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The Prophet Trilogy #1
Abaddon's Eve
Romance, adventure, and spiritual depth in a rich, compelling historical fantasy. The prophet’s name is Kol Abaddon—the Voice of Destruction. To Alack, a young shepherd boy, Kol Abbadon's visions of coming destruction fascinate and disturb. But when Alack begins to see visions of his own, the course of his life changes as he treks into the wilderness to become a prophet in training. Left behind, Rechab, a trader's daughter whom Alack loves, must choose to change her own life when a pagan god claims her for its own. Salvation can only be found on the run, in the friendship of an infamous merchantwoman with a checkered past, and under the eye of another God. The stars tell the story of a terrifying doom, a war between gods, and the fates of Alack, Rechab, and all they love. But the end of the story—and whether they can change their own future—is a mystery they must journey to discover. ABADDON'S EVE is Book 1 in The Prophet Trilogy, a biblical fantasy set in a near-historical world of deserts, temples, and spiritual forces that vie for the hearts of men. If you love deep characterization, stories that make you think, and inspirational fiction that wrestles with questions and moves your heart to connect more deeply with God, this series is for you. Buy ABADDON’S EVE and begin the journey now! Life-Changing, Inspirational Christian From the Author Hey, my name is Rachel Starr Thomson. I love Jesus and believe wholeheartedly in the power of fiction to change our lives. While nonfiction may teach us something, fiction allows us to experience it. When we’re experiencing truth, beauty, struggle, and triumph, we find our lives enriched and deepened by what we read. That’s why I write. I want my readers to discover depths of truth about themselves, about the world, and about God that stretch and inspire them. My stories are always clean, but I don’t shy away from hard questions and honest characters. Whoever you are, I believe in you. I believe your life has immeasurable worth. I believe you were personally handcrafted by a loving Creator with a vision and purpose for your life. I believe your struggles, your dreams, and your hurts matter. I believe you walk a path no one else does, one that is intended to benefit the world. I hope you’ll enjoy what you read and come back for more. Most of all, I hope that through my stories, you’ll forge a new depth of connection with the God who truly loves you. Genre-Bending Christian Biblical, Historical, Suspense, Fantasy, Paranormal, Visionary—Always Lyrical, Always Christian, Always Changing the Game Readers would be forgiven for asking what genre exactly Rachel Starr Thomson writes. Her work is described as spiritual, visionary, biblical, fantasy—and literary, poetic, and anchored in the real world. Always a clean read, her books are suitable for teens but have the depth, beauty, and characterization to keep adults riveted. They The Seventh World Trilogy (Worlds Unseen, Burning Light, Coming Day): Classic Christian fantasy in the style of C.S. Lewis. Great for teens & all readers of inspirational fiction. The Prophet Trilogy (Abaddon’s Eve, Comes the Dragon, Beloved): Best described as biblical historical fantasy. Set in a world based on ancient Israel, these books follow four believers in a time when judgment is coming. The Oneness Cycle (Exile, Hive, Attack, Renegade, Rise): Readers call them spiritual warfare fiction.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2014
73 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Starr Thomson
79 books174 followersRachel Starr Thomson is in love with Jesus and convinced the gospel will change the world.
Rachel is a woman of many talents and even more interests: she’s a writer, editor, indie publisher, singer, speaker, Bible study teacher, and world traveler. The author of the Seventh World Trilogy, The Oneness Cycle, and many other books, she also tours North America and other parts of the world as a speaker and spoken-word artist with 1:11 Ministries.
Adventures in the Kingdom launched in 2015 as a way to bring together Rachel’s explorations, in fiction and nonfiction, of what it means to live all of life in the kingdom of God.
Rachel lives in the beautiful Niagara Region of southern Ontario, just down the river from the Falls. She drinks far too much coffee and tea, daydreams of visiting Florida all winter, and hikes the Bruce Trail when she gets a few minutes. A homeschool graduate from a highly creative and entrepreneurial family, she believes we’d all be much better off if we pitched our television sets out the nearest window.
