
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
- Available in: Paperback, Kindle, Audio CD, eBook, MP3
- ISBN: 076420971X
- Published: April 1, 2012
I purchased this book for myself and loved it enough to review it!
Prophet by R. J. Larson is the first installment of the Books of the Infinite series and begins the story about the Infinite’s first and only female prophet, Ela of Parne.
Ela, who is only 17, is a beautiful yet “undignified and bad-tempered” young lady. Not only is she the youngest, but also the only female prophet to have come from Parne.
From the first pages, the story grips you as vivid images of Ela’s world in Parne begin to take shape, and as the Infinite begins to move in her life and in the world around her.
The visions that she receives from the Infinite literally knock her to her knees, and the reader feels the power of the Infinite when He interacts with Ela.
You really get a sense of her inspirational, and at times heroic faith, yet you clearly understand her struggles and her weaknesses as Ela’s faith and obedience is constantly challenged by the Infinite and by her circumstances.
“Istgard has turned their back on me.”

Ela, accompanied by her younger sister, Tzana, is soon called away to Istgard, a foreign land where the people have turned away from the Infinite. She meets Kien, an ambassador from The Tracelands who is desperately trying to save his people militarily and politically from the Istgardians, while Ela continues warning those in Istgard to repent or face destruction.
Will diplomacy and military might win over the Istgardians, or will they turn back to the Infinite? Will Ela’s faith hold out, or will she crumble under all of the pressure of serving as the Infinite’s youngest prophet?
As a long time reader of fantasy and historic novels, and as a student of Old Testament theology, I thoroughly enjoyed my journey with Kien, Ela, and Tzana, as well as the others in Prophet.
I connected with the very real, imperfect characters of this story as they struggled, grew, stumbled and journeyed through the pages. It’s the kind of story with the types of characters that you don’t want to see come to an end!
Who Should Read Prophet?
Prophet should easily appeal to a very wide audience. This story reminds me of the era of the Judges and Prophets of the Old Testament and should delight anyone who enjoys fantasy, historical novels, or Biblical themes.
R. J. Larson does an amazing job weaving stories, adventure, intrigue and suspense throughout the book with genuine, likable, human characters and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an adventurous tale with characters that you will love.
About R. J. Larson
R. J. Larson writes fantasy inspired by the Scriptures, and she strives to faithfully honor the Lord’s Word in her books.
She also writes Biblical fiction as Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, when she is not working her day job or exploring Colorado with Jerry, her husband for more than 35 years.
R. J. loves to hear from readers! Catch up with her on https://www.facebook.com/