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The Lost Books #1
Chosen
The first in the Lost Books series, a YA spin-off of the New York Times bestselling Circle series, Chosen sets four teens on a quest to save their world . . . and ours.
Think with your heart and prepare to die . . . for you have been Chosen.
Thomas Hunter, supreme commander of the Forest Guard, has seen a great evil decimate much of his beautiful world. With a dwindling army and an epic threat, Thomas is forced to supplement his fighters with new recruits ages 16 and 17. From thousands, four will be chosen to lead a special mission.
Unknown to Thomas, the chosen four are redirected to a different endgame. They must find the seven lost Books of History before the Dark One. For these seven books have immense power over the past, present, and future, controlling not only the destiny of their world . . . but that of ours as well.
Book 1 of 6 in the Lost Books series (a spin-off of the Circle Series)Lost Books 1: ChosenLost Books 2: InfidelLost Books 3: RenegadeLost Books 4: ChaosLost Books 5: LunaticLost Books 6: ElyonCircle Book 0: GreenCircle Book 1: BlackCircle Book 2: RedCircle Book 3: WhiteFull-length book (70,000 words)
Think with your heart and prepare to die . . . for you have been Chosen.
Thomas Hunter, supreme commander of the Forest Guard, has seen a great evil decimate much of his beautiful world. With a dwindling army and an epic threat, Thomas is forced to supplement his fighters with new recruits ages 16 and 17. From thousands, four will be chosen to lead a special mission.
Unknown to Thomas, the chosen four are redirected to a different endgame. They must find the seven lost Books of History before the Dark One. For these seven books have immense power over the past, present, and future, controlling not only the destiny of their world . . . but that of ours as well.
Book 1 of 6 in the Lost Books series (a spin-off of the Circle Series)Lost Books 1: ChosenLost Books 2: InfidelLost Books 3: RenegadeLost Books 4: ChaosLost Books 5: LunaticLost Books 6: ElyonCircle Book 0: GreenCircle Book 1: BlackCircle Book 2: RedCircle Book 3: WhiteFull-length book (70,000 words)
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2007
432 people are currently reading
6362 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books9,968 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 - 30 of 630 reviews
August 19, 2022
I read a LOT of YA fiction since I'm a school media center specialist (fancy name for librarian) and I feel like it's a sad statement about the quality of Christian YA available out there that this book has gotten such good reviews. Measuring it next to all YA available out there, this book would be in the low middle of quality, but measured against other Christian YA, it is sadly towards the top. We need more Christian YA that is not just good for Christians, but good quality literature in general. :( [Note 2022: Since writing this 10 years ago the quality of Christian lit for YA has improved a lot. Enclave and Thomas Nelson especially have really improved what is now available.]
The setting is an alternate universe that has been plagued by some sort of disease so that most of the planet is desert (did anyone else just think Dune?) but there are 7 springs of water surrounded by seven forests where people remain. The water has some sort of healing/sustaining property such that people need to bathe in it daily or they succumb to this desert disease that turns them into Scabs. (Think dry, crusty, Bubbles from LOTR --sorry, that's Lord of the Rings). The Scabs detest the people and think they’re repulsive and vice versa so of course they are at war.
At first I thought this was going to turn into a Ranger’s Apprentice-type book because it starts off and they are having a vicious, armed game of “football” that allows minor injuries (such as broken bones and flesh wounds) to decide which teenagers will be joining the army. The four young main characters encounter some interesting developments (can’t tell what in case you read it) and end up out in the desert on a quest for The Books of History. There are some minor allegories/allusions going on in the story, but most are subtle enough you appreciate Dekker’s craftiness and creativity. Some are more blatantly obvious, like Michal and Gabil are two white bat-like creatures called Roush who help the kids and there are evil black bat-like creatures too. They are supposedly things of legend; it turns out they exist, but only those with eyes to see them know they exist. I think most of you have probably figured out that allusion.
Was it the most amazing story I’ve ever read? No.
Will I need to read the next to read the next book. Yes. There was only one minor plot development resolved (ok, so it was life threatening and pretty important, but in the grand scheme of things still minor), and lots of other things left hanging. Thus the need for 5 more books. Oh, and Ted Dekker leaves this nice little note for you at the end of the book that if you want to know where the mysterious leader of the people, Thomas, came from and why the people on the planet only remember the past 13 years you have to read a parallel series of books: Black, Red and White. Grr. So that means I now have 5 more books in The Lost Books series to read and 3 more books in the parallel series to read. I’ll let you know if it is worth getting sucked into this black hole or not after the next book.