LIFE AND WORK (BRIEFLY)
Rachel began writing on scrap paper sometime around grade 1. Her stories revolved around jungle animals and sometimes pirates (they were actual rats . . . she doesn’t remember if the pun was intended). Back then she also illustrated her own work, a habit she left behind with the scrap paper.
Rachel’s first novel, a humorous romp called Theodore Pharris Saves the Universe, was written when she was 13, followed within a year by the more serious adventure story Reap the Whirlwind. Around that time, she had a life-changing encounter with God.
The next several years were spent getting to know God, developing a new love for the Scriptures, and discovering a passion for ministry through working with a local ministry with international reach, Sommer Haven Ranch International. Although Rachel was raised in a strong Christian home, where discipleship was as much a part of homeschooling as academics, these years were pivotal in making her faith her own.
At age 17, Rachel started writing again, this time penning the essays that became Letters to a Samuel Generation and Heart to Heart: Meeting With God in the Lord’s Prayer.
In 2001, Rachel returned to fiction, writing what would become her bestselling novel and then a bestselling series–Worlds Unseen, book 1 of The Seventh World Trilogy.
A classic fantasy adventure marked by Rachel’s lyrical style, Worlds Unseen encapsulates much of what makes Rachel’s writing unique: fantasy settings with one foot in the real world; adventure stories that explore depths of spiritual truth; and a knack for opening readers’ eyes anew to the beauty of their own world–and of themselves.
In 2003, Rachel began freelance editing, a side job that soon blossomed into a full-time career. Four years later, in 2007, she co-founded Soli Deo Gloria Ballet with Carolyn Currey, an arts ministry that in 2015 would be renamed as 1:11 Ministries. To a team of dancers and singers, Rachel brought the power of words, writing and delivering original narrations, spoken-word poetry, and songs for over a dozen productions. The team has ministered coast-to-coast in Canada as well as in the United States and internationally.
Rachel began publishing her own work under the auspices of Little Dozen Press in 2007, but it was in 2011, with the e-book revolution in full swing, that writing became a true priority again. Since that time Rachel has published many of her older never-published titles and written two new fiction series, The Oneness Cycle and The Prophet Trilogy.
Over 30 of Rachel’s novels, short stories, and nonfiction works are now available in digital editions. Many are available in paperback as well, with more released regularly.
The God she fell in love with as a teenager has remained the focus of Rachel’s life, work, and speaking.
Rachel is a woman of many talents and even more interests: she’s a writer, editor, indie publisher, singer, speaker, Bible study teacher, and world traveler. The author of the Seventh World Trilogy, The Oneness Cycle, and many other books, she also tours North America and other parts of the world as a speaker and spoken-word artist with 1:11 Ministries.
Adventures in the Kingdom launched in 2015 as a way to bring together Rachel’s explorations, in fiction and nonfiction, of what it means to live all of life in the kingdom of God.
Rachel lives in the beautiful Niagara Region of southern Ontario, just down the river from the Falls. She drinks far too much coffee and tea, daydreams of visiting Florida all winter, and hikes the Bruce Trail when she gets a few minutes. A homeschool graduate from a highly creative and entrepreneurial family, she believes we’d all be much better off if we pitched our television sets out the nearest window.
LIFE AND WORK (BRIEFLY)
Rachel began writing on scrap paper sometime around grade 1. Her stories revolved around jungle animals and sometimes pirates (they were actual rats . . . she doesn’t remember if the pun was intended). Back then she also illustrated her own work, a habit she left behind with the scrap paper.
Rachel’s first novel, a humorous romp called Theodore Pharris Saves the Universe, was written when she was 13, followed within a year by the more serious adventure story Reap the Whirlwind. Around that time, she had a life-changing encounter with God.
The next several years were spent getting to know God, developing a new love for the Scriptures, and discovering a passion for ministry through working with a local ministry with international reach, Sommer Haven Ranch International. Although Rachel was raised in a strong Christian home, where discipleship was as much a part of homeschooling as academics, these years were pivotal in making her faith her own.
