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An Agocii warrior seizes the chance to escape his outcast status and begin a new life...
Vsevold, outcast warrior of the Agocii, finds hope in the defeat of his people at the devastating siege of Parne. Determined to begin a new life, he turns to the Infinite of Parne, shunning Utzaii, the sun god of the Agocii.
Longing to escape an isolated existence, Aniya, daughter of Vsevold, accepts her lord-father's new beliefs and carves out a daring life for herself, finding hope for a future beyond all her dreams.
But one fateful bargain will destroy their world and return them to the shadows.
Child of dust, are you My servant?
Vsevold, outcast warrior of the Agocii, finds hope in the defeat of his people at the devastating siege of Parne. Determined to begin a new life, he turns to the Infinite of Parne, shunning Utzaii, the sun god of the Agocii.
Longing to escape an isolated existence, Aniya, daughter of Vsevold, accepts her lord-father's new beliefs and carves out a daring life for herself, finding hope for a future beyond all her dreams.
But one fateful bargain will destroy their world and return them to the shadows.
Child of dust, are you My servant?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2015
14 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Larson
16 books312 followersR.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.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 10, 2016
There are few moments when I feel it is my duty to write a review. This is such a moment. The book is flawed in ways that can be detrimental to those who don't understand scripture.This book is loosely based on a story in the Book of Judges of the collected works commonly known as the Bible. In the book of Judges, Israel has descended into relative lawlessness except during the stints of righteous Judges. Thus in this story I would have expected the author to have the story take place among the Parnians, who have been her go-to Israelites in this alternate universe. However, that is not the greatest flaw. The greatest flaw is her faulty understanding of customs in Israel. For a young maiden to be offered as a "burnt offering" is in reference to the Hebrew word of woman "Aisha", which can also be translated as fire. For Jephthah, the scriptural man, to offer his maiden aisha daughter, meant that all of her womanhood was dedicated to HaShem [the Hebrew common title for the Lord]. This is why she went to the hills to "bewail her virginity" in Judges 11. It also notes that her father fulfilled his vow and "she knew [to have intimate relations with] no man." Further, this girl was a maiden and could not have been promised/betrothed to any man or the vow would have been nullified. In Hebrew custom one man cannot offer that which belongs to another, if she were betrothed, the vow would have been nullified and he would've been obligated to wait for the next creature to greet him and would've been safe from human sacrifice because he had only a wife and she was not a maiden. Finally, and most importantly, HaShem did not accept human sacrifice. He illustrated this in the story of Abraham and Isaac. When Abraham went to sacrifice his son to HaShem, he was stopped from killing the boy. Instead, Isaac was the dedicated line through which the Promised Seed was passed. This established that to sacrifice a human to HaShem was to dedicate their life to Him. I give two stars because of other works by this author that I enjoyed and my hope that this is simply a misunderstanding and not a blatant misrepresentation of the Hebrew text. However, I can give no more because it is important to represent this critical text in the most accurate light possible with a deep understanding of its intent and the language barriers which plague the modern understanding of the translated text.
NOTE: 11/9/15 - This conversation started on Amazon.co-here is the conclusion with thoughts from the author. Enjoy!
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Showing 1-3 of 3 posts in this discussion
Initial post: Nov 8, 2015 9:56:14 PM PST
Last edited by the author 12 hours ago
Amazon Customer says:
Hi, Just Saying, I usually don't reply to reviews--I firmly believe that every reader has a personal point of view, which is brought into the story, making the story alive to them, and I honor my readers' opinions. I honor yours as well--thank you for posting! However, the word "misleading" distresses me greatly. I honor the Lord's Word most of all, and would NEVER try to mislead readers. First, respectfully, my point in setting this story among the Agocii was to emphasize that worship to foreign gods was also rampant in Israel at the time of Judges. In this storyline, the Parnians were scattered at this point, and belief in the Infinite was just taking hold among the Agocii. (Each book in this series represents a different era or spiritual situation found within ancient Israel, and sometimes two or more situations are combined yet presented within the spiritual lessons of the scriptures.) Next, Aniya was definitely in love, but had only an unofficial understanding with her sweetheart. She had not yet formally agreed to marriage--her suitor made it clear to her father that she was in charge of saying "yes" or "no". She had also not yet been presented to her suitor's family, as they had requested before any legal promises. Unfortunately, she didn't formally pledge herself before her father made his rash vow, which was influenced by their own pagan-influenced culture as it was among Israel at the time of Judges, when every man did what was right in his own eyes. Therefore the heroine was still under her father's spiritual authority, not her suitor's. Next, and most important, I made it very clear through the storyline that the Lord is against human sacrifice; the idea was repeated at least four times through a believer's own knowledge and protests, based on the Word, strongly implying the Abraham/Isaac scenario in the past within this fantasy realm. As for "Aisha", ishshah (or are you refering to eshshah?) yes a burnt sacrifice is implied by the Hebrew root words, and in the storyline presented here. While researching this book, I studied both the "burnt offering" POV, and the "Dedication" POV for these verses, meaning that instead of dying and being offered as a burnt sacrifice, the heroine would have served at the Lord's House instead. I did indeed study the scriptures while deciding which way this story should end--I had no preconceived notions when I began studying for this book. The sticking point and deciding factor for me was this verse from Deuteronomy 23:2 "3 (2) "A mamzer may not enter the assembly of Adonai, nor may his descendants down to the tenth generation enter the assembly of Adonai." Scriptures strongly indicate that Jephthah was born of an affair, and therefore ceremonially barred from serving in the Lord's House, as were his descendants, including his courageous daughter.
Thank you, Just Saying! I appreciate the time you invested in composing this review, and I welcome the chance to openly state my point of view concerning this storyline, which emerged from my research. Blessings, R. J. Larson
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Your post, in reply to an earlier post on Nov 9, 2015 3:16:53 PM PST
Just Saying says:
First, Let me say that I have seldom ventured into the realm of reviews and was very excited to see that mine had garnered a response. So imagine my surprise when it was the author herself, an author I have long respected! It was my understanding from your previous works that you had a great love for scripture and seem to display that love in your writing [I have read every fictional work you've written :)]. I do not mean to imply that the misrepresentation was intentional and I respect your explanation of how you came to this POV. However, I cannot find that I agree. Also, I acknowledge that you state firmly in this book that HaShem [called the Infinite] despises human sacrifices and that even animal sacrifice would someday end. You have also brought to light why you chose the Agocii, although I phrased it inaccurately as a flaw; I more saw it as a quandary. For "Aisha", I have seen this is translated as "Ishshah" as well, but prefer the one that makes use of the Aleph at the beginning [I realize some scholars call it a mere placeholder--but you know how sticky those debates can get! :)]. The mamzer passage is one that I didn't consider you might be using as a reference point. Although there is merit to that argument, I feel that since a female would not have served in the house of the Adonai in the manner you describe, dedication for a female must indicate a state of virginity as indicated by the phrase "and she knew no man." I am interested to see if you come out with any exploratory works on a Hebrew understanding of scripture as I enjoy your perspective. Also, would it be all right if I posted your thoughts on Goodreads.com? I find the readers there to be very interested in this type of discussion. Shalom to you and I look forward to more of your work in the future. I have generally regarded your books as some of the most respectful and thoughtful portrayals of scripture.
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In reply to your post on Nov 9, 2015 4:05:10 PM PST
Amazon Customer says:
Just Saying, Blessings to you, and thank you! If you wish to post this on Good Reads, then you have my permission. I believe there is merit to both sides of the debate over this verse and its possible translations, and I truly considered them both because I longed for the "dedication" ending. The mamzer passage was actually my tipping point--the part of the Law that I couldn't step past, given the spiritual and historical events hinted at during these times. Hebrew is a marvelous, many-layered language, and I love LOVE digging into those root words and allowing my thoughts to sift through all the possibilities conveyed within the verses as to the story behind the words. As far as sticky debates, oh yes! I know. May the Lord bless your time and conversations on GoodReads! Ever yours in His love, R. J.
Reply to this post
NOTE: 11/9/15 - This conversation started on Amazon.co-here is the conclusion with thoughts from the author. Enjoy!
Sort: Oldest first | Newest first
Showing 1-3 of 3 posts in this discussion
Initial post: Nov 8, 2015 9:56:14 PM PST
Last edited by the author 12 hours ago
Amazon Customer says:
Hi, Just Saying, I usually don't reply to reviews--I firmly believe that every reader has a personal point of view, which is brought into the story, making the story alive to them, and I honor my readers' opinions. I honor yours as well--thank you for posting! However, the word "misleading" distresses me greatly. I honor the Lord's Word most of all, and would NEVER try to mislead readers. First, respectfully, my point in setting this story among the Agocii was to emphasize that worship to foreign gods was also rampant in Israel at the time of Judges. In this storyline, the Parnians were scattered at this point, and belief in the Infinite was just taking hold among the Agocii. (Each book in this series represents a different era or spiritual situation found within ancient Israel, and sometimes two or more situations are combined yet presented within the spiritual lessons of the scriptures.) Next, Aniya was definitely in love, but had only an unofficial understanding with her sweetheart. She had not yet formally agreed to marriage--her suitor made it clear to her father that she was in charge of saying "yes" or "no". She had also not yet been presented to her suitor's family, as they had requested before any legal promises. Unfortunately, she didn't formally pledge herself before her father made his rash vow, which was influenced by their own pagan-influenced culture as it was among Israel at the time of Judges, when every man did what was right in his own eyes. Therefore the heroine was still under her father's spiritual authority, not her suitor's. Next, and most important, I made it very clear through the storyline that the Lord is against human sacrifice; the idea was repeated at least four times through a believer's own knowledge and protests, based on the Word, strongly implying the Abraham/Isaac scenario in the past within this fantasy realm. As for "Aisha", ishshah (or are you refering to eshshah?) yes a burnt sacrifice is implied by the Hebrew root words, and in the storyline presented here. While researching this book, I studied both the "burnt offering" POV, and the "Dedication" POV for these verses, meaning that instead of dying and being offered as a burnt sacrifice, the heroine would have served at the Lord's House instead. I did indeed study the scriptures while deciding which way this story should end--I had no preconceived notions when I began studying for this book. The sticking point and deciding factor for me was this verse from Deuteronomy 23:2 "3 (2) "A mamzer may not enter the assembly of Adonai, nor may his descendants down to the tenth generation enter the assembly of Adonai." Scriptures strongly indicate that Jephthah was born of an affair, and therefore ceremonially barred from serving in the Lord's House, as were his descendants, including his courageous daughter.
Thank you, Just Saying! I appreciate the time you invested in composing this review, and I welcome the chance to openly state my point of view concerning this storyline, which emerged from my research. Blessings, R. J. Larson
You replied with a later post
Reply to this post
Permalink | Report abuse | Ignore this customer
Do you think this post adds to the discussion? Yes No
Your post, in reply to an earlier post on Nov 9, 2015 3:16:53 PM PST
Just Saying says:
First, Let me say that I have seldom ventured into the realm of reviews and was very excited to see that mine had garnered a response. So imagine my surprise when it was the author herself, an author I have long respected! It was my understanding from your previous works that you had a great love for scripture and seem to display that love in your writing [I have read every fictional work you've written :)]. I do not mean to imply that the misrepresentation was intentional and I respect your explanation of how you came to this POV. However, I cannot find that I agree. Also, I acknowledge that you state firmly in this book that HaShem [called the Infinite] despises human sacrifices and that even animal sacrifice would someday end. You have also brought to light why you chose the Agocii, although I phrased it inaccurately as a flaw; I more saw it as a quandary. For "Aisha", I have seen this is translated as "Ishshah" as well, but prefer the one that makes use of the Aleph at the beginning [I realize some scholars call it a mere placeholder--but you know how sticky those debates can get! :)]. The mamzer passage is one that I didn't consider you might be using as a reference point. Although there is merit to that argument, I feel that since a female would not have served in the house of the Adonai in the manner you describe, dedication for a female must indicate a state of virginity as indicated by the phrase "and she knew no man." I am interested to see if you come out with any exploratory works on a Hebrew understanding of scripture as I enjoy your perspective. Also, would it be all right if I posted your thoughts on Goodreads.com? I find the readers there to be very interested in this type of discussion. Shalom to you and I look forward to more of your work in the future. I have generally regarded your books as some of the most respectful and thoughtful portrayals of scripture.
