Prophecy, by Benjamin A. Sorensen: A Review

The magical Dragoncrystal has been stolen, and eyewitnesses identify Arana as the thief. Aware of her innocence but terrified of what might happen to her at the hands of the Kaylarian Knights who are seeking her, she flees, with her brother Jard, first into a magical woodland, and then to the city of Marsa, and then onward, as many factions pursue the young farm girl and her brother.

What unfolds is a classic quest story, with the world’s fate in Arana’s untested and untaught hands. Prophecy is set in the world of high fantasy, and it’s a solid addition to that genre. Sorensen’s writing is competent and polished; narrative flow and structure fit the action of the story. Characters are familiar but not usually stereotypical, although I did find myself mentally ‘casting’ various characters from the television version of A Game of Thrones in some of the roles. The plot is complex enough to keep the reader’s interest without being unnecessarily intricate.

I particularly liked Sorensen’s ability to portray Jard’s over-protectiveness and Arana’s varied reactions to it as her abilities and her confidence in them increases. All important characters grow and develop throughout the book, Arana especially. In an unusual twist on one of the oldest themes not just of fantasy but of foundation myths throughout the world, Arana’s fate – and that of the world – will depend on her ability to fully accept herself.

I had very few niggles: an occasional awkward sentence, a few minor points that didn’t ring true to me. Not enough to detract from its overall score, which is five stars. If high fantasy is your genre of preference, then Prophecy will be well worth your time.

The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.