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The Prophecies #1
Agent of Prophecy
First in a completed series from a USA Today bestselling author: When princess Arabelle finds herself tangled in a web of prophecy, she’s forced out of her life of leisure and into a dangerous quest.
Arabelle is a seventeen-year-old daughter of a merchant king whose life of leisure is shattered when she's attacked by a poisonous creature that hasn't walked the land in over five centuries. Unfortunately, she finds herself an unwitting agent of an ancient prophecy that promises death to her and all she loves....
To avoid such a fate, all she has to do is overcome the debilitating effects of the poison coursing through her veins, find the heirs to the prophecy, and help them overthrow a despot who's been ruling the land with an iron fist for nearly five centuries.
As an agent of the prophecy, she has no other choice.
Arabelle is a seventeen-year-old daughter of a merchant king whose life of leisure is shattered when she's attacked by a poisonous creature that hasn't walked the land in over five centuries. Unfortunately, she finds herself an unwitting agent of an ancient prophecy that promises death to her and all she loves....
To avoid such a fate, all she has to do is overcome the debilitating effects of the poison coursing through her veins, find the heirs to the prophecy, and help them overthrow a despot who's been ruling the land with an iron fist for nearly five centuries.
As an agent of the prophecy, she has no other choice.
334 pages, ebook
Published June 29, 2020
215 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Rothman
62 books333 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author, M.A. Rothman, is one of the most unlikely novelists you'll ever meet. He's an engineer first and foremost, with a background in the sciences, and somehow or another, this writing habit of his has turned into a bit more than just a run-of-the-mill hobby.
He primarily writes stories that focus on two things: technology and international intrigue. This writing tends to span the genres of science fiction, techno-thriller, and mainstream thrillers.
When not writing, he enjoys cooking, learning about new technology, travel, and spending time with his family.
He primarily writes stories that focus on two things: technology and international intrigue. This writing tends to span the genres of science fiction, techno-thriller, and mainstream thrillers.
When not writing, he enjoys cooking, learning about new technology, travel, and spending time with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 17, 2022
I did like this, it just wasn't as captivating as other 4* (or 5*) reads. It was included in Audible's Plus catalog, so I figured I'd give it a try. It felt a little young, ... I know I'm not the target audience (being an old lady of 50+) but I read a ton of YA and enjoy it. The MC was 17 years old, but this felt younger than that.
While the MC is a young girl, the narration is male. It is all 3rd person, so that is okay (I can't really handle that if it's 1st person). It bounces around to several different perspectives, although Arabelle is the focus for a majority of the chapters. We follow her adventures, the blurb covers it pretty well. I didn't totally connect with the characters to really care about them, get emotionally invested, but it kept my interest enough.
I've been reading a bit of fantasy lately, and some of the various stories are starting to scramble in my mind. I would have liked to have the kindle text to review, clarify, but this isn't carried at my library. It's on Amazon, even included in KU ... but I don't have that now and didn't feel like spending money on it.
The audible download included this first book AND book two. I went ahead and started(finished) it and I thought it got better. A total shift for book 2, not connecting to this story until half or 2/3 of the way.
While the MC is a young girl, the narration is male. It is all 3rd person, so that is okay (I can't really handle that if it's 1st person). It bounces around to several different perspectives, although Arabelle is the focus for a majority of the chapters. We follow her adventures, the blurb covers it pretty well. I didn't totally connect with the characters to really care about them, get emotionally invested, but it kept my interest enough.
I've been reading a bit of fantasy lately, and some of the various stories are starting to scramble in my mind. I would have liked to have the kindle text to review, clarify, but this isn't carried at my library. It's on Amazon, even included in KU ... but I don't have that now and didn't feel like spending money on it.
The audible download included this first book AND book two. I went ahead and started(finished) it and I thought it got better. A total shift for book 2, not connecting to this story until half or 2/3 of the way.
October 12, 2023
The book starts very slowly. The infodump is strong early on. But be patient, it does improve.
As soon as the infodump is completed, it isn't too long I swear, you jump into the action. Arabelle is the main character. She has what felt liked a rushed progression though it is probably a year. The secondary character of Grisham makes the book feel closer to middle grade than YA.
The story itself is well written, if not quite as detailed as I would like. There is a lot of trauma that the two main characters experience, but little emotional reaction to it. So we avoid any deep introspection, which means no whining, depression, etc.
FYI, book two turns this into a portal fantasy. There are allusions to it in this book, but it isn't clear.
Summary: this book is fun. It rides between Middle grade/YA.
