What do you think?
Rate this book
The Compound #4
Prophet Takes All
Fools.
So many fools. Nothing but fools.
That worm of a detective, my mother, Paul. Fools—all of them. But Aspen, oh Aspen…she was the biggest fool of all.
Aspen Black, a seemingly ordinary woman of the compound, transformed into the utter bane of my existence in just a matter of months. She had the gall to question me, to seek the counsel of an outsider, and to disobey my word.
To add to her list of transgressions, Aspen recruited my own brother in the crusade against me. For this, they must both be punished. And their daughter, Ruthie, is the key to their retribution.
Aspen and Paul will pay for their crimes against the one true prophet. If it’s the very last thing I do.
So many fools. Nothing but fools.
That worm of a detective, my mother, Paul. Fools—all of them. But Aspen, oh Aspen…she was the biggest fool of all.
Aspen Black, a seemingly ordinary woman of the compound, transformed into the utter bane of my existence in just a matter of months. She had the gall to question me, to seek the counsel of an outsider, and to disobey my word.
To add to her list of transgressions, Aspen recruited my own brother in the crusade against me. For this, they must both be punished. And their daughter, Ruthie, is the key to their retribution.
Aspen and Paul will pay for their crimes against the one true prophet. If it’s the very last thing I do.
232 pages, Unknown Binding
Published October 25, 2016
45 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brown
30 books1,036 followersI have always been fascinated with books----ever since I was a little girl sitting in front of my record player, following along with my huge 12x12 storybooks.
I'm a pop culture maniac, Potterhead and Disney fanatic. I write new adult romance, contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
Instagram @melbrownie77
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrown...
I'm a pop culture maniac, Potterhead and Disney fanatic. I write new adult romance, contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
Instagram @melbrownie77
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrown...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 18, 2016
4 stars!!!
Each book in Melissa Brown’s The Compound series has been more intriguing and addicting than the last. Each time I start one of these books, I expect it to be a long night because there is no way I’m sleeping until I get answers! These last three books that have mainly focused on Aspen and her family have been my favorite Brown books. I’m sad to see this series end, but at the same time, I’m excited to see how things wrap up and conclude. Towards the end, I was a bit nervous that things would end in a way I wouldn’t be happy with, but I shouldn’t have worried. The ending worked out perfectly for this series.
The last book, Just Keep Sweet left me in a state. That ending made me so anxious and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. When I started this book, my eyes were glued to the pages. I couldn’t put it down. It’s different than some of the other books, in the way that there were quite a few POV’s. Not only did we get the terrible Prophet’s, but we also got Ruthie, Aspen, Paul, and many other side characters.
Clarence was just as awful as I imagined him. Being in his head wasn’t always fun, but it was interesting. To see someone so evil and understand how they’re thinking and feeling. It’s interesting to say the least. Melissa created a heck of a villain with him. I kept waiting and waiting for him to get what was coming to him. I didn’t want him redeemed and I didn’t want anything good to come to him. I’m a bleeding heart, so for me to say that, you know he was pretty evil.
This story moved so quickly, and I loved the many POV’s and the unexpected twists and turns. I was a tad disappointed with the lack of romance and how little we got of Aspen and Paul etc. But I understood why with how the story played out. There were parts that made me anxious and kept me on the edge of my seat. I love books that fully immerse me like this one did. It’s not very often I find a book/series that captivates me this strongly. Especially when romance is not at the forefront. I highly recommend this series and enjoyed the conclusion very much!
Each book in Melissa Brown’s The Compound series has been more intriguing and addicting than the last. Each time I start one of these books, I expect it to be a long night because there is no way I’m sleeping until I get answers! These last three books that have mainly focused on Aspen and her family have been my favorite Brown books. I’m sad to see this series end, but at the same time, I’m excited to see how things wrap up and conclude. Towards the end, I was a bit nervous that things would end in a way I wouldn’t be happy with, but I shouldn’t have worried. The ending worked out perfectly for this series.
The last book, Just Keep Sweet left me in a state. That ending made me so anxious and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. When I started this book, my eyes were glued to the pages. I couldn’t put it down. It’s different than some of the other books, in the way that there were quite a few POV’s. Not only did we get the terrible Prophet’s, but we also got Ruthie, Aspen, Paul, and many other side characters.