Note: Now that I've read pretty much the whole series, no, it isn't worth getting sucked into the black hole. Yes, Dekker has some good creativity going, the plot had great potential, but the execution fell far too short. I'm so fed up with Dekker's writing for teens I can't stomach the idea of reading any of the adult books right now. I know, he probably writes really well for adults, but I've still got a bad taste in my mouth from books 2-4 & the end of 6.
The setting is an alternate universe that has been plagued by some sort of disease so that most of the planet is desert (did anyone else just think Dune?) but there are 7 springs of water surrounded by seven forests where people remain. The water has some sort of healing/sustaining property such that people need to bathe in it daily or they succumb to this desert disease that turns them into Scabs. (Think dry, crusty, Bubbles from LOTR --sorry, that's Lord of the Rings). The Scabs detest the people and think they’re repulsive and vice versa so of course they are at war.
At first I thought this was going to turn into a Ranger’s Apprentice-type book because it starts off and they are having a vicious, armed game of “football” that allows minor injuries (such as broken bones and flesh wounds) to decide which teenagers will be joining the army. The four young main characters encounter some interesting developments (can’t tell what in case you read it) and end up out in the desert on a quest for The Books of History. There are some minor allegories/allusions going on in the story, but most are subtle enough you appreciate Dekker’s craftiness and creativity. Some are more blatantly obvious, like Michal and Gabil are two white bat-like creatures called Roush who help the kids and there are evil black bat-like creatures too. They are supposedly things of legend; it turns out they exist, but only those with eyes to see them know they exist. I think most of you have probably figured out that allusion.
Was it the most amazing story I’ve ever read? No.
Will I need to read the next to read the next book. Yes. There was only one minor plot development resolved (ok, so it was life threatening and pretty important, but in the grand scheme of things still minor), and lots of other things left hanging. Thus the need for 5 more books. Oh, and Ted Dekker leaves this nice little note for you at the end of the book that if you want to know where the mysterious leader of the people, Thomas, came from and why the people on the planet only remember the past 13 years you have to read a parallel series of books: Black, Red and White. Grr. So that means I now have 5 more books in The Lost Books series to read and 3 more books in the parallel series to read. I’ll let you know if it is worth getting sucked into this black hole or not after the next book.
Note: Now that I've read pretty much the whole series, no, it isn't worth getting sucked into the black hole. Yes, Dekker has some good creativity going, the plot had great potential, but the execution fell far too short. I'm so fed up with Dekker's writing for teens I can't stomach the idea of reading any of the adult books right now. I know, he probably writes really well for adults, but I've still got a bad taste in my mouth from books 2-4 & the end of 6.
May 26, 2015
Ted Dekker is one of "those" authors. By "those" I mean he falls into that category where people either really love his work or they can't stand it. I have to say I am a fan. I like Dekker. I think he writes compelling fiction that refuses to let go of your mind until you get to the end of the story. That very feature is why I give this work four stars rather than five. It's a great story. You won't want to put it down. The trouble is that the universe of which this volume is a part is vast. You will finish Chosen and you will have more questions and answers. That's OK because all of the answers are buried in the other "Lost Books" and/or the Circle Trilogy. It's a lot to take in.
Dekker is a brilliant man. He must be in order to keep a universe this complex in order. Characters and motifs are masterfully woven in and out of the books with skill that few writers could even approach.
So then - what gives with the one star penalty?
Well, even though I enjoy a good trilogy or other multi-volume trek through fiction, I think it just boils down to taste. If it's not Tolkien or Lewis, four stars is as much as I can dole out for part of a series. Don't get me wrong. This is a good story. Thomas Hunter, the mainstay of the series, appears as the leader of the Forest Dwellers. He is not the primary character in this story, but his presence is strongly felt. The Horde are so real you can almost smell them. Teeleh and the rest of the Shataiki are at their usual terrifying best. Peril is palpable. Characters are well formed and two familiar Roush bring welcome comic relief along with prophetic insight.
This is a well-written, fast moving book. It's not to be missed by fans of the series. Just beware. You might get hooked and fill up your reading list for the next year or so with the rest of the series.
Dekker is a brilliant man. He must be in order to keep a universe this complex in order. Characters and motifs are masterfully woven in and out of the books with skill that few writers could even approach.
So then - what gives with the one star penalty?
Well, even though I enjoy a good trilogy or other multi-volume trek through fiction, I think it just boils down to taste. If it's not Tolkien or Lewis, four stars is as much as I can dole out for part of a series. Don't get me wrong. This is a good story. Thomas Hunter, the mainstay of the series, appears as the leader of the Forest Dwellers. He is not the primary character in this story, but his presence is strongly felt. The Horde are so real you can almost smell them. Teeleh and the rest of the Shataiki are at their usual terrifying best. Peril is palpable. Characters are well formed and two familiar Roush bring welcome comic relief along with prophetic insight.
This is a well-written, fast moving book. It's not to be missed by fans of the series. Just beware. You might get hooked and fill up your reading list for the next year or so with the rest of the series.
January 30, 2016
3.5 stars
Plot wise,it's meh, not really much going on for most part of book. We start off with a group of kids being chosen and sent on a mission into retrieve a cactus but some magical bats appear and tell them to find these special books instead. So they go off in the desert to find these books and hope to not get caught by the Horde (bad zombies?). A bit of negotiation and fighting in the end. Bleh. Not very special, but light and somewhat entertaining.
I understand that this was a kids book and therefore Dekker wanted to limit the violence, but come on man, make it a bit more exciting for us! There was no enough to blood and fights...I was a little disappointed. I did like the beginning though. It was a special way to integrate Johnis into the book without going to much like "I am the chosen one. I am special". I really liked how Johnis used his wits to convince his group that he was a capable leader and he showed a lot of bravery in his own way without coming off as arrogant.
Nice book for younger audiences.
Plot wise,it's meh, not really much going on for most part of book. We start off with a group of kids being chosen and sent on a mission into retrieve a cactus but some magical bats appear and tell them to find these special books instead. So they go off in the desert to find these books and hope to not get caught by the Horde (bad zombies?). A bit of negotiation and fighting in the end. Bleh. Not very special, but light and somewhat entertaining.
I understand that this was a kids book and therefore Dekker wanted to limit the violence, but come on man, make it a bit more exciting for us! There was no enough to blood and fights...I was a little disappointed. I did like the beginning though. It was a special way to integrate Johnis into the book without going to much like "I am the chosen one. I am special". I really liked how Johnis used his wits to convince his group that he was a capable leader and he showed a lot of bravery in his own way without coming off as arrogant.
Nice book for younger audiences.
January 13, 2009
The writing is clumsy (such as "The question is whether or not you've lost the few peanuts contained in that container above your shoulders" p. 109, and "he knew he would die if he let those finger/claws touch him" p. 144). I get annoyed when writers take a lot of time writing out endless bickering dialogue but can't be bothered to write out the non-bickering dialogue and instead put a summarizing paragraph in place of it. The kids in the cohort were much stupider than they needed to be considering that they have been tested to be cream of the crop in the villages, which causes more bickering and therefore unneeded tedium.
The plot is pretty exciting, though, so it's not like I wouldn't recommend it to a kid to read. But I might recommend other things before this.
And I'm keeping in mind that I read this when I had a migraine, so it may have made me crankier.
The plot is pretty exciting, though, so it's not like I wouldn't recommend it to a kid to read. But I might recommend other things before this.
And I'm keeping in mind that I read this when I had a migraine, so it may have made me crankier.
Want to read
October 23, 2025Okay so this is set between black and red… interesting.
I’ll probably wait to start it idk
Also this is like a 35 book world apparently!
I’ll probably wait to start it idk
Also this is like a 35 book world apparently!
June 24, 2017
I read this overnight in one sitting, and it was amazing. It was short but it really packed a punch. I think I'm going to marathon the series. But I also read in an ad in the back that this is what happened in the middle of a series, in between the first and second book? I might read that series afterword. I picked this entire series up at Mercy House in a box set for a dollar, which was amazing. If you live in Harrisonburg, VA I suggest you go to Mercy House, because you can buy an entire big crate of books there for $5. It's amazing. I know this is really rambly like all my reviews, but it's really early in the morning and I'm really high on coffee right now so.... Might not be the best review.
Bye!
Bye!
February 27, 2022
After reading the Circle Trilogy, I thought the chosen one was Thomas Hunter. But in this series, the chosen one is a 16yr old, Johnis.
He is chosen along with 3 other friends to join the Forest Guard, Billos, Darsel and Silvie.
Johnis is not a fighter, but a reader (I like this kid!!!) Yet he is put in charge and told to 'lead with his heart'.
They are sent into the desert to find cacti, something Johnis' mother did when he was sick and never came back, possibly killed by the Horde.
