A countinuation of the story from "Black", "Red" is just as good as "Black."   Because of reading this book I now feel like I understand what it would have been like to have been an everyday Jew at the time of Jesus. Would I have followed the established religious leaders because they surely "know what is right"?  Would I have been numbered in the relatively few who followed Christ after his death?  I can't say.  I can say that I am so thankful to be counted a Christian today.  And I am thankful to my friend who was so gracious to lend these Ted Dekker books for me to read. (I like them so much I ordered a set for myself)

More to come on the last book..."White"

What a classic book!  I know this is at least the third time I have read the book but as I read it I had to pause several times to think about the lessons it naturally teaches. 

I also told the story of this book to the campers as the theme for the week was Narnia.  It was a great moment when a whole roomful of 7-9 year-olds (120 of them) realized the connection between this book and the more familiar "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

This book is a fabulous read although it may be difficult if you don't enjoy the fantasy genre.  In order to allow any future reader to discover the "reality" in the book as I did, I will not describe too much of the plot.  However, I will reveal that the protagonist, who claims to not believe in the God of the Bible, finds himself encountering that very God and Satan, too. 

Very soon in the book the reader figures the setting must be just before the tribulation.  Ted Dekker writes about one possible way the antichrist will rise to power.  One word that could be used to describe the beginning of the book would be: creepy.  In fact, I did use that word.

The worst part of the book is coming to the end only to find that the story is not over.  The reader must continue to the next book and presumably to the third (there are three in the series).  Of course, that could be the best part of the book because it is always sort of sad when a good story ends.

My favorite section of the book is when the main character actually turns to God for salvation.  I don't think I have ever read a better description of how the man has free will to refuse God's offer, yet that very offer is so incredibly amazing that it cannot be refused.   Besides that description, the book also shows how God delightfully interacts with His people and closely interests Himself in each individual.

If you are looking for a page-turner with lots of food for thought then this would be a good choice.  Don't let the "creepy" scare you away before you give it a try.  Dekker weaves plenty of lighthearted moments into the heavy subject of the book.  I think I might even read this book again...I'll bet I missed some nuggets in it on the first time through.