Prophet (Books of the Infinite)

Review originally published on my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
ARC provided by publisher for review, through EarlyReaders program.

Prophet is fantasy, but it's also what I consider "Biblical fiction". It reads like an Old Testament story, but with a light brush of fantasy, and set in another world. It's beautiful, it's sweeping, it's not overwhelmingly fantasy - nor overwhelmingly preachy. Ela, our prophet, is a spunky and very human young lady. She knows the Voice of her Creator - Infinite - and though she doesn't always understand, and even questions Him at times, she is faithful to her calling. Her choice. Along the path of her mission, she meets Kien Lan Tec, and things get complicated. As the two become unlikely friends, Ela show more struggles with her perceived duties as Prophet and her human heart. Other characters flesh out the story, each bringing their own flavor and touch. And the horses - I'm such a sucker for a good horse, and the destroyers provide comic relief while also assisting the story.

I'm trying to find the best words to describe Prophet, but really - I think it's something you have to read and experience yourself. Know that the story is well-plotted and well-paced. There are twists and turns you don't expect, but they work. The characters live and breathe, and you want to root for them. They're human, they're flawed, but they're trying. As I said before, the fantasy element is presented with a light hand - it strengthens Ela's story rather than distracting from it. And the relationship Ela has with Infinite - their conversations - oh, they made something in my heart tweak. Larson has done a beautiful job of showing the love that God - Infinite - has for His people, how very involved He is with even the smallest details of human life. Watching Kien and others slowly come to understand what Ela is saying is so much like watching humanity struggle to see - to know - why an all-powerful being would care about little ol' me. It's beautiful, simply breath-taking. Now, I really need to get my hands on Judge and find out what happens next. show less

I love crossover Christian fiction. It gives everyone, even those who normally wouldn’t read a Christian novel, the chance to enjoy the genre without feeling that they are being preached to. Prophet is a fantastic example of really good crossover Christian fiction. This book easily appeals to YA readers, fantasy lovers and anyone who likes action and supernatural elements in their books.

In a vision, 17-year-old Ela Roeh sees the city of Ytar being attacked and burned to the ground by the rivaling city-state, Istgard. Ela hears the voice of the Infinite choosing her to be his prophet and go to Istgard, tell them to turn from their evil ways and free the women and children they look captive in Ytar. Even though she is afraid, Ela show more accepts this enormous and daunting task, one that changes her life in ways she could never imagine.

The world building in Prophet is awesome. Larson makes it easy to envision impressive ancient cities, bloody battle scenes and ferocious wild animals with deadly venom. I really enjoyed getting lost in Ela’s world and especially loved the characters.

Ela is not your typical main character. She doesn’t wield a sword (her staff is very cool, however) or is able to singlehandedly fight off armies of men. She is really just an ordinary girl who is chosen for an extraordinary purpose. I love Ela, she is brave, determined, completely trusts the Infinite and through Him, she does extraordinary things. I love that she is still human and works hard to keep her snark in check. Even though every prophet from Parne has died young, Ela still marches courageously into every situation not knowing if she will survive it. The other characters are very well written as well and I loved the sweet romance between Ela and Kien. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, Judge, to see where this romance goes.

Prophet is an exciting and sweeping novel that I highly recommend for fantasy lovers everywhere, teens and adults alike. Judge comes out in November and it’s definitely on my must read list for the end of the year. On a side note, the cover of Prophet is perfect! It looks exactly like how Ela is described in the book.