As soon as the infodump is completed, it isn't too long I swear, you jump into the action. Arabelle is the main character. She has what felt liked a rushed progression though it is probably a year. The secondary character of Grisham makes the book feel closer to middle grade than YA.
The story itself is well written, if not quite as detailed as I would like. There is a lot of trauma that the two main characters experience, but little emotional reaction to it. So we avoid any deep introspection, which means no whining, depression, etc.
FYI, book two turns this into a portal fantasy. There are allusions to it in this book, but it isn't clear.
Summary: this book is fun. It rides between Middle grade/YA.
July 12, 2021
Good guys, (very) bad guys, loyal friends, a princess who is forced to competent and able to kick butt (as well as enjoying sleeping in), and magical races that tend to be common in many fantasy books. This book has it all.
Meant for younger readers (tweens?), it is a fast and enjoyable read. It's also the first of a series.
It's an enjoyable and straightforward read. While there is death, destruction and so on (you can't have that without evil overlord sorts) it lacks grisly descriptives.
Of course there's a prophesy, and the MC jumps into it without making a huge show of it. I liked that part a great deal as well as the avoidance of the angst and emo that shows up sometimes.
I do like that at times, but it was refreshing not to see it here.
Meant for younger readers (tweens?), it is a fast and enjoyable read. It's also the first of a series.
It's an enjoyable and straightforward read. While there is death, destruction and so on (you can't have that without evil overlord sorts) it lacks grisly descriptives.
Of course there's a prophesy, and the MC jumps into it without making a huge show of it. I liked that part a great deal as well as the avoidance of the angst and emo that shows up sometimes.
I do like that at times, but it was refreshing not to see it here.
May 6, 2023
fun to read
A well written story with great characters and world building. Author seemed to take time to write a clever story that keeps you reading and isn’t overly complex. The mythology of the world is pretty simple but mysterious and interesting. The idea of a traveling caravan nation and people with demons and elves and dwarfs and magic. I really liked the MC and villains. MC gets really strong, but remains sweet and yet gets brutal and bad ass really quickly. The poison propels her forward. Her relationships with her hand maid and weapons instructor is sweet. The villains are fun to hate. They’re utterly brutal and sadistic and powerful.
A well written story with great characters and world building. Author seemed to take time to write a clever story that keeps you reading and isn’t overly complex. The mythology of the world is pretty simple but mysterious and interesting. The idea of a traveling caravan nation and people with demons and elves and dwarfs and magic. I really liked the MC and villains. MC gets really strong, but remains sweet and yet gets brutal and bad ass really quickly. The poison propels her forward. Her relationships with her hand maid and weapons instructor is sweet. The villains are fun to hate. They’re utterly brutal and sadistic and powerful.
July 31, 2020
Quite a page turner
One of the main reasons I give a book 5 stars is when I look forward to picking it up and reading. Rothman has a fascinating premise and characters I enjoyed getting to know. The story really grabbed me. There were a few places the writing was slightly awkward, but it never detracted from the story.
Definitely a good read, probably appropriate for teens as well. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
One of the main reasons I give a book 5 stars is when I look forward to picking it up and reading. Rothman has a fascinating premise and characters I enjoyed getting to know. The story really grabbed me. There were a few places the writing was slightly awkward, but it never detracted from the story.
Definitely a good read, probably appropriate for teens as well. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
January 12, 2023
In the end, this was an enjoyable read with an almost satisfying conclusion. This was a tried-and-true hero's adventure style fantasy with an appealing protagonist. It was a little slow to get started and when I read the first few pages of the second book I elected not to go further. Not because I wouldn't have enjoyed it. I read to know what's out there and think I know, or know enough, about what's here.
I'll happily read something else by M.A. Rothman and may pick up the second book.
I'll happily read something else by M.A. Rothman and may pick up the second book.
March 8, 2023
Agent of Prophecy is the first instalment in The Prophecies series. The story follows Arabelle, the daughter of a merchant king used to a life of travel and leisure. After an attack by a poisonous creature, Arabelle finds her life completely transformed as she discovers the role she now plays in an ancient prophecy that puts everything she knows and love at risk.
I stumbled across this series in the audible plus catalogue looking for a nice easy listen and was not disappointed. The world building, politics and characters were immersive enough to keep me interested. I enjoyed that there were multiple povs (although Arabelle's was the main one). I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and is looking for an easy read/listen.
Arabelle's character development was a pleasure to read. She had a lot to overcome and her whole world really did change after the attack. It was great to see her train and become confident in her abilities to defend herself and those she cares about.
The story had a satisfying ending and a great twist! Really looking forward to listening to Heirs of Prophecy to see how these two stories intertwine.
I stumbled across this series in the audible plus catalogue looking for a nice easy listen and was not disappointed. The world building, politics and characters were immersive enough to keep me interested. I enjoyed that there were multiple povs (although Arabelle's was the main one). I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and is looking for an easy read/listen.
Arabelle's character development was a pleasure to read. She had a lot to overcome and her whole world really did change after the attack. It was great to see her train and become confident in her abilities to defend herself and those she cares about.
The story had a satisfying ending and a great twist! Really looking forward to listening to Heirs of Prophecy to see how these two stories intertwine.
October 31, 2024
I have followed M.A. Rothman for many years now, and I will never forget this book -- the first book that I read written by him.
Arabelle, the daughter of a lord, is thrust into the workings of a mystical and intricate prophecy. As the series progresses, pieces of this and other stories come together and culminate into a truly spectacular tale.
Of all the books in the prophecies series, I enjoyed this one the most and recommend this to any fan of fantasy.
Arabelle, the daughter of a lord, is thrust into the workings of a mystical and intricate prophecy. As the series progresses, pieces of this and other stories come together and culminate into a truly spectacular tale.
Of all the books in the prophecies series, I enjoyed this one the most and recommend this to any fan of fantasy.
November 18, 2021
This book was very entertaining.
The story begins with some interesting brushes with fantasy and visions components. The story revolves around the daughter of the Sheik of the people inhabiting the local population. Then throw in a drawer or two and an elf, not to mention the evil wizard and his henchmen and you have a fun read.
The story begins with some interesting brushes with fantasy and visions components. The story revolves around the daughter of the Sheik of the people inhabiting the local population. Then throw in a drawer or two and an elf, not to mention the evil wizard and his henchmen and you have a fun read.
December 27, 2020
Formula Fantasy
An enjoyable but predictable read . You’ve got the good guys and you’ve got very bad guys. A princess that can kick serious butt and faithful well meaning friends. The next book should prove to be interesting .
An enjoyable but predictable read . You’ve got the good guys and you’ve got very bad guys. A princess that can kick serious butt and faithful well meaning friends. The next book should prove to be interesting .
July 5, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable
Creative, interesting, well written-a pleasure to spend time the weekend with. Seamless blend of science and fantasy-looking forward to more.
Creative, interesting, well written-a pleasure to spend time the weekend with. Seamless blend of science and fantasy-looking forward to more.
October 20, 2020
Good solid start
Interesting characters and world. Lead character has good development. I like that training is not overlooked but does not consume a lot of pages.
Interesting characters and world. Lead character has good development. I like that training is not overlooked but does not consume a lot of pages.
July 19, 2022
Nice start to a new series
August 10, 2022
Audible plus , bk 1 ok nothing to shout about really should say that this is a YA book got book 2 as part of the package currently listening to that
December 2, 2022
Well Done!!
There are a lot of moving parts and different character. Unlike other stories I've read they are smoothly transition from one to the next. I can't wait for book two.
There are a lot of moving parts and different character. Unlike other stories I've read they are smoothly transition from one to the next. I can't wait for book two.
September 9, 2023
Started as a painful 2 stars but managed to scramble up to a 3 for me
August 10, 2020
The story and characters are sort of interesting, if a little one dimensional.
After reading the second book in this series I don't recommend you to even pick this up, it's pretty much a waste of time.
After reading the second book in this series I don't recommend you to even pick this up, it's pretty much a waste of time.
November 6, 2013
Princess Interrupted by Michael A. Rothman is a gem of a book. Why you may wonder? Well it includes all the things that make up a good tale include interesting plot line, action, conflict, and well-rounded characters. What makes it even better as a YA book is a strong female lead. Well done, Mr. Rothman.
What makes it different from all the other teenage angsty tales is a character not focused on dating and social cliques. It offers the reader a lesson in growth and personal awareness. Princess Arabelle is a bit of a spoiled diva until a toxic creature bites her changing her world, as she knows it. She not only has the gift of prophecy, but the fate of her people depends on her.
Princess Interrupted is a prequel to Prophecies series. I would highly recommended reading before devouring the series. There is so much to like about this book from its dynamic characters, well-drawn settings, rising action, elves and other magickal creature. It easy to understand why it is a YA treasure. Like Harry Potter, it is okay if the parents read it too.
Two thumbs up and five stars for Princess Interrupted.
