Great information, reliable source.

I have read many survivors accounts of leaving this cult. This book is factual, interesting and engaging.

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fantastic

A detailed account of one man's mission to see Warren Jeffs held accountable for his actions. I couldn't stop listening to this.

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3.5 stars

Prophets Prey: My Seven Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints by Sam Brower – 3.5 Stars

Having explored several books on polygamy, I find the treatment of women and children within these cults deeply troubling. They often twist Biblical teachings to rationalize their abusive behaviors, and Brower confronts this reality directly. I appreciated that he didn’t shy away from the harsh truths regarding the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), presenting a candid look at the cruelty that pervades these communities.

However, I did find the writing in Prophet's Prey somewhat awkward. While it's typical for non-fiction to have a non-linear narrative, Brower’s frequent shifts within chapters made it difficult to maintain a clear understanding. Additionally, there were instances where he repeated information from earlier sections, which felt unnecessary and disrupted the narrative flow.

Brower’s efforts to bring Warren Jeffs to justice are truly commendable, but the book’s organization left me wanting more. It serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when a culture thrives on fear, particularly when knowledge about salvation is restricted to a single individual. The ongoing tragedy of the FLDS and its systemic abuses is a powerful theme throughout the text, underscoring the shortcomings of the U.S. court system in protecting vulnerable children.

This narrative is not just about religion; it delves into a cult that embodies pedophilia, incest, rape, brainwashing, and mind control. Brower’s investigation reveals how Jeffs personified and exacerbated these vile principles, establishing a reign of terror over his followers.

Although Brower is primarily a private investigator and not a professional writer, he effectively communicates the gravity of the situation, despite the writing not being as polished as one might prefer. Fortunately, Jeffs and many of his associates are now imprisoned, yet the FLDS church persists, highlighting the ongoing threat of homegrown religious extremism in America.

Even with Jeffs behind bars, the daily lives of his followers have largely remained unchanged, and other splinter groups continue to inflict harm. The devastating effects on countless individuals endure, raising urgent questions about the acceptance of human trafficking in this country.

Overall, Prophet's Prey is a significant read for anyone looking to understand the dark realities of the FLDS, even if the narrative could benefit from refinement.

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