Clarence was just as awful as I imagined him. Being in his head wasn’t always fun, but it was interesting. To see someone so evil and understand how they’re thinking and feeling. It’s interesting to say the least. Melissa created a heck of a villain with him. I kept waiting and waiting for him to get what was coming to him. I didn’t want him redeemed and I didn’t want anything good to come to him. I’m a bleeding heart, so for me to say that, you know he was pretty evil.
This story moved so quickly, and I loved the many POV’s and the unexpected twists and turns. I was a tad disappointed with the lack of romance and how little we got of Aspen and Paul etc. But I understood why with how the story played out. There were parts that made me anxious and kept me on the edge of my seat. I love books that fully immerse me like this one did. It’s not very often I find a book/series that captivates me this strongly. Especially when romance is not at the forefront. I highly recommend this series and enjoyed the conclusion very much!
October 17, 2016
3.75 ~ 4 Stars
”No one said running a religion was easy.”
Melissa Brown delivers the much anticipated conclusion to this series with this final book. This story is told in the villain of the series, Clarence Black’s pov. Clarence is also known as the prophet of this polygamist group. In the previous books, the prophet has continuously abused his power and in the prior book of this series he took Aspen’s eleven year old daughter Ruthie off the compound.
Clarence’s one true motive is to attack Aspen and her husband (and his brother) Paul Black. He has to put a stop to their continuous disloyalty and interaction with law enforcement.
The story is a bit on the fast paced side and I think I wanted a bit more time spent within the pages. A young Ruthie is taken, a trial takes place, and the author does gift some good twists and turns. I’m a bit disappointed on how the trial went yet am satisfied with the ending given to all the characters of this series. I do wish more was written at the end for Paul and Aspen, yet I am happy that this religious order is finally safe and sound.
”Forever and always, Aspen. Forever and always.”
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
”No one said running a religion was easy.”
Melissa Brown delivers the much anticipated conclusion to this series with this final book. This story is told in the villain of the series, Clarence Black’s pov. Clarence is also known as the prophet of this polygamist group. In the previous books, the prophet has continuously abused his power and in the prior book of this series he took Aspen’s eleven year old daughter Ruthie off the compound.
Clarence’s one true motive is to attack Aspen and her husband (and his brother) Paul Black. He has to put a stop to their continuous disloyalty and interaction with law enforcement.
The story is a bit on the fast paced side and I think I wanted a bit more time spent within the pages. A young Ruthie is taken, a trial takes place, and the author does gift some good twists and turns. I’m a bit disappointed on how the trial went yet am satisfied with the ending given to all the characters of this series. I do wish more was written at the end for Paul and Aspen, yet I am happy that this religious order is finally safe and sound.
”Forever and always, Aspen. Forever and always.”
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 28, 2018
What an excellent series. So unique and different from what's out there right now. Yes, romance somewhat took a back-burner to the plot, but I LOVE that in my books, and the romance is still very present in almost all the books.
If you followed the Warren Jeffs/FLDS real life story at all, this series is about that - it's kind of like being in the middle of it all, and watching it/reading it from the inside. If you have it, just think of it as kinda-sorta a cult book, or less so. A fundamentalist religious book, and what the women in those sort of religions go through in order to find their HEA.
I really enjoyed it. I stayed up till 6am one night to finish one of the books. I read the entire series in less than three days - four books, one novella, so that says something right there.
I highly recommend.
If you followed the Warren Jeffs/FLDS real life story at all, this series is about that - it's kind of like being in the middle of it all, and watching it/reading it from the inside. If you have it, just think of it as kinda-sorta a cult book, or less so. A fundamentalist religious book, and what the women in those sort of religions go through in order to find their HEA.
I really enjoyed it. I stayed up till 6am one night to finish one of the books. I read the entire series in less than three days - four books, one novella, so that says something right there.
I highly recommend.
