingdom and into the kingdom of light. Spiritual warfare is alive in both worlds.

In my story, Sunderland had been gifted with gems to not only communicate with the Most High, but as they were blessed in this relationship, draw others into relationship with Him as well. Instead, past Sunderland leaders misused, hid, and banned the gems out of fear, which is what the spiritual forces of wickedness in that world desired. Generations had passed while the gems lay silent. The citizens of Sunderland were to be a light for other nations, but instead squandered their gift.

This might remind us of how generations passed in ancient Israel with even priests and kings not bothering to seek the Lord or follow His ways. When King Josiah found the Biblical scrolls in the temple, he wept when he realized how far they’d fallen astray.

And like Israel was eventually conquered by Babylon, Sunderland was set to be conquered. But in my story, the Most High called on an unlikely heroine to save the day.

But what about these gems being used as means to connect with this world’s God? Will teens think they need to warm crystals in the sun to connect with some strange god after reading this work? I certainly hope not. Throughout the series, I emphasize that it isn’t the gems—it’s believing in the Most High, it’s connecting with Him, it’s the seeking and believing that is key.

Here are a few quotes by a priest in explaining the gems:

“It is about the heart of the one who uses them. They are a tool that can be used for great good or great evil. The choice is yours.”

The priest continues.

“Don’t trust in the sword or the gems, trust in the Most High. He is the protector of Sunderland.”

Hopefully the readers see the gems as fairy tale magic and don’t miss the true themes: good vs. evil, courage, hope, love, family, conquering fear, redemption, and strength rising from weakness. The main character’s strength comes from the Most High. Not the gems. Not herself.

One Amazon reviewer put it about right. “Just like in real life, it seems that her ascension to victory is in God’s hands. She can’t really claim credit for much more than following God’s lead faithfully.”

Amen.

Diane E. Samson is the author of the Gems of Fire series and a 2022 ACFW Carol Awards finalist. She has worked in journalism and now writes young adult fantasy. She lives with her husband and dog, keeping in touch with three grown children. Diane will never be without a golden retriever.