Edit this post | Permalink
In reply to your post on Nov 9, 2015 4:05:10 PM PST
Amazon Customer says:
Just Saying, Blessings to you, and thank you! If you wish to post this on Good Reads, then you have my permission. I believe there is merit to both sides of the debate over this verse and its possible translations, and I truly considered them both because I longed for the "dedication" ending. The mamzer passage was actually my tipping point--the part of the Law that I couldn't step past, given the spiritual and historical events hinted at during these times. Hebrew is a marvelous, many-layered language, and I love LOVE digging into those root words and allowing my thoughts to sift through all the possibilities conveyed within the verses as to the story behind the words. As far as sticky debates, oh yes! I know. May the Lord bless your time and conversations on GoodReads! Ever yours in His love, R. J.
Reply to this post
June 8, 2023
At first, I was hesitant to read this book, knowing that it was based on a rather difficult account in the Old Testament. However, the moment I opened the book, I was enraptured! I was surprised I finished within two days!
Here we meet the most memorable characters, including Aniya and her father, a slave girl name Tasia, and the irresistable Dainwairr! (Okay, he's my top favorite in this book!) Every time I see his actions, personality, and courage, I can't help but fall in love with him!
This book was most appropriately named, for each of these characters display unyielding courage against their own people, especially in their newfound faith. Granted, there is a certain scene that will be heartbreakening, yet... in the end, it becomes beautiful.
A stunning tale. It's too bad this happesn to be the very last of R.J. Larson's "Infinite" series. I enjoyed every last one!
Here we meet the most memorable characters, including Aniya and her father, a slave girl name Tasia, and the irresistable Dainwairr! (Okay, he's my top favorite in this book!) Every time I see his actions, personality, and courage, I can't help but fall in love with him!
This book was most appropriately named, for each of these characters display unyielding courage against their own people, especially in their newfound faith. Granted, there is a certain scene that will be heartbreakening, yet... in the end, it becomes beautiful.
A stunning tale. It's too bad this happesn to be the very last of R.J. Larson's "Infinite" series. I enjoyed every last one!
April 12, 2018
4.5 stars
November 13, 2015
Heart-wrenching, yet satisfying. Absolutely loved it. I think this may be the author's best book yet! Have the tissues handy!
August 31, 2016
Good book with a heartbreaking ending.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed the story until the ending. Once the biblical reference was apparent I grew very frustrated. I try to focus my non-fictional reading on only Christian sources for many reasons. R.J Larson has been one of my favorite authors for the past year as I have been able to catch up on her more recent novels. She is definately a gifted author. For this book, as with her others, I developed an emotional attachement to the main characters and their plights. Fictional reading is my relaxation get away. To end a book with such tragedy just didn't sit well with me. I left disappointed when I am used to feeling uplifted and encouraged with her novels. As referenced above, the story was well written and engaging. If you don't mind hard/sorrowful endings definately pick it up. I'm very torn on how many stars to give it. Up to the end it would have been 4 or 5 out of 5. The last plot twist just took all the wind from my sails.
January 12, 2018
This book is is titled Valor it will be AMPLIFIED in the reading of it.
Does anyone know the meaning of Valor? Read this book and keep your handkerchief close by, Follow the INFINITE to find true Valor
Does anyone know the meaning of Valor? Read this book and keep your handkerchief close by, Follow the INFINITE to find true Valor
July 14, 2019
Well another good book in the series, however they don't tie together that well, if this is the last book... I hope there is another book that brings everything together and ties up the loose ends....
March 18, 2025
At first, I thought I wouldn't like this book as much as the others.
Then I thought it might be my favorite book of the second series.
Then I was brutally betrayed.
It was funny though, the day after I finished this book, I just happened to read the story it was based off of in my Bible. =)
Then I thought it might be my favorite book of the second series.
Then I was brutally betrayed.
It was funny though, the day after I finished this book, I just happened to read the story it was based off of in my Bible. =)
February 1, 2018
Wonderful series
Though I'm not happy with the ending I couldn't stop reading.
Finished all 4 books in thus series within a 4 day span. Captivating!
Though I'm not happy with the ending I couldn't stop reading.
Finished all 4 books in thus series within a 4 day span. Captivating!
February 24, 2019
Beautifully written, I cried a lot at the end.
I love the reference between this book and the Bible. I have loved all her books. I look forward to other books by Rj Larson.
Awesome read❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love the reference between this book and the Bible. I have loved all her books. I look forward to other books by Rj Larson.
Awesome read❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 8, 2024
The ending was way too sad
July 19, 2025
I love R.J. Larson's books. She has a way of adding so many elements and stories from the Bible into her books that just astounds me. Her books always make me want to draw closer to God, to have a deeper relationship with Him, and to commune with Him more.
This story broke. my. heart. The whole time, I kept hoping something would happen. Someone would save Aniya, the Infinite would speak to Vsevold or send Araine to tell him He would never accept the blood of Vsevold's daughter as payment for his vow.
When the time finally came, I had to stop and reread the page. I couldn't believe he'd actually killed his own daughter. I couldn't believe that's how R.J. Larson chose to interpret and portray Jephthah's story. I have done much research on Judges 11, and it's actually more likely to be that Jephthah did not *sacrifice* his daughter like a burnt sacrifice, but rather gave up his daughter to be in the service of God for all her days, which would prevent her from ever marrying, hence why she asked for time to go into the mountains to "bewail her virginity". I feel like if you were about to be sacrificed as Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac, that would be the last thing on your mind.
and speaking of Isaac, God stopped Abraham from sacrificing him. And there's even a verse that states that sacrificing children never even entered God's heart! Because He would never ask nor accept such a horrible sacrifice!
*Sigh* I cannot tell you how much this book's ending broke my heart. I have cried from books before. But I locked myself in a bathroom and *wept* for I don't even know how long after reading Aniya's end. I'd gotten so attached to her, and was so sure something would happen to save her and she'd get her happy ending. I don't even know how I got through the last few pages of the book after that.
This is the only book of R.J. Larson's that I will never be reading again. I like to imagine my own version of the book's ending, with it being much happier, and Aniya being saved and marrying her true love.
Gave the book 2 stars because up until the end, I was loving the story. Mrs. Larson is still an amazing writer despite how sorrowfully she decided to interpret this Bible story.
This story broke. my. heart. The whole time, I kept hoping something would happen. Someone would save Aniya, the Infinite would speak to Vsevold or send Araine to tell him He would never accept the blood of Vsevold's daughter as payment for his vow.
When the time finally came, I had to stop and reread the page. I couldn't believe he'd actually killed his own daughter. I couldn't believe that's how R.J. Larson chose to interpret and portray Jephthah's story. I have done much research on Judges 11, and it's actually more likely to be that Jephthah did not *sacrifice* his daughter like a burnt sacrifice, but rather gave up his daughter to be in the service of God for all her days, which would prevent her from ever marrying, hence why she asked for time to go into the mountains to "bewail her virginity". I feel like if you were about to be sacrificed as Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac, that would be the last thing on your mind.
and speaking of Isaac, God stopped Abraham from sacrificing him. And there's even a verse that states that sacrificing children never even entered God's heart! Because He would never ask nor accept such a horrible sacrifice!
*Sigh* I cannot tell you how much this book's ending broke my heart. I have cried from books before. But I locked myself in a bathroom and *wept* for I don't even know how long after reading Aniya's end. I'd gotten so attached to her, and was so sure something would happen to save her and she'd get her happy ending. I don't even know how I got through the last few pages of the book after that.
This is the only book of R.J. Larson's that I will never be reading again. I like to imagine my own version of the book's ending, with it being much happier, and Aniya being saved and marrying her true love.
Gave the book 2 stars because up until the end, I was loving the story. Mrs. Larson is still an amazing writer despite how sorrowfully she decided to interpret this Bible story.
November 2, 2016
I nearly have no words for this book. I love all of her books but this one left me speechless. Much like the biblical story involved it was so well written it made me still within myself. I would recommend all of her books to anyone. They are obviously prayerfully written.
July 14, 2022
I’d give this one 2.5 stars, if I could. The characters were a little more developed, but they were still unrealistically flat when it came to facing hard decisions. The ending actually surprised me bc I didn’t know which biblical tale it was based upon.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews