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Paradise #1-3
The Paradise Trilogy
Welcome to Paradise. Showdown A man cloaked in black arrives in the sleepy town of Paradise, Colorado. He knows too much about the town’s many unspoken secrets, and he himself holds the greatest secret of them all. Bearing the power to grant any unfulfilled dream, he is irresistible. As dark clouds and sandstorms envelop the town, it becomes apparent that Paradise is being isolated for a reason. But why? Saint He belongs to the X Group. They call him Saint. Invasive techniques have stripped him of his identity and made him someone new . . . but who is he really? From the deep woods of Hungary to the streets of New York, one man’s search for truth leads him into a world of government cover-ups, political intrigue, and ultimate betrayal. Sinner This is the story of Marsuvees Black, a force of raw evil who speaks with wicked persuasion that is far more destructive than swords or guns. It’s also the story of two unsuspecting survivors of a research project gone bad―who may be the most powerful people on earth. And finally, it’s the story of one who comes out of the desert to lead those willing to stand for truth. The epic conclusion to what began in a small town called Paradise.
1090 pages, Hardcover
First published May 29, 2012
190 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
191 books9,989 followersTed Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2021
very mixed opinion!! really liked and kind of hated.
December 3, 2018
Entertaining mix of fantasy and Christian belief woven to affirm that evil will not overcome the light of God's Word. It does, however, accurately reflect the belief that many people can be easily misled to believe the lie they want to believe all the while ignoring or rejecting the truth of God's Word.
March 8, 2022
IN-TENSE!!!
Classic Dekker. It is worth it to read (or reread) Showdown, Saint and Sinner in a binge.
Unapologetic in his representation of Christ as the light of the world. Possibly prophetic. A tale for our season of tolerance!
Excellent and thought-provoking.
Classic Dekker. It is worth it to read (or reread) Showdown, Saint and Sinner in a binge.
Unapologetic in his representation of Christ as the light of the world. Possibly prophetic. A tale for our season of tolerance!
Excellent and thought-provoking.
December 26, 2013
I have a couple books by this author but have yet to read them. So will start with this trilogy. In the beginning, the book started off with numerous characters, subplots, and starts to link about midway of the book. Although in the beginning, I didn't care for Billy nor the 36 (total 37) students in the monastery and wasn't quite sure how they worked in the story but about 225 pages or more in "Showdown" it all started to make some sense. This writer is quite eccentric, reflective, and distinctive in his writing; where can you place him. Moreover, we see the WORD(s) comes to life just like in the Bible, the Word became flesh but started with the WORD. We also can create like our Creator, therefore, Ted Dekker found a way to share the word of GOD but in a quizzical manner where you can see good and evil...it is all about CHOICE. To have the faith like a child, and uniquely illustrated in this novel how two forces both evil and good are writing in the magical books that makes things a reality in a made-up world. Who is Marsuvees Black? Is God in the mix of things, even though evil seems to be dominant in a place called Paradise? Can revert to the story: in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve in such a paradise but the serpent spoke to their fleshly lusts and desires...so now in Paradise, Black is speaking to the land of the weak and feeding on their lusts, and thoughts are captivated to do evil. I'll see how thing pan out in this novel before moving to the next book in the series. Okay ending but made perfect sense. 2 stars (okay read overall).
Next is "Saint" in the trilogy. Can you imagine losing your identity for a mission unknown to you, X Group, as others failed, they were killed? Who is Carl? Peter? Or whatever his name is? The opening of this story has me drawn in for sure. False identity? Implantation and military Ops, so far, my kind of story. (I write a little about this in my future series.) In the Paradise Trilogy, Saint is the second book in the series. In the opening, I felt this book was much stronger delivery and execution in the writing style than the first book "Showdown" but about midway, it started to lose me for quite a bit. It focused heavily on the X group protocols and mission to kill drills that almost lost its thrills until you connect who Carl really is. The X Group erased his identity, psychological manipulation, and takes meeting David Abraham after an assassination at the hospital to make sure his victim was annihilated when he starts to realize this has taken place. The victim shot on the podium was the president of the U.S., Robert Stenton, and David Abraham is the spiritual adviser or chaplain. But David arranges a meeting with his son, Samuel, who has already seen previous revelations and visions to come anyways. The ending was piercing my soul on some things we face as believers, and we get too caught up in the ways of the world, we lose our true identity and purpose...who we actually are, and created for. 3.75 stars/4.