Content: Kissing and violence. show less

Upon receiving this book I was a little skeptical as I am not a fan of Christian Fantasy. However, by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. The book refers to the "Infinite" as the almighty creator, because of this I did not feel as though I needed any background in Christian religion to understand the plot. I also loved the way the characters were flawed, so often lead characters seem too perfect to be believable. Ela however, complained and whined, just as any eighteen year-old girl would in Ela's situation. Even though Ela's world and religion were completely foreign to me I found her relatable because of her flaws. I also loved the character of Kien, his sarcasm was refreshing in some of the book's more serious situations. My show more only complaint is that the end of the book felt rushed. Ela's second journey easily could have been expanded, possibly as the introduction to the second book. show less

I lead a Faith And Fiction Bible study/bookclub at my church and am always on the lookout for Christian fiction that will compliment what we are studying. As part of a survey of Old Testament prophets, I chose Prophet, a fantasy by R. J. Larson. The author took her inspiration for main character Ela Roeh from Jeremiah 1 and Ezekiel 2, so I knew it would be a great addition to discussion. What I didn’t know, but soon found out, was that Prophet is an engaging read that appeals to all ages. I loved the unique, yet familiar, world that Larson has created in this first book in the Books of The Infinite series. If you like fantasy with a Christian influence, this one is for you.

The world in which Ela Roeh of Parne inhabits is filled with show more unusual and often deadly beasts, people with their own agendas, and the ever present voice of the Infinite. Ela is not only young, but the first girl the Infinite has chosen to speak for Him. His message is repent and return, which she dutifully shares. Yet Ela struggles with doubts, insecurities, and grief over an unresponding audience. Larson made me view OT prophets in a new way through Ela’s character. I looked beyond their stern warnings and pronouncements to the heart that they had for God and His people. The story is one adventure after another, but flows with the purpose given by the Infinite. There is plenty of action for those who like battles and intrigue, yet there is a sense of lightness and humor that help keep this one from being too heavy. I liked the subtle references to the Bible that Larson includes. You can hear the voice of God in the messages of the Infinite. There are a few hidden touches as well. I didn’t realize until deeper into my study of the Biblical record that Ela’s last name is inspired by the Hebrew word for vision. Pretty cool!

Prophet is a well-written fantasy, yet I believe has a wider appeal. Its themes also make it a great book for book clubs. It is also just the first book for Ela and other characters I came to love. I look forward to visiting Ela’s world again.

Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: YA and adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

I was really quite shocked with how much I enjoyed this book. Being an athiest, and personally finding blind faith in "god" a little disturbing, I wasn't sure I even wanted to read this book. But I decided to give it shot, and I am so glad that I did, because I would have missed a true treasure otherwise.

This story is the first installment in the Books of the Infinite series, and follows the trials and tribulations of Ela, the newest, and only known female Prophet of the Infinite.

The style of writing was very easy to read and follow, which can not always be said for books in an imaginary world setting. It flowed really well, and quite truthfully hooked me in almost from the first page. I anxiously await the next book

Prophet is a thrilling and emotionally driven story about a young woman who follows her faith and takes up the difficult, self-sacrificial task of being a prophet among unbelievers. The main character, Ela, is multi-faceted and inspiring: she wrestles with self-doubt even as she courageously leaves her home to obey the Creator's calling. Although Prophet is set in a fantasy world, not a factual place, few fantasy elements (ie, magic spells or elves) appear here, only a few mythological-type monsters. The themes of the book are overtly religious, and will largely resonate with Jewish, Christian, or Muslim readers, since the focus is monotheistic. However, Ela's story is a riveting read that stands strong even without looking closely at show more the spiritual overtones. show less

Ela Roeh's life is turned upside down when The Infinite asks her to become his prophet. She must leave her family, her country, and everything she knows in order to travel to pass on the Infinite’s message to a foreign king. She shows amazing strength of character when she is embroiled in politics and war. This book is Christian Fiction, and is probably meant for young adults; however, despite Ela’s youth, she has the maturity of an adult. The Message can be a bit heavy-handed (which is understandable given that it is published in the Christian Fiction market) but it’s not preachy and the message flows pretty smoothly into the plot. Furthermore, the plot is exciting and intriguing enough to keep me curious about what was going to show more happen. Overall, I think it was an excellent addition to the Christian Fantasy genre. show less