Review: Abinadi by H.B. Moore

As previously mentioned, I had the fortunate luck (how's that for redundant?) of winning a copy of H.B. Moore's book, Abinadi. Set in Book of Mormon times, Abinadi explores the (fictionalized) life of the prophet for the three years before he was martyred. Moore includes wonderful gems of cultural history, including the clothing, the food, and even a wedding ceremony.

The story line itself is obviously predictable, since the fact that Abinadi dies by fire is...well, a fact. The love story is also predictable: Raquel loves Abinadi but thinks he won't like her because she's rich and not a believer, and Abinadi loves Raquel but thinks she won't like him because he's not rich and is a believer. Any questions how it will play out? Didn't think so.

Perhaps the most interesting character was Alma. I was a bit surprised at what a big part he had to play, since I thought it was Abinadi's story, but it sets up the second book, Alma, quite nicely. Alma was so multi-faceted and interesting. Raquel and Abinadi were far from flat, but they definitely weren't as dynamic. Their romantic relationship didn't feel quite genuine or real to me, until the end when they said goodbye. Moore did a good job of capturing the emotions of a husband and wife separating for a time.

The book fits the genre of historical fiction. Not a heart-stopping thriller with nail-biting page-turners, but historically fascinating and enjoyable. I look forward to Alma. I think this book will be even more satisfying.

Sequel Stats:
today's goal: 10,174
actual: 10,495 (+1,321)
tomorrow's goal: 11,495