Green Giants is my feature where I share some of my favourite books by Irish Authors. I’m passionate about Irish Authors, there is a great and exciting mix of books to choose from, hopefully you will find something new to try. Today I’m sharing a YA Dark Fantasy, I haven’t found too many Irish authors writing in this genre so I’m delighted to have enjoyed this one so much.
The Reluctant Prophet by Gillian O'Rourke Published by Grimbold Books, Kristell Ink on 1st Sept 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 412
Format: ARC
Source: Received from Author
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There's none so blind as she who can see . . . Esther is blessed, and cursed, with a rare gift: the ability to see the fates of those around her. But when she escapes her peasant upbringing to become a priestess of the Order, she begins to realise how valuable her ability is among the power-hungry nobility, and what they are willing to do to possess it.
Haunted by the dark man of her father's warnings, and unable to see her own destiny, Esther is betrayed by those sworn to protect her. With eyes newly open to the harsh realities of her world, she embarks on a path that diverges from the plan the Gods have laid out.
Now she must choose between sacrificing her own heart's blood, and risking a future that will turn the lands against each other in bloody war. The Reluctant Prophet is the story of one woman who holds the fate of the world in her hands, when all she wishes for is a glimpse of her own happiness.
Let’s be honest, I feel very unqualified to review this book as I don’t read a lot of fantasy. I have no idea if it’s original or how well it matches up to other fantasy books. What I do know is how I felt reading it so I’m just going to go with that. And in three words; I loved it!
First Line of The Reluctant Prophet:
“I had never been able to see my own future, not the way I could see it for others.”
My Thoughts on The Reluctant Prophet:
I was sceptical picking up this book as fantasy is a little outside of my reading comfort zone. However I was a bit intrigued by the synopsis and decided to give it a go. And for the first 10 to 15 pages, I still wasn’t sure. There were so many people and place names mentioned that I got confused and I was fully prepared to give myself permission to DNF if necessary.
But then I suddenly got hooked. I became a part of Esther’s world and found myself intrigued by what I found there. Esther is such a sincere, honest, humble but powerful person in this world that I was excited to know what was going to happen next. So excited that I read this book over 24 hours as I couldn’t put it down.
The prophesying was one of my favourite bits, I was gripped by them. However the extent to which the people around Esther used her skills for their own gains made me so mad on her behalf. At first I thought this world seemed great as the women priestesses seemed to demand respect but then I was let down with a bang as just like in all worlds, there is corruption in every corner. And I felt as angry on Esther’s part as if she were a friend of mine, she felt that real to me.
There is a forbidden romance which is slow to start and all the more believable for that. It steadily grows into a love that is deep and meaningful and adds a sense of purpose to Esther’s journey. And her journey is a tough one, my heart was ripped apart by some of what she went through. However she is a character that made me want to cheer her on as she is so brave and resourceful while remaining true to herself at all times.
I did come across a few typos, not too many, less than a handful but as always I find it a bit distracting when I do find them. I do get that it is harder for an Indie book to be proof perfect though.
Overall this book captured my imagination and made my mind wander in an exciting and fulfilling way. With strong world-building and rock solid characters The Reluctant Prophet made a great impression on me and it makes me want to read more fantasy.
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Who should read The Reluctant Prophet?
I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy books with a strong female character lead and to those who enjoy creative world building. And if you are a newbie fantasy reader like me, you might find this a good one to start with to see if this genre is for you or not.
Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Lark
Sounds good. I really love the first line. And the fact that you were so drawn in to a genre you don’t normally read says a lot about how good a book it is. Can’t wait to give it a try. 🙂
Lark recently posted…Revel by Maurissa Guibord
trish
That’s what I felt Lark, if a non fantasy person loved it so much, it has to speak volumes. I’m still thinking about the world!
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’m always super excited when someone ventures into Fantasy books for the first time. It sounds like something I would really enjoy as well.
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas recently posted…Review: A Soul for Trouble by Crista McHugh
trish
It’s not exactly my first venture but it’s the first one I’ve gotten really excited about. I know I need to read more fantasy as I love how it just creates worlds before your eyes.
Danielle
This sounds awesome!!! I hadn’t come across Gillian before now either. Defo gonna be checking this one out!
Danielle recently posted…Rome by Jay Crownover (Review and Q&A)
trish
Do check it out. I know you read a lot more fantasy than I do so I’d love to see what you think. I loved the main character and I’ve just found out there is a follow up book so I’m really excited about that.
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Ooo new to me author. I love fantasy though I don’t read it nearly as often these days. Before I started the blog I read UF and fantasy of all kinds for the most. Very exciting when you step outside your comfort zone and find a nice surprise and one you loved. 🙂
anna@herding cats & burning soup recently posted…Woot! A special Reveal! Anne Barton’s Scandalous Summer Nights + giveaway!
trish
I read contemp YA, NA, dystopia and thrillers more than anything else so this was right outside my comfort zone. But I loved it. So much fun to read and enjoy something different Anna.
kimbacaffeinate
This sounds interesting and I do enjoy mixing fantasy into my reads. The characters sound fleshed out and I too love prophecies. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Be Mine Forever by Marina Adair
trish
The prophecies made the book really interesting. This book was a bit of an adventure for me and I’m really glad I just went along with it.