A God-Appointed Chosen One
& Exclusive Author Interview!
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| (Image received directly from the author) |
Chains of Prophecy
by Jason P. Crawford
My rating on a 100-point scale: 97
How I discovered this book:
When signing up for the author's newsletter (introduced via Twitter/X), I received a free copy of this book!
My synopsis:
Samuel Buckland is an accountant who, one day, takes one thing a little too far and loses his job over it. Then, more tragedy strikes him. Could the two most negative events in his life be connected? It seems they may be... but Sam has some trouble coming to terms with what he seems to be destined for. Events force him to try and be a savior in a way he could have never imagined, and he seems to be a natural at it, but he's never been taught how to do what he can, and the ancient book that would help him succeed in his endeavors comes up missing... What follows is a kind of war, a journey of discovery, and the reader is swept along with Sam as he stumbles his way through seemingly insurmountable challenges.
My review:
I was VERY pleasantly surprised with this independently published GEM of a novel! The plot and words are intricately woven to keep a reader intrigued, entertained, and looking forward to what happens next. The characters are complex and struggle with themselves and each other. The story is clear, has details that ground the reader well, and there are some nice twists here and there. For an example on the writing style, see this short excerpt from Chapter 1:
Gregory had been clear on how this was his space, how he needed a room to do his work and have things his way. At first, his wife had worried that there was something... untoward going on, that maybe this room was where he would stash his child pornography or something like that. As years had passed, however, she had come to accept the fact that, sometimes, a man needs a place to be himself.
Here, we see easy character development, and the slow creation of a mystery: Gregory is even hiding something from his wife at home -- he somehow comes up with brilliant ideas in this space related to his success... but that's nothing sketchy -- is it?
Some themes I picked up from this novel concern overcoming adversity despite the shortcomings you encounter within yourself, the importance of appreciating what you have, and rising to challenges with confidence to succeed -- all messages worth receiving. Another theme, God has a plan for you, and other religious themes, can be seen in text like this, from Chapter 3:
Although only five years old at the time, Sam had still been possessed of a prodigious intelligence. He had thought about his great-grandma's question for several moments before answering. "I think it's because Solomon was using God's magic, but the witches were using bad magic."
More laughter from the old lady. "Exactly what I thought you'd say." She had clapped her hands together before leaning in closer. "Don't forget this, Sammy; there is good and evil in the world, but all of that is in here," and she pointed as his head, "and in here," to his heart. "A rock can kill people, or a rock can build a house, but a rock can't be good or evil. Magic could hurt people, or it could help them; it was the magician, the sorcerer, who decided if they were working for God or not..."
Here, I know there are readers out there who may think "blasphemy!" at using magic at all, especially when saying God condones it, whether for God's purpose or not. That's okay (that's why I'm mentioning it here, so you know) -- but there is magic in this book, both magic being used for good and magic being used against the betterment of all. In my educated opinion, it enhances the story and its entertainment value -- and it's fiction -- we are not saying this is real!
With the right amount of "figuring it out," readers follow Sam as the story builds up to an exciting climax, an unpredictable reveal, and a very fulfilling resolution. There is an excerpt from the beginning of the next book at the end, and I totally drank that up. Sam is such a well-developed, dynamic, realistic character (despite the magical elements) that you'll want to visit with him and follow his adventures more -- it may be a little addicting, I'll warn you.
The reading flows easily after the initial "what the...?" of the opening pages. There's a sense of mystery about what the "villain" of the story is exactly doing -- why does he have a secret warehouse and what is he doing there? Whatever it is, it seems to be tied to his prominent influence as a politician. Sam, just a former accountant, must approach this insurmountable power again and again to answer questions and overcome the evil of the story, creating a kind of intrigue that keeps a person intrigued and reading on.
There's just one thing that is a little irksome to me, personally, but it's a little, vestigial thing from long times past, and not a big deal at all: the author puts "The End" at the end of the book, and at the end of the preview to the next book. Just a little thing, but when it's a series, it's not the end, you know...
My Goodreads updates:
I had 3 updates on Goodreads while reading this book:
"So far, a captivating author intro. and a captivating read!"
"I think I’m enjoying this more than any other indie book I’ve read so far (except my own, that is…)!"
"The author is handling mental instability well ☺️."
I highly recommend to...
Fans of fantasy and paranormal novels and thrilling reads with religious themes.
Suggested restrictions:
I do not suggest this novel for anyone less than 13 years of age due to sparse adult language, some adult situations that may not be suitable for younger readers, and mild, magical violence.
I'm going to brag for the author a little bit here:
This novel currently has 4.25 on Goodreads (which better than most classics)! -- So, I'm not the only one who says it's GREAT!
Links and information from Amazon are at the end of this post!
When finishing up this book, I thought, oh my goodness, an indie gem like this, I want to resurrect my book blog to talk about it! I reached out to the author, and he agreed to an exclusive interview here!
My interview with the author, Jason Crawford:
Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Are there any people who are extra special to you as a writer or as a person that you would like to tell us a little bit about as well?
I was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Army parents. We moved around a lot—Germany, Panama, Maryland—until we came back to Louisiana, where I lived until I myself joined the military as a cryptologic linguist. That's where I met my wife of now 21 years, Cherrie, or CL Fors as she's known for her award-winning art and amazing science fiction. I have four children from 18 to 9 years old, love tabletop roleplaying, and teach high school Physics in southern California.
That sounds interesting and eventful! We have something in common -- I love studying language; I call myself a "linguistics nut" at times. It's so great that you have multiple successful writing careers in your family. 😁
I know there are tons of ups and downs with being an author. What is the best part of writing for you? What is hardest about it?
The act of creating the story is my soul's ambrosia. I write what I want to read and I love every moment of it. The hardest part is, of course, rejection—whether that's my first reader telling me that I didn't manage something the way I wanted, or the repeated form "No thank you's" that I get from short-story magazines; it's never fun. Still, I've gotten to the point where I can absorb most of those without falling down or getting depressed. Usually.
I completely understand! I love that I can say that I loved your book enough to give you further praise!
I just saw a Twitter post yesterday about the "coincidences" of our characters and events in relation to real-life people and events that we generally put at the beginning of fiction books as a disclaimer. Are the characters in your books based on people in real life? If they are, would you care to share with us who? If they aren’t, how do you create complex characters for your books?
I definitely take traits from people that I know, but I don't ever make the character the same as they are. The character starts as a general idea; for instance, Sam Buckland, from Chains of Prophecy, started as "A genius accountant has to save the Archangel Gabriel from being captured by a politician/businessman." That, and the idea of the Keys of Solomon, was all I knew about him when I started. My characters are complex because I let them make decisions, steer the story, and tell me what they're going to do. I don't control them (except in very rare instances); they control the writing by the choices they make.
Mine, too! My characters often change my plans for a story after I've planned it out. They're like, nuh uh, that's not how that happened... This is how it happened.
What would you say to a reader who approached you and praised your work, saying Chains of Prophecy is one of their absolute favorites?
This has happened! I was vending at a local convention and a reader came up, saying she'd bought my book at the last event I was at and showed me how beat-up it was because she'd been reading it so much. I gave her a new signed copy, and we've been friends since. This is the best feeling that a writer can have, and I encourage all readers to let their favorites know that you love their work. It makes our day, every time.
That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing that -- perhaps it will be inspiration to both readers and writers who are readers to do just that!
Now that you've clearly had success with your writing endeavors, I want you to reflect on what inspired you to become a writer. What would you say to someone who asked you why you do what you do? How has writing affected your life?
Becoming a writer has happened in three stages. In 2012, my sister-in-law suggested to my wife and I that we try writing, since we're creative and intelligent. That's how I wrote my first book, The Drifter. Chains followed soon thereafter.
The second stage happened much more recently. In 2024, my wife returned from her first Superstars Writing Seminar in Colorado, an annual event made by several influential authors like Brandon Sanderson and Kevin J. Anderson. She was effusive about how wonderful it was, and her experience inspired me to really try with my writing. I started setting aside more time, submitting to short-story markets, and putting myself out there. I made my first fiction sales to anthologies here.
The third stage, the present, happened after I attended SSWS in 2025. I realized that writing fuels my soul, that it isn't work, and that it's what I want to spend my life doing. I want this to be my full-time career, crafting stories for myself and others. Since February of this year, I've written three full novels and I have plans for more. I can't stop, don't want to, and I'm so grateful for this chance.
That is absolutely wonderful -- your evolution to the writer you are today! Thank you for sharing your writing journey with us. 😃
I've very much enjoyed this opportunity to get to know you a little better and wish you further success with your writing career. Have a great weekend!
Find this awesome author online:
Also, you can sign up for his newsletter on his website! (It does NOT spam your inbox AT ALL!)
Currently, for signing up for his newsletter via Bookfunnel, you receive "Legacy of Lies" for free!
Amazon Author Bio:
Synopsis from Amazon:
Samuel Buckland has everything going for him—until a single encounter shatters his certainty and thrusts him into a hidden war of magic, myth, and ancient prophecy. Gregory Caitlin, a rising star in politics and business, claims he’ll bring hope to a crumbling world—but his ambitions hide something far darker. When their paths collide, even angels falter.
Sam must grapple with forces he never believed in—demons, djinn, and an ancient power long thought lost. Gregory walks a razor’s edge between messiah and tyrant, and he’s not above using forbidden knowledge to shape the future.
Their choices will tip the balance between salvation and ruin.
Chains of Prophecy (Book One of the Samuel Buckland Chronicles) is a fast-paced blend of modern fantasy and ancient lore, perfect for readers who enjoy smart, character-driven stories with deep mythological roots and explosive consequences.
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