⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and author Jeff Fulmer for the opportunity to read American Prophet. This is my honest review of the ARC, and I truly appreciate it.

🌐 Overall topics& themes 🌐
American Prophet is a powerful blend of fiction and reality, echoing the emotional and political turbulence of recent years in the United States. The book explores modern societal issues such as: gun violence, racism, climate disasters, misinformation, and the pandemic with a raw honesty that’s both unsettling and thought-provoking. It doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about faith, morality, and the role of divine intervention in human suffering.
The way the story intertwines religion, prophecy, and public reaction is especially compelling. The protagonist’s visions and the way people respond to them some with awe, others with hostility mirror the fractured nature of public discourse today. It’s a bold narrative that asks: what happens when someone dares to speak uncomfortable truths?

🌐 Some of my funny reactions while reading 🌐

The scene where the main character posts a prophecy and immediately gets unfollowed? Hilarious and painfully relatable.

His treatment by TBI agents after simply sharing a dream - infuriating and unjust.

Chapter 8 left me genuinely sad, while Chapter 16 had me shouting “WHAT?!” at the page.

His decision to help hurricane victims despite having no training was deeply moving, a true act of courage.

The subtle portrayal of tornadoes and wildfires was haunting, especially when seen through the lens of dreams.

The unexpected twist involving a religious sect? Did not see that coming! OMG!

🌐 So my overall thoughts 🌐
The book’s stance on gun control is clear and idealistic, imagining a world where only authorities carry weapons to reduce civilian violence. It raises valid concerns about trust in those authorities, though, and acknowledges the complexity of the issue. Similarly, the depiction of racism in law enforcement and the heartbreak of protestors being silenced is painfully accurate and emotionally resonant.
The pandemic references hit hard. They brought back memories of fear, loss, and survival. The line “sometimes things just happen” felt especially poignant, because yes, sometimes they do, and we’re left to pick up the pieces.

American Prophet is more than just a novel - it’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting both its flaws and its resilience. It’s emotionally intense, yes, but also deeply insightful and brave in its storytelling. Jeff Fulmer has crafted a narrative that challenges readers to think, feel, and question the world around them.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I will certainly recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This book seems like more of a follow-up than a sequel; it can be easily read as a standalone. Seeing the future seems like a cool trick, but as the protagonist shows it’s comes with lots of baggage. The author has done an excellent job of creating a great character and story..