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Stonegate #2
The False Prophet
This is the sequel to the award-winning Christian fantasy novel, The Stonegate Sword. All the major characters return, Donald, Rachel, Carla, and Philip.
Stonegate remains the key, and Donald returns to that great walled city and his beloved Rachel just as the hosts of enemy are also closing in. Part adventure, part love story, this epic saga covers the vast panorama of New Mexico deserts and Colorado Rockies in a possible future that looks very much like the medieval past. But duty, love, courage, and honor remain and are even more important than ever
Stonegate remains the key, and Donald returns to that great walled city and his beloved Rachel just as the hosts of enemy are also closing in. Part adventure, part love story, this epic saga covers the vast panorama of New Mexico deserts and Colorado Rockies in a possible future that looks very much like the medieval past. But duty, love, courage, and honor remain and are even more important than ever
343 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2017
3 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Harry James Fox
8 books131 followersNovel Website: http://stonegatesword.weebly.com/
Publisher Website: http://www.foxwarepublishing.com
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______________________________
Born on a ranch in Western Colorado. Now lives in New Mexico. Fond of elk hunting, travel, reading and grandchildren.
Vietnam veteran, retired military. Conservationist and retired natural resource manager. Fond of green chiles and Mexican food. Enjoy walking in the desert and viewing the Organ Mountains.
Traveled widely; spent nearly five years in Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 1, 2017
Good Christian dytopian fantasy
Book two in the Stonegate series by Harry James Fox is Christian dystopian military fiction with a medieval twist. This is a very interesting tale of life a hundred years from now in the Central Rockies and the Front Range. Having lived for 25 years in New Mexico, I enjoyed the tie-ins to our current culture out there in the West.
The story builds directly out of the first book, The Stonegate Sword, with the same cast of characters. Though the world-build is well-done, it’s difficult for me to drop the idea that we will be with the Lord by then. As a result, there was a bit of distance in my involvement in Harry’s world.
Christian dystopian military fiction with a medieval twist describes it better
Once you are past the suspension of unbelief, the story is definitely enjoyable. This is Christian fiction as a clean read—even though some of the violence of the war approaches graphic. I gave it a Religious fiction award, even with my quibbles. This book is clearly Christian with all the problems of persecution of believers. But there is no hint of rebirth or transformational salvation.
Christianity, and Christians in particular, are a major theme in the book. Sadly, the spiritual reality of a transformed life is not present to any real degree. That being said, there is no doubt that the author and the story are Christian.
We all know how rare that is in these final days of civilization as we know it. So, I recommend this book. You’ll enjoy the read. It will work well for teens also.
Book two in the Stonegate series by Harry James Fox is Christian dystopian military fiction with a medieval twist. This is a very interesting tale of life a hundred years from now in the Central Rockies and the Front Range. Having lived for 25 years in New Mexico, I enjoyed the tie-ins to our current culture out there in the West.
The story builds directly out of the first book, The Stonegate Sword, with the same cast of characters. Though the world-build is well-done, it’s difficult for me to drop the idea that we will be with the Lord by then. As a result, there was a bit of distance in my involvement in Harry’s world.
Christian dystopian military fiction with a medieval twist describes it better
Once you are past the suspension of unbelief, the story is definitely enjoyable. This is Christian fiction as a clean read—even though some of the violence of the war approaches graphic. I gave it a Religious fiction award, even with my quibbles. This book is clearly Christian with all the problems of persecution of believers. But there is no hint of rebirth or transformational salvation.
Christianity, and Christians in particular, are a major theme in the book. Sadly, the spiritual reality of a transformed life is not present to any real degree. That being said, there is no doubt that the author and the story are Christian.
We all know how rare that is in these final days of civilization as we know it. So, I recommend this book. You’ll enjoy the read. It will work well for teens also.
March 9, 2017
As the author, I naturally think this is a good book, so my rating is biased.
This novel digs deeper into the characters introduced in the first of the series, "The Stonegate Sword."
Carla, a minor character in the first book, takes much more of a leading role. Though small in stature, she is revealed as an archer of uncanny skill.
