An unusual techno-thriller that feels like an episode of X-Files, with a good side serving of queer romance.

When mysterious objects that lead people to disruptively obsessive behaviour appear out of nowhere around a military base, Rao and Adam are summoned to investigate. The former is a chaotic former agent with a history of addiction and a preternatural ability to detect the truth, the latter a dutiful and emotionally repressed military man. They have a past together, and way too much baggage for anyone’s good.

The book is built around two main points of interest: the mystery surrounding the objects and their origin, and the slowburn romance between our troubled protagonists.

As a maybe-paranormal techno-thriller, Prophet is intriguing although not particularly well built. The pacing, for one, is all around the place: the investigation is very gripping at first, propelled as it is by a very eerie sense of mystery; the most pressing questions, however, are resolved surprisingly soon, after which the suspense dwindles out, and the characters are left with too much time to basically play guinea pig and brood in a secret research facility. 

The book explores the theme of nostalgia and the role it plays in our culture – and the way it can be weaponised and exploited to various ends. When the real political implications of such a concept are revealed, however, we’re already heading towards the Final Battle, so there’s no space left to elaborate on what could have been a very powerful message.

The interactions between Adam and Rao on the other hand are really well fleshed out: the two have a good chemistry, their defensive sarcasm feels real, and while their relationship isn’t exactly functional, it’s still heartwarming enough to cheer for them despite all odds.

All in all, Prophet is an entertaining novel, somehow messy in its execution, but with some valuable insight, wits, and emotional depth.