Prophet (Books of the Infinite Book #1) [NOOK Book]

Prophet is a journey of the heart and soul... Prophet Books of

Prophet is a journey of the heart and soul...

Prophet
Books of the Infinite #1
By R.J. Larson

Ella Roch of Parne is the least likely person anyone would expect to be chosen a prophet of the Infinite. But the Infinite chooses Ella to be His voice of warning to the neighboring nations and kingdoms.

When Ella sees a vision of destruction and massacre in Ytar, she has no idea why the Infinite would send such horror to her. But she soon learns the truth - she has been chosen to bring a warning to change to the kingdom of Istgard for their evil decadence and abandonment of the ways of the Infinite.

Taking her younger sister Tzana with her Ella sets out on a journey that may very well end her life before it has truly begun. After all the old saying A silver-haired prophet has failed can only mean that Ella will die young and soon.

Ella's journey to Istgard is a time for her to grow and to train in her new life as a prophet. When danger comes Ella must learn painful lessons in learning to call first upon the Infinite and His protection in every matter.

Part of Ella's mission is to turn the heart of Ambassador Kien Lantec of the Tracelands to the Infinite. Having been captured after the massacre of Ytar, Kien is a prisoner of Istgard. As fellow prisoners Ella and Kien both serve the purpose of the Infinite though Kien is unaware of his part.

A battle is coming and Ella and Kien are headed to the very center as their Istgard captors are determined to have them fall in battle along with the Traceland forces. With the visions she has received about the upcoming battle, Ella knows the Infinite's Will will be fulfilled and that she will most likely die in the ensuing battle.

Prophet is an enjoyable reading experience. Reading it one can find various parallels to Old Testament Prophets so that one will be inspired to delve into the Bible and refresh one's familiarity with the Prophets of old.

I received a free copy of this title from Bethany House for the purpose of this review, no conditions were placed on this review.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fun YA Fantasy read

Riddle me this. What if God asked you to leave your family, all that you know and become his prophet- to bring truth and prophecy to people that really don’t want to hear it, don’t want to obey it and oh yeah, the kicker, being in His service will mean that your life will be cut short. It doesn’t sound like a job that most would sign up for. But Ela Roeh of Parne a young 17 year old girl somehow with her close relationship with “the Infinite” just can’t refuse. She is a most remarkable girl with many of the insecurities of most 17 year old girls feeling inadequate and unworthy of the task ahead of her most of the time. Yet Ela perseveres and gets better and better throughout the story in hearing the Infinite’s voice, seeking Him at every turn and doing what He tells her to do.


Along the way she meets a young handsome Traceland ambassador named Kien who is seeking justice and help for his downtrodden people. Ela and Kien’s paths cross and the Infinite is working in both of their lives to bring about His plans for all people involved in this war filled time. In Ela’s mind, Kien can’t be a part of her future because she is a prophet for the Infinite. And yet they are thrown together time after time. Could the Infinite’s plans for them both be different than what she thought?


This story does well by the Christian Fantasy genre and it is fun to see a new face on the scene in R J Larson. I thought the characters were engaging and relatable and enjoyed the addition of the trusty steed “Scythe” of “Pet” and the humor that he brought to the story. I liked the pacing with Kien being a total non-believer at the beginning of the novel, but as the story progresses and he starts seeking out the Infinite, how He is finally able to hear his voice. It wasn’t instantaneous and I like that, it had a ring of truth to it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series titled Judge.


4 stars


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review- all opinions expressed are honest and my own.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

R.J. Larson has spun a fantasy tale in her debut fantasy novel &

R.J. Larson has spun a fantasy tale in her debut fantasy novel “Prophet” that will keep the reader hungering for more. This is the kind of story that would be told around the campfire, while keeping everyone awake all night. “Prophet”is filled with action from the first page and does not end until the last page. Sword fighting as well as bows with arrows are used as good fights evil in a battle that will keep the readers heart racing, as they enter another realm and time. The reader will feel the presence of wild animals as they fiercely leap from the pages. The scenery can be seen with vivid color and description as the reader sees the visions in their mind. This book takes the reader on an adventurous journey into a world that has never been seen until now. The book has an amazing ending, yet sets up the storyline for the next book in the series. The book begins with a character list. This list includes all the characters and a short blurb about each of them. Unlike some fantasy novels “Prophet” does not have so many characters that it is hard to follow.


