Mesmerizing and as good as I hoped for: My review of "Judge" by R. J. Larson

about the book...

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts. The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading... and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Child of dust, will you be My servant?

my review....

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.

about the author...

R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre. Visit http://rjlarsonbooks.com/ for more information.

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