The Circle Trilogy, Book #1, "Black" by Ted Dekker

Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1st edition (2004)
ISBN: 0-8499-1790-5

Thomas Hunter is a Filipino immigrant in the U.S. who lives with his elder sister. The Circle Trilogy seems to cross between the "thriller" genre to "fantasy", with the existence of another world being key. Basically, Thomas is knocked out one night, while coming home from work, and he awakes in another reality, that seems far more real than his home in Denver. This world turns out to be the future of his own, a place with odd bat-like creatures, a human race that never dies, and a bridge that separates the "colored forest" from the evil "black forest". Thomas doesn't know whom to believe, and what reality is the truth as he continues to wake up in both realities. But when he learns about the cause of the destruction of earth, a virus called "the Raison strain", he makes it his goal to stop it. He heads to Thailand with his sister, where he kidnaps the only person who can help him, Monique de Raison. Things only get worse, however, as Monique is then kidnapped from Thomas by the very man who wants to hold the world ransom.

I feel rather indifferent about Thomas. He is courageous, but only because he's desperate, and he is rather gullible too. And his epiphany that God is real doesn't come from faith, but rather proof, so I really couldn't connect with his character.
Kara, Thomas' big sister, thinks he's going crazy. She eventually comes to believe him, and her love makes her stick by him no matter what. She is one of the most likable characters in the book. Unfortunately, she is barely in it.
Rachelle, the woman who falls in love with Thomas while he lays unconscious, is as about as realistic as that development. She is the most gorgeous woman in the world, and she is skilled at martial arts to boot. Perfection is dull no matter how you slice it, and her relationship with Thomas feels forced.
The two bats, Michal and Calbin, are charming, in an odd way. With their ignorance of human ways, they were one of the few things that made me smile in this otherwise, grim story.

The story is the only strong point, its intricate and original. Unfortunately, it alone cannot make a good book. Rachelle made me ill almost every time I read of her. The explanation of Elyon's (God's) love was something else that made me cringe. I don't think anyone other than a devout Christian would keep reading after that scene. It just feels cheesy and unreal.

Ted Dekker, shows great originality in the plot, and promise as a good storyteller for the future even with my whining. I would give it two stars for the story idea, alone.

If you want to learn more about Dekker, and please do, his writing has improved since he wrote this, you can check out his website.

If you wish to purchase this book, you can get it in Paperback edition at Amazon.com for a bargain of only six bucks.

Next up, I'll review "Cape Refuge" by Terri Blackstock.

Jill Lewis Mystery Trilogy #1, "The Chase" by Robin Shope and Susan Wales

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company (February 2004)
ISBN-10: 0800759346
ISBN-13: 978-0800759346

Jill Lewis is a reporter who just busted a child trafficking scheme by the popular senator Burke, that will make her a household name. However, it all blows up in her face when new documents magically spring up, proving the adoptions that Senator Burke was involved in were all legit. Jill then loses her job, followed by her boyfriend of three years. Not knowing what to do, she decides to return to her hometown in Wisconsin. Here, she temporarily moves in with her mom and gets a job at the town's newspaper. Secretly, she continues her investigation of the senator. Trouble however, seems to follow Jill, from someone breaking into her house, to someone trying to push her off the road. She then decides to confide in her new boss, Craig. Together the two of them question the real reason behind the death of Jill's dad, discovering that he may be involved with what his daughter was investigating.

Jill, although proud at the start, eventually accepts Jesus into her life. But she is never annoying or selfish in her disbelief, instead simply hesitant to trust God.
Craig, her mysterious boss, is slightly confusing to understand, as he seems to keep Jill at an arms length. It's easy to relate to Jill's anguish over her feelings for him.
Pearl, Jill's mom, is another character that becomes hard to understand. Jill's sister is the same way, as everyone seems to have something to hide.
Marge is a character to note, as reading of her outrageous outfits often made me laugh.

There were few flaws I found through this story. The first, being how Jill makes her change from being against Christianity, to suddenly being for it. The conversion seems to happen over one supernatural experience, instead of just gradually over the year she spends home. I thought she should have fought with the change, instead of ignoring it then suddenly being gung-ho.
They're were also rare moments where I would pause and think, "that doesn't seem natural", like Craig's reaction to receiving such a momentous gift-casual and nonchalant. It could have been Craig just being odd, but Jill has no reaction to HIS reaction. Again, these are rather minor complaints, and might even go unnoticed by some.

