If you are looking for a gift, especially one with great impact, H.B. Moore's novel Abinadi is that gift. While definitely not for children, Abinadi is a book that will keep you thinking long after you have finished it.

Abinadi is Moore's imagining the world of the Book of Mormon, specifically during the time of King Noah's reign. For anyone who has read Mosiah 11, he or she would be aware of the historical King Noah's rejection of Christ and His ways. But one might not have considered the personal life of the Lord's mouthpiece, the prophet Abinadi. What sacrifices did his family make due to Abinadi's valiant preaching?

Moore takes an imaginative approach to the lives of three scriptural men: Abinadi, King Noah, and especially the life of Alma. Who were these men, really? What were their thoughts, their desires, their goals in life? H.B. Moore explores these thoughts and fills in the relatively unknown inner-linings of these individuals.

An avid researcher, H.B. Moore includes chapter notes at the end of Abinadi to allow the reader additional insights into the ancient civilizations that lived during the time of this story. These are enjoyable to read and expand the understanding of the reader.

The end result, after closing the final page, is two-fold: 1) curious thoughts about these individuals' lives (in other words, how close did H.B. Moore really come...and only the eternities will tell), and 2) a deepened appreciation of the sacrifices great men and women make (and have made) throughout history for the Savior and His truths.

In urgent fashion, H.B. Moore details rather clearly the lascivious lifestyle King Noah and Alma initially led. King Noah also, according to Moore's work, had a vicious streak. His cruelty would not be surprising, but again, it is a bit eye-opening and therefore in my opinion, a work for adults.

In summary, if you are looking for a gift with impact and one that will be remembered far after Christmas wrapping has been discarded, H.B. Moore's Abinadi would be it. You will find it at LDS booksellers everywhere, in addition to online sites such as DeseretBook.com. You may also visit her website to buy her other Book of Mormon fiction books. Her Out of Jerusalem series would be another terrific Christmas gift. (Perhaps for yourself!)