Exiles by R. J. Larson ~ Book Review

Synopsis

For daring to trust their Creator, Araine and Nikaros are swept from their homes into a foreign land...slaves to their enemies. 

Araine Khalome of ToronSea, follows the goddess Atea. But Araine secretly questions Atea's power as a goddess. Wrestling with her spiritual doubts, Araine finds old scrolls containing verses that come alive, beckoning her soul. Within these words, Araine senses the presence of the Infinite, the despised Most Ancient God, enemy to all Ateans, and she's captivated--secretly risking her life to read the Books of the Infinite. 

You are forever in My sight...

Betrayed and condemned, Araine is swept away to the kingdom of Belaal, where she is swiftly apprehended and marked as a slave. Caught up in the lethal political and religious struggles within Belaal, Araine joins forces with another slave, Nikaros, a hostage and exiled son of an Eosyth Lord. As they fight to survive the antagonistic royal court, Nik and Araine soon realize that they must also protect the despotic god-king who has enslaved them. 

But the god-king, Bel-Tygeon, has plans of his own. 

Child of Dust, are you my servant? 

Review

This was an incredible book! Larson does a wonderful job of drawing Biblical themes and concepts into her novels, which is definitely my favorite aspects of her novels! God is portrayed beautifully in her novels.

This book shows the cost of following God. It shows that even in persecution- will we choose to follow God or the world? My favorite analogy in this novel was when Araine finds the Infinite's word, (God's Word) and starts reading it, the words look like they are on fire- a golden, beckoning fire. It was a beautiful analogy of how we should view God's Word- alive and powerful. 

The characters were great! I enjoyed getting to learn more about the Eosyth people (a group of mountain dwellers in the series). I liked how Araine was willing to stand up for what was right, even if it meant she might lose everything. Grumps, Araine's grandfather, was a fun character, and he was also passionate about what was right. 

This was an incredible book! Larson does a wonderful job of drawing Biblical themes and concepts into her novels, which is definitely my favorite aspect of her novels! God is portrayed beautifully in her novels. Definitely recommend this book to readers 14+!