They are quickly ambushed by the Horde, but saved by the Roush (fuzzy white bats) Gabil and Michal (is it just me or does this remind you of Gabriel and Michael the archangels???).
They tell Johnis and eventually his friends that their mission is to find the lost books, The Books of History, which is tied to another series the Circle Trilogy. But don't worry you don't have to read the trilogy to get the gist of the meaning.
The story is definitely exciting. I felt, in the Circle Trilogy, the book of histories seemed 'lost'. I am interested to find out the history of the book of histories (HA@!)
He is chosen along with 3 other friends to join the Forest Guard, Billos, Darsel and Silvie.
Johnis is not a fighter, but a reader (I like this kid!!!) Yet he is put in charge and told to 'lead with his heart'.
They are sent into the desert to find cacti, something Johnis' mother did when he was sick and never came back, possibly killed by the Horde.
They are quickly ambushed by the Horde, but saved by the Roush (fuzzy white bats) Gabil and Michal (is it just me or does this remind you of Gabriel and Michael the archangels???).
They tell Johnis and eventually his friends that their mission is to find the lost books, The Books of History, which is tied to another series the Circle Trilogy. But don't worry you don't have to read the trilogy to get the gist of the meaning.
The story is definitely exciting. I felt, in the Circle Trilogy, the book of histories seemed 'lost'. I am interested to find out the history of the book of histories (HA@!)
January 26, 2022
First book I ever added on goodreads, just had to fix something.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I bought this book around 6 months ago, I got home read 45 pages and was tempted to throw it away.
I ended up finishing it, but the story lacked plot, excitement. Way to much talking and bickering between Johnis and the other recruits. The love story was bad, it had the most predictable ending EVER. I hated literally every character in the whole book, including the MC. The only thing that's resurrecting this book from being a one star was that the writing was decent. The only people who would enjoy this book is either people who have never read a good fantasy
or people who don't know what good fantasy is.
(NO OFFENCE TO PEOPLE WHO LIKED THE BOOK.)
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I bought this book around 6 months ago, I got home read 45 pages and was tempted to throw it away.
I ended up finishing it, but the story lacked plot, excitement. Way to much talking and bickering between Johnis and the other recruits. The love story was bad, it had the most predictable ending EVER. I hated literally every character in the whole book, including the MC. The only thing that's resurrecting this book from being a one star was that the writing was decent. The only people who would enjoy this book is either people who have never read a good fantasy
or people who don't know what good fantasy is.
(NO OFFENCE TO PEOPLE WHO LIKED THE BOOK.)
July 4, 2024
I'd give this a solid 3 and half stars. It was very plot-driven, something was always happening, and the world itself was pretty intriguing. It is a YA that I think would appeal to boys mostly as it is full of action and not very long winded descriptively. Plenty of Christian allegory weaved into the story and worldbuilding, especially with the picture of washing in water to prevent the disease that came from the Dark One. Overall, I enjoyed the read.
May 11, 2014
I strongly recommend reading the Circle Saga first to get a proper understanding of the setting of Chosen.
Chosen, the first of the Lost Books series, is a midquel set between Black and Red, the first and second instalments of the Circle Saga (read 2006-2007). Hunter is reduced to a supporting role with four new recruits to the Forest Guard – sixteen year olds Johnis, Bilios, Sylvie and Darsal – taking centre stage. On an initiation task, they are accosted by one of the Roush (allegorical angels) and urged to find the seven original books of history.
This is a very poor start when compared to the likes of Black. There is not enough explanation for the unfamiliar and too much for series veterans. Everything is very cliche and perfunctory.
Johnis, the titular chosen one, is rushed from ignorance to acceptance. Soon he is mouthing off to super-villain Teeleh, which undermines the terror of Teeleh, the journey of Johnis and is all quite unconvincing.
The dynamic between the four new recruits is also run of the mill, with nothing in particular resolving the customary tension and resentment between the naturally gifted rising star and the grafters.
In between the real action, Hunter and opposite number Qurong do much pacing which is reminiscent of Circle but utterly lacking in atmosphere. Instead of building tension, these interludes interrupt the action and diminish the characters’ roles with inane chatter.
The plot goes nowhere, but does it very quickly with a frustrating pattern of Deus ex machina in Roush form over and over again.
The Roush, though abused by Dekker’s plotting, are scene stealers and by far the best characters in Chosen. Their wit and exuberance are a welcome constant and hopefully they will remain regularly recurring with better contexts.
It was also wonderful to have Hunter’s first wife making a surprise appearance. Links to Paradise are also evident, and great fun to spot.