This fantasy novel is appropriate for YA as well as adults.

DISCLAIMER:

I received this book free from the publisher BethanyHouse in exchange for a review. This fact has no impact on my review. I give honest reviews.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Oh my oh my! It's a good thing that I received this over the we

Oh my oh my!
It's a good thing that I received this over the weekend! This is an absolutely gripping novel. I was quickly drawn into another world with snowy ashes falling down upon a village in the country of Parne. Ela, a young girl of 17, is drawn to find the source of the ashes choking her village. Suddenly, in a flash, she sees the destruction, hears the cries, witnesses the slaughter. So begins the journey of the prophet of the Infinite One.

R.J. Larson has crafted a tale so vivid, so mesmerizing, I read it hungrily. Such depth of understanding and careful interweaving allegory reveals spiritual truths of our own true and mighty Creator God. Jesus Himself used stories to communicate truth to those who had ears to hear. This book of fantasy has settled truths into my spirit.

Courage, determination, duty, faith, honor, hope and trust fill pages that are full of treachery, fear, anger, torment, betrayal, and battles. This is the first of the Books of the Infinite.

I highly recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and allegories. There is nothing objectionable in the way it is written. No improper relationships or language. I have passed it to my mature 14 year old daughter to read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

By the end of the first pages, I’d swallowed the hook and

By the end of the first pages, I’d swallowed the hook and joyously succumbed to be reeled in, one blessed page at a time.

Engaging and unique enough for the pickiest of readers (me) yet straightforward and clean enough for the youngest (I plan to let me 10yo bookworm read it) Prophet is one of those books you’ll never forget.

It's Old Testament meets Star Wars, minus the space elements. The author weaves stories of Old Testament prophets into an imaginary land and time in a way that breathes fresh air into the old Bible stories. The book makes you wonder about the prophets… What must it have been like to hear God speak during a time when visits from the Spirit were rare and fleeting? How terrifying must it have been to face kings influenced by Evil and bent on the prophet’s destruction? The author does a beautiful job of filling in her version of the answers. She left me quite satisfied, yet longing for more!

Apart from subliminally coercing me to think deeper into the real accounts, Ela’s communion with the Infinite created a yearning in me for a deeper relationship with God. I can credit no other novel with that level of achievement.

The characters are enchantingly colorful. Especially little Tzana, Ela’s young sister who is stricken with a premature aging. I adored Tzana and Pet. “Pet” is the name of the girls’ Destroyer, which is a species of war horse. Pet has a personality all his own, and if for no other reason, the book is worth reading for him alone.

I can’t speak highly enough about this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An exciting new fantasy series for young adults! A MUST READ! I

An exciting new fantasy series for young adults! A MUST READ!

If the cover alone on this book, does not make you want to pick this one up and begin reading, I don't know what will. Just the premise alone about a young girl being chosen as a prophet immediately draws me in because we would almost expect a prophet to be a male character instead. So for female readers, this is already an exciting beginning.

The synopsis to the book begins with Ela Roch of Parne who doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen - not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

What would one think when faced with this choice? At seventeen it would appear that wouldn't be a choice most girls would want to face. That's what makes this such a compelling read that automatically draws you in, especially if you are a young adult picking up this book to read. The storyline falls out of character for your traditional roles and that is what becomes the immediate draw for me. I don't like your follow the path of those that have gone before you books, I LOVE something unique and different for me, this book is speak volumes in that direction.

I received Prophet by R. J. Larson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and couldn't wait to pick this one up and begin reading it. I was not disappointed. From the very first page, this author grabbed me and won't let go. I didn't want to be let go but raced through this book, turning pages as fast as my eyes would let me go. Since this is the first book in the Books of the Infinite series, I will be looking out for number 2, in anxious anticipation.

