The Prophet by R. J. Larson - Review

Ela Roeh of Parne does not understand why her beloved Creater, 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. Yet after experiencing His presence, she can't imagine living without Him!  Ela begins a journey to tell the city of Istgard that the Infinite sees their evil ways. They have turned their back on Him and He calls them to repentance. If they do not repent He will bring consequences for their actions.  Ela suffers many things, is imprisoned, and expects death at any time. Yet, she learns to trust her Creator, who protects her as she goes against the most difficult people to share His will. While on her journey, she meets a young man by the name of Kien, who is also on a mission. As they form an unexpected partnership, Ela must balance the feelings in her heart with the leading of the Infinite. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way the Infinite speaks to Ela, how she learns to listen and trust Him. At the same time she is occasionally controlled by her own desires or will and behaves in a way a prophet should not! She recognizes that her behavior is not as her Creator would have her to act. She is constantly in a battle similar to a Christians battle with the Spirit and the flesh. The Infinite has shown her what life without Him is like and what happens to a person who refuses to accept him. Therefore her heart is broken for those who deny Him. She desperately tries to compel them to come to repentance and accept the forgiveness their Creator offers.  Each time one refuses and suffers the consequences, she is broken hearted. If ONLY they would listen. This book made me think more about whether I am truly broken for the lost needing a Savior. Does the fact that they will spend eternity without God make me burdened for their souls. Ela was willing to do whatever the Infinite asked of her, even if it meant an early death.  Certainly a book worth reading, that will hold you captive and change your heart!

You can check out the authors blog HERE for a map and a picture and description of the scaln that attacked Ela and several others in the story. Also a sneak peak at the new upcoming sequel JUDGE.