Lastly, book 3 of the trilogy continues or will the saga end. M. Black is back. The prologue is repeat of what I read in the other books but more concise as mentioned in the second book (seems identical writing, copy and paste I presume). So starting off about the evil one, Lucifer, in the flesh as Black. Sinner, here we go! Yes so far this one is a winner in the early chapters. The powers that be: Johnny Drake can see, Billy Rediger can hear the thoughts of men, and Darcy Lange has the voice of reason...well her form of reason which is persuasion. Interesting concept so far and will see how this story places out. The connection to the Roman Catholic, 36 students from the first story now recapture in this one and the reasoning for the isolation of such as experiment known as "project showdown" which shut down years prior because of the failure according to the religious sect. Jesus said, 'If they have eyes, let them see.' And Johnny has the gift of sight in the sense of showing people what they choose to see, either to be deceived or to believe (the truth). Love this. As I got further to the end, I got bored and long-winded to me. I hope the very end is good since it was in the beginning to middle. Yes the ending was pretty clever and deliciously, eerie good. 4.5 stars/5.
I am reading the eBook version of "Showdown"; "Saint"; and "Sinner" in the Paradise trilogy. I love these titles as well.
Adrienna Turner, author of "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dream4more.org
Next is "Saint" in the trilogy. Can you imagine losing your identity for a mission unknown to you, X Group, as others failed, they were killed? Who is Carl? Peter? Or whatever his name is? The opening of this story has me drawn in for sure. False identity? Implantation and military Ops, so far, my kind of story. (I write a little about this in my future series.) In the Paradise Trilogy, Saint is the second book in the series. In the opening, I felt this book was much stronger delivery and execution in the writing style than the first book "Showdown" but about midway, it started to lose me for quite a bit. It focused heavily on the X group protocols and mission to kill drills that almost lost its thrills until you connect who Carl really is. The X Group erased his identity, psychological manipulation, and takes meeting David Abraham after an assassination at the hospital to make sure his victim was annihilated when he starts to realize this has taken place. The victim shot on the podium was the president of the U.S., Robert Stenton, and David Abraham is the spiritual adviser or chaplain. But David arranges a meeting with his son, Samuel, who has already seen previous revelations and visions to come anyways. The ending was piercing my soul on some things we face as believers, and we get too caught up in the ways of the world, we lose our true identity and purpose...who we actually are, and created for. 3.75 stars/4.
Lastly, book 3 of the trilogy continues or will the saga end. M. Black is back. The prologue is repeat of what I read in the other books but more concise as mentioned in the second book (seems identical writing, copy and paste I presume). So starting off about the evil one, Lucifer, in the flesh as Black. Sinner, here we go! Yes so far this one is a winner in the early chapters. The powers that be: Johnny Drake can see, Billy Rediger can hear the thoughts of men, and Darcy Lange has the voice of reason...well her form of reason which is persuasion. Interesting concept so far and will see how this story places out. The connection to the Roman Catholic, 36 students from the first story now recapture in this one and the reasoning for the isolation of such as experiment known as "project showdown" which shut down years prior because of the failure according to the religious sect. Jesus said, 'If they have eyes, let them see.' And Johnny has the gift of sight in the sense of showing people what they choose to see, either to be deceived or to believe (the truth). Love this. As I got further to the end, I got bored and long-winded to me. I hope the very end is good since it was in the beginning to middle. Yes the ending was pretty clever and deliciously, eerie good. 4.5 stars/5.
I am reading the eBook version of "Showdown"; "Saint"; and "Sinner" in the Paradise trilogy. I love these titles as well.
Adrienna Turner, author of "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dream4more.org
January 19, 2022
SHOWDOWN🌟🌟🌟
This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. I felt more of the christian thriller than the fantasy aspect of the novel. The plot represented the battle that each of us fight within ourselves. The battle to choose good or evil, making right or wrong choices. The balnce of good and evil within the entire trilogy was well dispersed. I enjoyed Showdown alot, but wanted a little more action in the novel. This 'more action ' however, I got in the second feature, Saint.
SAINT🌟🌟🌟🌟
Saint was unbelievably a page turner. In the beginning my emotions were on a rollercoaster, trying to figure out this love-hate relationship I had with this character Saint. When I finally realised who Saint really was, I literally jumped out of my seat screaming "Yes!" From the first installment, we see how his experience as a child living in Paradise, impacted his life as an adult. Packed with action and a hint of romance, Dekker weaved in some political intrigue as well. I couldn't put the book down during this part of the read, cause every page had me routing for our assasin/hero.
What I didn't like though, was the ending. I got so hyped in the beginning and middle, but the conclusion deflated my ' bubble'. I was satisfied with the " good conquering evil" in the end of course, but the way the last battle was conducted was disappointing. I expected alot more.
SINNER🌟🌟🌟
Tolerance was one of the themes in this third installment of the series. The belief systems of the different major religions, was compared to the belief systems of christianity.There was a clash of beliefs which grew within the communities, and spilled into the country. The issues about religion and race was a huge reflection of the world we live in at the moment. It felt almost prophetic to me, which as a christian felt good and scary at the same time.
Sinner concluded the three main characters in the first book, Johnny, Billy and Darcy, beautifully. The damage left by Marseuvees in the beginning, was corrected once and for all.
Altogether it was a good read.
This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. I felt more of the christian thriller than the fantasy aspect of the novel. The plot represented the battle that each of us fight within ourselves. The battle to choose good or evil, making right or wrong choices. The balnce of good and evil within the entire trilogy was well dispersed. I enjoyed Showdown alot, but wanted a little more action in the novel. This 'more action ' however, I got in the second feature, Saint.
SAINT🌟🌟🌟🌟
Saint was unbelievably a page turner. In the beginning my emotions were on a rollercoaster, trying to figure out this love-hate relationship I had with this character Saint. When I finally realised who Saint really was, I literally jumped out of my seat screaming "Yes!" From the first installment, we see how his experience as a child living in Paradise, impacted his life as an adult. Packed with action and a hint of romance, Dekker weaved in some political intrigue as well. I couldn't put the book down during this part of the read, cause every page had me routing for our assasin/hero.
What I didn't like though, was the ending. I got so hyped in the beginning and middle, but the conclusion deflated my ' bubble'. I was satisfied with the " good conquering evil" in the end of course, but the way the last battle was conducted was disappointing. I expected alot more.
SINNER🌟🌟🌟
Tolerance was one of the themes in this third installment of the series. The belief systems of the different major religions, was compared to the belief systems of christianity.There was a clash of beliefs which grew within the communities, and spilled into the country. The issues about religion and race was a huge reflection of the world we live in at the moment. It felt almost prophetic to me, which as a christian felt good and scary at the same time.
Sinner concluded the three main characters in the first book, Johnny, Billy and Darcy, beautifully. The damage left by Marseuvees in the beginning, was corrected once and for all.
Altogether it was a good read.
September 16, 2014
Because this is three books in one, my star rating is averaged. But actual ratings were polarised. Ted Dekker has wonderful writing ability in the thriller/suspense genre. As a thriller writer, he's probably my favourite. (Book Two of this trilogy was a thriller/suspense — I give it 5 stars.)
