Red

"Red" continues Ted Dekker’s epic tale of good versus terrifying evil. The story of the fantasy world is much faster-paced and more exciting this time around, and it dominates the volume. By contrast, the storyline taking place in the modern day is uninspired and more of the same. Far from carrying the story as it did in the first book, the action here is derivative, feeling like an over-long extension of the first book more than anything else. Once again, the fantasy world is incredibly well thought-out, and the translation of spiritual concepts into the physical is excellent. If you think about it too hard, as I am prone to do, there are a few points which do not quite add up, but they do not detract significantly from the overall world. As to characters, the treatment of them is uneven. Many of the newcomers are developed with care through their actions and words while others rely on exposition for the reader to understand their attitudes, biases, and skills. Even Thomas, the main character, falls prey to this sometimes, with the book telling the reader how much he has changed, but he rarely speaks or acts differently than in the first book. Finally, I once again have gripes, as tedious as ever, with Mr. Dekker’s lack of knowledge about the military. For example, while it is unlikely a scientist could catch a ride on a military fighter jet, it is even less likely for said ride to be taken in an F-16. With only one seat, the passenger and the pilot are going to become very well acquainted before the trip is over. These inaccuracies are not story breaking, but they are a pet peeve of mine. In the end, the fantasy world dominates this story, making for a good read, not quite as good as the first book in the series but still well worth the time.

This is Christian Fiction at it's best!!! I read Red in 6 hours, could not put it down! (Read Black first-equally awesome!) I think Ted Dekker is setting the pace and leading the way; I'm excited for the entire Christian Fiction Market, because he just blew the doors wide open! I hope he's busy working on something else!!I was so upset by the thought of having to wait till September for the third book in the trilogy that I went back to the book store and bought his other titles! "Blink" was consumed in 4 hours...totally loved it!I love the way Ted Dekker weaves deep truths into the story, how he stretches your mind and heart and changes your reality!

"Black" was an appetizer. Pleasing, but not entirely satisfying, it lacked a certain richness. Meant to whet our appetites, it was preparing us for something greater."Red" is the meal. Ted Dekker expands upon his concepts and worlds, entertaining us, spinning a great story, and serving up substance with style. The dream-like world of Thomas Hunter takes on weight--it becomes more real. In the "real" world, the spreading virus and its global threat become parallels for the actual battle playing out on another plane. A spiritual plane. A plane with very real consequences.As in the first book, we don't get much inner character conflict or change. For me, this can lead to disappointment. But Dekker aims for a larger, symbolic conflict--the struggle of the human soul between darkness and light, between death and life. In this, he succeeds wildly.I've had my appetizer and my entree...Now I'm waiting for dessert!

With 2 down and 1 to go, man, Ted Dekker leaves the reader in suspense! Thomas Hunter continues his quest along with Monique to eliminate the Raison Strain. Dekker writes at a panic driven speed, along with a sense of urgency, and then leaves the reader saying something like, "WHOA!" and it just keeps getting faster! In this book, you will finally understand the meaning of the circle. In this book, you will understand what The Great Romance really means. And yes, you will know what Red means. The question is, are you ready for it?Ted Dekker is Red hot right now, and after watching some counter punching a little with Black, I'm ready for the knock out punch that'll floor us all! There was a lot more detail in this, that was what I really liked. Black was awesome, but left you ultimately wanting more. Well, he gives you more with Red, saying, "Oh yeah!!" White indeed will be something to buckle your seatbelt for, because this time he ain't stopping until the ride is over! VVROOM!!! This was awesome. So, to everyone who's read up to this point, Elyon's strength!

The wait since I read Black is over. Red is here, and it exceeds the high expecations that Black had established. To my amazement, Red is even better than Black, and that's saying a lot. Red is even more suspenseful, with more hair rising turns and plot twists than you can imagine. Yet, at the same time, everything is coherent, well-written, taut, direct. Dekker does a wondeful job of creating different worlds and situations while maintaining credibility. Red is a page turner that is nearly impossible to put down. The only joy in setting it aside for awhile is the pleasure of picking it back up and getting back in on the adventure. Red is the best fiction book I've read this year. A word of warning to those who have not read Black and are thinking of starting with Red, don't. This is not one of those books where what happened in the previous book is backfilled in the current book. Red picks up where it left of, all action, suspense, and exciting plot developments. I don't want to give anything away, but I found the way things developed toward the end of Red very satisfying.Now it's a long four months wait for White to come out!

If you enjoyed "Black", you'll definitely find this one rewarding. "Red" picks up right where "Black" left off, but the ride never lets up. The pace literally never stops here, and you'll have a hard time finding a place to put the book down on. Hunter is an interesting character, and I wouldn't mind seeing him again in some other book after this trilogy is done. All in all, Dekker has kept up the plot with this one and I'm looking forward to the last book in the trilogy. Recommended.