March 24, 2017
Here we are at the end of this outstanding series...I'm really sad to say goodbye to the compound but I want to say Thank You to Melissa Brown for not rushing the end of this journey and for giving us a unique story and a group of amazing characters that will always have a place in my heart.
Prophet Takes All was less suspenseful,intriguing and soul-wrenching than the previous installments but still a very good story to devour in a few hours to finally find out if the prophet will pay for all his sins and crimes.
November 3, 2016
Another rushed ending to a series that will stay with me for awhile <3
August 16, 2021
3.25 stars
October 18, 2016
**Copy received in advance for voluntary review.**
*My review contains mild series spoilers*
I wasn't sure how to feel about this book at first. I didn't think I would like it written strictly from the Prophet's pov. Fortunately it's not. We also get Ruthie's, Aspen's, Paul's, Sarah's, Isaac's, etc. But, surprisingly, I didn't hate the Prophet's pov. I thought it was clever of Brown because we were able to learn the full extent of the Prophet's plan without it actually happening. And you may think I'm crazy but I thought he was kind of funny in the way a power-hungry, bumbling, ego-maniac can be.
The only thing I didn't like was how Detective Cooke, such an important character in Mother Before Wife and Just Keep Sweet, was just kind of thrown aside in this book. It was hinted he might be a possible love interest but it felt like Brown changed her mind so she cut him out almost completely. Like she didn't know what to do with him. Of course, if he ends up getting his own book then I take back what I said. Lol.
Also, it didn't bother me but it might bother other readers, this book had zero steam. I would hardly even classify it as a romance in comparison to the previous books in the series. But Brown is in the unusual situation of having the H sleeping with a dozen women and having it be perfectly acceptable so I appreciated her predicament and I didn't let the vagueness bother me.
Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read. I'm satisfied with the ending. I love this series. Well done.
*My review contains mild series spoilers*
I wasn't sure how to feel about this book at first. I didn't think I would like it written strictly from the Prophet's pov. Fortunately it's not. We also get Ruthie's, Aspen's, Paul's, Sarah's, Isaac's, etc. But, surprisingly, I didn't hate the Prophet's pov. I thought it was clever of Brown because we were able to learn the full extent of the Prophet's plan without it actually happening. And you may think I'm crazy but I thought he was kind of funny in the way a power-hungry, bumbling, ego-maniac can be.
The only thing I didn't like was how Detective Cooke, such an important character in Mother Before Wife and Just Keep Sweet, was just kind of thrown aside in this book. It was hinted he might be a possible love interest but it felt like Brown changed her mind so she cut him out almost completely. Like she didn't know what to do with him. Of course, if he ends up getting his own book then I take back what I said. Lol.
Also, it didn't bother me but it might bother other readers, this book had zero steam. I would hardly even classify it as a romance in comparison to the previous books in the series. But Brown is in the unusual situation of having the H sleeping with a dozen women and having it be perfectly acceptable so I appreciated her predicament and I didn't let the vagueness bother me.
Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read. I'm satisfied with the ending. I love this series. Well done.
December 2, 2016
2.5 - 3 Stars!
As much as I loved this series, I will be lying if I didn't say that I was greatly disappointed with this book.
I expected a lot of action, drama and the likes but what I got was a slow moving pace which I sometimes find repetitive. It wasn't a boring read but it wasn't an engaging read either. I just want to finish and be done with this.
The title of this book suits this very well as I think the prophet's pov took almost if not more than 50% of this book which wasn't to my liking.
And as for the ending? well, it was probably the easiest way to conclude this series.
Guess I just expected too much for this as I was really looking forward to reading this as soon as my trip ended.
As much as I loved this series, I will be lying if I didn't say that I was greatly disappointed with this book.
I expected a lot of action, drama and the likes but what I got was a slow moving pace which I sometimes find repetitive. It wasn't a boring read but it wasn't an engaging read either. I just want to finish and be done with this.
The title of this book suits this very well as I think the prophet's pov took almost if not more than 50% of this book which wasn't to my liking.
And as for the ending? well, it was probably the easiest way to conclude this series.
Guess I just expected too much for this as I was really looking forward to reading this as soon as my trip ended.