But I don't like his fantasy attempts at all. I find them completely unidentifiable, even with the belief-suspension that fantasy typically requires. Book One was fantasy (I give it 1 star), and although it has a great premise, the execution let it down. Not just because it's so over-the-top (although the toking caterpillar in Wonderland would probably appreciate it), but it went on and on and on... Really, the story could have been effectively told in half the space. There were many unnecessary scenes.
Book Three was a genre cocktail — action, drama, fantasy, suspense...probably others. I give it three stars. Its fantasy infusion is responsible for elements of the ridiculous (and a bit of romance, which is a topic I think Dekker mishandles), but the action and suspense redeem it, elevating it well above the first book, but notably below the second.
Fortunately, I think Book Two can be enjoyed on its own, so there's no need to commit to all three, or even to force yourself to read through the first.
But I don't like his fantasy attempts at all. I find them completely unidentifiable, even with the belief-suspension that fantasy typically requires. Book One was fantasy (I give it 1 star), and although it has a great premise, the execution let it down. Not just because it's so over-the-top (although the toking caterpillar in Wonderland would probably appreciate it), but it went on and on and on... Really, the story could have been effectively told in half the space. There were many unnecessary scenes.
Book Three was a genre cocktail — action, drama, fantasy, suspense...probably others. I give it three stars. Its fantasy infusion is responsible for elements of the ridiculous (and a bit of romance, which is a topic I think Dekker mishandles), but the action and suspense redeem it, elevating it well above the first book, but notably below the second.
Fortunately, I think Book Two can be enjoyed on its own, so there's no need to commit to all three, or even to force yourself to read through the first.
July 23, 2013
Changed my rating to 5 stars as I'm currently reading and very much enjoying the first story in the Paradise Trilogy, entitled "Showdown." Paradise is a town who welcomes a mysterious preacher named "Black" who's already seeming like the devil himself! And there's a group of young boys being trained up in a special program of faith and trust in Christ by monks in a monastery... those young boys are going to be pivitol in a great spiritual battle from what I see already in the story! Has all the elements I enjoy in stories: mystery, science, humor and all from a Christian perspective, Wow!! Love it!! You go, Ted Dekker!
Wish Good Reads had a cover photo for this trilogy! Dekker's book covers are awesome!
Wish Good Reads had a cover photo for this trilogy! Dekker's book covers are awesome!
October 21, 2016
This is an interesting fantasy book which goes through good and evil. The twists and surprises keep you wondering what is really happening. I happen to like Mr. Dekker's novels as there is usually a good moral to his stories which make you think and evaluate your own life.
July 24, 2020
Relevant
This book is relevant for anyone to read. Regardless of your belief, the process that you go through while reading this trilogy is an important one. Let the process change you.
This book is relevant for anyone to read. Regardless of your belief, the process that you go through while reading this trilogy is an important one. Let the process change you.
June 29, 2013
From the first page I was hooked and became a fan! As I have read more of his novels this trilogy remains my favorite!!!
May 8, 2015
Marsuvees Black - the ultimate creepy evil guy.
January 29, 2024
More forays into the horror genre, and nowhere close to Dekker's better work (2 stars)
In this series, Ted Dekker continues his darker approach to fiction that was also evident in "Obsessed". So expect dark and disturbing elements like twisted killers bent on murder, creepy cops, people eating worms and poking out eyes, complete with detailed descriptions of the above. It's horrific, and deliberately so; some of the characters that populate the story-line could easily have been borrowed from writers like Stephen King and others in the horror genre. It's ugly stuff, and at times I found myself repulsed; some would argue that this is Dekker's point, but I question whether it's really helpful or necessary to descend to this level of darkness and grotesque to bring a positive message.
