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The Prophecy Chronicles #1
Prophecy Foretold
These are dark days for Naphthali. The king has been murdered, the land invaded by the Imperial Army. It will absorb Naphthali into an Empire that stretches across all of Enialé at any cost. The ravaged people cling to an ancient promise, an assurance that a prophesied savior will come to set them free.
Daniel Martin is trapped in a life that hasn’t gone as expected. His pharmacy is struggling and he is losing all hope of making a difference in his patients’ lives. His family is the one shining light in his disenchanted life, but he is torn from them when an accident draws him to Naphthali. The people need him, but Daniel is driven by his need to return to the family he loves. Is he the Prophesied One? Only time will tell as both the Empire and the Resistance battle for Daniel while the fate of Naphthali hangs in the balance…
Daniel Martin is trapped in a life that hasn’t gone as expected. His pharmacy is struggling and he is losing all hope of making a difference in his patients’ lives. His family is the one shining light in his disenchanted life, but he is torn from them when an accident draws him to Naphthali. The people need him, but Daniel is driven by his need to return to the family he loves. Is he the Prophesied One? Only time will tell as both the Empire and the Resistance battle for Daniel while the fate of Naphthali hangs in the balance…
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2012
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Ron Hartman
8 books2 followersRon Hartman has had a life-long passion for the written word and is an avid reader. The Prophecy Chronicles are his first written works. The first in the series, Prophecy Foretold, was released in October of 2012. Prophecy Revealed is the second in the trilogy. Ron graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and lives in Ottumwa, Iowa with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 31, 2015
2.5
*groan* I found this deeply dissatisfying. The writing was fine and, though I noticed a couple missing words and such, I had no complaints about the editing. I just plain found the whole thing dull, dull, dull.
Yes, there where plenty of skirmishes. Violence was a constant threat throughout the novel. But Daniel basically traveled for the course of the ENTIRE novel. I'm serious. He got picked up by one army, that schlepped him against his will in one direction. Then he got rescued by another one and marched the other direction. He was still dragging himself forward as the novel ended. He traveled from the beginning to the end of this book and when it looked like he might get where he was going and the story actually finally begin...the book ended. There was no payoff at all.
I can't even say it was character driven and garner enjoyment in that manner. You don't get to know anyone deeply because there is so little conversation. What's more, the bad guys are very bad and the good guys are predominantly very good. No sense of moral ambiguity or grey to them.
As an example, every soldier of the opposing army is, without exception, is a raping, murderous villain. They kill indiscriminately and rape or threaten to rape every single woman they come across and we're given a few near misses of raped children (both girls and boys). They are dysfunctional evil. By which I mean, a group of men can only commit so many open atrocities before even a cowed populace will risk death to rebel. These characters were so openly vile that they became caricatures of themselves and were utterly unbelievable. There was no depth to them at all.
All in all, Hartman can write and I appreciated that the hero was middle aged and out of shape (in other words, normal) but this book drags interminably. It just never picks up any speed. Though there is an interesting idea here, I have no interest in continuing the series.
*groan* I found this deeply dissatisfying. The writing was fine and, though I noticed a couple missing words and such, I had no complaints about the editing. I just plain found the whole thing dull, dull, dull.
Yes, there where plenty of skirmishes. Violence was a constant threat throughout the novel. But Daniel basically traveled for the course of the ENTIRE novel. I'm serious. He got picked up by one army, that schlepped him against his will in one direction. Then he got rescued by another one and marched the other direction. He was still dragging himself forward as the novel ended. He traveled from the beginning to the end of this book and when it looked like he might get where he was going and the story actually finally begin...the book ended. There was no payoff at all.
I can't even say it was character driven and garner enjoyment in that manner. You don't get to know anyone deeply because there is so little conversation. What's more, the bad guys are very bad and the good guys are predominantly very good. No sense of moral ambiguity or grey to them.
As an example, every soldier of the opposing army is, without exception, is a raping, murderous villain. They kill indiscriminately and rape or threaten to rape every single woman they come across and we're given a few near misses of raped children (both girls and boys). They are dysfunctional evil. By which I mean, a group of men can only commit so many open atrocities before even a cowed populace will risk death to rebel. These characters were so openly vile that they became caricatures of themselves and were utterly unbelievable. There was no depth to them at all.
All in all, Hartman can write and I appreciated that the hero was middle aged and out of shape (in other words, normal) but this book drags interminably. It just never picks up any speed. Though there is an interesting idea here, I have no interest in continuing the series.
March 30, 2013
I almost felt like I was reading 2 different books. The first half was full of partially developed characters and at times I felt that excessive violence rather than a solid storyline was propelling the story forward. This book I wanted to give a 2 star rating to. When I got about half way through the novel the story changed dramatically. I was now reading the story I’d expected from the synopsis. The characters were quite well rounded and approachable and the storyline took an upturn. Hartman’s way with words began to shine through and I was caught up in an exciting fantasy tale. I was captivated. This story I would have given a 4 star rating to. Though captivated by the second half of this book, I was really getting into it when it ended. I felt that it was a lot of set up for what is to come further in the series.
Hartman is an author who has mastered the art of graphic descriptions. You cannot help but picture what he puts on paper, in vivid detail. This includes some rather graphically violent scenes. However, it was not only the graphic scenes that were well described. Every time that Hartman put his pen to paper you get a masterfully crafted description. As a whole, this novel was quite well written. A great deal of time must have been spent on formatting and editing. Everything was immaculately laid out. There is a clarity to everything that Hartman has written. You can’t help but visualise and appreciate everything that he has put on paper.
The characters presented in this novel fell into 2 groups. The first were the warriors/Imperialists. These characters seemed to be nothing more than blood thirsty killing machines. The second group of characters, which is comprised of everyone else, were on a completely different playing field. These individuals were developed in detail. Each was a physical being with a personality and a family history.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hartman is an author who has mastered the art of graphic descriptions. You cannot help but picture what he puts on paper, in vivid detail. This includes some rather graphically violent scenes. However, it was not only the graphic scenes that were well described. Every time that Hartman put his pen to paper you get a masterfully crafted description. As a whole, this novel was quite well written. A great deal of time must have been spent on formatting and editing. Everything was immaculately laid out. There is a clarity to everything that Hartman has written. You can’t help but visualise and appreciate everything that he has put on paper.
The characters presented in this novel fell into 2 groups. The first were the warriors/Imperialists. These characters seemed to be nothing more than blood thirsty killing machines. The second group of characters, which is comprised of everyone else, were on a completely different playing field. These individuals were developed in detail. Each was a physical being with a personality and a family history.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2013
Ron Hartman in his new book, “Prophecy Foretold” Book One in The Prophecy Chronicles series published by Rogue Phoenix Press brings us into the life of Daniel Martin.
From the back cover: These are dark days for Naphthali. The king has been murdered, the land invaded by the Imperial Army. It will absorb Naphthali into an Empire that stretches across all of Enialé at any cost. The ravaged people cling to an ancient promise, an assurance that a prophesied savior will come to set them free.
Daniel Martin is trapped in a life that hasn’t gone as expected. His pharmacy is struggling and he is losing all hope of making a difference in his patients’ lives. His family is the one shining light in his disenchanted life, but he is torn from them when an accident draws him to Naphthali. The people need him, but Daniel is driven by his need to return to the family he loves. Is he the Prophesied One? Only time will tell as both the Empire and the Resistance battle for Daniel while the fate of Naphthali hangs in the balance…
I have always been a big fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs sent John Carter to Mars and Carson Napier to Venus where they battled to save the world. Now I am a big fan of Ron Hartman. Like Napier and Carter one moment Daniel is here and the next he is there in Naphthali. Naphthali is a world where they really need a savior and they believe that Daniel is him. The story has some violence but considering the state of the kingdom it is only fitting. Daniel wants to get back home to his world. In order to do that it looks as though he may have to become a savior to these people. “Prophecy Foretold” is one very exciting book. Mr. Hartman has given us mystery, evil, action, adventure and redemption. And what’s more there is more to come. “Prophecy Foretold” is a roaring good story that will keep you highly interested in what is going to happen next. I am glad I discovered Mr. Hartman and I am so looking forward to more in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: These are dark days for Naphthali. The king has been murdered, the land invaded by the Imperial Army. It will absorb Naphthali into an Empire that stretches across all of Enialé at any cost. The ravaged people cling to an ancient promise, an assurance that a prophesied savior will come to set them free.
Daniel Martin is trapped in a life that hasn’t gone as expected. His pharmacy is struggling and he is losing all hope of making a difference in his patients’ lives. His family is the one shining light in his disenchanted life, but he is torn from them when an accident draws him to Naphthali. The people need him, but Daniel is driven by his need to return to the family he loves. Is he the Prophesied One? Only time will tell as both the Empire and the Resistance battle for Daniel while the fate of Naphthali hangs in the balance…
I have always been a big fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs sent John Carter to Mars and Carson Napier to Venus where they battled to save the world. Now I am a big fan of Ron Hartman. Like Napier and Carter one moment Daniel is here and the next he is there in Naphthali. Naphthali is a world where they really need a savior and they believe that Daniel is him. The story has some violence but considering the state of the kingdom it is only fitting. Daniel wants to get back home to his world. In order to do that it looks as though he may have to become a savior to these people. “Prophecy Foretold” is one very exciting book. Mr. Hartman has given us mystery, evil, action, adventure and redemption. And what’s more there is more to come. “Prophecy Foretold” is a roaring good story that will keep you highly interested in what is going to happen next. I am glad I discovered Mr. Hartman and I am so looking forward to more in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 5, 2013
Within the blink of an eye, Daniel Martin's life takes a sordid turn. An unexpected accident lands him smack-dab in the middle of a battle with no way of getting back home. He's not sure as to how he's come to be in the new world, but he'll do anything to try and make his way back into his wife's loving arms. Unfortunately, doing so is not as easy as it seems.
In this world, he's recognized as 'The Stranger', the one who's supposed to save this ravaged place from captivity and chaos. Daniel knows nothing about this supposed savior. Nor is he like what these people think he is. He has no powers, and he has no way of meeting their demands. Yet there's nothing he can do to shake the people's beliefs in him.
When it becomes apparent that those he's traveling with are out for blood, Daniel starts to wonder if he'll ever make it out of this new world in one piece. People are coming at him like there's no tomorrow, intent on doing away with him, once and for all. He's not exactly sure what's going on, despite the people's claims that his presence has been prophecized. His goal is to stay alive long enough to make it back home, even though he knows the odds are stacked up against him. Achieving that, however, is a whole new ball game as he dodges the numerous attempts on his life in hopes of fulfilling an unknown destiny that everyone seems to be aware aside from him.
This was honestly a very unique and intriguing story. Quite violent, at times, it opens up the reader's eyes to an unforgiving world where it's citizens live by a 'kill, or be killed' creed. It's very apparent that Ron has taken quite a bit of time to craft and fully flesh out the world his characters live in. You get caught up in Daniel's plight, and fervently wish to see him come out on top. This looks like it's set up to be a very promising series, and I look forward to what comes next.
In this world, he's recognized as 'The Stranger', the one who's supposed to save this ravaged place from captivity and chaos. Daniel knows nothing about this supposed savior. Nor is he like what these people think he is. He has no powers, and he has no way of meeting their demands. Yet there's nothing he can do to shake the people's beliefs in him.
When it becomes apparent that those he's traveling with are out for blood, Daniel starts to wonder if he'll ever make it out of this new world in one piece. People are coming at him like there's no tomorrow, intent on doing away with him, once and for all. He's not exactly sure what's going on, despite the people's claims that his presence has been prophecized. His goal is to stay alive long enough to make it back home, even though he knows the odds are stacked up against him. Achieving that, however, is a whole new ball game as he dodges the numerous attempts on his life in hopes of fulfilling an unknown destiny that everyone seems to be aware aside from him.
This was honestly a very unique and intriguing story. Quite violent, at times, it opens up the reader's eyes to an unforgiving world where it's citizens live by a 'kill, or be killed' creed. It's very apparent that Ron has taken quite a bit of time to craft and fully flesh out the world his characters live in. You get caught up in Daniel's plight, and fervently wish to see him come out on top. This looks like it's set up to be a very promising series, and I look forward to what comes next.
November 10, 2014
Overall: Prophecy Foretold is definitely an interesting read that will keep you involved in high-octane action. But I didn’t connect enough with the main character to feel I could relate to him, and craft issues bogged me down too much to really be enthusiastic about the first book. These disconnects also kept me from reading the second book in series. I expected more from the first – the blurb is awesome—and I really wanted to gush over this series. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work that way.
Star rating: 3 / 5
Full, detailed review at Untamed-Spirit
Star rating: 3 / 5
Full, detailed review at Untamed-Spirit
May 9, 2013
So far I have read the first part - Arrival. Very good writing. Great descriptions including the fight scenes. The book moves well for the most part. There were a few times when it felt a bit repetitive. I will update when I complete part two....
4/25 - Wow part 2 - Flight - is very different from part one. The pace is faster than part one. I completed it much quicker. I found myself really liking Daniel in the second part. All the characters are more robust.
Overall I like both parts of the book. The first part set the scene while the second part builds the tension.
4/25 - Wow part 2 - Flight - is very different from part one. The pace is faster than part one. I completed it much quicker. I found myself really liking Daniel in the second part. All the characters are more robust.
Overall I like both parts of the book. The first part set the scene while the second part builds the tension.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews