White

While I know "The Circle" series has received a fourth book, book zero (what is that about?), for the purposes of this review, I will treat "White" as the conclusion to a trilogy for two reasons. Firstly, this was the original context in which it was published and second, it is the most equitable way to deal with it. It continues the allegory of the Christian faith through history, blending modern-earth and future-earth storylines. The modern-day story is once again a nail-biting narrative and, frankly, where the real story happens. Unfortunately, this makes the future world storyline feel like dead weight at times. Also, because it vies with the present-day story for literary real estate, a relatively small amount of background for this incredibly unique world has left some parts underdeveloped. For example, the people of one culture hate water; however, I never truly understood the depth of their hatred, because I was told about it, not shown it. Another small critique concerns the Books of the Histories, a plot device introduced early in the series and undoubtedly of incredible importance. They are built up to be the driving force in the story, yet they are rarely seen and even more rarely used for anything. Moreover, at the end of "White," they have created a host of loose ends which take away from an otherwise good ending to the series. On the front of characters, the book surpasses its predecessors with the variety of people in the storyline. The villains of the future storyline are finally humanized and given depth and variety. Some of them are evil to the core while some are more like you and me. Additionally, differences of opinion among the heroes make them each feel unique. On the other hand, some characters behave in certain ways, not because it is what they would actually do but because the allegory demands it. One character, for instance, displays uncontrollable and unconditional love as an allegory for the way God loves sinners; however, with nothing preceding this attitude to justify it, the situation undermines the character’s personality simply to make a point. My most critical gripe is that "The Circle" trilogy over-uses death as a plot point and then utilizes poorly conceived resurrection gimmicks to bring characters back. It happens with such frequency that by the third book, the ultimate sacrifice has been cheapened to the point of being practically meaningless. As always, Mr. Dekker’s writing style is all his own, a good thing in my opinion. It melds easy to read English and sentence structures with the occasional use of older, more epic styles of writing. Combine Stephen King with Shakespeare or the Bible and you have Ted Dekker. This creates an easily devoured novel with a readily identifiable style all its own. Despite a few critiques, "White" is an enjoyable read and a good, climactic end to a trilogy.

White by Ted Dekker is the 3rd and final installment of the Circle Trilogy. It continues with Thomas Hunter seeking away to save this Earth from the Raison Strain. The beauty of this book comes from the other Earth. While this Earth is quickly falling into disarray from the disease, Thomas of Hunter is involved with the Great Pursuit of Elyon. That is drawing the Horde into the Circle, to become Elyon's Bride. Will he have to give his life in that Pursuit, just as Elyon Himself had to do? Our will he survive? How does our Earth fare in the end from the Raison Strain? Is there any hope for an anti-virus? At what cost to the nations? What would be the ultimate cost in this battle against time and a madman, set on destroying all? In this book, Ted Dekker weaves a tale of great sacrifice, a sacrifice for love. Thomas meets a young woman by the name of Chelise, the daughter of General Qurong of the Horde. This woman captures his heart, which should not happen between those of the Circle and the Horde. She is one that has forsaken the Great Romance of Elyon and believed a lie. Yet, Thomas is taken by her. He does everything within his power to woo her, to cause her to see that she is loved by Elyon. Will he succeed? The cost of rescuing the General's daughter is his life, and if she follows after him, it will cost her life as well. Dive Deep, and Live! Again, this is a masterfully written book. In it we see a great example of 2nd Corinthians 5:11-19. It beautifully shows the ministry that we as Christians have been given, the ministry of reconciliation. We were reconciled to God by Christ Jesus, and we have been called to reconcile man to Christ. The Great Pursuit of Elyon is all about this. Our God desires fellowship with His Creation, yet those that have pursued after there own desires have no understanding of this Love. We are called to give up our life for the sake of winning the lost. The word Martyr actually means Witness. In this book, you will see that put in action in every way. I have walked away from this series inspired to love more, to walk in remembrance of the great sacrifice Christ made for me, and what He has called me to do. I am still in awe of how this story overcame the barriers that so often come with preaching about love and sharing our faith. In a story, the truth comes through so much stronger and we are more willing to accept it. By the way, in case you didn't know, Elyon is a name for God. It is Hebrew for The Most High God.

It's been about 2 weeks since Thomas Hunter woke up with knowledge of a potentially world-ending deadly virus strain. Although he was unable to stop the release of the deadly virus, he has been very busy helping to look for a cure. At the same time, it has been over 16 years since Thomas of Hunter woke up in the Black Forest with knowledge of the Histories. Although he was unable to stop the disease-ridden Horde from overrunning the forests, he has been very busy helping those who want a cure to the disease to get it. Both worlds are going to hell in a handbasket, and it's up to Thomas Hunter to figure out how to keep that from happening. This third and final installment in the Circle Trilogy may be one of Ted Dekker's best ever. His ability to pull you into the story and then throw you for loop after loop will leave you breathless and eager to continue. I lost quite a few hours of sleep because I couldn't find a good stopping place. As with the first two, this book is an unabashed Christian work. In addition to a gripping story, it also contains a retelling of the Bible. While you may not always agree with how the story has been rewritten, the main concepts are there. Not only will you be on the edge of your seat while reading this book, but your mind will be reading and understanding as well. If you have not read "Black" or "Red" first, then "White" will not mean anything to you. Some people will be upset that they have to buy three books to read the whole story, but this is one trilogy that is worth it.

All the things I love all in one place ~ Spirituality ~ Science Fiction ~ Time Travel/Alternate Reality combined with Romance, Suspense and Intrigue. What a series! I was lucky to read all three books at once without having to wait. I zoomed through them and was very pleased with the ending as sad as I was to see it. Ted Dekker has an incredible gift of going where no one has ever been and taking you with him. I am a new fan and highly recommend this book. Be sure and start with "Black" first!

This is the third book of a trilogy. Read the first two: Black and Red before going into this one. Thoman Hunter lives in a world where a lethal virus threatens to destroy humanity. Then he goes to sleep as we all do. When he wakes he is in a world where he is involved in the struggle for peace and religious freedom. When he goes to sleep in this world, he wakes back in the first one. Each time he wakes he encounters a crisis until he is unsure just which world is real and which is dream. Or are they both real, or both dreams. It's a fascinating concept, very well executed and highly recommended.

The mind-bending story continues in White, the final book in the Circle Trilogy. Dead in our world but alive in the other reality, Thomas and those that escaped to follow Justin now live in the desert. Those that have drowned in the red lakes and put their trust in Justin and Elyon are free from the disease that still afflicts the Scabs. They are still hated by the Horde and the Scabs continue to try to kill Thomas. In our reality, the virus has been spread throughout the entire world. Using her brother's blood sample, Kara Hunter crosses over to the other reality where she shares minds with Mikil, Thomas's second in command. Like in the other two books, White is filled with unexpected twists. The story is incredible and almost believable in an amazing way. After reading White, I have to say this is one of the best series I have ever read. Every time I thought I had it figured out there was a new twist and I was left guessing again. Make sure you have plenty of time before you start this book because yet again Ted Dekker has written a book you can't put down.