Geared for the young adult, historical fantasy fans, even adults can find enjoyment in the pages. It's entertaining in the fact it doesn't take the author half to book to define the fantasy world, she is able to articulate it well enough you buy into it all without question. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the second book in the series, Judge, which the reader is given a sneak peek at inside the back of this one.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I'll admit it; I read this story for the cover. Isn't it gorgeou

I'll admit it; I read this story for the cover. Isn't it gorgeous?! I'm really glad I gave it a chance though. It's a really neat Christian story in fantasy form.

Truly, the "Infinite" of Ela of Parne is the Lord I love and serve as well. I found some of the parallels and words of wisdom presented in a way that touched my spirit and really spoke to my heart.

I thought this story was well thought out, believable and yet still held that fantasy element to it that drew me in. I can't wait to pick up book two!

About the Story:
Ela of Parne has been chosen by the Infinite to be His Prophet to the people. I kind of got a clearer picture of how Elijah or Moses may have felt as I read this. They were His prophet but still human. I'm sure they really dreaded the delivery of some messages.

Ela leaves Parne with her younger sister, Tzana--a young girl plagued by a degenerative aging condition and travels to distant lands to deliver the Infinite's message. I thought this was interesting as it showed that God can use any of us if we will be his willing vessel. I also found myself worrying over her throughout the story which just shows how I fell in love with the characters.

From Parne, Ela finds herself in a kingdom that has turned away from the Infinite and it is her job to warn them. While she is there she is taken prisoner but she still delivers her message and does the will of the Infinite--even if the means losing her life. The determination and love that Ela holds for her creator serves as a firm reminder of how we should live our life for Him.

"I know the Infinite's voice because He tells me everything I don't want to hear, sends me where I don't want to go, and asks me to fulfill tasks I consider impossible. Above all, He is forever right."

During her time in prison, Ela meets Kien and though she tries not to--eventually she falls in love. I really wanted them together but I honestly can't see how it's going to work. So...in the end--I guess I'm going to have to pick up the next book just to find out!!!

Overall, I thought this book was really good. I struggled knowing how to rate it but decided on a 4 star solely because it seemed to drag for a little while in mid-story. Things picked up towards the end though and it was well worth the push to get through to end! This book definitely makes it to my bookshelf as a keeper!

:)really good

I was unsure of this book at first. But once I started reading it grabs hold of you,I couldnt put it down it was worth the few hours i got to sleep. A great buy cant wait to start the next book !

After I read the description and sample of this book, I was curi

After I read the description and sample of this book, I was curious to find out what would happen next. A story of a girl who accepts what God wants her to do, a rather difficult task at that, seemed like it would be a great story. However, I was left rather disappointed. Somehow, Ela always knew what was going on, and what was going to happen. She knew people's names and things about them when she came in contact with them. She had visions that left her incapacitated, or rendered her unconscious. This does not sound like the same God that I serve. I understand that writing a book based on the prophets in the Bible would be rather difficult; however I had hoped that it would have stayed true to scripture and not seem so much like magic.

Ela Roeh of Parne is just a regular seventeen-year-old girl. Wit

Ela Roeh of Parne is just a regular seventeen-year-old girl. Without warning, she is chosen by the Infinite, her creator, to become his prophet.While she certainly feels unqualified for such a role, the bigger problem is that the prophet of Prophet of Parne has never been a goal. But the even bigger problem is that every previous prophet has died young.

Ela, the Infinite, and Ela's crippled sister, Tzana, embark on a journey save a foreign nation- both on the physical level, and the supernatural realm. Ela learns to embrace her role, but as with almost all things worth doing, it is not easy. To make things complicated above her difficult role, it seems as if the Infinite is leading her to break her duties as prophet.

Prophet starts out as a nice, poetic book. In fact, the whole book is quite poetic, really. I was able to picture every scene beautifully and down to details. Mentally, this book started out with a quiet, cinematic scene. My anticipation was instantly heightened. A little further in, and the story began to trail a predictable path, but still a pleasant one with promise. A little further, I loved the wondrously descriptive scenes, and then, smack. It sort of hit me at once. "Oh!", I thought, "This is supposed to be in the setting of the Middle East!" That thought really gnawed at me as I searched to confirm my theory, until it was dis-proven? Or was it? For the rest of the time I read the novel I was stuck trying to figure out the true setting. The setting was simply too vague and seemingly unsure of itself. I feel a map and definitive border lines would have helped. As is, the story had an almost eerie, timeless-and-lost sort of feel to it that didn't seem to blend with the story.

Another frustrating element was the predictability of the characters. I don't think a single one surprised me. I did care for them a little for a while, but their monotonous and perfect paths eventually bored me. There wasn't really much true conflict, curiosity, courage, or creativity; leaving them to be composed of naught but words. By the end, I had lost interest, and any plan of following the remainder of the story. If anything, this story seemed more like a collection of feel-good short stories and poems.

Read this!!

This is one of the best recently published fantasy books with a Christian message that I have read in a long time. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

For Christian young adults hungering for an engaging fantasy, Pr

For Christian young adults hungering for an engaging fantasy, Prophet will fill the appetite and leave them satisfied. The book is fast paced enough to keep them turning pages and close enough to a Biblical world view to satisfy both parents and teen. Adults, too, may find Prophet an entertaining, light read. I did.

In the novel, seventeen year old Ela is called by the Infinite to be the first prophet in seventy years to come from her city of Parne and then only female prophet in memory. With her mystical vine-branch staff in hand, she leaves her family taking her crippled, pre-teen sister, Tzana, with her and starts off walking to warn the royal family of Istgard that their sins are about to be judged.

Adventures wait at every turn as Ela is tried and learns what it means to follow the directions of the Infinite without question or hesitation. She will face armies and battles and prison and a monster or two, as well as meeting interesting young people and more than a few dumb adults. She will also fall in love with the Traceland ambassador, Lien Lantec. A royal-blooded, slightly arrogant and delightfully handsome rogue who himself becomes a follower of the Infinite and hears the divine voice before the end of the story. Their romance has a light touch and is innocent though tinged with promise.

Although any fantasy requires the reader to suspend logic, Prophet stretches the limit. The book opens with Ela stepping out the door to find ash falling like snow. The ash is so thick she returns to the house for a mantle to keep from choking. Although her mother ask a few cursory questions about what is happening, she never bothers to look out the door much less forbid Ela from venturing out to investigate. Later in the book when Istgard is marching to battle, Ela goes along carrying her infirmed sister much of the way.

An intriguing hint of humor is threaded through the book in the form of “destroyers.” These over sized horses have a dog-like personality and furious loyalty to their masters. They get into mischief and often live up to their name making even the bravest warrior tingle with fear.

On the whole, I found Prophet a pleasant escape and I suspect young readers will have no problem with the logic-bending scenes that may distract adults to the extent that the book is put down before its more delightful aspects can be explored.

A YA fantasy tale reading like a Bible story and that's not a ba

A YA fantasy tale reading like a Bible story and that's not a bad thing. I like Bible stories, my favorites are the ones that have strong female protagonists. That's what PROPHET has, a strong lead character who is offered the daunting task of becoming the voice for the Infinite, the being her people worship. The Infinite wants war to end and for others to come back to his fold.

The story flows along nicely with plenty of well-written dialogue, action, a bit of romance, humor. It's the beginning of a lovely series that's not too preachy.

Four lovely flowing beans...

A wonderful YA Christian book. Ela Roeh of Parne is chosen to be

A wonderful YA Christian book. Ela Roeh of Parne is chosen to be a prophet of The Infinite. She is a wonderful female lead. A less than perfect individual chosen by God as his prophet, proof that there is hope for all of us. I enjoyed her character, she is young, but not a pushover. A sometimes bad tempered individual who has no trouble speaking her mind. We are able to see "The Infinite" as a more personal God.

The writing is fabulous. Nothing over the top. The book is easy to read and funny in spots. The characters are highly likable. We see Ela grow as a person.

I have a favorite quote I would like to include,
These words are Ela's:
"You must be honest with your father about everything. Respect him. But don't give in to his demands or the Infinite will make you regret your cowardice."

Ela Roeh's life is turned upside down when The Infinite asks her

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 happen. Overall, I think it was an excellent addition to the Christian Fantasy genre.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.