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.
|