What makes it different from all the other teenage angsty tales is a character not focused on dating and social cliques. It offers the reader a lesson in growth and personal awareness. Princess Arabelle is a bit of a spoiled diva until a toxic creature bites her changing her world, as she knows it. She not only has the gift of prophecy, but the fate of her people depends on her.
Princess Interrupted is a prequel to Prophecies series. I would highly recommended reading before devouring the series. There is so much to like about this book from its dynamic characters, well-drawn settings, rising action, elves and other magickal creature. It easy to understand why it is a YA treasure. Like Harry Potter, it is okay if the parents read it too.
Two thumbs up and five stars for Princess Interrupted.
November 14, 2013
This is an interesting fantasy that takes you into another world, actually it’s a place where two worlds collide. Princess Arabella is a young girl who is torn between being a girl and taking on the responsibility of saving her people. She was a well developed character as one minute she was that young child-like girl and the next she was making mature, adult decisions. It is interesting to follow her journey as she struggles with how to deal with the poison that will kill her if she’s not very careful. Arabella must learn to accept, learn and grow into her skills and discover her true destiny, if she is to survive. I thought the setting was easy to imagine – the traveling caravan, the woods, etc. – as are a number of normal and fantasy type characters that you will meet as you travel in this magical world full of evil that young Arabella must learn how to master. It’s quite a good read. I was given a copy as part of a book tour.
November 23, 2013
In the prequel, we are again plunged into Rothman's carefully developed world. We get the lay of the land with a helpful map at the beginning, which I found very helpful as a reference throughout the story. We join Arabelle in her struggle to come to grips not only with the devastating poison but with her gift of prophecy. The names Rothman gives his characters and locations show a lot of creativity, helping to build his interesting kingdom. And of course, what's a kingdom without a haunted forest! I have to admit that I have a weakness for tough female leads, and Princess Interrupted doesn't disappoint. If you like fantasy with a good dose of action, magic, and love, this is the book for you. I don't want to include any spoilers, but the last line of this prequel compels the reader to continue on!
March 22, 2014
Princess Interrupted is a prequel novel to the Prophecy novels we've featured on this blog in the past and it is just as good as the books in the series. This novel is set shortly before the Riverton family appears in Trimoria and tells Arabella's story.
It's an exciting tale of how a girl grows up and comes into her own as someone who has duties to perform for her country. I enjoyed the character of Arabella in the previous books and it was cool to see how she became that young woman.
The story is told in alternating points of view between three characters, but it is still very much Arabella's story. And, the good thing is you don't have to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one thoroughly. If you have, you will be reminded of them in small ways--if you haven't, this book is a good introduction to that series.
It's an exciting tale of how a girl grows up and comes into her own as someone who has duties to perform for her country. I enjoyed the character of Arabella in the previous books and it was cool to see how she became that young woman.
The story is told in alternating points of view between three characters, but it is still very much Arabella's story. And, the good thing is you don't have to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one thoroughly. If you have, you will be reminded of them in small ways--if you haven't, this book is a good introduction to that series.
August 22, 2016
It could use a professional editor, but that aside, the book draws you into a world of magic, princesses (who kill), sweet uncomplicated kid romance, and elves! Great for kids ages 9-12, but I'm older, and while the story is definitely on a simplistic kids' level, (killing is so easy, her fitness/assassin training is quick and uncomplicated, everyone gets rescued and the world is saved before the end of the day...) it's still enjoyable for any age.
Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
June 7, 2014
Unlike many readers, I started this book, unaware that it was a prequel. Sadly, it is. The book is an incomplete story, merely an introduction. It is a well written story with clear, clean characters, and a nice plot. But it really is only 1/2 a book. There is no resolution, no clarity. For someone who has read the other books, I am sure this backstory is more rewarding. That said, I will likely read The Prophecies series.
May 31, 2016
A prequel to a series that I haven't read yet. It follows Arabelle, princess of a nomadic tribe of people who travel the land and trade with the cities and towns. She is attacked by a dragon creature in the woods, and is healed/taught by the Elves to survive. There are some point of view grammatical errors (switching from she to I in the same sentence, e.g). Other than that, it's an interesting read.
December 9, 2014
Great coming-of-age, fantasy read. This being a prequel to a full series, I felt it was written well and introduced the main character greatly. I admire the main character for maturing and learning to cope with her new life under rough circumstances. Full review to come soon.
January 1, 2015
Good but not terrific
A good book but a book you can put down and I millstone reading
Will not be reading the sequels.
A good book but a book you can put down and I millstone reading
Will not be reading the sequels.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews