The Oracle (book)

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The Oracle is a book by Catherine Fisher.

It is set in a Ancient Egyptian & Ancient Greek world. The story revolves around the Oracle and a timid priestess called Mirany.

When the Archon (The God On Earth) is sacrificed to bring rain to the Two Lands he tells Mirany that the Speaker is corrupt. The Speaker is the one chosen by the God to listen at the Oracle and report what he says.

The book was shortlisted for the 2003 Whitbread Awards.

[edit] Characters

Mirany-the Bearer at the temple who hears the god, about fifteen, dark-haired, dark-eyed, brown-skinned, eventually Speaker. Starts out timid, but eventually becomes confident and friendly. Quite emotional, it is obvious she quickly falls for Seth and cries when thinking he is dead.

• Seth-a scribe, thief and tomb robber with two conflicting personalities. About eighteen. In the series, there is much sexual tension between Mirany and Seth. He is tall and dark-haired, and often acts cocky and arrogant when nervous. Is consumed by anger and grief when Mirany is thought to be dead, as he quickly falls for her in the series.
• Alexos-the 10 year old god on earth, tall and wise for his age. Dark-haired and dark-eyed, loves music and animals. Speaks to Mirany and Seth inside their heads.
• Oblek-fat, alcoholic musician and closest friend of the god, protective and caring.
• The Jackal-tomb thief and king of thieves, also known as Lord Osarkon. Is haunted by nightmares of his troubled past. Long fair hair, and almond-shaped eyes, the Jackal is tall and elegant.
• The Fox-the Jackal's henchman, also the Jackal's closet firend. One-eyed and red-haired, he is brusque and tough.
• Argelin- commander of the Port's army, main villain of the series, obsessed with becoming King. Consumed by love, lust and passion for Hermia.
• Hermia-the speaker who speaks words of her own and betrays the god. Girlfriend and partner-in-crime of Argelin. Mid-twenties, tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed. Has a strong sense of right and wrong, and sacrifices herself to save Mirany.
• Rhetia-the god's cupbearer, tall, brave and strong. Rhetia is very ambitious, and wishes to be Speaker.
• Chryse-washer to the god. Mirany's ex-best friend, Chryse is blonde and pretty, and often assumed to be a ditz. However, she is described as "a self-serving little bitch" and will only do what is best for herself, including repeatedly switching sides. Flirts with Seth as she fancies him.