HB Moore Books

Since Christmas of 2009, I have come across some books called The Book of Mormon Prophet Series. I saw the second book, Alma, while looking through a magazine a few weeks before Christmas. Since we were studying the story of Alma in King Noah's court in seminary, I decided I would like to read the book. I asked for it for Christmas. I was lucky enough to get it. My parents are always happy to give me books. As I started reading the book, I realized that the story began shortly after Abinadi's death. As I continued to read, I got the impression that there was a prequel to the book. I checked an sure enough there was a book called Abinadi. After I finished reading Alma, I asked for Abinadi and was granted the wish shortly after. HB Moore is a very talented writer, using short but vivid descriptions that keeps the story moving. I'd like to add that I DO NOT recommend these books to kids under 12. There are some very intense scenes (BOM violence, lust, etc). This blog post is to review the books she has written (of which I have been fortunate enough to read).




The first book is Abinadi. This book took me off on a whole new perspective of the story I knew so well. It portrayed Abinadi as a young man in his mid-twenties (not the stereo-typical old man that we see in paintings and such). This twist makes Abinadi all the more of a sympathetic character, since his life has only just begun. It immediately grabs you with the first chapter by describing Abinadi's thoughts as he awaits his death sentence in prison. Then story then jumps back to a few years earlier and gives account of all the events leading up to his call to preach and eventual death. The book also follows Alma the Elder's lifestyle as a priest in King Noah's court and his eventual conversion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good drama, historic fiction, romance, or just an all around captivating book. 5 stars



The second book is Alma. I will say that it does not grab you in the same way that Abinadi did, but it was definitely difficult to put down. It follows Alma the Elder as he forms the church by the Waters of Mormon. Although Alma's story is interesting, the side story with one of King Noah's wives is what really caught me. Almost everything horrible that could possibly happen to a person emotionally and physically, happens to her. Every scene with her, you can't help, but fell anxious for her. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who loves all the things I listed above. This book has a lot more romance in it than Abinadi did. 4.5 stars



The third book is Alma the Younger. I just barely finished this book. I thought the first two were good, but this one completely blows both of them out of the water. It starts with Alma the Elder and his family fleeing for shelter from a mob of non-believers where Alma realizes that the leader of the band is his own son. The book jumps back a few months to Alma the Younger, shortly after he left his home out of anger to live on his own. The book gives a vivid account of Alma the Younger's fall from the church into becoming an extremely wicked and idolatrous man. It is a pretty dark book. Probably the darkest out of all three, but that's why it is so fascinating. Alma the Younger is not a silly teenager that is pulling harmful pranks, he is an intelligent full grown man with many doubts about his father's teachings. There is not a dull moment at all in this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. Once again I very highly recommend this book as well as its predecessors. It is a good drama and historic fiction, and (although it is not focused on as much as in the other two) there is a good romance. 5 stars all the way.


I believe it will be the last book in the series, but HB Moore is currently in the process of writing a fourth book called Ammon. It will be about Ammon on his mission to the Lamanites and his life in King Lamoni's court. I'm interested in how she will portray Ammon's life change from a Nephite prince to a Lamanite servant. I can't wait to read it. If it is half as good as the first three, I will be extremely pleased with it.