Red (Circle Trilogy)

The second installment of the Circle Trilogy did not disappoint but managed to choke me even more than "Black" - the first book that everyone should read prior to experiencing "Red". It has been a long, long time since a book made me tear up and this roused up with emotions and abyssal feelings that only very skilled writers can exude from their reader. This is a fascinating installment that takes Thomas Hunter, the man who lives in our reality when awake and also in another world when he dreams at nigh, on the wildest ride of his life. This can only be described as a new form of allegory; characters who understand our world are reflected in the dream world which is engulfed in a battle of massive proportions, people are no longer standing for an idea, they are someone else in the other world and if they die then those consequences spill over and threaten everything that Thomas and his sister ever knew.America is in the hot seat with the release and spread of a deadly virus, and Thomas must use his dreams to find answers and ways to stop it before he is eradicated and he can dream no more. Those who oppose him want him dead and want his dreams to stop but others who love life have nothing left but the hope that he can save them - easier said than done, Ted Dekker likes to swing his heroes and foes as deep as his mind allows, and this is one hairy book, it takes a lot of sweat and guts to take this ride.In the dream world those who rejected Elyon's waters have turned to Desert Dwellers known as Scabs, dry and disease stricken nomads, their minds and eyes are ashen with sickness and visions of death and conquests, the worship Teeleh and the Shataiki and will stop at nothing until the remaining forests and their people are destroyed. In real life Thomas is on hot pursuit to find and rescue the one person who can stop the Raison Virus; the creator of the vaccine herself - Monique de Raison. Her role in the story is much deeper than the reader might think of and I actually guessed part of her secret, it felt amazing thought to live with the characters are see how they developed and how some changed for better and some for worse. Carlos and other mercenaries of death are on hot pursuit and the reader is in for a delicious treat of intrigue, some romance and countless twists and turns.In this book Ted Dekker writes an ultimate showdown between good and evil, and it's been done to the death in books and movies but this novel is simply astounding. I read it in two days and would have read it in one sitting if I wasn't sick with a bad cold, it was truly a book that I know will stay with me forever and I am simply dying to read the last installment "White". These books are so deep and moving they are impossible to describe in a review, instead they should be enjoyed like a fine meal, one that serves more than one purpose to feed, it enriches the user forever and I feel blessed to have taken this journey with Dekker and his friends and foes. So please enjoy and take away from the riches that make the heart beat faster and the head spin - these books read like nothing else and are extremely satisfying.- Kasia S.

I enjoyed the novel "Black" immensely. It was a fulfilling read. Then, as I was getting deeper into "Red," I could feel that it was even better than Black. It didn't make Black any less of a gem, but it was really good. I suppose the word to describe it's quality would be "substance." Ted Dekker's talent as an author really came through in Red. I have never gotten into war stories before, they just weren't my cup of tea. But this thing was very good because of the fantasy. Dekker makes impossible things believable to the imagination.The ending may not appeal to the tough guy, but I felt that it struck to the heart. It went to the core of emotions. I loved it.I don't like the graphic novel of Red that came with the book. If it didn't consist of so many pages I would rip them out of the back of the book. But, that's just me because I don't get into comic books.Yesterday I read a Ted Dekker interview where he stated more than once that his books are not "Christian Fiction." You can find the interview by searching his name on the internet.

This book kept me very engaged. Loved the storyline of Thomas Hunter and Co. Great characters. Great story. Great series.

Great book

When it comes to "Christian Fiction," I have always hesitated (outside of Frank Peretti). This series came recommended by my Mom. So, trusting her, I picked it up and when I began nearly put it down in the first couple chapters. Something kept me going - and then I was had.Dekker writes a dual reality story and powerfully engages the heart in the story of love, sin, grace, betrayal, temptation, and hope. This story is wrapped in thriller format - and tells of the surrender and sacrifice of Christ. Dekker had me bitting my nales, shedding a tear, yelling at characters, and longing for more grace in my life.If you are longing for a tale of the power, the beauty, and the danger of life connected with the Divine - this is the series for you!1. Black2. Red3. WhiteBe sure to get them in that order!And look, they are only a couple bucks on Amazon - worth it!Go on the journey - get wrapped up in the thriller.

After reading Black, I was so glad that I got these books at the same time instead of having to wait months for the next book. Red picks up right where Black leaves off. Kind of. Thomas is now 15 years older after the colored forest has been destroyed. He is now a respected leader of the Forest Guard, but remembers a time when he had dreams of The Histories. He goes back to what he thought was his regular world a changed man. He has the knowledge that he hopes can help him win the battle against Svensson and Fortier.This series does everything that a good novel should do - I felt every range of emotion from laughter to tears, anger to compassion, but most of all, it made me think.The last few chapters of this book left me speechless. I still have no words to describe how those last few chapters made me feel - almost a week after finishing the book!! This is definitely a series you need to read in order and in it's entirety, but I don't think you'll have that problem once you start.

I'm a rabid reader..everything I can get my hands on, including all the best Christian fiction. This series is very hard to describe or categorize. I was afraid at first that these books might wander off into silliness--what with talking bats and crystal-colored forests. Not to worry, however, as Dekker is a master storyteller and his metaphorical world is beyond belief. This is a great story and so much more. Don't believe for a moment that you know what this is about or how it will end...you'll be kept on the edge of your seat. I've read Black and Red, and can't possibly wait for the release of White. Wish this series would go on longer like the Left Behind series did. These books take Christian Fiction where it's never gone before, and it's just amazing.

This is an absolutely amazing series.. You must read every book so you don't miss the full meaning of the story.

Black was great and this book picks up from where Black left off. Great book, easier to read than Black. Couldn't put it down

Great book, loved the series. If you enjoy Harry Potter, give this a try!

Fascinating contemporary thriller mixed with fantasy adventure, as Thomas Hunter spins between two worlds trying to save one, and save himself and his loved ones in the other.This is the follow up to Black and continues to build toward the third book in the trilogy, White. I have to say that I found the fantasy world (albeit mediaeval yet set in the future) the most enjoyable chapters but Dekker does well to switch between the two stories that are somehow related more than just through Thomas.Recommended, though start with Black first.

Love this series! Very fun to read. Would recommend it to everyone.