October 21, 2016
So many emotions are ripping through my heart. Clarence just makes my stomach churn. Paul gives me goose bumps because of his love for Aspen and his children. Jorjina makes me smile because she's feisty at 80 something years young. As the story is told in a few different views we get everything, full views of how sick Clarence is to how tortured Isaac felt. When I read the first book I thought I was getting a forbidden romance among a polygamist camp. I had no idea how powerful the series would become and how it would make me feel. Although the books are fiction I have to wonder if some of these feelings and teachings are closely related to actual reality. Fabulous conclusion to this saga and I'm sad to finish. A word of warning, do not read unless you start from book one. I requested a copy to leave my honest review voluntarily.
October 25, 2016
4.5 stars
Prophet Takes All is the final installment in this series and the one book that I could not wait to get my hands on. I loved every minute of this series, but it was the books that were about Aspen and her family that I loved the most. Each book being better then the next. Each book intrigued me and completely captured me from the beginning to the end. And Ms. Brown always managed to leave us hanging in a huge way that we could not wait for the next one.
Prophet Takes All starts exactly where we left off. The Prophet has taken Ruthie with him, explaining to her that they are going on an adventure to spend some quiet time together before they are to be married. Ruthie is an 11-year old girl who is devoted to her faith and thrilled to be marrying this man. She is an impressionable young woman and The Prophet completely takes advantage of that. I don't want to go into any more detail because saying anything else will give this story away. What will happen to the Prophet? Will he get what is coming to him? Will Ruthie be saved from his evil ways? And what will happen to Aspen and Paul for defyng their Prophet? Yes these were all of the questions I asked myself before diving in. And they were all answered, but you will have to read it on your own to find out.
At the end of Just keep Sweet my heart raced, knowing what had happened and knowing that the next one would be from the Prophet’s POV. I think that may have scared me the most but at the same time I was so curious. I wanted so bad to get inside that mean’s head. And after doing so I can say that he is just as vial human being as I expected him to be. The way he manipulates people and situations to make him look like the better person just makes me sick. They way he uses his power to get what he wants. I felt like I was on pins and needles throughout this entire book. I never knew what would happen next. In the moments when it was just Calrence and Ruthie, I was so unsure of what would happen, what he would do to her. I couldn’t read fast enough to get the answers that I needed.
There were those moments where I had knots in my stomach waiting for the outcome. And at one point I swear my stomach dropped because at that moment I had no idea what would come next. I was so afraid to turn the pages and see how this story ends. Once again Melissa Brown brought it all out in me. The twist and turns surprised me. This story had drama, and angst a well as some suspense.
As always I absolutely loved Aspen and Paul. That girl stands up for her children and what she believes and I loved that Paul was right by her side. I know he has many wives and that is their faith but a part of me felt that their love is just so real, that their love is so different from that of him and his other wives. While reading this book I wanted them to ride of into the sunset together just the two of them because for me I felt like they had this special bond. Now I am not going to tell you what happens but the ending was perfect. Ms. Brown ended this series in a way that was very true to the story and real with a little twist at the end. I think my only issue was that I just wished for a little more alone time between Aspen and Paul, but with the direction this story took I completely understand why there wasn’t more. I just loved the two of them and was so sad to have to say goodbye.
If you are a fan of this series as I am you will not be disappointed. I've said it before about this series but I am going to say it again. The writing is fantastic. The special attention that Ms. Brown pays to detail, the way she describes their culture make you feel like she lived it. It is that real. You will feel with these characters and go through the same emotions with them. The Knots in the stomach, the fear, the happy tears. You will feel it all. Another amazing job by Ms. Brown. I know the story is over (at lest I think it is the last one) but Ms. Brown if you are reading this, there is still a certain someone whose story I would love to see!!!
Prophet Takes All is the final installment in this series and the one book that I could not wait to get my hands on. I loved every minute of this series, but it was the books that were about Aspen and her family that I loved the most. Each book being better then the next. Each book intrigued me and completely captured me from the beginning to the end. And Ms. Brown always managed to leave us hanging in a huge way that we could not wait for the next one.
Prophet Takes All starts exactly where we left off. The Prophet has taken Ruthie with him, explaining to her that they are going on an adventure to spend some quiet time together before they are to be married. Ruthie is an 11-year old girl who is devoted to her faith and thrilled to be marrying this man. She is an impressionable young woman and The Prophet completely takes advantage of that. I don't want to go into any more detail because saying anything else will give this story away. What will happen to the Prophet? Will he get what is coming to him? Will Ruthie be saved from his evil ways? And what will happen to Aspen and Paul for defyng their Prophet? Yes these were all of the questions I asked myself before diving in. And they were all answered, but you will have to read it on your own to find out.
At the end of Just keep Sweet my heart raced, knowing what had happened and knowing that the next one would be from the Prophet’s POV. I think that may have scared me the most but at the same time I was so curious. I wanted so bad to get inside that mean’s head. And after doing so I can say that he is just as vial human being as I expected him to be. The way he manipulates people and situations to make him look like the better person just makes me sick. They way he uses his power to get what he wants. I felt like I was on pins and needles throughout this entire book. I never knew what would happen next. In the moments when it was just Calrence and Ruthie, I was so unsure of what would happen, what he would do to her. I couldn’t read fast enough to get the answers that I needed.
There were those moments where I had knots in my stomach waiting for the outcome. And at one point I swear my stomach dropped because at that moment I had no idea what would come next. I was so afraid to turn the pages and see how this story ends. Once again Melissa Brown brought it all out in me. The twist and turns surprised me. This story had drama, and angst a well as some suspense.
As always I absolutely loved Aspen and Paul. That girl stands up for her children and what she believes and I loved that Paul was right by her side. I know he has many wives and that is their faith but a part of me felt that their love is just so real, that their love is so different from that of him and his other wives. While reading this book I wanted them to ride of into the sunset together just the two of them because for me I felt like they had this special bond. Now I am not going to tell you what happens but the ending was perfect. Ms. Brown ended this series in a way that was very true to the story and real with a little twist at the end. I think my only issue was that I just wished for a little more alone time between Aspen and Paul, but with the direction this story took I completely understand why there wasn’t more. I just loved the two of them and was so sad to have to say goodbye.
If you are a fan of this series as I am you will not be disappointed. I've said it before about this series but I am going to say it again. The writing is fantastic. The special attention that Ms. Brown pays to detail, the way she describes their culture make you feel like she lived it. It is that real. You will feel with these characters and go through the same emotions with them. The Knots in the stomach, the fear, the happy tears. You will feel it all. Another amazing job by Ms. Brown. I know the story is over (at lest I think it is the last one) but Ms. Brown if you are reading this, there is still a certain someone whose story I would love to see!!!
September 12, 2024
I'm afraid this book was a big let-down for me. It's sad because it was the last of a series I very much enjoyed. I can only consider it as a long, extended epilogue.
As much as I disliked Clarence, the so-called prophet, I held some respect towards his evilness, he proved himself capable of escaping bad situations repeatedly and innovative in ways to make his enemies suffer. It kept me guessing of his next move and I liked the way the plot evolved. But being inside his head in this book, took all the mystery away. We learned of his plan early enough, we new of his allies, all his manipulations, how petty and shortsighted he actually is and all these added - in my opinion - in the big failure of this book.
Aspen and Paul were shadows of their previous selfs. I can sympathize with parents when their child's gone missing, but especially Aspen lost all her wit and fight. She was not the person we knew.
The whole book was a long narration of facts that took place after Ruth's kidnapping, told simply and matter of fact, much harried in the end, that's why it reminded me of the way authors usually write their story's epilogue.
As much as I disliked Clarence, the so-called prophet, I held some respect towards his evilness, he proved himself capable of escaping bad situations repeatedly and innovative in ways to make his enemies suffer. It kept me guessing of his next move and I liked the way the plot evolved. But being inside his head in this book, took all the mystery away. We learned of his plan early enough, we new of his allies, all his manipulations, how petty and shortsighted he actually is and all these added - in my opinion - in the big failure of this book.
Aspen and Paul were shadows of their previous selfs. I can sympathize with parents when their child's gone missing, but especially Aspen lost all her wit and fight. She was not the person we knew.
The whole book was a long narration of facts that took place after Ruth's kidnapping, told simply and matter of fact, much harried in the end, that's why it reminded me of the way authors usually write their story's epilogue.
October 29, 2016
I am so sad that this series is over! This book was so amazing I didn't want it to end!
January 13, 2017
This is the fourth and final book in The Compound series. All these books are currently available to be purchased and need to be read in order. None of them are standalones.
This is one of the most uniquely written, fascinating, non romantic story, I've ever read. This 5 star intriguing, suspenseful, addicting and captivating series is a must read. The author as outdone herself with this story.
It's the every day life on a compound where polygamy is a way of life and a must. For these people that's all they know. Most are good people except for The Prophet, Clarence, who abuses his power to deliver evil on some of the members of the compound. To those who have read this from the very first book, I don't need to say anything else. If the reader is willing to start this series, it's mostly centred on Aspen, the fourteenth wife of the prophets brother, Paul. Her children are in grave danger and it must end now before it's too late. I will not go in to much details because I want the readers to experience what I just did.
This story grabbed my undivided attention from the start until the very end. It has multiple POV's, but that's the beauty of it, I got to feel the emotions , experience the thought process from all the key players that made this story phenomenal. There were shocking twists and turns that left me perturbed. The ending left me speechless, it was one that I never saw coming. Trust me, it was the only one for this type of story. I strongly recommend reading this series.
1. Wife Number Seven ( His Only Wife ,novella)
2. Mother Before Wife
3. Just Keep Sweet
4. Prophet Takes All.
February 18, 2017
3.5/5 stars
October 22, 2016
I was very much anticipating this conclusion to the series. There were so many directions this story could have gone and I loved being on the edge my seat trying to figure out where Melissa Brown was going to take it. Prophet Takes All and this entire series is a roller coaster of emotions. I really enjoyed seeing the growth and change in the key characters as they navigated the rocky path of trying to balance their evolving love for one another with their beliefs and the cruel facts in front of them.
Prophet Takes All and the Sister Wives series is not a steamy sexy read. It is a story of the heart and Melissa Brown does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged on every page without using sex. And these days not many books do that.
Well done Melissa Brown. This story tugged on my heart, questioned my beliefs and made me remember that true love can give you strength in adversity. Not to mention, change is good even when we don't think so.
D 4/5
Prophet Takes All and the Sister Wives series is not a steamy sexy read. It is a story of the heart and Melissa Brown does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged on every page without using sex. And these days not many books do that.
Well done Melissa Brown. This story tugged on my heart, questioned my beliefs and made me remember that true love can give you strength in adversity. Not to mention, change is good even when we don't think so.
D 4/5
November 11, 2016
Justice took a while to reach home but it in the end it finally did. What an exhilarating ride this series took me as well as anxiety feels! It was terrifying yet intriguing to hear from Clarence Black's POV; that proved to be the scum of the earth as expected but man this devil is relentlessly cunning and has you captivated to what he is planning. You damn well bet, I cheered when he finally got his comeuppance and the person to deliver it couldn't have been more right.
However, I felt a quite a disappointment that Jonathan was suddenly written off as a side character and was rarely much mention of him in this conclusion, especially the epilogue! He was my favourite in this series :((( Plus I was discreetly rooting for Jonathan and Aspen, even though I liked Paul. Furthermore, I genuinely wanted Aspen to leave the compound the way Brinley did and found her HEA. *insertcryingemoji*
However, I felt a quite a disappointment that Jonathan was suddenly written off as a side character and was rarely much mention of him in this conclusion, especially the epilogue! He was my favourite in this series :((( Plus I was discreetly rooting for Jonathan and Aspen, even though I liked Paul. Furthermore, I genuinely wanted Aspen to leave the compound the way Brinley did and found her HEA. *insertcryingemoji*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2016
The thrilling conclusion to a fabulous series! I was on edge through the whole book and it did not disappoint! The Clarence Black is one of the best villains -I loved to hate him! The series was wrapped up and given the perfect conclusion! If you're a fan of this series, you will love this addictive page turner!
