Akabe of Siphra, I have brought your enemies low and lifted you from the dirt.
Against his wishes and desires, Akabe Garric has been chosen by his people to be king. A warrior at heart, he'd never dreamed of such a swift, unexpected rise to power. Determined to prove his worth to the citizens of Munra and honor his Creator, Akabe undertakes a monumental task: to rebuild the Infinite's Holy House in Siphra.
Only this I ask: Restore My temple and let Me dwell again among the people.
Akabe soon discovers that the land he needs is held by the Thaenfalls, known Atea-worshipers who will give up their claim only if he marries into their line. Though he seeks direction from the Infinite, his pleas are met with silence. Frustrated, Akabe makes an impulsive decision, sweeping his nation into a lethal storm that threatens his plans for the temple. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies, ancient feuds, and treacherous plots, can Akabe, his mysterious queen, and his trusted friends Ela and Kien Lantec find the Infinite's path...or will they fail as so many others before?
Will your faith hold strong when I am silent? Child, can you be My king?
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. The Books of the Infinite series marks her debut in the fantasy genre.
A satisfying conclusion to the BOOKS OF THE INFINITE series by R.J. Larson! I really enjoyed getting back to Ela, Kien, and Akabe and their adventures. This book was once again suspenseful, adventurous, sweet, and very deep; just like Prophet and Judge before it. I simply love the mixture of Christian fantasy and Old Testament-like times ... where prophets, judges, and kings (who sometimes make you think of specific Bible stories) roam ... that make up these books. It's a fascinating combination!
Sad to leave them behind ... But hopefully R.J. Larson will write more books similar to this! *smiles*
It all ends as it should! A satisfying conclusion to an excellent series. Who doesn't love a girl with a powerful stick?! And the horse Pet is always a delight. What I like best about this though is the way God speaks - I know this God and love that He is depicted so accurately in this Old Testament-style epic adventure.
Oh my, what a GREAT ENDING! :D My brother bought me Judge and King for my birthday, so I got to read the last of the Books of the Infinite series! It was an amazing end, another fantastic book by R. J. Larson! I HAVE to read her other books now! :)
Despite being a reluctant king, Akabe of Siphra strives to do something honorable: rebuild the Infinite's temple. But when his plans are disrupted by the Atean owner of the temple land, Akabe makes a rash decision without getting the Infinite's approval. This leads to one catastrophe after another, putting Akabe and some of the people he loves most in grave danger. Will his actions destroy himself, his friends, and Siphra?
Like the other books, King was full of more dangerous adventures. Akabe is now a main character, and we get to know (and love) him more! :) Our dearest Kien and Ela continue as main characters as well, which is a must! ;) Then there is a new character, Caitria, who I really liked. :) These four get into some very dangerous stuff as they confront assasins, Bel-Tygeon, battles, and the like!
The romantic elements of King are much more than in the other books. Kien and Ela's relationship... continues, and there are some other new couples, as well. :) Kien and Ela. <3
The negative elements. There is violence and blood as in the other books... maybe more in King? There is quite a lot of death in, but it wasn't all too bad. :) Also, Bel-Tygeon has a lot of ladies, and he isn't married to any of them, if you know what I mean.
This book also includes some humor, as the other books do. :D Many times involving Kien, of course. He's a dear. ;D Oh, and Scythe. Scythe is the dearest horse ever. :D
Thus, my not-very-well-written review! :P I hope it still prompted you to read The Books of the Infinite Series! :D I'm looking forward to reading more by R. J. Larson!
recommended to: non-magical (besides the Infinite's power, which isn't magic) allegorical fantasy, adventure-lovers, and those who love dear characters! :D For ages, maybe I'd say, tentatively, 15+.
Well, that was an interesting ending. I’ve now realized that though this is a series, each book could be a stand alone except for the fact that Ela and Kien’s relationship grows and changes as the stories progress. It was a good conclusion, but not what I expected. I just feel like it needed something more.
Akabe Garric is now something he never wanted to be: king. He’s a warrior, and he has never faced the responsibilities of being king. To prove to himself and his people that he is up to the task, he sets his sights on rebuilding the Holy House of Siphra. But if he wants the land he will have marry a worshipper of Atea, a idol. What should he do? The Infinite doesn’t answer. So Akabe makes a rash decision that sets off a course of events that may lead to the destruction of Siphra. Ela ponders over whether it is the Infinite’s will to marry Kien. Kien faces a trial that could lead to his exile.
Ela faces more suffering and sadness, but she is stronger and has more confidence in the abilities the Infinite gave her. Kien is put through sadness, anxiety, and suffering unlike anything before, but he’s prepared to follow all of the Infinite’s commands. I must say, it felt like Ela and Kien’s relationship as friends to something more very quickly. It felt rushed. So I loved the direction it went, but I didn’t like how it was done. Akabe is probably my second favorite character after Kien. I was really happy to see more from his point of view. I connected with him well and I felt his struggle to make the right decisions. And I understood why he made the decisions he did, even if I didn’t necessarily agree. Caitria was a great new character that I loved from the beginning. She is shy and afraid at first, but she develops so much to become the lady who can handle the responsibilities she’s given.
The book moved very fast. From one moment to the next, the characters were always in danger. There were assassins, battles where the characters were way outnumbered, kidnappings, and more. It was certainly not boring. For me the ending just wasn’t very satisfying. It was good, everything was resolved amazingly, but I felt that there was something missing. But maybe it was meant to be that way.
In every book, at least some of there characters visit a new place. This book visited Aeyrievale and Belaal. It was refreshing and fun to see how unique each place is. The descriptions were really well done. It was easy to imagine.
I’ll recommend this to older teens. It is a beautiful allegorical book with a fantasy feel. I don’t think this allegory is my type of thing, but don’t dismiss this book because of me. Give it try, you won’t regret it.
King is the third installment in the Books of the Infinite series. It continues the Elijah narrative while also adding in the stories of David, Nehemiah, and more. I still very much enjoyed seeing these timeless biblical narratives in a more fantastical, sometimes gender-bent setting. However, the romances felt overly saccharine to me, which served to distance me from the story. This was the first book in the series that actually felt young adult in my opinion. The teen from my church who I’ve been reading the series with loved it, though!
I was so excited to finish out this series, and RJ Larson didn't disappoint. The final novel in this series is full of action. While it was a bit predictable and the ending, while good, was a bit anti-climatic, I still enjoyed experiencing this story along with the characters.
After finishing Judge, I was very eager for the last installment, and it certainly did not disappoint! This time around, we're dealing with danger and intrigue in and around the royal court of Siphra and focusing on the journey of King Akabe as he tries to rebuild the Infinite's ruined temple.
I really enjoyed Akabe in the last book, particularly in his friendship with Kien, and that continues strong in this one. I can definitely sympathize with his longing to be free of all the advisers and meetings and other trappings that came along with his new kingly role. And the subtle reminder that pride can creep in when we start trying to prove ourselves worthy in our own strength was definitely on point.
Caitria had me rooting for her from the moment we met, even though there were some major flaws that had to be worked through. It was also good to see how God can work good even out of our failures and wrong choices. Also, I was reminded again that no matter how hard I yell "don't do it!", book characters never listen to me. :(
Kien's struggle at the beginning pulled hard on my heartstrings, and his trial actually had me in tears at a couple of points. When I sit back and think about it, why should I care about which fictional country he belongs to? But it's so evident that Kien cares deeply that I couldn't help caring, too.
There were a lot fewer overt biblical parallels in this installment, mostly glimmers here and there with only one or two really recognizable situations. But the messages of the Creator's love, mercy, and judgment were as strong as ever. Though I have to admit, I just about got whiplash at one point in the epilogue! The action and suspense were kept up very nicely through the whole thing, too.
Definitely a solid and satisfying conclusion to a very unique series!
Content--battles, wounds, blood, and deaths; kidnappings and assassination attempts; mentions of scanty clothing and men eyeing women inappropriately; married women are brought into a king's harem and subjected to his attentions (not physical, although the fear is present); mentions of eunuchs; mentions of false gods and their worship; mentions of swearing; a few kisses between married couples; mentions of married couples sharing a bed (no details)
I truly do not remember what this book was about. I do remember reading it but not sure how it goes anymore. That one thing I like about me I can read a book and still enjoy it over and over. When it good, I do this. This book was good to me. I know it about a boy either to become king or something like that. He is either to save a kingdom or something. I am sorry I can not remember. The overall of the book is good and fun to read. This is best for those of a favorite of fantasy.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the three books in this series! I was captivated by the story from the very beginning. I loved reading the dialogues between Ela and the Infinite. I'm not sure a could pick a favorite book out of the three, because each one of them is so interesting and unique. But I do recommend reading them in order. I really loved the characters and the way that they were written. The books have it all - romance, humor, action. The romance between Kien and Ela is so adorable, I absolutely loved Pet/Scythe. And "King" is definitely a great ending to the series! I highly recommend all of the "Books of the Infinite" to everyone!
Akabe is the Infinite's chosen king to rule the people of Siphra. He doesn't feel that he should be king, but he wants to honor the Infinite and rebuild His Temple. His advisers clamor for him to marry and the only woman he feels would be a great queen is Ela of Parne, the Infinite's Prophet. Ela firmly believes that she will never marry, even though she loves Kien Lantec. Though she refuses the king's request, she follows the Infinite's will and marries the man she loves. The king marries a mysterious young woman who may be a threat to both his reign and to the Temple. When assassins attempt to kill the king multiple times, Akabe, along with the queen and friends Kien and Ela Lantec, go into hiding at the far ends of the kingdom. Yet even there, danger lurks. When the women are taken captive, will Akabe and Kien obey the Infinite and stay where they are or will they risk everything for the women they love? And will Ela and the queen follow the Infinite's orders to speak the truth no matter what may happen?
This is the conclusion to the Books of the Infinite Series. I've enjoyed both Prophet and Judge and was really looking forward to reading King. While I thought that Judge moved rather slowly, I was eager to delve into King. I was not disappointed in this book. Once again a mix of Old Testament prophets (I recognized some of Moses, some Samuel) as well as Old Testament kings (mainly David and Solomon) fill the pages of the book. My favorite character is still the destroyer-horse, Pet/Scythe, but the rest of the characters were engaging as well. I was thrilled to see that Ela and Kien finally got their happily ever after. And the storyline of the king and queen kept me reading to the end. I think of the three books in this series, this is the best, and my favorite.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, fantasy, RJ Larson, Byran Davis,
When I accepted this book for review, I didn't realize that it was the third book in a series. I noticed that the cover looked compelling and the synopsis was interesting.
I began to read and found myself caught up in the story. R.J. Larson does such a good job of explanation and laying her groundwork, that I didn't miss reading the first two books before starting this one. I am, however, interested in reading the first two.
Akabe is a young king. He did not aspire to the throne of Siphra, but found himself in the position regardless. He is faced with court intrigue and an enemy who would love to see him dead. He has a strong belief in the Infinite and seeks to do His bidding.
As one of his first projects, he wants to rebuild the temple that was destroyed. His dream almost comes to an abrupt end when the deal begins to unravel. He barters for the sacred temple land and finds himself with a wife from a different culture and religion.
Somehow the young King must find a balance between his country, his marriage, his faith, and his friends. He must figure out how to keep hold of his struggling country and stay true to his creator.
I found this book to be fascinating. I honestly enjoy reading book that hold religious content. I love reading about different societies and structures. I found many situations that reminded me of the bible. The rebuilding of a sacred temple, the builder doing it without seeking God's will, but doing it for his legacy. The prophet is a young woman by the name of Ela. In the old testament, El denotes God. I do not know if R.J. Larson intentionally added these elements or if it was a coincidence, but it was fun for me to pick them out.
This is a clean book. There is a strong religious presence, but it does not follow any one religion of today.
This is the third book in this series but is great as a standalone! I was taken in by the story right away and loved it! It also helped that there's a Character List at the beginning so if I wasn't sure who someone was, I could refer back to that to see who they were and how to pronounce their name.
The Prophet Ela has anointed Akabe to be king of Siphra at the Infinite's command. Akabe starts working to rebuild the temple. His council advises him that he needs to marry to produce an heir. He's surprised by this and then decides that he will ask Ela.
Cyan Thaenfall has agreed to sell the land where the temple needs to be built to Siphra but when the signed offer is returned to the king, it's been burned and Akabe wants to meet with Thaenfall in person because they need to acquire the land.
Ela has her reasons for not wanting to marry the king and Thaenfall has new demands on Akabe before he'll sell him the land. There is romance, adventure, friendship, betrayal, inspiration and learning to listen to and obey a higher power even when what's asked seems impossible. They don't always obey and suffer the consequences for their choices.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their growth as the story progressed. They each had challenges to overcome and turned to the Infinite for answers. Sometimes they received the answers they needed and sometimes they didn't so they had to keep going with what they felt was the best option. They also learned the best way to deal with their enemies and tried to see them as the Infinite does.
This is a well written book with lots of great quotes and thoughts. I found myself stopping a lot to digest the words I had just read. I loved the ending and this is a book that I highly recommend!!
The awesome conclusion of a wonderful fantasy series that will definitely end up on my favorites shelf. Larson creates wonderful characters full of charm and courage as well as faith. The settings are vivid and integrated into the story beautifully. The connections to events from the Old Testament were clear but didn't interfere with the uniqueness of the story.
My favorite parts were definitely the interactions between Ela, the Infinite's prophet, and Kien, an Ambassador turned prisoner. Ela was easy to care about and relate to in her struggles to do as her god instructed despite her own personal flaws. Kien, a charming and honorable rogue made me smile whenever I read about him. How could Ela resist him? And yet she feels she must in order to keep her promises to the Infinite, but the Infinite doesn't reveal all his plans to Ela all at once and it is quite the journey. In King, the story focuses specifically on Akabe, a warrior turned king, who has no idea how to be one. Seeking the Infinite's guidance and the support of Ela and Kien, he sets forth to rebuild the Infinite's Holy Temple. But as any king quickly discovers, politics can never be overlooked even when it comes to religion and he must face uncertainty as well as betrayal.
A wonderful series that I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Christian fantasy with strong connections to the Bible.
Can we follow God in faith even when he seems silent to our prayers? This is something that we often struggle with and that Larson approaches in her newest novel, King. For me, the lessons of this novel are much more applicable to my life and I enjoyed that aspect.
As to the story itself, the beginning seemed slow. It was a good portion of the book before the action began. While somethings happened in this part that I had been waiting for since book one, they seemed either too drawn out or too rushed.
Once passed the beginning, I enjoyed the story, lost once again in the escapades of Ela the Prophet. The ending was by far my favorite of the trilogy. I wish that there were more to the story. Maybe she can write a follow up series. *Crosses fingers.*
This book was REALLY good!!! The first half was a little slow. Not much action. But the second half was like WOW! That was just awesome!! There was a few things I personally didn't like, like Yeah so besides those things in the spoilers I loved the book. I would recommend it to ages 13-up. You can see why I recommend it for that age in the spoilers. BUT!! Beware if you don't want to know what happens!! :) :D Yeah, so I am looking forward to reading R.J. Larson's other books.
I love how fantasy and the Old Testament stories can be woven together into an inspiring tale. This is the conclusion to the Books of the Infinite. Reluctant King Akabe is determined to build a temple for the Infinite. The land he needs is owned the Thaenfalls a notorious tribe who worships the goddess Atea. To get the land he must marry Caitria. Is this Infinite's will. There is much opposition to the building of the temple and Caitria and Ela, the prophetess, get kidnapped and taken to Bel-laal, an enemy country. Ela uses this as an opportunity to witness to the so-called god-king and urge him to worship the Infinite. This was delightful book and I am sorry that the series is complete. I had become quite attached to the characters.
I really enjoyed all three books in this series. The author incorporates Old Testament happenings into her own fictional account. Read more on my blog http://myseasonsofopportunities.blogs...
5+++ stars ahhhhhhh why is there not more stars???
It’s been a long time since I read something that made me feel in awe. These three books floored me. I almost cried in every book. And laughed out loud a lot. At the end, I sat there and found myself not thinking about the story, but God. And that's what I loved about it, every moment, was saturated with truth and longing for the Infinite. For the last year, I’ve struggled to feel passion for God though I've never doubted His existence and I do love Him. I just... didn't feel the passion I've felt most of my life but I’ve wanted to, I’ve fought to keep it, but I haven’t been able to find it. This series reminded me to seek God in all that He is and I crave to have the passion and obedience Ela does. I want to seek His voice and presence, long for it as she does.
I think this series my have usurped some of my long-standing top favorites. I loved it. I found myself immediately wanting to just start again at the beginning. *but I have too many other books in my tbr pile so I’ll wait… come back maybe in a few months… who knows… lol*
The characters were so real, their struggles, I could identify with. My heart was ripped to pieces many times, but yet pulled back together by the incredible beauty of the message within. I personally love allegories and things with paralels to scripture, so I loved noticing the elements inspired by the prophets. I loved Pet XD and Tzana <3 I immediately told my best friend to read it when I finished so we could fangirl over it ;)
Thank you for writing these books, R. J. Larson! They are amazing.
It was a challenge to read this book because I did not want the series to end. I had the age-old dilemma of every good bibliophile: read quickly because you cannot stop yourself or force yourself to slow down so you can really savor the story. At times, the book does have a breakneck pace, but that is tempered with the tremendous growth of the characters. It is satisfying to watch as Ela, Kien, and Akabe, the reluctant king of Siphra (and main focus of this novel), all learn to trust The Infinite more deeply. The novel is a proper conclusion to a riveting and unique series.
I’ve been captivated since the first page of the first book of this series and I’m so sad that it’s over. Although the ending was such a wonderful, beautiful ode to our Creator. That such life and love came out of so much hurt and turmoil. I am so glad that I found this series! R.J. Larson, God has blessed you with a gift my friend. Thank you for sharing it with me 💞🙏🏻
This was another excellent book in the series. It was hard to put down. I couldn't wait to find out what happened when I had to stop reading. It held your interest all the way through to the end. There was mystery, intrigue, excitement, laughter, joy, humor and clean romance. An excellent series of books. Thank you.
I have enjoyed this series immensely. It was hard to put the books down. I’m looking forward to starting another series from the author. (That’s huge because I usually avoid books from a series being that I don’t always want to invest that much time. I’m a changed woman! LOL!)
It was a beautiful ending of the series. I wasn't a fan of Akabe in the beginning, but that changed quickly, his relationship with the Infinite and Caitria was so lovely to see. The book itself was engaging and unpredictable.
I was so pleased with this book and the whole series! It really got me into the fantasy world genre but through a Christian lens. Everything wrapped up nicely for this conclusion. I’m definitely adding this author as one of my go to favorites.
Because of the slow beginning and the scenario seemed too familiar with the struggle, I found this complete but had me tabling it instead of glued to the story. Kien remains my favorite character.