Prophet by R.J. Larson

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.

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After hearing so much praise on this story and the two following, I finally got a copy for myself!


Prophet is a fantasy ingeniously inspired by the prophets of the Old Testament. There's a twist here though--the prophet's a girl. But despite skepticism of others around her, Ela is the girl for the job, because she loves her Creator first and foremost, and now that she's heard his voice, she never wants to let go. But she's soon to learn that being the herald of the Infinite brings power, and she's not going to die until the Infinite wills. Unfortunately, she knows that time is sooner then later, because the prophets of Parne die young. Until then, she has important international missions that's going to make her a lot of enemies. Thankfully, she gains some friends as well--her faithful, arthritic little sister, and the monstrous, protective destroyer horse named Scythe (affectionately called Pet). And oh yeah, Kien. The charming, courageous ambassador she finds herself imprisoned with. She never saw him in her visions...how's she supposed to handle the feelings that arise for him?

It was very interesting to see the interaction between the Infinite and Ela. It's a fascinating possibility of how being a prophet of old might have been. Ela also has a heart for people's salvation, especially after a powerful experience of feeling the Infinete's presence removed.

And for those of you who've already read it, am I the only one who'd like to know more Estamoh? He sounded pretty awesome. Of course, I'm sure Ela will become no less awesome, but despite her power, she's a sweetie.

Violence Content-
Visions show terrible battle and slaughter. A character is beaten. People are killed in battle. Characters are often injured in adventure. However, description is low.

Language Content- None.

Sexual Content- Some women are vaguely flirtious. Two characters fall in love, struggle with their feelings for each other, and eventually kiss. But overall, I was very pleased with how clean it was in this area.

The story treks through countries, bringing down corruption and installing new governments. The stage is set for the next two books, Judge and King. While I found it a little slow and confusing at points, it was an enjoyable, interesting, thought-provoking book!

~    4 Stars   ~