At age 17, Rachel started writing again, this time penning the essays that became Letters to a Samuel Generation and Heart to Heart: Meeting With God in the Lord’s Prayer.
In 2001, Rachel returned to fiction, writing what would become her bestselling novel and then a bestselling series–Worlds Unseen, book 1 of The Seventh World Trilogy.
A classic fantasy adventure marked by Rachel’s lyrical style, Worlds Unseen encapsulates much of what makes Rachel’s writing unique: fantasy settings with one foot in the real world; adventure stories that explore depths of spiritual truth; and a knack for opening readers’ eyes anew to the beauty of their own world–and of themselves.
In 2003, Rachel began freelance editing, a side job that soon blossomed into a full-time career. Four years later, in 2007, she co-founded Soli Deo Gloria Ballet with Carolyn Currey, an arts ministry that in 2015 would be renamed as 1:11 Ministries. To a team of dancers and singers, Rachel brought the power of words, writing and delivering original narrations, spoken-word poetry, and songs for over a dozen productions. The team has ministered coast-to-coast in Canada as well as in the United States and internationally.
Rachel began publishing her own work under the auspices of Little Dozen Press in 2007, but it was in 2011, with the e-book revolution in full swing, that writing became a true priority again. Since that time Rachel has published many of her older never-published titles and written two new fiction series, The Oneness Cycle and The Prophet Trilogy.
Over 30 of Rachel’s novels, short stories, and nonfiction works are now available in digital editions. Many are available in paperback as well, with more released regularly.
The God she fell in love with as a teenager has remained the focus of Rachel’s life, work, and speaking.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 16, 2022
2022 ~ I loved this book so much, but now it will hold a special place in my heart: The first book Scott and I read aloud together (other than the Bible).
****
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up (violence)
Best for Ages: 12 - 25
I am not often in the mood to read fantasy, but I was on the day I picked up this book. I wanted to read a fantasy book, and I was happy to find I had a book by Thomson on my Kindle. It has been too long since I read her excellent The Seventh World series. I knew that I would be in for a treat.
Thomson has a rare quality to her books that just makes them sparkle and come alive. It isn’t something that can be taught or copied, some authors have it and others don’t. Her characters leap from the page. In this one you felt like you know each of them. You could taste the desert sand and feel the wind. It was so realistic feeling that I felt as if I was there.
Each character was so dear and real – Alack answering the call to be a prophet was awesome, Rechab tugged at my heart strings, and Kol Abbadon felt so much like a biblical prophet. My favorite character though was Flora. I cannot wait to see what happens with Flora, and I really hope she has a happy ending.
The story kept me reading; in fact, I read most of it in one sitting. It was fast paced, and I could not believe it when I came to the end. It left me very, very tempted to break my vow of not buying any books this year. I stayed strong but the next two books will be at the top of my list to buy in 2017.
As always, Thomason weaves biblical truths into her stories as well as real struggles that everyone can relate to. As with her other series, I found myself encouraged and pointed toward God.
I highly recommend this book for those who love non-magical fantasy, relatable characters, and lyrical writing.
****
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up (violence)
Best for Ages: 12 - 25
I am not often in the mood to read fantasy, but I was on the day I picked up this book. I wanted to read a fantasy book, and I was happy to find I had a book by Thomson on my Kindle. It has been too long since I read her excellent The Seventh World series. I knew that I would be in for a treat.
Thomson has a rare quality to her books that just makes them sparkle and come alive. It isn’t something that can be taught or copied, some authors have it and others don’t. Her characters leap from the page. In this one you felt like you know each of them. You could taste the desert sand and feel the wind. It was so realistic feeling that I felt as if I was there.
Each character was so dear and real – Alack answering the call to be a prophet was awesome, Rechab tugged at my heart strings, and Kol Abbadon felt so much like a biblical prophet. My favorite character though was Flora. I cannot wait to see what happens with Flora, and I really hope she has a happy ending.