Both novels are Christian-friendly, but The False Prophet develops spiritual themes in more detail.
Though this is the second of a planned three-part series, it stands on its own as a novel. There is enough backstory that it can be read without reading the first book.
This novel digs deeper into the characters introduced in the first of the series, "The Stonegate Sword."
Carla, a minor character in the first book, takes much more of a leading role. Though small in stature, she is revealed as an archer of uncanny skill.
Both novels are Christian-friendly, but The False Prophet develops spiritual themes in more detail.
Though this is the second of a planned three-part series, it stands on its own as a novel. There is enough backstory that it can be read without reading the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2017
The False Prophet by Harry James Fox
I won’t bother with a synopsis--many other reviews have done this. I won’t try to label the genre--it is its own thing--something new. But perhaps for those of you who don’t like Dystopian literature, such as The Road by Cormac McCarthy, let me assure you that The False Prophet is nothing like that. I found McCarthy’s book to be gloomy. All I could think of was death, decay and despair. But in Fox’s novel, the breakdown of civilization was far in the past. The world that has finally emerged is violent and life is hard, but there is a sense of optimism, that people of courage and good will can make a difference.
I liked the main characters (Don, Deborah, and Rachel), but a minor character, Philip, somehow clicked with me. I liked him in the first book and hoped to see more of him in the second novel. I certainly got my wish. His story is pivotal and poignant, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Carla was also interesting, an archer something like Katniss Everdeen, but I don’t see any homage to The Hunger Games. Carla actually defended the idea that she was an exception--why woman soldiers were so rare. She said to Rachel, “Women and children are the hope of the future. Men are unwilling to risk them, except as a last resort.” This rings true to the narrative but I can’t imagine Katniss saying that.
I was impressed with the clean prose, the in-depth knowledge of things military, and the clear undercurrent of faith. Most people have a faith in God that is important to them in real life, but modern novels seem to either avoid the topic altogether, or overplay it. The False Prophet does neither.
I recommend the novel as suitable for YA, not that it is aimed toward the younger cohort, but it is a clean read. The level of violence might be excessive for very young children, but teenagers should be able to handle it. I liked the fact that the violence is never glorified.
I won’t bother with a synopsis--many other reviews have done this. I won’t try to label the genre--it is its own thing--something new. But perhaps for those of you who don’t like Dystopian literature, such as The Road by Cormac McCarthy, let me assure you that The False Prophet is nothing like that. I found McCarthy’s book to be gloomy. All I could think of was death, decay and despair. But in Fox’s novel, the breakdown of civilization was far in the past. The world that has finally emerged is violent and life is hard, but there is a sense of optimism, that people of courage and good will can make a difference.
I liked the main characters (Don, Deborah, and Rachel), but a minor character, Philip, somehow clicked with me. I liked him in the first book and hoped to see more of him in the second novel. I certainly got my wish. His story is pivotal and poignant, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Carla was also interesting, an archer something like Katniss Everdeen, but I don’t see any homage to The Hunger Games. Carla actually defended the idea that she was an exception--why woman soldiers were so rare. She said to Rachel, “Women and children are the hope of the future. Men are unwilling to risk them, except as a last resort.” This rings true to the narrative but I can’t imagine Katniss saying that.
I was impressed with the clean prose, the in-depth knowledge of things military, and the clear undercurrent of faith. Most people have a faith in God that is important to them in real life, but modern novels seem to either avoid the topic altogether, or overplay it. The False Prophet does neither.
I recommend the novel as suitable for YA, not that it is aimed toward the younger cohort, but it is a clean read. The level of violence might be excessive for very young children, but teenagers should be able to handle it. I liked the fact that the violence is never glorified.
March 2, 2017
I like to vary my reading genres as much as possible. I enjoy being transported to a world I know nothing about. I must say, THE FALSE PROPHET did not disappoint. Set one hundred years into the future, when all present-day technical knowledge has been lost, wars are once more fought with simple weapons and tactics. The principles of human nature are the same however.