Additionally the story-line is implausible and unconvincing, and at times even slow and ponderous; furthermore the elements of romance seemed unnecessary and artificial. As we'd expect from Dekker, there is a deeper message about faith and truth, but it only comes at the end of each novel, and seems largely pasted on. I feel distinctly uncomfortable with the horror genre being used as a vehicle to bring a Christian message. Sadly in the case of the Paradise Trilogy, everything seems to be inferior when compared with the best of Dekker's other work, and it doesn't come close to matching the qualities of his better efforts such as the Circle Trilogy.
In this series, Ted Dekker continues his darker approach to fiction that was also evident in "Obsessed". So expect dark and disturbing elements like twisted killers bent on murder, creepy cops, people eating worms and poking out eyes, complete with detailed descriptions of the above. It's horrific, and deliberately so; some of the characters that populate the story-line could easily have been borrowed from writers like Stephen King and others in the horror genre. It's ugly stuff, and at times I found myself repulsed; some would argue that this is Dekker's point, but I question whether it's really helpful or necessary to descend to this level of darkness and grotesque to bring a positive message.
Additionally the story-line is implausible and unconvincing, and at times even slow and ponderous; furthermore the elements of romance seemed unnecessary and artificial. As we'd expect from Dekker, there is a deeper message about faith and truth, but it only comes at the end of each novel, and seems largely pasted on. I feel distinctly uncomfortable with the horror genre being used as a vehicle to bring a Christian message. Sadly in the case of the Paradise Trilogy, everything seems to be inferior when compared with the best of Dekker's other work, and it doesn't come close to matching the qualities of his better efforts such as the Circle Trilogy.
May 14, 2021
The only series I actually like from the dark phase and is also apart of the Books of History Chronicles. I've ready this series a bunch of times and it always amazes me how well he weaves between completely different series so seamlessly. This takes a few mythology elements from The Circle and answers some questions, but mostly is it's own thing.
Upon rereading recently, I was stunned with how powerful the first book, Showdown, is, lets just say I wept. Then we got to the last book, while I hate to repeat myself, the word stunning really is the perfect word for it. I was stunned with how accurate his predictions were of the future world, "1984" and "a brave new world" have nothing on the National Tolerance Act. Being in his dark phase, there are some funky elements I'm not a huge fan of, with the handling of two characters in particular. But the darker parts, "wanna trip on some grace juice baby" are actually handled quite well.
Upon rereading recently, I was stunned with how powerful the first book, Showdown, is, lets just say I wept. Then we got to the last book, while I hate to repeat myself, the word stunning really is the perfect word for it. I was stunned with how accurate his predictions were of the future world, "1984" and "a brave new world" have nothing on the National Tolerance Act. Being in his dark phase, there are some funky elements I'm not a huge fan of, with the handling of two characters in particular. But the darker parts, "wanna trip on some grace juice baby" are actually handled quite well.
December 11, 2017
Paradise trilogy
Another great series by ted dekker ! I recommend reading this trilogy if you like dekker novels.
Have a good day
Another great series by ted dekker ! I recommend reading this trilogy if you like dekker novels.
Have a good day
October 25, 2018
Well worth your time to read!
Well worth your time to read and seems to have pictured perfectly what is happening in society today. Definitely makes a person think.
Well worth your time to read and seems to have pictured perfectly what is happening in society today. Definitely makes a person think.
January 4, 2019
loved it
May 25, 2022
I had a really hard time reading this, it was bothering me, so I quit reading it, I'll probably pick it up later, but, for now, I stopped.
May 28, 2025
I normally love Ted Dekker’s books but this series was just okay.
July 22, 2025
ONE OF MY TOP THREE FAVORITE SERIES!!! The only ones that might beat this trilogy is Ted Dekker's Circle Series and the Lost Books Series.
August 19, 2025
Exceptional
By far one of the greatest stories within the larger saga which is the Books of History chronicles within the Dekkerverse.
By far one of the greatest stories within the larger saga which is the Books of History chronicles within the Dekkerverse.
July 10, 2022
This trilogy was ver interesting and gave some very interesting perspectives. My favorite of the three was Showdown, Book 1. Both Saint, Book 2, and Sinner (Book 3) felt very politically driven. All three books of the trilogy were written with a lot of intense moments that sometimes were quite graphic.
January 22, 2021
Another thrillIng adventure of light and love!
This is the third seri s I’ve read from Ted Dekker and equally as good as them all. His style draws out my imagination and creativity and it is very easy to get lost in these pages and drawn into an eternal story that has always been told.
This is the third seri s I’ve read from Ted Dekker and equally as good as them all. His style draws out my imagination and creativity and it is very easy to get lost in these pages and drawn into an eternal story that has always been told.
February 23, 2023
Is this a favorite for me? I’d have to say no. But it’s good. Some of the fantastical elements are a bit much, and Dekker is no theologian, but the plot lines and characters are well-developed and compelling. All three of the books in this trilogy are fast-paced without sacrificing any details.
Showdown is an intricate beginning to a beautiful story, woven throughout the trilogy. It’s hard to know what’s going to happen next in this book—everything seems kind of out-of-the-blue. But somehow it all fits to make a cohesive story. This book is not for the squeamish, as some of the descriptions are rather graphic, but not without cause.
Saint is, in my opinion, the best of the trilogy. I would give it an individual rating of 5 stars. It’s hard to know how to sum it up without giving too much away, but the main protagonist is incredible. The story kept me guessing, and while the ending left a little to be desired, it clearly leads into the next book. So I can accept that.
Sinner had the most plot twists and the most characters. And while I was confused for a while, it all came together at the end, wrapping up the trilogy beautifully. This book was a little less plot driven than the others, which is part of how the author leads your emotions as you read. It was weirdly politically relevant, even though it was written over 10 years ago. Not mad about that.
I think the best way to describe the series is to say that the ultimate goal is for you, as the reader, to come face-to-face with yourself, and then see Christ for Who He is. It’s a complex saga that expresses a simple truth about Christ and His love.
Showdown is an intricate beginning to a beautiful story, woven throughout the trilogy. It’s hard to know what’s going to happen next in this book—everything seems kind of out-of-the-blue. But somehow it all fits to make a cohesive story. This book is not for the squeamish, as some of the descriptions are rather graphic, but not without cause.
Saint is, in my opinion, the best of the trilogy. I would give it an individual rating of 5 stars. It’s hard to know how to sum it up without giving too much away, but the main protagonist is incredible. The story kept me guessing, and while the ending left a little to be desired, it clearly leads into the next book. So I can accept that.
Sinner had the most plot twists and the most characters. And while I was confused for a while, it all came together at the end, wrapping up the trilogy beautifully. This book was a little less plot driven than the others, which is part of how the author leads your emotions as you read. It was weirdly politically relevant, even though it was written over 10 years ago. Not mad about that.
I think the best way to describe the series is to say that the ultimate goal is for you, as the reader, to come face-to-face with yourself, and then see Christ for Who He is. It’s a complex saga that expresses a simple truth about Christ and His love.
September 2, 2013
It was an intriguing read, especially when the plot addresses censoring the right to free speech under the premise of stopping hate crime. Very realistic and believable when compared to the current environment of political correctness. Fairly good series of books, but pales in comparison to circle trilogy- which is an AMAZING read. Read the circle trilogy first, then start this one.
April 9, 2013
Finished. Must consider my review before writing. Will say I enjoyed the story... Just have a few nits to pick, perhaps...
Read
May 10, 2013This book was confusing and apparently, biblical.
June 30, 2015
Wow! There are not words to describe these three books! I only wish I could share my enthusiasm with my older brother who introduced me to this amazing author.
Read
December 30, 2023Grace juice baby.
May 14, 2013
Really liked this trilogy! even slightly more than the Circle books
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews