Black (The Circle Series)

It was cool and I liked all the characters the only thing I would change is the beginning. It was hard to follow.

I did not consider myself a reader until I discovered Ted Dekker‘s books! I read this in just a few days and cannot wait to start RED!

An unusual adventure, thriller fantasy about novelist Thomas Hunter who finds himself in a semi-paradise whenever he dreams that is so real that he believes that this world is the dream, except when he dreams in that world and wakes up in this. From going back and forth, he finds himself instrumental in both worlds -- instrumental in their salvation and damnation -- even as he learns increasingly of their connection. That's as much as a spoiler as I'll provide. Bad points: Characterizations are rather weak, descriptions of the other world are almost cartoonish, action and plot are pretty unbelievable, and I didn't like how God was portrayed. It is a little too much like how many like to view God: like a sweet innocent child who likes to cavort about. One other thing, I don't like cliff hangers, which this story is. Yet, for all of its faults, I still liked it and am contemplating reading the next in The Circle.

`Black' is the first of Ted Dekker's three (or four) book series `The Circle'. It centers on the character Thomas Hunter, who in the midst of being a small-time troublemaker, has found himself defaulting on an ill-begotten loan from the mafia. While fleeing from his would-be assassin (assumed to be a hit man sent by his debtor), Thomas is clipped by a bullet in the head, and he wakes up in a world far different from the one which he came. In this world, spiritual realities are manifest in physical ways--and with the spiritual world no longer hidden, choices involving good and evil are clearer and more concrete... or are they?The author has masterfully developed this metaphor for the Christian story of salvation in this epic series.Yet what I believe makes it most effective is that, unlike many other Christian analogical stories, the parallel is not so easily deciphered, and therefore the story is far from predictable. Though I consider myself fairly adept at picking up on most symbolism and metaphors in an allegorical work, I was consistently caught off guard in this tale. What's more, Dekker is able to effectively take the reader over the line from reality into fantasy without losing credibility--the "willful suspension of disbelief" is well achieved.I would highly recommend this book for late teens and young adults on up. I also think this can be a great "crossover" book for the person who loves fantasy and thrillers, but perhaps would not deign to read a "Christian Novel"... you could possibly hand it to them without presenting it as such, and they very well might get hooked. The fact that the entire series is also in the Graphic Novel format opens it as a potential evangelical tool for a much expanded audience.Readers who enjoy this book/genre may also find intriguing: THE COSMIC TRILOGY: Out of the Silent Planet; Perelandra; That Hideous Strength  (From C.S. Lewis, the master of Christian allegory within fantasy and sci-fi genre's) Father Elijah: An Apocalypse  (O'Brien's 'Children of the Last Days' series deals with many of the same end times and political issues as Dekker) Dominion I: Seed  (A 7-part Apocalyptic series where music serves as the "bridge" between worlds)

Thomas, Kara, Rachelle, Monique, Tanis, Teelah, Johan, Elyon ... all memorable characters living in a vivid landscape of the mind.I have read all of Ted Dekker's works and have found none of them to be lacking. He is a brilliant writer and has the ability to capture the heart, soul, and mind of the reader ... pulling him within his luscious landscapes.Out of all of Dekker's novels, this one starts us off on a journey through a parallel world, entered only through the dreams of Thomas Hunter. He falls asleep in one world, only to wake in the next and can only return to the other by falling asleep to dream.I have read other reviews correlating "Black" to the likes of The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings. Of the two, I would say that it most closely resembles the latter. Yet, throughout, Dekker always places a glimmer of hope. You never feel swallowed by the blackness, yet, live in the hope of regaining the light.If you have yet to read any of Dekker's books, all I can say is grab them all. They are all fantastic in their own unique and special way. I would probably start with Blessed Child and then span out from there.The only downfall to this novel is the fact that I now have to wait three months for the sequal and then another four months for the finale.In the meantime, I will close my eyes to dream of the Shataiki, the Roush, Elyon, green canopies shimmering in the breeze, the black forest, sweet and delicious fruit, singing and dancing, the Gathering, lavendar and turquoise and gold hanging in the air, and the Great Romance.Does this sound intriguing, inviting, and irresistable?It is.We were created to love beauty. We love beauty because Elyon loves beauty. We love song because Elyon loves song. We love love because Elyon loves love. And we love to be loved because Elyon loves to be loved. In all these ways we are like Elyon. In one way or another, everything we do is tied to this unfolding story of love between us and Elyon.Elyon's love for us and ours for him, the Great Romance, is first. The second is that same love expressed between us, between man and woman.God bless you all as you begin this journey of love.P.S.: Congratulations to The Drudge Report for the honorary mention. :o)

It’s a mind blowing thrill ride. My wife is now going to read it too. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy

Just a really good story and gets the imagination going - has a slight symmetry to The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe in its way of actually telling us another story behind this one

Ted Dekker is definitely my favourite write whose every novel keeps my in deep suspense. The stories he concoct seem seem so real and make me feel anxious for the main character(s) in the book. I did not want to put it down once I got started. He pulls you in from the start of the book. The second of his books in the circle series. If you like gripping mystery, suspense and and fantasy his books ar for you!

what can i say???? this author is brilliant and this series is AMAZING!!! makes me want to join the characters in their journey.

Really fast paced and exciting book. Very easy to read and riveting throughout