Not only does Donald have to fight the physical enemy and resist the False Prophet, cope with assassins and even a traitor within his own camp, he must also struggle with his own demons of self-doubt.
Woven among all this, is a love story.
The fantasy tale is entertaining and skilfully written, with a wide variety of Characters and subplots.
Fox cleverly combines a historical, religious saga with the age-old themes of love, betrayal, and revenge, all too prevalent through the ages. .
This is a book you will not want to put down.
Not only does Donald have to fight the physical enemy and resist the False Prophet, cope with assassins and even a traitor within his own camp, he must also struggle with his own demons of self-doubt.
Woven among all this, is a love story.
The fantasy tale is entertaining and skilfully written, with a wide variety of Characters and subplots.
Fox cleverly combines a historical, religious saga with the age-old themes of love, betrayal, and revenge, all too prevalent through the ages. .
This is a book you will not want to put down.
February 28, 2017
This is a good one. Hope there will be another, but I was not left hanging like so many series books.
April 7, 2017
The False Prophet is a remarkable Christian dystopian novel set in western US one hundred years from now after the collapse of western civilization into a medieval assortment of cities and factions. It is the second book in the Stonegate series. A third book is expected later this year.
Fox’s grasp of military strategies and tactics interwoven with the flora and fauna of Colorado and surrounding areas and well-developed characters immerses you in the ebb and flow of events as a brutal, corrupt ruler plots to conquer the region.
Everything from the battle scenes and the mix of weaponry, to the meals, clothing and dialog carries an overpowering, gripping sense of authenticity that keeps your interest from the earliest pages to the climactic ending. Imagine, for example, a battle between medieval heavy cavalry, light cavalry and occasional cannons or rifles a century in the future. It all comes together seamlessly in Fox’s apocalypse.
This is a great read, not only for those who prefer Christian novels, but also anyone who likes multi-genre breadth with great depth of insight and a steady, ethical commentary on the importance of a strong character and leadership in the face of adversity.
Fox’s grasp of military strategies and tactics interwoven with the flora and fauna of Colorado and surrounding areas and well-developed characters immerses you in the ebb and flow of events as a brutal, corrupt ruler plots to conquer the region.
Everything from the battle scenes and the mix of weaponry, to the meals, clothing and dialog carries an overpowering, gripping sense of authenticity that keeps your interest from the earliest pages to the climactic ending. Imagine, for example, a battle between medieval heavy cavalry, light cavalry and occasional cannons or rifles a century in the future. It all comes together seamlessly in Fox’s apocalypse.
This is a great read, not only for those who prefer Christian novels, but also anyone who likes multi-genre breadth with great depth of insight and a steady, ethical commentary on the importance of a strong character and leadership in the face of adversity.
April 23, 2017
In May, 2015, I read and reviewed The Stonegate Sword by Harry James Fox. Now, here in April, 2017, I have just finished reading its sequel, The False Prophet. I enjoyed reading the first book and I found its sequel just as interesting and absorbing. It was good to be back in the strange world Harry James Fox has created for his story. As in the first book, he describes well the wide open spaces of the mountain lands of America, familiar to me from cowboy films seen on cinema and television screens, here in England, and the military moves of his characters. The world he has created on the page is unique, original, which is good. It is a strange world for though it is set one hundred years after the end of the present civilisation, it is not a science fiction or fantasy world, but one rooted in history, that of the wild west time in America with guarded forts and cavalry companies, together with the weaponry and armour coats of the knights of Medieval Europe. I found it curious to read of American cavalry men dressed in armour coats and helmets, fighting with swords and crossbows.
The title of the book, The False Prophet, reveals its religious theme and roots in The Bible. The spiritual dimension of life is often not mentioned in adventure stories but it is there in this one, complete with quotes from The Bible and the name of the enemy of free people being called the False Prophet. I found the story relevant to how things are today with the main motive of the False Prophet for his actions being the persecution of Christians and the end of their faith and church. In that way, sadly, the story will continue to be relevant. Though set in the future, the book is basically an adventure story. Its characters are well drawn, its landscapes and battles well described. The third book of the trilogy will be published some time in 2017, so I look forward to reading it. As when I read any good story, I want to know what happens in the end.
The title of the book, The False Prophet, reveals its religious theme and roots in The Bible. The spiritual dimension of life is often not mentioned in adventure stories but it is there in this one, complete with quotes from The Bible and the name of the enemy of free people being called the False Prophet. I found the story relevant to how things are today with the main motive of the False Prophet for his actions being the persecution of Christians and the end of their faith and church. In that way, sadly, the story will continue to be relevant. Though set in the future, the book is basically an adventure story. Its characters are well drawn, its landscapes and battles well described. The third book of the trilogy will be published some time in 2017, so I look forward to reading it. As when I read any good story, I want to know what happens in the end.
March 30, 2017
Another reviewer called this charming book a "Christian dystopian military fiction with a medieval twist." I am glad he labelled it for me, because I was scratching my head to know what to call it The book crosses a number of genre boundaries, which might not be a smart thing to do in some ways, but it does make for a refreshing change of pace.
There is something that reminds me a bit of Tolkien, but it is subtle. There are no strange creatures or magic, not even "white magic." But I sense a supernatural undercurrent, nevertheless.
The characters are well-drawn. I liked Don and Philip a lot, but the women were also real people. I admired Carla's spunk, Deborah's clear-headed kindness, and Rachel's leadership.
I am not really into the military strategy sort of thing, but that part seemed to be completely credible.
I hope another volume is in the process of being written.
Recommended for anyone that wants a clean, entertaining read that stresses great values.
There is something that reminds me a bit of Tolkien, but it is subtle. There are no strange creatures or magic, not even "white magic." But I sense a supernatural undercurrent, nevertheless.
The characters are well-drawn. I liked Don and Philip a lot, but the women were also real people. I admired Carla's spunk, Deborah's clear-headed kindness, and Rachel's leadership.
I am not really into the military strategy sort of thing, but that part seemed to be completely credible.
I hope another volume is in the process of being written.
Recommended for anyone that wants a clean, entertaining read that stresses great values.
February 4, 2017
As the author, I naturally think this is a good book, so my rating is biased.
This novel digs deeper into the characters introduced in the first of the series, "The Stonegate Sword."
Carla, a minor character in the first book, takes much more of a leading role. Though small in stature, she is revealed as an archer of uncanny skill.
Both novels are Christian-friendly, but The False Prophet develops spiritual themes in more detail.
Though this is the second of a planned three-part series, it stands on its own as a novel. There is enough backstory that it can be read without reading the first book.
This novel digs deeper into the characters introduced in the first of the series, "The Stonegate Sword."
Carla, a minor character in the first book, takes much more of a leading role. Though small in stature, she is revealed as an archer of uncanny skill.
Both novels are Christian-friendly, but The False Prophet develops spiritual themes in more detail.
Though this is the second of a planned three-part series, it stands on its own as a novel. There is enough backstory that it can be read without reading the first book.
May 17, 2018
Excellent
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this one. It is creative, well written, and has believable characters. I don't usually like post-apocalyptic fiction, but this tale does not focus on the collapse of civilization or the trauma surrounding the end of the modern world. It takes place generations later. A time in a possible future that is very different from our own, and yet very much the same.
I liked the fact that it is a clean read, and one suitable for young adults, though I see it as aimed at an adult audience. This is a book that has much to appeal to women, such as a sweet love story, but there is plenty of adventure for guys too.
Look forward to more from this author.
I liked the fact that it is a clean read, and one suitable for young adults, though I see it as aimed at an adult audience. This is a book that has much to appeal to women, such as a sweet love story, but there is plenty of adventure for guys too.
Look forward to more from this author.
March 28, 2017
Joseph Bountiful was riding to Prophet City.
Martin Abaddon (son Prophet) who lived in Prophet City wanted to rule all the other lands (Stonegate, Longmont, Hightower).
Balek Brown was the leader of the False Prophet’s army who battled it out to no avail against the Raiders (mounted mercenaries).