The story kept me reading; in fact, I read most of it in one sitting. It was fast paced, and I could not believe it when I came to the end. It left me very, very tempted to break my vow of not buying any books this year. I stayed strong but the next two books will be at the top of my list to buy in 2017.
As always, Thomason weaves biblical truths into her stories as well as real struggles that everyone can relate to. As with her other series, I found myself encouraged and pointed toward God.
I highly recommend this book for those who love non-magical fantasy, relatable characters, and lyrical writing.
August 29, 2021
This novel is set either in Israel, first-century AD, or in a very similar parallel-world analogue. Sacred Land = Israel; Holy City = Jerusalem; The People = the Jews; the Great God = Yahweh; Westland = Rome.
Kol Abaddon is a prophet who foresees the destruction of the Holy City by the armies of the Westland. Alack is a shepherd boy who becomes Abaddon's apprentice after experiencing visions of his own.
Rechab, the trader's daughter, is on the run after hearing that she has been "sold" to a demon god. Flora, the half-sister of the Holy City's governor, Aurelius, has pledged her allegiance to the Great God, but has difficulty in determining where she belongs in society.
Most of this book is spent in character development; I assume much of the action will take place in the other two books.
Kol Abaddon is a prophet who foresees the destruction of the Holy City by the armies of the Westland. Alack is a shepherd boy who becomes Abaddon's apprentice after experiencing visions of his own.
Rechab, the trader's daughter, is on the run after hearing that she has been "sold" to a demon god. Flora, the half-sister of the Holy City's governor, Aurelius, has pledged her allegiance to the Great God, but has difficulty in determining where she belongs in society.
Most of this book is spent in character development; I assume much of the action will take place in the other two books.
January 9, 2020
Rachel Starr Thomson continues to become one of my heroes. She's a great story developer, keeping them uncomplicated, focused and interesting! She challenges and confirms my faith and keeps me.coming back for more!
July 23, 2023
If I were a young adult, I might have given this book a higher rating, but I haven't been a young adult in decades. The story is good enough to justify the sort of depth I'd like to have found in it, but then it would not suit young adults. Basically, I'd like it to have been longer.
November 7, 2023
Glorious
Travel back to days of the gods. Become a nomad in the desert along with the prophet. The novel will let your imagination go wild and you will fall under its spell. I'm going directly to book number 2 in this trilogy.
Travel back to days of the gods. Become a nomad in the desert along with the prophet. The novel will let your imagination go wild and you will fall under its spell. I'm going directly to book number 2 in this trilogy.
July 4, 2020
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I don't think I've ever read anything like it! Intriguing plot and characters with familiar-sounding history in a fantasy world.
September 16, 2022
Intriguing
A book which deals with biblical time period but will pull you in because the theme is universal. We'll worth the time you put I to reading it.
A book which deals with biblical time period but will pull you in because the theme is universal. We'll worth the time you put I to reading it.
October 9, 2014
Rachel Starr Thomson’s fantasy, Abaddon’s Eve – book 1 in The Prophet Trilogy, feels familiar. The names and places of her world are reminiscent of Ancient Israel. The culture, customs and religion are also similar to Israel’s history. But she has created a unique story taking the familiar and expanding on it to intrigue and challenge her readers. If you like fantasy with a faith-based message, then check out Abaddon’s Eve.
The prophet in the wilderness is warning of great destruction for the People by their Great God. Men and women have turned from true worship and pursue foreign gods and selfish gain. Even those who have kept themselves separate have wandered far from fellowship with the Great God. In this time, three unlikely people — a shepherd, a merchant’s daughter, and a wealthy business woman — seem to be on a course with the coming wrath of God and the forces of evil seeking to take over the land.
