I’ve been asked, “What are the best and worst parts of writing fictional allegories based on Bible stories?”
One of the best parts? I am working with plotlines from verses I have loved as a child. The Bible has always captivated me, particularly the adventures lived out by prophets and kings. Writing the Books of the Infinite series has allowed me to take those familiar verses and set them in a fantasy world—a sort of, “How this world developed its own Holy Scriptures” theme. It’s amazing how well the sacred verses work together, even when woven together in a different pattern to fit an imaginary fantasy realm.
The worst parts? I fret about being accused of taking the Bible out of context, and of putting words into the Lord’s mouth. In every possible case, I studied the Lord’s actual words in the given situation, or a similar one, and I paraphrased the words.
Readers, however, have recognized the Infinite in this series as the Lord of our own Scriptures—hurrah!
Overall, readers have taken issue with only one scene. I used a verse in JUDGE, almost word-for-word as spoken by the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah, and readers believed it wasn’t in the Scriptures. My hope is that their doubt will make them dig into the verses to find the actual storyline.
Which brings me back to another part I love: Readers finish the Books of the Infinite, and turn to the Bible to figure out which situations inspired me. Many readers—often parents and their teens--have almost made a game of picking out situations from the books, and matching them with corresponding verses.
What do I love the most? Readers are bringing their own imagination into the Books of the Infinite series and living through the verses with my characters, seeing the Scriptures through new eyes. It’s been amazing, and I hope they enjoy the series conclusion in King!
King by R.J. Larson
Fantasy Meets the Old Testament in a Novel That Will Reach Readers of All Ages.
Against his wishes and desires, Akabe of Siphra has been chosen by his people to be King. But what does a warrior know of ruling during peacetime? Guided by the Infinite, Akabe seeks to rebuild the Temple in the city of Munra to give the sacred books of Parne a home. But dangerous factions are forming in the background. To gain the land he needs, Akabe must forsake the yearnings of his heart and instead align himself through marriage to the Thaenfall family.
Meanwhile, Kien Lantec and Ela Roeh are drawn still closer together...while becoming pawns in a quest to gain power over the region. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies and murderous plots, each must seek the Infinite to guide them through an ever more tangled web of intrigue and danger.
R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.
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