The towns of Ariel, Bethuel, & Glenwood, were destroyed & the citizens were terrorized.
Rachel (daughter) parents had been killed & she was taken captive.
Donald of Fisher (horse troops commander), Samuel of Gibeah (55+, senior leader Bethuel) & Ariel, Lord Marshall of Haven), Colin McCoy (Don’s bodyguard, former Javelins troop leader), Philip (Donald’s aide), & Eric (Samuel’s asst./bodyguard), met & all agreed Stonegate must be saved.
Deborah McCoy (20+, young girl, secret Christian, healer) joined the bunch.
Old Robert had been KIA. Everyone truly missed his friendship & leadership.
Bobby (Samuel’s bodyguard) had finally returned to the group.
Bobby & Jarrad had the hots for Deborah.
Bobby had taken off again.
What were the Black Caps (assassins) next mission?
There would be a battle for Steamboat.
What happened at Glenwood?
What would happen with Lord Donald “Don” of Fisher (Goldstone/Haven commander) & Racheal of Westerly?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Christian Fantasy/Dystopian movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not always my normal read but I really like it. That said I will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Foxware Publishing LLC.; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Martin Abaddon (son Prophet) who lived in Prophet City wanted to rule all the other lands (Stonegate, Longmont, Hightower).
Balek Brown was the leader of the False Prophet’s army who battled it out to no avail against the Raiders (mounted mercenaries).
The towns of Ariel, Bethuel, & Glenwood, were destroyed & the citizens were terrorized.
Rachel (daughter) parents had been killed & she was taken captive.
Donald of Fisher (horse troops commander), Samuel of Gibeah (55+, senior leader Bethuel) & Ariel, Lord Marshall of Haven), Colin McCoy (Don’s bodyguard, former Javelins troop leader), Philip (Donald’s aide), & Eric (Samuel’s asst./bodyguard), met & all agreed Stonegate must be saved.
Deborah McCoy (20+, young girl, secret Christian, healer) joined the bunch.
Old Robert had been KIA. Everyone truly missed his friendship & leadership.
Bobby (Samuel’s bodyguard) had finally returned to the group.
Bobby & Jarrad had the hots for Deborah.
Bobby had taken off again.
What were the Black Caps (assassins) next mission?
There would be a battle for Steamboat.
What happened at Glenwood?
What would happen with Lord Donald “Don” of Fisher (Goldstone/Haven commander) & Racheal of Westerly?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Christian Fantasy/Dystopian movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not always my normal read but I really like it. That said I will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Foxware Publishing LLC.; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 10, 2017
I have read other books set in the future and all depict a world torn apart by war, a few survivors struggling for existence so I was dithering over if I should read Harry Fox's book, The False Prophet. What I discovered was a storyline/plot so different to the other doom laden books. In this book I discovered a future worth fighting for, and characters that drew me into their world.
As a woman I was impressed by his vision of how women would take part in this world. Without spoiling the plot or story I will state that these women were made of the same fibre as the Suffragettes and I admired his main characters, Rachel and Deborah. As expected the men were made of sterner stuff and the story flowed nicely with the enemies of Don and Samuel creating just the right touch of nastiness to keep the story moving.
I did find the step back, regarding dialogue and manners, a little confusing in the beginning but after a few chapters I was engrossed in the story and forgot the characters were so far into the future. I did try to skip the battle scenes as the imagery was powerful but on this I didn't succeed.
If, like me, you have tried reading books that tell of our world in the future please be assured this book will not disappoint.
I truly enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more of Harry's work.
As a woman I was impressed by his vision of how women would take part in this world. Without spoiling the plot or story I will state that these women were made of the same fibre as the Suffragettes and I admired his main characters, Rachel and Deborah. As expected the men were made of sterner stuff and the story flowed nicely with the enemies of Don and Samuel creating just the right touch of nastiness to keep the story moving.
I did find the step back, regarding dialogue and manners, a little confusing in the beginning but after a few chapters I was engrossed in the story and forgot the characters were so far into the future. I did try to skip the battle scenes as the imagery was powerful but on this I didn't succeed.
If, like me, you have tried reading books that tell of our world in the future please be assured this book will not disappoint.
I truly enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more of Harry's work.
April 20, 2017
I love the setting one hundred years into the future without present-day technology. Refreshingly original. Having lived in New Mexico and front range Colorado, I enjoyed seeing my favorite haunts in the light of military strategies and tactics. I could close my eyes and picture the area in a seemingly medieval struggle. I liked that all the characters are very well developed including minor characters drawn in from "The Stonegate Sword". I truly appreciate it when I can really relate to the personalities of the characters so they endear themselves to me or not. This is what draws me into the fantasy experience.
This book can be shared with Christian readers as well as across the ages. Crosses many genres with history, love and betrayal, as well as fantasy. Fascinating series and a good read.
This book can be shared with Christian readers as well as across the ages. Crosses many genres with history, love and betrayal, as well as fantasy. Fascinating series and a good read.
December 8, 2017
This is an enjoyable novel. As some have commented, it is cross-genre, but I tagged it as adventure, because it seems to me to fit that best. It is Christian, in that there are Bible quotes liberally used (and they do seem to fit what is going on), but this is more a Christian-friendly book than a didactic, in-y0ur-face, polemic. The Christian themes are really subtle and fit the overall mood quite well.
I liked the characterization and the sense of place. It is Colorado, to be sure. The terrain features and the remains of today's towns and cities are still there and correctly shown. But it is quite different, all the same. Unusual, but I liked it.
The overall plot hangs together well and the ending was powerful and satisfying.
If you like fantasy that is not quite fantasy and a cracking good adventure yarn, with more than a little romance, this might just be the one for you.
I liked the characterization and the sense of place. It is Colorado, to be sure. The terrain features and the remains of today's towns and cities are still there and correctly shown. But it is quite different, all the same. Unusual, but I liked it.
The overall plot hangs together well and the ending was powerful and satisfying.
If you like fantasy that is not quite fantasy and a cracking good adventure yarn, with more than a little romance, this might just be the one for you.
April 28, 2017
I loved the first book in the series, but I think I liked this one even better.
The False Prophet has enough back-story that it could be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading the first adds a lot of richness.
I liked the characters, the descriptions of the Rocky Mountains, and the plat was exciting. Although the conclusion was satisfying, I wish the next book in the series was finished, but I will have to wait to see if the bad guy finally gets his just deserts.
The False Prophet has enough back-story that it could be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading the first adds a lot of richness.
I liked the characters, the descriptions of the Rocky Mountains, and the plat was exciting. Although the conclusion was satisfying, I wish the next book in the series was finished, but I will have to wait to see if the bad guy finally gets his just deserts.
March 5, 2017
Great. Emjoyed the clean writing style and the descriptions of the landscape and the development of the major characters. Don't want to give any spoilers away, but the conclusion was all that I could have expected. I wish the next volume was finished, since it cries out for another. That is not to say that the book ended with a cliff-hanger. It didn't.
May 10, 2018
I. Loved. This. Book. What more can I say? Beautifully written and captivating. I wish number three was out. Hurry please!!
April 26, 2017
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked this one up. I don't read much Christian and I've only read one Christian fantasy book before. This one is a little Christian, a little dystopian, and a little fantasy, but the mashup works.
This book was probably one of the most original dystopian books I've read. For one, even though it would be appropriate for teens to read, this is a dystopian novel with adults as the main characters. Maybe it's because I only pick up dystopian here and there, but the ones I've read before are generally YA and have a teenaged girl as the main character. This is set 100 years in the future and things have pretty much gone back to the way they were in medieval times. This one is kind of like if Tolkien was alive today and decided to dip his toe into the genre.
The reason I mention Tolkien is because there's some great military strategy in here that is well written. I'm not sure if the author has a military background or just did sound research. Research was also well done on medieval weapons and armor, even though guns are mentioned as things from when society was more advanced.
I loved the rich world that the author created, including the music references. It was nice to see someone address how both music and instruments evolve when society completely crumbles and reverts back to darker times.
There's a lot of characters and subplots to keep track of, but the writing is clean and the author carries them well so that you don't lose track of anyone or anything going on in the book
This book was probably one of the most original dystopian books I've read. For one, even though it would be appropriate for teens to read, this is a dystopian novel with adults as the main characters. Maybe it's because I only pick up dystopian here and there, but the ones I've read before are generally YA and have a teenaged girl as the main character. This is set 100 years in the future and things have pretty much gone back to the way they were in medieval times. This one is kind of like if Tolkien was alive today and decided to dip his toe into the genre.
The reason I mention Tolkien is because there's some great military strategy in here that is well written. I'm not sure if the author has a military background or just did sound research. Research was also well done on medieval weapons and armor, even though guns are mentioned as things from when society was more advanced.
I loved the rich world that the author created, including the music references. It was nice to see someone address how both music and instruments evolve when society completely crumbles and reverts back to darker times.
There's a lot of characters and subplots to keep track of, but the writing is clean and the author carries them well so that you don't lose track of anyone or anything going on in the book
February 25, 2018
This is an epic tale of good versus evil. The False Prophet intended to command the towns in an apocalyptic America using his magnificent army. In addition, he forced his religion upon his people and repressed all others. Donald of Fisher had other plans and was torn between the love of two women. The war came down to the battle at Stonegate and after 6 days, the enemy wanted to parley. Donald accepted their surrender, but another attack was imminent. Balek Brown, a prophet's commander fought a bout with Donald but lost his head. Donald married his love and had Brown's head delivered to the False Prophet. The story has merit and is well written, although a tedious read.
July 6, 2017
Great book. Get it. Read it. I will write a review later.
December 13, 2018
My comments are bit pedestrian, but that’s the way I roll.
After really enjoying the first book in the series, I found the first few chapters were a bit ‘clunky’. We were let in to some of the inner workings of the characters, but ‘told’ rather than ‘shown’. However, that soon gave way with the fast moving action. I preferred the more even chapter length in this book...for my style of reading it helped keep a sense of ‘pace’.
This book seemed to conclude fairly well, so we’ll see whether I get in to number 3.
After really enjoying the first book in the series, I found the first few chapters were a bit ‘clunky’. We were let in to some of the inner workings of the characters, but ‘told’ rather than ‘shown’. However, that soon gave way with the fast moving action. I preferred the more even chapter length in this book...for my style of reading it helped keep a sense of ‘pace’.
This book seemed to conclude fairly well, so we’ll see whether I get in to number 3.
June 19, 2020
I am so happy that I discovered this series. I love it. The characters are authentic. I know the Colorado area very well and love the Rocky Mountains. The living community and landscape seems to almost be a character in these books' somewhat Toliken-esque. (if that's a word!!)
I think the second book was even better than the first. There were interesting women characters in the first book (The Stonegate Sword), but these are more fleshed out and alive in this second volume. I loved it.
I will start the next and last book in the series soon.
I think the second book was even better than the first. There were interesting women characters in the first book (The Stonegate Sword), but these are more fleshed out and alive in this second volume. I loved it.
I will start the next and last book in the series soon.
February 29, 2020
Loved it. Love story, action, righteous underdogs win over monstrous evil empire. Sounds like Star Wars, doesn't it? But even though familiar in so many ways, it has a freshness and wonder. I will have to see if there is a third in the series.
December 10, 2017
What a great book. I will want to re-read and I don't say that about very many.
December 18, 2018
I already reviewed the Kindle eBook. I liked it very much.
May 12, 2018
Really enjoyed it.
May 1, 2017
A Christian book, The False Prophet reflects on interesting tales of human beings. The author demonstrates how those who follow Christian beliefs and credo generally withstand the false prophet in the sense that he views himself as a demagogue and even God. In the discourse readers meet not only simple heroes, but also brutal betrayers or even such spies as Bobby and courageous women like Carla and Rachel. Both of them fought bravely against the Raiders, making for a riveting plot full of colorful characters, memorable scenes, torrid love stories, and military intrigue. This book is nothing short of a brilliant read.
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