October 21, 2016
OMG! Melissa knocked it out of the ball park with this book. There is no predicting what might happen as you read because you will probably be wrong. My emotions were on a roller-coaster of anger and sadness. I am sad the series is over but it ended perfectly.
August 2, 2017
First of all I just need to point out that I'm rating these three books with 1 rating and reviewing them as one because I read them back to back and even though there is an end to each of the books that doesn't mean that the story is over. The story isn't finished until the end of Prophet Takes All. If you don't have all of them in your hands, you'll be left in suspense. Don't say I didn't warn you! I could have seen these three books compiled into one longer book as the story flowed directly from one book to the next.
These three books are so much more than the first book in this series, Wife Number Seven. They are not romance novels although there is a sex scene or two scattered in the books, the most being in Wife Before Mother. There is drama, suspense, mystery, conflict and more. I was so drawn to these stories and needed to know how the situation would be resolved. I was sickened by what was revealed in Just Keep Sweet and became increasingly angry with the prophet. Each book has a different narrator with a different voice, Aspen in Mother Before Wife, Jonathan, a police detective, and Paul, Aspen's husband, in Just Keep Sweet, and Clarence, the prophet, in Prophet Takes It All. It was hard to read a story from the prophet's perspective as he was such a unlikable man. My blood boiled by the end and I was so disappointed by the turn of events. Thankfully the story finished as I wanted it to!
The writing style remained the same from Wife Number Seven to these three books so the same issues I had with the writing were present in the next three books. There were chapters that were third person narratives scattered in between the first person narratives which were disruptive. I do feel that the writing improved by the end (there were no flashbacks with ellipses!) which kept me engaged in the books.
Overall this is a good series and you could skip the first in the Compound series if you are not a fan of steamy romance novels. Brinley and Porter do appear in future books and we do realize why Porter had the issues that he had but if you haven't read Wife Number Seven there is enough explanation that you would be fine.
These three books are so much more than the first book in this series, Wife Number Seven. They are not romance novels although there is a sex scene or two scattered in the books, the most being in Wife Before Mother. There is drama, suspense, mystery, conflict and more. I was so drawn to these stories and needed to know how the situation would be resolved. I was sickened by what was revealed in Just Keep Sweet and became increasingly angry with the prophet. Each book has a different narrator with a different voice, Aspen in Mother Before Wife, Jonathan, a police detective, and Paul, Aspen's husband, in Just Keep Sweet, and Clarence, the prophet, in Prophet Takes It All. It was hard to read a story from the prophet's perspective as he was such a unlikable man. My blood boiled by the end and I was so disappointed by the turn of events. Thankfully the story finished as I wanted it to!
The writing style remained the same from Wife Number Seven to these three books so the same issues I had with the writing were present in the next three books. There were chapters that were third person narratives scattered in between the first person narratives which were disruptive. I do feel that the writing improved by the end (there were no flashbacks with ellipses!) which kept me engaged in the books.
Overall this is a good series and you could skip the first in the Compound series if you are not a fan of steamy romance novels. Brinley and Porter do appear in future books and we do realize why Porter had the issues that he had but if you haven't read Wife Number Seven there is enough explanation that you would be fine.
July 21, 2022
I know I’m several years late to this game. It was recommended by a book friend that I read this series. I’m glad she recommended, since I couldn’t put any of these books down. But I feel like the ending was rushed after going through 4 books, I still have questions. Why didn’t we ever explore a search warrant for the temple? What happened to the witness? Were we just supposed to be okay with him going missing? Nobody ever thought about the possibility of a dirty police officer and exploring that? I have so many questions, but clearly still loved the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2016
Melissa Brown's Compound Series is amazing! This is the 4th installment in the Series and it is so powerful.
This book takes on the journey like no other. You are in Prophet territory. The prophet goes whatever length he has to show who is the head of compound! You don't want to be in his path as you don't know what he might do.
I found this book intense. I did not want to stop reading this book! When you thought is was all calm the storm would hit. This ia five stars!
This book takes on the journey like no other. You are in Prophet territory. The prophet goes whatever length he has to show who is the head of compound! You don't want to be in his path as you don't know what he might do.
I found this book intense. I did not want to stop reading this book! When you thought is was all calm the storm would hit. This ia five stars!
October 30, 2016
Six stars!!
I anticipated this book for far too long, and Melissa Brown did not disappoint! I'm almost sad to see the series end, though.
If you're a reader who veers away from anything polygamous related, much like I was, give this series a chance. It's written in a way that makes it enjoyable, entertaining and keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat.
I can't wait to see what pours out of your talented side next, MB!!
I anticipated this book for far too long, and Melissa Brown did not disappoint! I'm almost sad to see the series end, though.
If you're a reader who veers away from anything polygamous related, much like I was, give this series a chance. It's written in a way that makes it enjoyable, entertaining and keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat.
I can't wait to see what pours out of your talented side next, MB!!
May 12, 2017
I have read every book that Melissa Brown has written and up until Aspen's story - loved them all. The problem I had with Aspen's books was not that story itself, but the fact that it was dragged out over 3 books - making it both months to wait for and cost prohibitive. Had this been presented in 1 book or even timely in 2 - would have been exceptional. Sadly for me that was not my reading experience.
July 31, 2017
I am not very good at writing reviews but I can't recommend this series enough! I knew I was going to read about polygamy and I already have some curiosity thanks to Sister Wives. But I didn't know how much I would get invested in this series. The Prophet is evil and disgusting. But there are good people in this story. I especially loved Jorjina.
Melissa, can we have Holly's story next please!!!!
Melissa, can we have Holly's story next please!!!!
April 22, 2019
Pure evil
The prophet is pure evil. Such a wicked and arrogant character.
It’s hard to write this review without spoilers, but I’ll do my best. The fourth book wraps things up from the first three stories. No more cliffhangers here.
I think the ending was very appropriate for the situation. Sad to see the series end but it was a fitting wrap up for all the other books. Nicely done.
The prophet is pure evil. Such a wicked and arrogant character.
It’s hard to write this review without spoilers, but I’ll do my best. The fourth book wraps things up from the first three stories. No more cliffhangers here.
I think the ending was very appropriate for the situation. Sad to see the series end but it was a fitting wrap up for all the other books. Nicely done.
May 16, 2020
No one crosses the Prophet without consequences. The Prophet, Clarence Black, makes them all pay for their transgressions.
Ruthie, Paul and Aspen’s daughter, becomes a willing pawn in the Prophet’s diabolical plans.
I really enjoyed all the books in this series. Polygamist life is fascinating. Coupled with all the twists and mystery The Compound offers, its a home run. Well rounded characters and great writing.
Ruthie, Paul and Aspen’s daughter, becomes a willing pawn in the Prophet’s diabolical plans.
I really enjoyed all the books in this series. Polygamist life is fascinating. Coupled with all the twists and mystery The Compound offers, its a home run. Well rounded characters and great writing.
December 16, 2019
Awesome series!!
I devoured this series, reading the entire thing in 5 days. I held off giving a review until the end, though. I thought the books were well written and the character development was super good. I could not wait to find out what happened next. Each book is written from a different perspective and must be read in order. I definitely recommend!!
I devoured this series, reading the entire thing in 5 days. I held off giving a review until the end, though. I thought the books were well written and the character development was super good. I could not wait to find out what happened next. Each book is written from a different perspective and must be read in order. I definitely recommend!!
March 4, 2022
This is the final book in this series. All the answers to the questions you are holding are given here. It took along time to get here but it was well worth the wait! Just when you think this evil man will get away with it and continue to do it all again the peace will come from a least expected source.
March 9, 2020
Unexpected ending
The book starts with Ruthie and the prophets “adventure” just leaving before the warrant could be served for the prophets arrest. The deception continues. So frustrating- a page turner- and then it’s the end of the book! Poof! Just like that.
The book starts with Ruthie and the prophets “adventure” just leaving before the warrant could be served for the prophets arrest. The deception continues. So frustrating- a page turner- and then it’s the end of the book! Poof! Just like that.
November 15, 2016
Really liked the conclusion and so sad it's over. Loved Clarence's POV, but I wish there was more of Paul and Agnes. But, such an awesome series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews