Icon: A Novel

By: Georgia Briggs

Narrated by: Priscilla Sabourin

Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Forget your old name. Forget your parents." These are the things Euphrosyne’s grandparents and counselor tell her. But if Orthodox Christianity is a lie, why did the icon so dramatically save her life? And what can she do to get the icon back? In a post-Christian America, where going to church, praying, or owning holy things means death, a 12-year-old girl searches for the truth. Finding it may cost her everything.

©2017 Georgia Briggs (P)2021 Georgia Briggs

Pleasantly Surprised

I have heard about this book for awhile. I even have the paperback version sitting on my shelf, but hadn’t read it yet (some of my children have). It is geared toward youth of the Christian Orthodox faith. The story was decent and engaging. I always wanted to keep listening to find out what happens next. As an adult, I wanted there to be a little more character development, but it was fine for a YA book. I was pleasantly surprised when the narrator sang (or in the Orthodox world, chanted) familiar hymns. The narrator has a nice reading voice and an even nicer signing voice.
I definitely recommend it for ages 10+, as there are some difficult plot points to process; however, the main character is 12yo, which younger pre-teens can relate to.

Wow not for just teens

This is a tearjerker at the end. I’m an adult male and the story is both riveting and poignant. It may seem a fantasy, but in today’s climate not very far fetched.

1984, say what?

I absolutely love this book. It stirred my heart, I cried multiple times. Book-selling rebel, awesome librarian, faith and tradgedy-- what isn't to love. I will be buying many copies of this.

Well written and beautifully narrated story

Priscilla Sabourin wonderfully brings this amazing story to life. She does an excellent job, and sings the various hymns and songs with a smooth, clear voice

Wow! Profoundly moving and well-read!

It captured me instantly. I couldn’t stop listening in the car on my 5 hour trip. After arrival, I talked about it immediately, commenting on how relevant the storyline was for these days. I felt like I was the main character experiencing all that happened while listening. The reader of this book couldn’t have been better. It was so realistic! Highly recommend for mature ages of 11 and up.

An unexpected gem

While perhaps not the most experienced author with a writing style that needs a certain amount of polish, from the first few moments of this book my cheeks were stained with tears. An absolute beautiful story. Unlike Winston and Julia in 1984, the faithful Orthodox put their trust in God, no matter how difficult it may be, and the difference in results are as far as the east is from the west. I would highly recommend.

Suspenseful and thought provoking

Icon is a thought-provoking book. Euphrosyne is a 12-year old girl in futuristic Alabama who must ultimately choose whether to stand for her Faith in Christ or submit to the new order of secularism. After her parents and sister are killed early in the the book, she lives with her grandparents and tries to comply with living without her faith. However, she has witnessed a miracle involving an Icon of St. Nicholas which keeps her faith alive. As time passes, she encounters others who continue to believe and discreetly practice their Orthodox Faith. (Note: For sake of not spoiling the plot of the book, I am being intentionally cryptic).

This book was suspenseful and sometimes distressing because of the subject matter and the discomfort of thinking about Martyrdom for faith in modern America. There were many beautiful moments where the beauty of her faith and her memories of worship with her family sustain her. There is a breathtaking and beautiful scene near the end of the book where Euphrosyne perceives the Church Triumphant (those that have gone before us) participating in the Liturgy.

I listened to the Audible version of the book. The narrator was very good—- singing and chanting hymns and prayers that were part of the story. She was also very good at voicing each of the characters and kept the pace interesting.

I really enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and kept a good pace. I would be concerned with allowing adolescents to read the book without parental involvement. There are some themes like torture and martyrdom that may be concerning to a less mature teenager. As an Orthodox Christian, this book resonated deeply with me, but I believe that anyone with Faith in Christ will find this book fascinating and an enjoyable read.

Beautiful story

Beautiful, soulful and poignant considering the times we live in. I would recommend to anyone that wants a quick listen and a good story.

Absolutely thought provoking

Wonderful story. Reminds me of the richness of our ancestry… of Orthodoxy! Reminds me of the Saints. And, reminds me to live with caution. Once my children are of age, they’ll definitely read this with me.

Beautiful and brought me to tears.

Amazing story

I hope the author makes more orthodox fiction books this reminds me of 1984 or brave new world!! Amazing book that every orthadox Christian should experience !