A distinctly average opener that belies the talent of Dekker and genius of the original Circle Saga.
Chosen, the first of the Lost Books series, is a midquel set between Black and Red, the first and second instalments of the Circle Saga (read 2006-2007). Hunter is reduced to a supporting role with four new recruits to the Forest Guard – sixteen year olds Johnis, Bilios, Sylvie and Darsal – taking centre stage. On an initiation task, they are accosted by one of the Roush (allegorical angels) and urged to find the seven original books of history.
This is a very poor start when compared to the likes of Black. There is not enough explanation for the unfamiliar and too much for series veterans. Everything is very cliche and perfunctory.
Johnis, the titular chosen one, is rushed from ignorance to acceptance. Soon he is mouthing off to super-villain Teeleh, which undermines the terror of Teeleh, the journey of Johnis and is all quite unconvincing.
The dynamic between the four new recruits is also run of the mill, with nothing in particular resolving the customary tension and resentment between the naturally gifted rising star and the grafters.
In between the real action, Hunter and opposite number Qurong do much pacing which is reminiscent of Circle but utterly lacking in atmosphere. Instead of building tension, these interludes interrupt the action and diminish the characters’ roles with inane chatter.
The plot goes nowhere, but does it very quickly with a frustrating pattern of Deus ex machina in Roush form over and over again.
The Roush, though abused by Dekker’s plotting, are scene stealers and by far the best characters in Chosen. Their wit and exuberance are a welcome constant and hopefully they will remain regularly recurring with better contexts.
It was also wonderful to have Hunter’s first wife making a surprise appearance. Links to Paradise are also evident, and great fun to spot.
A distinctly average opener that belies the talent of Dekker and genius of the original Circle Saga.
March 13, 2020
Family trip listen. First Ted Dekker book. Enjoyable story that works for young teens.
July 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this! It was a Christian book, and was completely clean. Very fun read!
June 6, 2025
(Clean Fantasy Christian Fiction Book) *Full Review*
🛡️Chosen by Ted Dekker🛡️
Book One in The Lost Books series.
I have to confess something.. I judged this book by its cover. Yep, I will never do that again.At least I won’t try to.
I cannot believe how good this book is! I listened to the audible ;and usually I have trouble listening to audibles because it makes me want to have and read the book. (and well.. I might’ve bought the book 🤭) But this one was SO GOOD. It was like I was watching a movie in my mind. The narrator read Chosen so well; the voices he made for the characters, I especially liked.😉
I loved this first book’s introductory plot!
It was very intriguing. There was never a boring moment. It definitely kept me in suspense.. something would happen and I would be like “wait whaaa?” And then another thing happened and I was like “what about this other thing?” 😂
Johnis (the narrator pronounced it like Yo- neese).. if I had read the book first and not the audible, I would’ve pronounced it in my mind all wrong lol 😂. He was adorable, to be honest. In the eyes of everyone, he was like this weak runt of a boy; but he really was a born leader. A pretty darn brave and smart one at that too. My second favorite character is Silvie. She was this awesome fighter with a sense of humor and sarcasm. And oh how I sense a romance brewing All the creatures was a fun bonus as well. Gabil was such a funny character!
In conclusion, I really liked this first book of the series and am so looking forward to continuing Johnis’s journey in finding the lost books! I would totally recommend this book for those who are looking for a fun fantasy read with a bit of Christrian fiction!
⚠️ Age recommendation: 13+ ⚠️
‼️ For the series as a whole, I recommend for 15-16+ because of something that happens in a later book in the series that has more mature scenes ‼️
My rating: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ages 10-12 rating: ⭐️
Ages 13-14 rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ages 15-16 rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexual Content:
A cheek kiss. An embrace or two, very light touches. Noticing, Blushing, and Attraction. Talks about marriage and 16 being the age that a lot of people got married. Talks about love and loving someone. Light, light love. (I don’t even know if you would call it love)
Profanity:
No cuss words. Idiot is said.
Violence:
A lot of death and talks about the war. Some fighting scenes, torture, threatening, blood, pain, and death. The whole Darkness vs. Light trope. Details of how creatures looked like. (All of this mildly detailed)
POV’s: Multi POV- mostly between Johnis, Silvie, Billos, Darsal, and Thomas Hunter
~*post read*~
WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!! I think I just found a new series to put to my long list of FAVS
I need the second book NOW!
🛡️Chosen by Ted Dekker🛡️
Book One in The Lost Books series.
I have to confess something.. I judged this book by its cover. Yep, I will never do that again.
I cannot believe how good this book is! I listened to the audible ;and usually I have trouble listening to audibles because it makes me want to have and read the book. (and well.. I might’ve bought the book 🤭) But this one was SO GOOD. It was like I was watching a movie in my mind. The narrator read Chosen so well; the voices he made for the characters, I especially liked.😉
I loved this first book’s introductory plot!
It was very intriguing. There was never a boring moment. It definitely kept me in suspense.. something would happen and I would be like “wait whaaa?” And then another thing happened and I was like “what about this other thing?” 😂
Johnis (the narrator pronounced it like Yo- neese).. if I had read the book first and not the audible, I would’ve pronounced it in my mind all wrong lol 😂. He was adorable, to be honest. In the eyes of everyone, he was like this weak runt of a boy; but he really was a born leader. A pretty darn brave and smart one at that too. My second favorite character is Silvie. She was this awesome fighter with a sense of humor and sarcasm. And oh how I sense a romance brewing All the creatures was a fun bonus as well. Gabil was such a funny character!
In conclusion, I really liked this first book of the series and am so looking forward to continuing Johnis’s journey in finding the lost books! I would totally recommend this book for those who are looking for a fun fantasy read with a bit of Christrian fiction!
⚠️ Age recommendation: 13+ ⚠️
‼️ For the series as a whole, I recommend for 15-16+ because of something that happens in a later book in the series that has more mature scenes ‼️
My rating: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ages 10-12 rating: ⭐️
Ages 13-14 rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ages 15-16 rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexual Content:
A cheek kiss. An embrace or two, very light touches. Noticing, Blushing, and Attraction. Talks about marriage and 16 being the age that a lot of people got married. Talks about love and loving someone. Light, light love. (I don’t even know if you would call it love)
Profanity:
No cuss words. Idiot is said.
Violence:
A lot of death and talks about the war. Some fighting scenes, torture, threatening, blood, pain, and death. The whole Darkness vs. Light trope. Details of how creatures looked like. (All of this mildly detailed)
POV’s: Multi POV- mostly between Johnis, Silvie, Billos, Darsal, and Thomas Hunter
~*post read*~
WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!! I think I just found a new series to put to my long list of FAVS
I need the second book NOW!
May 18, 2018
Personal Response:
I thought the book, Chosen , by Ted Dekker was a outstanding book. I could relate to the book, because it was a lot like the Hunger Games. The main character was very enthusiastic and it made me really get into the book. Also, I could relate because the main character seemed to fit my personality type. The book really reminded me of Beowulf and how there are three monsters.
Plot:
The book all started when Billos, Silvie, Darsal, and Johnis had been sent on a mission to find four Catalina cacti. They started searching, but they figured they weren’t going to find them. Johnis had started to call for the cacti. The problem with this whole mission was there was a disease. The disease was where your skin will start to fall off if you do not bathe in the healing water of the lakes. If you do not bathe in these waters your skin will start to crack and you will begin to turn crazy. The disease does not kill you, but if you have the disease you are called a scab. On the way to find the cacti they encounter some creatures. The leader of all of these monsters is Teeleh. Teeleh is like the character Grendel from Beowulf . The monster had tried to attack Johnis and his squad, but they had defeated all the characters and tried to go back to camp or home. They ended up getting one of the Catalina cacti. The book left it at this because there are many other books this series. I think in the other books there will be a Catalina cacti in every other book that will be found.
Characterization:
The main character in this book is Johnis. Johnis is your average sixteen year old until he was told by Thomas Hunter that he was going to be a squad leader of the mission through seven forests. Billos is another main character. Billos is the strongest and biggest of the squad and looks to be a good warrior.
Impact of Setting:
The setting took place in a time period of around 4000 A.D. Most of the story took place in a desert that use to be a forest. This was one of the seven forests left and it was called the Dark Forest. The reason for the desert was because, there had been many battles and adventures that had happened in the story and this is where they took place. Another setting was Teeleh’s home. Teeleh’s home was a major setting also, because that was the mythical creature that had attacked their village at the beginning of the book.
Thematic Connection:
I think the theme of this book would be trust. The reason I think the theme would be trust, because Billos, Silvie, and Darsal had to learn to trust Johnis. Another reason, Johnis had to be able to trust the Roush in what they had to say to him.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to any high school student or above. The reason I suggest this for high school students and above is there is a lot of mature and gory scenes in the book. I would also recommend this book more for guys because it has a lot of manly and masculine sayings that might offend the girls. This book was a lot like hunger games but instead of a woman having the lead part it is a man. Overall I would say that this was a very good book.
I thought the book, Chosen , by Ted Dekker was a outstanding book. I could relate to the book, because it was a lot like the Hunger Games. The main character was very enthusiastic and it made me really get into the book. Also, I could relate because the main character seemed to fit my personality type. The book really reminded me of Beowulf and how there are three monsters.
Plot:
The book all started when Billos, Silvie, Darsal, and Johnis had been sent on a mission to find four Catalina cacti. They started searching, but they figured they weren’t going to find them. Johnis had started to call for the cacti. The problem with this whole mission was there was a disease. The disease was where your skin will start to fall off if you do not bathe in the healing water of the lakes. If you do not bathe in these waters your skin will start to crack and you will begin to turn crazy. The disease does not kill you, but if you have the disease you are called a scab. On the way to find the cacti they encounter some creatures. The leader of all of these monsters is Teeleh. Teeleh is like the character Grendel from Beowulf . The monster had tried to attack Johnis and his squad, but they had defeated all the characters and tried to go back to camp or home. They ended up getting one of the Catalina cacti. The book left it at this because there are many other books this series. I think in the other books there will be a Catalina cacti in every other book that will be found.
Characterization:
The main character in this book is Johnis. Johnis is your average sixteen year old until he was told by Thomas Hunter that he was going to be a squad leader of the mission through seven forests. Billos is another main character. Billos is the strongest and biggest of the squad and looks to be a good warrior.
Impact of Setting:
The setting took place in a time period of around 4000 A.D. Most of the story took place in a desert that use to be a forest. This was one of the seven forests left and it was called the Dark Forest. The reason for the desert was because, there had been many battles and adventures that had happened in the story and this is where they took place. Another setting was Teeleh’s home. Teeleh’s home was a major setting also, because that was the mythical creature that had attacked their village at the beginning of the book.
Thematic Connection:
I think the theme of this book would be trust. The reason I think the theme would be trust, because Billos, Silvie, and Darsal had to learn to trust Johnis. Another reason, Johnis had to be able to trust the Roush in what they had to say to him.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to any high school student or above. The reason I suggest this for high school students and above is there is a lot of mature and gory scenes in the book. I would also recommend this book more for guys because it has a lot of manly and masculine sayings that might offend the girls. This book was a lot like hunger games but instead of a woman having the lead part it is a man. Overall I would say that this was a very good book.
July 27, 2009
Well...it was not exceptionally written in as much as the words and sentences were very simpleton and there was no figurative language or devices or even phrases, catches, not even a sentence that stood out. Was it written for a younger age audience? I think it was in the teen section, but the combination of fantasy characters, shallow depth level involved (as far as romance or emotion - other than action), and pedestrian choreography of the sentences made it seem more directed toward lower age levels. The information and background to this new land and its customs was also not gracefully presented all the time. It seemed as though the author came to something, and then realized he had to explain what was about to happen so put in a little tidbit about something than happened years ago. The book was actually not unlike riding a donkey/mule up or down a canyon; stops, pauses, uncertainty, but enough edge, adventure, and cleverness to keep you glued to the saddle. All the same, the compelling plot with a quest and tests of soul plodded me along to the end, which, I guess as Ted Dekker is known for, had a kind of twist that makes me want to order the next one from the library... So, all in all, not terrible, not great, I suppose interesting. However, if you like completely different fantasy lands that include large fuzzy bats fighting each other, "A dark one", a land taken somewhat from Lord of the Rings, frustration with a pigheaded character, and you have a youthful mind...I'd say this book is for you.
April 20, 2008
This was an amazing story. I read it straight through. Couldn't put it down. It reminded me of the Song Of Albion series written by Stephen Lawhead in the mid 1990s. I loved the premise, the plot, the action, the emotion. It was amazing. And those characters were in perilous situations so often it was downright thrilling. I love it when situations seem hopeless, but then something happens to turn it around. But like life, it's never easy. Love isn't easy, nor is faith, not when the facts tell you all is lost. But if you listen with your heart and choose to not filter everything through your head, you will hear the truth. Awesome, gripping fiction. A bit gory and graphic at times, but certainly no worse than what you see on television. I highly recommend it. Ted Dekker knows how to pull you into a story with the best of them. No wonder he's a NY Times best-selling author. :)
May 27, 2011
This awas kind of dreadful. Geeky but smart teenager Johnis is made leader of the new group of Forest Guard in a community where water is life and the desert holds the Horde - a group of diseased peoples whose desire is to destroy the forest dwellers and make them like themselves. Johnis goes on a quest across the desert with his reluctant fellow teens and start a quest for a number of books that will control the world. But they have to find them before the Dark One does. Fuzzy angels and evil bats. That about says it all. Not a favorite. I didn't engage with the world or the characters.
February 8, 2024
I read this book as a child and was enthralled. Those memories drifted back as I'm starting to read again as an adult so I decided to start the series again to complete it.
Holy crap I forgot that this book is super Christian. For a young Christian reader it's a fun read, but reading it as an adult who is post-Christian I was not the biggest fan. It was fun reading in the nostalgia but wouldn't recommend picking it up if you're also looking back.
Holy crap I forgot that this book is super Christian. For a young Christian reader it's a fun read, but reading it as an adult who is post-Christian I was not the biggest fan. It was fun reading in the nostalgia but wouldn't recommend picking it up if you're also looking back.
June 1, 2012
I liked this book, the action and mystery was good. And the romance was okay, i wish Ted Dekker went into more depth of the character's love stories, that would of been great :) But the story line was good.
October 18, 2024
Really great book! love Ted Deckker! Definitely a must read!!!!
January 30, 2023
This is my second time reading through Chosen by Ted Dekker, and I enjoyed it this round too! I wasn't able to complete this series last time I picked it up, so I'm excited to work through it this time. This book is super short and very easy to get through. I enjoyed getting to experience some of the story that is within the Circle Series. Since this is my second time reading through Chosen, there were no surprises, but I look forward to the unknown of book 2. I also appreciate the Easter eggs from other stories Ted has written. I smile when I recognize a reference from one of his other books, or even a small insert from something found in the Bible. I find that clever, and I also enjoy thinking through those rabbit trails. Oh! and does "Dracula" make an appearance in Chosen?
September 30, 2023
It's pretty good, but not up to the bar that Dekker set with Red, Black and Green (I probably have the order wrong). It seems to be a young adult series now. And of course, a lot of what made the original trilogy great was the plot element of the two worlds the hero is moving between. I enjoyed it but won't read the rest of the series.
January 10, 2023
Dekker is a great world builder. Easy and captivating read.
August 20, 2024
This book is an incredible adventure, a high fantasy that pulls you in from start to finish. I could vividly picture the entire world unfolding around me.
January 15, 2025
For a YA a book this was enjoyable at their level. I did enjoy it but I felt like we jumped in and missing so much depth.
May 24, 2019
This book is called chosen by Ted Dekker. Think it was a really good book makes me want to read the next one. It was exciting and full of cool thrilling things. Every page has a new suspenseful problem. The book is about a boy named Yohnis who is chosen by their leader to become one of the main commanders. They are sent out on a mission to get medicine but things happen and the plan changes. Yohnis is a tough boy who joined the military because the hoard killed his mom. Silvi’s parents were both killed by the horde. Their journey for medicine changed to a quest to find the lost books. The theme of this story is when life is given to you, you make what you can out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
The book follows basic stories plots. Like the main character is the chosen one. Him and a group of kids are chosen for a quest to prove themselves to their leader, they have to find a plant in the desert, without getting caught by the beasts lurking in their path. While on the quest they get put on a more important mission for the greater good of their people.
The beginning started very fast pace and entertaining. There were a few pages that had me wanting to finish them. The more you got into the book the more it starts being a little less thrilling. Some of the dialogue was kinda long and needless plus there was not really any new words or banter. The book was a little boring at times but its still a book that is a little enjoyable to read I wouldn't recommend it for people who are over the age of 13 or 14.
The beginning started very fast pace and entertaining. There were a few pages that had me wanting to finish them. The more you got into the book the more it starts being a little less thrilling. Some of the dialogue was kinda long and needless plus there was not really any new words or banter. The book was a little boring at times but its still a book that is a little enjoyable to read I wouldn't recommend it for people who are over the age of 13 or 14.
December 28, 2025
This was mostly interesting and the story was a creative and good idea but not my most favorite ya Christian book ever
May 25, 2018
I liked this book because it was funny, suspenseful, and full of action. In this book Johnis and three others go on a quest to find the Lost books of history which can change history. Their quest leads them to lairs and out into the desert. The story is set in a world that is like our own but not like it. There are seven forests and the rest of the world is supposedly desert. The four Chosen Ones try two figure out if it is actually desert or if there is something more.
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