Overall, I would give this mystery/suspense novel four out of five stars. Definitely a page turner.

Unfortunately, neither authors have homepages, and this is only available used at Amazon.com. Your best bet would probably be to go to you nearest Christian store, and look in the bargain section. More likely though, you'll find it at a Christian outlet store.

Next up, I'll review Book #1 of the Circle Series, "Black", by Ted Dekker.

"The Author" by Angela Hunt

Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1st Thus. edition (July 4, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595541586
ISBN-13: 978-1595541581

This isn't my usual genre, and I picked it up on a whim. In my defense, it is not a romance novel and this story does not revolve around Amish people.

Jordon Casey is a well known author who has written her Rex Tower Series for decades (Think James Bond). A student in her writing class challenges her to write something personal when he discovers the author of his favorite macho series is a woman.
What we gets is a place called Paradise, a man named William, and a place called "Casey's Machine company", where Casey's creation of nature can be seen through machines like old fashioned nickelodeons.
As the story grows, Casey decides to write it for her son, Zach, whom has become a growing problem since his return home from college.
William's pride leads him to the back room of the Machine co, where a Magician of a new game, promises him anything he wants. And the trouble starts there, eventually spiraling out of control.
The result, the neon sign burns out, leaving over: "Ca-si-no".

William is simple to understand, from his feelings of love for Raqual, to his feelings of pride against Casey, his creator.

Raqual, the object of his affection, reminds me of what Eve might have been. She's eager to be loved, and will do anything for William.

Jordon herself is easy to relate to, as a Christian mother who has run out of patience and answers when it comes to her youngest child.

The Magician, AKA Satan, is the creepiest, most convincing villain I've ever read.

John, AKA, Jesus, is kind without being cheesy, smart without being a know-it-all, and righteous without being judgmental.

Paradise is something out of a Tim Burton Movie. Think Edward Scissorhands. Things are just odd enough so that you know you're not in Kansas anymore. I loved how Angela Hunt wasn't afraid to try something different, as so many Christian authors stick to the strict recipe of what will sell.
Jordon's story is an allegory, but it does not completely follow it's biblical cousin. So you'll find no predictability there. In fact, besides the basics, there's not much in common. I found this extremely refreshing in a sea of step-by-step allegories. The fantasy fan in me wishes the entire story revolved around Paradise. But perhaps it could serve as an introduction to the fantasy aspect of christian fiction to Angela Hunt's many readers.

I completely original work, I give "The Author" four stars out of five.

You can buy her book at Amazon.com in paperback.

To learn about the other books she's written, you can see her website.

Next up, I'll review, "The Chase" by Susan Wales and Robin Shope.

Book #1 of the Vadelah Chronicles, "Arana's Visitor" by Julie Rollins

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Essence Publishing (September 21, 2005)
ISBN-10: 1553069609
ISBN-13: 978-1553069607

Book one of the Vadelah Chronicles takes place in 1989, where David Decker and his friend, Todd Fox, come across an alien named Panagyra, whom has been marooned on earth. David has no idea what he's gotten himself into, as he witnesses the giant bird learn at an unbelievably fast pace, smell better than a dog, and hear better than a rabbit. And this bird can fly too. Ignoring all of this, David soon learns that someone is out to catch Panagyra, and they end up on the run. Along the way, Panagyra shows more of his amazing abilities.
After Panagyra's spacecraft is fixed, David accidentally ends up coming along to his home planet, Arana. He faces an entire race that doesn't trust him. And to make matters worse, his only friend is unconscious, and unable to vouch for him.

David is a relatable young Christian, unsure of how to witness to Todd, or how to express his beliefs. He matures in the story, becoming courageous and adamant in his faith.
Todd is clever and is the perfect character to compliment David's quiet personality. Although he is an agnostic, he slowly develops through the story.
Panagyra is adorable, and his ignorance on human culture allows him to give insight into many so-called normal, aspects, when he witnesses how people live their lives. From drinking alcohol, to killing the unborn, and even his view on religions and cults.
Debbie is bold and likable, bouncing back from atrocious circumstances.

There are few downsides in this story. I found myself laughing out loud in many parts, sometimes at Todd, and sometimes at Panagyra. The story flows well, with each event either helping develop a character or the plot.
As a female reader, I would have liked a female character that played a larger part. There are two female characters, Debbie and Sharon, but they only play a small part. I would only expect Debbie to reappear, as she starts a relationship with David's mother.
The Phantera language may become confusing to some, as there are many chapters in a row where David learns it. For the most part, the author makes it clear what is being said.
If your sensitive to swear words, there is one scene where Debbie cries out that the whole "Damned" clinic lied to her. Personally, that didn't bother me. I have read about behavior in secular novels that bugged me far worse. It is actually refreshing to see a Christian publisher that doesn't demand ignorance of the secular culture's views on alcohol, cursing, and attitudes about sex. Instead, it shows you whats wrong with this view.
                                                                     
For great characters, and interesting story, and an original take on aliens, I give "Arana's Visitor" four stars out of five.

Unfortunately, it's from a small publisher in Canada, but you can still buy it used at, Amazon.com

You can learn more about the author by checking out her website.

Next up, I'll review, "The Novelist" by Angela Hunt.

Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

Paperback: 174 pages
Publisher: Charisma House (May 9, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1591856655
ISBN-13: 978-1591856658

Shadowmancer is the story of Thomas Barrick, and Kate Coglan, who live in 1700s Thorpe, England. When an African name Raphah arrives, on the hunt for the Keruvim, an item stolen from his people, things change fast. Because the man whom has stolen it, happens to be Obadiah Demurral, a respected but corrupt vicar who wants to use it to gain power. Throughout the book, Kate and Thomas become engulfed in another world, as creatures they've never even believed in threaten their lives, as well as a God they've never believed in, Riathamus, shows himself.

Thomas, has been dealt a bad hand. He has no father, his house has recently burnt down, and his mother is dying in the hospital. Instead of staying bitter he doesn't even consider not helping Raphah. He has a good heart.
Kate, is completely unlady-like and actually carries a gun on her. Because of an abusive father, she distrusts mostly everyone accept Thomas. I liked her because although she is the anti-girly girl, she doesn't come off as stereo-typical.
Raphah is fully devoted to Riathamus but because we don't know learn much about his past, he is slightly a distant character.
Demurall is completely believable as the villain, a man who uses a religion for his own gain.
His henchman, Beadle, is realistic in his portrayal as a man influenced and weakened by Demurall, but not completely taken in by selfish desires.
Crane is a cynical smuggler that is rather hard to understand throughout the book. He's neither likeable nor unlikable. But he is crucial to the plot.

There are some odd points throughout the story where you are spared reactions that seem crucial. I found myself asking, why didn't they show his of hers reaction? Also, I felt as though we could have gotten to know the main characters better. There was no explanation about the events that Kate and Thomas had gone through together as kids. Just the explanation that they had always been friends. Some history would have deepened the story and it's characters greatly. Finally, the main characters are thrown into danger, but never even question abandoning Raphah. Although Thomas has a dream that leads him to God, Kate seems to have no real motivation. It could just be her friendship with Thomas, but like I said, that lacked depth.

With all these flaws, I still say it's worth the read if you enjoy the "fantasy" genre. There are so many odd and scary creatures throughout this book that make it enjoyable. There are angels, demons, witches, Varrigal, and a raven of gold...just to name a few. My favorite scene is when we see Thomas with his mother; I found his vulnerability a very compelling part of his character, making up for the lack of history and development in many of the others.

I admit, at first read, this book didn't stand out to me, but the second time around I really started to notice it's strong points. I'd give it three stars, for potential (this guy writes non-stop) and originality.

If you want to read it yourself, you can get it at Amazon for only $8.

You can learn about G.P. Taylor's other books at his website.

Next review, Book one of the Vadelah Chronicles, "Arana's Visitor" by Julie Rollins.

Points of my review

I just wanted to break down how I plan to do my reviews. I'm writing for those who plan to read these books, so I wont give away a lot of the plot.
Don't you hate it when you read the back of a book and it gives away the entire story? So much for surprises...
I try to break each review into three parts
1, the basic plot
2, the characters (this section can either be the strong or weak points)
3, this section can be strong or weak points depending on the characters

Then just a summing up and a rating from one to five stars.
* Horrible/Not worth reading
** Potentially good/shows promise
*** Good/worth reading
**** Exceptionally good
***** The best I've ever read

I might put more information of the plot if I find it's crucial in pointing out how the book is either good or bad. If I can tell the worthiness of the book in another way, such as just by looking at the characters, then I will instead. I might change this pattern, but for now it seems to working.

The Birthright Project #1, Outriders by Kathryn Mackel

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (2005) (first edition)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1-59554-039-3 (first edition)
ISBN-13: 978-1595544032
Note: This cover is the first cover. There is now a second one out.

The Birthright Project is a science fiction series, that takes place in the far future of this world. But you don't figure this out until about 5 chapters in! Throughout the first chapters, I was thoroughly confused. I felt this information would have been more effective if given earlier. Not until more than halfway through the book do we get a story.

In a nutshell: the worlds' technology evolved to the point where everyone was waging war. After the wars, the angry masses killed everyone they could blame, from scientists who created the technologies to religious leaders. Somehow, all of the technology was lost, and only few people knew how to read and hid books, technology, and art. An angel came to them and instructed them to build a second ark, an ark that would live under water. This is where the birthrighters are from. The idea in itself is the story's strong point, and is an original one.

Unfortunately, most of the characters in the story don't hold up well.
Niki is bossy, hot tempered, and is not a very likeable character first. Only later in the story does she grow on you. Because she suffers you feel pity on her.
Brady is the leader; he comes off as a holier-than-thou and is quite  a condescending character by the end of the book.
Timothy doesn't have much personality except for his odd aversion for Brady that appears then vanishes and his penchant for hot woman.
Ajoba was my favorite character. Although she is deceived in the beginning, she has a kind heart, which makes her likeable and realistic.
Alrod is a stereo-typical villian, and has little personality. He's just evil.
Dawnray and Taryan tie for the most boring character. Both are very beautiful, smart, and clever. Both have males who are head over heels for them.
Besides Taryan, every character gets their own chapters or part in a chapter. I found this distracted me and I and was unnecessary. It kept me away from the most interesting part of the story, where Niki and the three rookies head back to camp. Her story is a page turner, although not without it's flaws.
Niki decides she is in love with Brady, then she isn't! This is a weak part of her character. She suddenly sounds like a whiny teenager, instead of a strong and proud birthrighter. By the end of the book I found myself wanting either a new male character or simply for Brady to get real and see how amazing Niki is, compared to dull Taryan.

The good points: the originality of the second ark, and the mad scientists who mutate all of the creatures and humans. Also the odd wolf who follows Niki, Ajoba, and the fact that this is science fiction and is written by a Christian author. How many of those can you find?

If you are a hardcore fantasy/sci-fi fan, then I suggest you read it and judge it for yourself. If your not, I recommend skipping this book altogether. I give it two stars out of five.

You can check out the authors website here.

Up next, I'll review Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

To Catch A Thief #1, Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Publishers (August 15, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590526864
ISBN-13: 978-1590526866

Desiree Jacobs runs HJ Securities in Boston, along with her father. After signing her first client on her own, she is informed that her father has been killed while in Italy. A distrust for the cops, who are on the case, and believe her father is a criminal, leads Desiree to search out the truth on her own. This is rather difficult, seeing is how after a man breaks into her house, she is under surveillance by the cops.

She still manages to get into all kinds of trouble, all the while doubting Tony's intentions as he invites himself to her church and other activities. This book is well paced, with enough action to satisfy most readers. Although the ending seemed slightly rushed, as the clues only fall together right before the real killers are discovered. That's not really a fault, just my personal preference. There's no solving it before Desiree.

As for the characters, Desiree is portrayed realistic in her faith; weak to her sinful desires but remembering her own convictions. Tony Lucano is easy to relate to as he wants to witness to his partner, Crane, but at the same time wonders if it's worth it.  With both of both of the main characters being Christians, Crane balances it out by giving the reader a dose of reality. Max, Desiree's best friend, is likeable and much like the older sister or mother figure you would want around. She compliments Desiree's character in a way that makes their friendship realistic.

I only have two criticisms. The first, Desiree is coined as stubborn about Tony and yet she doesn't take long to fall in love. Being that this is a series, I thought this romance would develop slowly. The two don't learn much about each other before they share their feelings. Just a pet peeve of mine.

But this is a series, so there's plenty of chances for a real relationship to be forged between the two main characters and my second complaint is a rather small one.

Desiree jumps to the conclusion that someone she loves is responsible for a crime. I would think she would at least rationalize for a bit, and be in denial about it.

All in all I found this book entertaining and I'm curious about what will happen next. I'd give it three and half stars out of five.

You can buy it at Amazon.com for $11.04 in paperback format.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can check out her website.

Next review, the Birthright Project #1, The Outriders, by Kathryn Mackel.