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nicholsphoto's review against another edition
3.0
It was an EH book. Boring in parts too much football and the characters didn't act very realistic...
atschakfoert's review
4.0
I'll be honest: I started this novel thinking I would hate it. But it was good. Not the most suspenseful book I've ever read but well paced and written. Plus, it takes place in Ohio which may have swayed me some. For those who don't like football or don't know much about it, be warned. There are some fairly long descriptions of games/plays, which at times slowed down the rest of the novel.
imbookingit's review
4.0
I can't help coming out of reading this thinking it was a nice book.
That's a truly strange word to describe a creepy book with an insane killer on the loose.
But for me, the strength of the book was in its portrayal of small town life, and in two interesting characters with the Austin brothers. It's the story of how their lives were affected by the death of their sister many years ago, and a look of the role of football in the development of two generations of young men.
And then there is the murderer on the loose.
It isn't that it's a bad mystery/thriller. If you removed half of the character stuff, you'd still have a decent book left. Nothing spectacular, but a solid entry in the field. I really wouldn't suggest doing that, though.
Just think of this as getting two books in one.
That's a truly strange word to describe a creepy book with an insane killer on the loose.
But for me, the strength of the book was in its portrayal of small town life, and in two interesting characters with the Austin brothers. It's the story of how their lives were affected by the death of their sister many years ago, and a look of the role of football in the development of two generations of young men.
And then there is the murderer on the loose.
It isn't that it's a bad mystery/thriller. If you removed half of the character stuff, you'd still have a decent book left. Nothing spectacular, but a solid entry in the field. I really wouldn't suggest doing that, though.
Just think of this as getting two books in one.
the_back_mountain_mama's review
3.0
I can usually count on Michael Koryta to come through. My main genre is fantasy, but every once in awhile you get burnt out and need something different to just get you out of your reading funk. Those are the days I head straight to the "K" section at my library and pick up one of Michael's books. And I don't even need to read the synopsis either, because everything I've read by him is just so good, I fly through it in 2 days and it does its job of "resetting" me. But this one.... eh...
The story itself was... okay? To be fair I'm not a football fan, but since I didn't actually look at it before reading it I can't fault anyone but myself. But I kept feeling like I was waiting for something bigger to happen... Was Marie's killer connected in some way? Was there a bigger secret in Rachel's past? Also, where was Rachel's body found? I don't remember that ever coming up... If she was killed in some hidden backwoods cabin, who found her? Or was her body dumped in plain sight? And the ending just fell flat for me. I'm sorry Michael! I loved all your other books, though!
The story itself was... okay? To be fair I'm not a football fan, but since I didn't actually look at it before reading it I can't fault anyone but myself. But I kept feeling like I was waiting for something bigger to happen... Was Marie's killer connected in some way? Was there a bigger secret in Rachel's past? Also, where was Rachel's body found? I don't remember that ever coming up... If she was killed in some hidden backwoods cabin, who found her? Or was her body dumped in plain sight? And the ending just fell flat for me. I'm sorry Michael! I loved all your other books, though!
bibbo's review
3.0
3.5 for me. This was my first Koryta novel. It will not be my last. Liking football helps, but is not essential to following and enjoying story.
lirael's review
4.0
The brothers' relationship and the relationship between Adam and Chelsea just seemed spot on. Moves quickly, pleasure to read.
poedogruns's review
4.0
What is interesting about this novel is the story of two brothers coping with the murder of their 15 year old sister. Each becomes a very different man from the other brother.[return][return]Adam Austin is a bailsman living on the edge in a small town. There is a sense of restless violence boiling down within his soul. Kent Austin is a hero football coach seeking a state championship for his team. He is a mainstream kind of a guy, trying to be a steady father and husband.[return][return]The story heats up when the star wide receiver's girlfriend is brutally murdered. Adam becomes entangled in the investigation and Kent's family is threatened by the unknown killer. History collides with the present as the brothers try to find peace from within the brutal murders, as well as resolve their own desire for revenge and forgiveness.[return][return]Throughout the novel, Koryta writes methodically, creating tension and excitement, not only from the investigation and pursuit of the killer, but also from the football team's march to the championship game. Coming from a small town obsessed with high school football, this story felt authentic to me. I also liked the suggestion of faith that does not descend into being a preachy piece. The Prophet is an enjoyable read.
frostbitsky's review against another edition
4.0
The Prophet was a wonderfully written story about grief, family ties, and a suspenseful mystery. I became emotionally invested in each of the brothers’ lives. They were developed in a well rounded way that I could understand each’s point of view; Adam’s guilt, living in the past, and wanting revenge as well as Kent’s decision to forgive, like a good Christian, and learning that life goes on.
What was also identifiable was that though Adam and Kent were estranged, in the end they would still do anything to protect each other. That end sure had me at the edge of my seat and shouting out at the characters, then ultimately I cried at the bitter-sweet outcome.
There were some questions that were not answered or not fully detailed, but it’s acceptable because this was the brothers’ story. Not the police, or the FBI, or the killer’s. It kept it simple and more character driven.
As someone who hates football unless it’s a Friends Thanksgiving episode, or movie and TV series Friday Night Lights, I liked how the football games factored in. (Which makes sense because when they handed this out at Book Con last year they described it as Friday Night Lights meets In Cold Blood.) I didn’t understand the terminology, because I just can’t grasp the rules of the game, but I was rooting for the Cardinals and for their distraught star player.
If you stumped about what you should read next, this would be my recommendation.
4.5 out 5 Touchdowns.
What was also identifiable was that though Adam and Kent were estranged, in the end they would still do anything to protect each other. That end sure had me at the edge of my seat and shouting out at the characters, then ultimately I cried at the bitter-sweet outcome.
There were some questions that were not answered or not fully detailed, but it’s acceptable because this was the brothers’ story. Not the police, or the FBI, or the killer’s. It kept it simple and more character driven.
As someone who hates football unless it’s a Friends Thanksgiving episode, or movie and TV series Friday Night Lights, I liked how the football games factored in. (Which makes sense because when they handed this out at Book Con last year they described it as Friday Night Lights meets In Cold Blood.) I didn’t understand the terminology, because I just can’t grasp the rules of the game, but I was rooting for the Cardinals and for their distraught star player.
If you stumped about what you should read next, this would be my recommendation.
4.5 out 5 Touchdowns.
ebusby's review against another edition
5.0
Really good book. No supernatural element as in his other books, but still a page turner.