Thomson uses Abaddon’s Eve to set up the story of The Prophet Trilogy. The characters are well-developed and become real and credible to the reader. Motivations are described and conspiracies are begun. The world she creates is vividly brought to life through great descriptions. This 3 book series is going to be epic, so just a taste of what is to come is shared in Abaddon’s Eve, but enough to make the reader eager to get book 2, Comes The Dragon. A strong faith message is woven throughout the story. I liked one of the character’s assertion that “men are shaped by the gods they worship”. The reader is shown a Great God who has entered a “covenant with justice at its heart”, “a Great God who always calls His people higher”. But few follow Him. Evil has entered through the introduction of blood-thirsty idols. Because of this, judgment for the people seems inevitable. Yet a glimmer of hope is revealed.
A great start to an epic story, if you are a fan of fantasy, I recommend Abaddon’s Eve.
Recommended.
Audience: Older teens to Adults.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The prophet in the wilderness is warning of great destruction for the People by their Great God. Men and women have turned from true worship and pursue foreign gods and selfish gain. Even those who have kept themselves separate have wandered far from fellowship with the Great God. In this time, three unlikely people — a shepherd, a merchant’s daughter, and a wealthy business woman — seem to be on a course with the coming wrath of God and the forces of evil seeking to take over the land.
Thomson uses Abaddon’s Eve to set up the story of The Prophet Trilogy. The characters are well-developed and become real and credible to the reader. Motivations are described and conspiracies are begun. The world she creates is vividly brought to life through great descriptions. This 3 book series is going to be epic, so just a taste of what is to come is shared in Abaddon’s Eve, but enough to make the reader eager to get book 2, Comes The Dragon. A strong faith message is woven throughout the story. I liked one of the character’s assertion that “men are shaped by the gods they worship”. The reader is shown a Great God who has entered a “covenant with justice at its heart”, “a Great God who always calls His people higher”. But few follow Him. Evil has entered through the introduction of blood-thirsty idols. Because of this, judgment for the people seems inevitable. Yet a glimmer of hope is revealed.
A great start to an epic story, if you are a fan of fantasy, I recommend Abaddon’s Eve.
Recommended.
Audience: Older teens to Adults.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
August 6, 2014
Rechab and Alack, young people on the cusp of adulthood, have no idea how drastically their lives are about to change. Alack wrestles with his genuine but impossible love for Rechab, while Rechab does her best to shield her heart from her imminent and permanent separation from her childhood friend. Their parting occurs far differently than either expected. The crazy prophet from the wilderness preaches destruction on The People of the Great God. When Alack catches a glimpse of the vision, he follows the prophet into the desert to begin his training as a prophet of the Great God. Rechab finds a friend in a wealthy woman called unlucky. She flees Bethabara when a foaming servant declares she is marked for a false god. Neither Rechab nor Alack truly know the Great God they now serve, but their journeys will bring them closer to Him.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book. Anyone who has enjoyed Prophet by R.J. Larson will most certainly like Abaddon's Eve as well. Though not one of two focal characters, my favorite character in this story is Flora (the rich woman who befriends Rechab). She is introduced as a powerful, smart, savvy woman, but her vulnerability unfurls with the story. She is a seeker, a lover of God who fears she cannot be fully accepted by Him because she is not of The People. She's a flawed character with great strengths and a beautiful heart. I can't wait to see where this journey brings all of the characters.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book. Anyone who has enjoyed Prophet by R.J. Larson will most certainly like Abaddon's Eve as well. Though not one of two focal characters, my favorite character in this story is Flora (the rich woman who befriends Rechab). She is introduced as a powerful, smart, savvy woman, but her vulnerability unfurls with the story. She is a seeker, a lover of God who fears she cannot be fully accepted by Him because she is not of The People. She's a flawed character with great strengths and a beautiful heart. I can't wait to see where this journey brings all of the characters.
May 12, 2016
It took me a bit to get into this, but halfway through, the pace picked up and I began to have a better understanding of the setting and the characters. However, the story is incomplete and that takes a star away from my rating. Yes, I knew it was book one when I bought it, but I like my stories to wrap up their endings in a more satisfactory way. This book was not very long, so why did it need to be told in three parts? So, unless you're prepared to invest in all 3 books, you probably should leave this one alone.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews