Review: Prophet by R.J. Larson

About the book:

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to hear the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. There she meets a young ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela battles how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.

My review:

From the very first page Prophet had me hooked. I flew through the story, all the while dreading reaching the last page. The plot was fast paced and the action was believable and not overdone. I truly enjoyed the characters from the hero and heroine to the wonderful destroyer horses that provided smiles throughout the book.

Ela was a likeable heroine who had real flaws and doubts. This made her very relatable and easier to connect with. She cared deeply for the people she brought the Infinite’s message too and I also enjoyed being a part of her close relationship with the Infinite. Kien was a very loveable character. He was witty and charming, as well as a gentleman. His relationship with “Pet/Scythe” was always enjoyable and brought a smile to my face. My favorite characters, however, were Ela’s adorable little sister Tzana and their destroyer “Pet.” These two were so fun to read and I didn’t want to say goodbye to them.

While categorized as a young adult read I think the book will appeal to Christian fantasy readers of all ages as well as those who enjoy historical/biblical fiction. Prophet has easily been one of my favorite reads this year and I’ll be eagerly awaiting Judge, the next book in the Books of the Infinite series.