Judge, Books of the Infinite Series #2
5
5
5
5
As good as I hoped for!
You know an author is good when a book arrives at my house and my wife and I immediately start battling to see who can read it first. Such was the case with "Judge" by R.J. Larson, especially shocking because my wife doesn't even usually like fantasy fiction! However, both of us were absolutely mesmerized by the first book in the series, "Prophet", and couldn't wait to return to the story of Ela of Parne and Kien Lantec. We were certainly not disappointed. From the first page, the story pulses with energy and moves along quickly, following the story of both Ela and Kien as the Infinite sends them in opposite directions to proclaim his longing for people to turn to him. The conclusion is suspenseful and climatic, and both my wife and I found it extremely difficult to put the book down. Larson's writing is poetic, a pleasure to read, and yet absolutely entertaining at the same time. As with the first book, I also found my faith challenged and tested by reading this fiction book set in a fantasy world, as I saw all too many similarities to the world around us as the reader encounters a people and societies bent on their own pleasure, ignoring the divine.
R.J. Larson continues to impress me with her writing ability and also the fantastic world and stories she has created in this series. "Judge" is a worthy read, and sure to appeal to readers who usually are drawn to fantasy books, but also to readers who normally wouldn't give such books a try. I urge you to pick up this book - you won't be disappointed! 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
January 31, 2013
Judge is a fabulous sequel to Prophet!
Judge
Books of the Infinite #2
By R.J. Larson
Judge is the second book in the Books of the Infinite series and is as exciting and well written as Prophet.
Kien Lantec has just returned home on military leave when the Infinite tells him to go to ToronSea to warn the faithful against the Siphran worshipers of Atea to whom they have offered refuge.
Meanwhile Ela receives a vision that Parne is about to be judged for their idol worship. Parne's fall was not sudden, but Ela had been unaware of the Atean worshipers as she grew-up.
As Ela and Tzana return to Parne, Jon and Beka Thel accompany them to ascertain the true situation in Parne and to provide protection along the way. But Parne tries to refuse their Prophet admittance, so the Infinite opens the gates for the travelers from the Tracelands.
Kien's mission in ToronSea doesn't go as he imagined and as a result he is given a second mission by the Infinite. Can Kien suceed in Adar-iyr or will he again fail the Infinite?
But the citizens of Parne have been deceived by the Adversary's shadow servants and the Chacens. As Ela tries turn the hearts and souls of Parne she is met with anger and derision. Are these truly her people?
Parne is about to be found wanting and judgment is at hand. Will the faithful stand firm in their belief as their world crumbles around them? Who will Parne choose? Will Ela now see the end of her life as she has foreseen?
Throughout Judge one can see glimpses of Jonah, Samuel, Eli and Eli's sons. Judge is a story of trust, trust in the Infinite and allowing Him to lead one on the paths of life that are placed before us. Judge is a fabulous sequel to Prophet and will leave you in anticipation of book 3 King (excerpt found in back of Judge). This is one book you'll want to re-read and to share!
I received a copy of this title from the publisher Bethany House as part of their reviewer program.
No expectations were placed on this review and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 9, 2013
I loved this book, maybe even more than I loved PR
In JUDGE, Kien had the central story, where in PROPHET, Ela's was more central. I liked Kien in PROPHET, but I loved him in JUDGE. This book built upon what I knew of him from PROPHET, and got into his head - showing all his hopes and fears, dreams and frustrations. And it cemented the fact that Kien is my favorite character.
That's not to say I didn't like Ela - I did. But even though she was a point-of-view character, the story was really Kien's more than hers, and it didn't get into her head nearly as much. I enjoyed following her around, and she was a fine character, but she wasn't the most interesting character of the bunch.
As for the plot...in PROPHET, the plot was slightly reminiscent of Old Testament prophets. JUDGE was more than reminiscent. Off the top of my head, I can think of two different scenes that were almost exactly the same as two Bible stories.
That wasn't a problem for me, though. Quite the contrary - I enjoyed trying to figure out if R.J. Larson made up such-and-such a scene or if it was based on a prophet from the Bible. Between Kien's adventures at ToronSea and Adar-iyr and judgement on Parne (in the form of an invading army), I was totally enthralled.
I also enjoyed the romance angle, even if most of it was in the form of Kien worrying about Ela. I keep wanting to yell at Ela, "Stop protesting and agree to marry him, already!" I can't wait to see how that turns out.
I loved this book, maybe even more than I loved PROPHET. I can't wait until the third book, KING, comes out in June.
*I received a review copy of JUDGE from Bethany House Publishers. Their generosity did not influence, or seek to influence, this review.*
January 7, 2013
Outstanding Fiction
I wish I could give this book MORE than 5 stars I liked it so much!
The story kept me riveted to it. ÃÂ GreatÃÂ fiction! It was written in a way that was easy to be involved with the people in the story, even without having read Book #1. TheÃÂ characters, the story-line, ÃÂ the spiritualÃÂ elementsÃÂ to it all were- Wonderful! ÃÂ It causedÃÂ a strong stirring in me to be even closer to God! The author did a great job of showing how closely the mainÃÂ characters, Kien and Ela were living; soÃÂ intimatelyÃÂ attached to their instructions from and relationship with God! So easy to seeÃÂ parallels of the spiritual climates of cities thenÃÂ with the days we live in now. ÃÂ I haven't read the first book," Prophet" yet. ÃÂ Now I will be and also liked that ÃÂ the intro to the 3rd book," King"; was included in the back of this book. ÃÂ This is another book that I WILL be reading as well! ÃÂ I want to read the whole series now.
I received this book FREE from Bethany House for an honest review.
December 21, 2012
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