Review of The Oracle of Philadelphia
Elizabeth Carrigan
Red Adept Publishing
5 stars
First of all, the Oracle of Philadelphia really is—an
Oracle. She likes to disguise that by keeping a psychic around in her diner, so
folks think the psychic is the one issuing the pronouncements. She is also an
immortal, just like demons and angels and archangels. The only problem is,
Cassia is soulless: she had to sell hers to gain immortality, so she has kind
of a soft spot for others who have done the same, for whatever reasons.
Sometimes it’s done to achieve fame or wealth or perks; other times out of
altruism, to save a loved one’s life, for example. Either way, Lucifer seldom
agrees to return any soul, and so no matter how good or negative the life of
the one who has sold a soul, eternity is going to be unpleasant.
“The Oracle of Philadelphia” doesn’t just throw that
information at us and let us dwell with her in present-day Philadelphia. No, it
bounces back and forth through history and prehistory, examining Cassia’s past
and her very extensive life span, and then spins her through adventures in the
present day. She may be an immortal, but as I wrote above, she does have a soft
spot every now and then for those who have made the fateful decision to sell a
soul.
Elizabeth Carrigan’s approach is delightfully easy to
follow, and her explorations of history and beyond are detailed and impressive.
Her cozy view of theological constructs is relaxing, yet appealing. For
example, Cassia gets a feeling of surpassing peace in the presence of an angel,
such as Gabriel; and the handsome and sort of hyperactive Bedlam, demon of
chaos, is constantly on the move, fomenting havoc and then getting bored with
it. I highly recommend “The Oracle of Philadelphia” and hope it finds a wide
readership.
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