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The Outlaw Chronicles #2.1
Water Walker - Episode 1
**This is EPISODE ONE of a serialized novel**
WATER WALKER is the mind-bending thrill ride from New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker which can be experienced THREE different ways. You choose:
1. As an episodic story. Read WATER WALKER as four shorter sequential "episodes" much like your favorite TV show. The ride starts with Episode 1. Think of it as the pilot. If you like the story, continue with Episode 2 (Feb 25), Episode 3 (Mar 4), and the grand finale Episode 4 (Mar 11).
Or...
2. As a single, novel length eBook. Don't want to read four episodes? No problem. Starting March 18th, you can get the entire story in one digital edition that collects all four episodes into one seamless story. Or...
3. As a paperback. For those who love print, Water Walker is also available in paperback on March 18th from Amazon.
FROM THE BACK COVER:
"My name is Alice Ringwald, but the man who kidnapped me says that's a lie."
Thirteen-year-old orphan Alice Ringwald has no memory beyond six months ago. The only life she knows is the new one she's creating one day at a time with the loving couple that recently adopted her and gave her new hope. That hope, however, is shattered one night when she is abducted by a strange man. In a frantic FBI man hunt, the kidnapper vanished with Alice.
So begins Water Walker, a modern-day parable that examines the staggering power of forgiveness, and reminds us that it's possible to live free of the hurt that keeps our souls in chains. (YA)
WATER WALKER is the mind-bending thrill ride from New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker which can be experienced THREE different ways. You choose:
1. As an episodic story. Read WATER WALKER as four shorter sequential "episodes" much like your favorite TV show. The ride starts with Episode 1. Think of it as the pilot. If you like the story, continue with Episode 2 (Feb 25), Episode 3 (Mar 4), and the grand finale Episode 4 (Mar 11).
Or...
2. As a single, novel length eBook. Don't want to read four episodes? No problem. Starting March 18th, you can get the entire story in one digital edition that collects all four episodes into one seamless story. Or...
3. As a paperback. For those who love print, Water Walker is also available in paperback on March 18th from Amazon.
FROM THE BACK COVER:
"My name is Alice Ringwald, but the man who kidnapped me says that's a lie."
Thirteen-year-old orphan Alice Ringwald has no memory beyond six months ago. The only life she knows is the new one she's creating one day at a time with the loving couple that recently adopted her and gave her new hope. That hope, however, is shattered one night when she is abducted by a strange man. In a frantic FBI man hunt, the kidnapper vanished with Alice.
So begins Water Walker, a modern-day parable that examines the staggering power of forgiveness, and reminds us that it's possible to live free of the hurt that keeps our souls in chains. (YA)
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2014
178 people are currently reading
1504 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books9,966 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 115 reviews
February 23, 2014
It's a Dekker. Nuff said.
April 3, 2014
Just finished all four and had to revisit and change my review. This is fantastic!! I was skeptical at first, not really loving Eyes Wide Open all that much, and fearful that this second serial novel from the same Outlaw series would be similar. But this is straight up good fiction. This reminds me of the Dekker who wrote Martyr's Song mixed in with a little bit of the Dekker who wrote Showdown. This is a must read for any Dekker fan. And if you are like me and you haven't liked the endings to his books in the last few years, this one redeems your lost time. I can't get over how good it is.
Some might say it is too preachy at the end. But the truth is it can't be "TOO" preachy unless it compromises or sacrifices the story. This may be preachy at the end but the STORY STANDS STRONG!
You are always wondering how Alice/Eden is going to get out her situation. You are always wondering what horrible thing is going to happen to her next. The conclusion of the book is just as satisfying as the body. Character arcs are completed as the characters reach their evolved state. Mysteries are answered. Justice is served. The story stands strong.
And besides, concerning the preachiness, the preachiness this time around is welcome because it is actually a FANTASTIC sermon! It addresses issues of the heart in ways I've never heard them addressed. Anyone, from any background could appreciate his philosophical stance. So, READ THIS CRAP! You won't regret it!
Some might say it is too preachy at the end. But the truth is it can't be "TOO" preachy unless it compromises or sacrifices the story. This may be preachy at the end but the STORY STANDS STRONG!
You are always wondering how Alice/Eden is going to get out her situation. You are always wondering what horrible thing is going to happen to her next. The conclusion of the book is just as satisfying as the body. Character arcs are completed as the characters reach their evolved state. Mysteries are answered. Justice is served. The story stands strong.
And besides, concerning the preachiness, the preachiness this time around is welcome because it is actually a FANTASTIC sermon! It addresses issues of the heart in ways I've never heard them addressed. Anyone, from any background could appreciate his philosophical stance. So, READ THIS CRAP! You won't regret it!
March 12, 2018
This (I read all four Episodes) is my favorite Ted Dekker novel so far. It was action-packed as well as emotionally and spiritually satisfying.
Much of what happens is this book illustrates what I learned in Dekker's Creative Way writing course, from which I learned more than I had in any writing course, workshop, or book I've studied in these past fifteen years.
I highly recommend it.
Much of what happens is this book illustrates what I learned in Dekker's Creative Way writing course, from which I learned more than I had in any writing course, workshop, or book I've studied in these past fifteen years.
I highly recommend it.
August 20, 2022
Intriguing start to the series.
April 16, 2024
Hooked and now to read the next installment.
March 3, 2014
So far part 1 was good. we'll though, his books have been more weird than normal lately.
July 1, 2014
Reseña en español
This is amazing. Now, I'm dying to read the whole book.
This is amazing. Now, I'm dying to read the whole book.
March 28, 2014
Pretty good. Really looking forward to reading episode two sometime soon! :D
December 27, 2017
I think it was silly that this book was split into four different sections. I am only rating the first, even though I read all three. It was confusing to me as a book club leader and for the members in my group that it was split up. The first one is free in kindle, then they made you purchase the other three parts. All the parts but the last leave you hanging and forces you to read this as one book. I always go into a Ted Dekker knowing it is going to be strange. And I was looking for more than this gave me. The idea of forgiveness as Christ gave is a great concept and one we should all strive for. But having someone that breaks your leg, kidnaps you, forces you to be nearly drowned every week. Cuts you off fr m society, makes you live in a strange cult, not allowing you to say any words that start was “s”as snake also starts with that letter, plus so much more. It was even hard for me to swallow. Sad I bought this, as I will never read it again, nor would I recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
What to remember when reading Ted Dekker - very little is what it appears to be.
In Water Walker, Ep 1, we meet Alice, who may actually be Eden. She has no memory before six months ago and has carefully built a life with a foster family that loves her and she loves back. A man knocks on her door, claiming to be the husband of her biological mother who has been searching for her for years.
One of the main questions here is: what is the truth? Who is she really? Who are her parents and where does she belong? Again, with this author, nothing is as it appears. This is the beginning of a parable, an allegory. The reader is meant to examine those questions personally.
Prepare for your mind to be bent.
This is family friendly.
In Water Walker, Ep 1, we meet Alice, who may actually be Eden. She has no memory before six months ago and has carefully built a life with a foster family that loves her and she loves back. A man knocks on her door, claiming to be the husband of her biological mother who has been searching for her for years.
One of the main questions here is: what is the truth? Who is she really? Who are her parents and where does she belong? Again, with this author, nothing is as it appears. This is the beginning of a parable, an allegory. The reader is meant to examine those questions personally.
Prepare for your mind to be bent.
This is family friendly.
May 2, 2022
My boss told me to read Ted Dekker. So I listened to this on audio book. The narrator has an annoying voice, they switch from 1st to 3rd person which is annoying in itself. Then you get closer to the end and I was just praying it would end. I’m saved, I follow Jesus and I know all about Peter and Jesus walking on water. I know the metaphor that Jesus was talking about when he told Peter to step out of the boat. This story is just stupid trying to put a fictional spin on that. I have an hour left on it but I’m done, can’t finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2021
Very Emotional
As a first part of a story, it fulfills every expectation. It's detailed in the background, or I guess you could call it setup, that explains the story. I'm very interested and want to know what happens next. I feel connected to the characters, who are well portrayed. Ted Dekker always has a great writing style and I enjoy his creative concepts. The only drawback to this is that it's incomplete, but that was clear from the beginning.
As a first part of a story, it fulfills every expectation. It's detailed in the background, or I guess you could call it setup, that explains the story. I'm very interested and want to know what happens next. I feel connected to the characters, who are well portrayed. Ted Dekker always has a great writing style and I enjoy his creative concepts. The only drawback to this is that it's incomplete, but that was clear from the beginning.
May 12, 2018
Not much to go on yet
I don't feel I've read enough to leave a fair review. I think to do that I would need to read at least the second book in the series and I might but I am also left with the feeling as I would be ok if I didn't because this one just didn't grab me like I had hoped it would.
I don't feel I've read enough to leave a fair review. I think to do that I would need to read at least the second book in the series and I might but I am also left with the feeling as I would be ok if I didn't because this one just didn't grab me like I had hoped it would.
November 16, 2016
Love this book
I love this book! I really wish I had bought the full story. Not to worry. I will read them all! Love Ted dekker
I love this book! I really wish I had bought the full story. Not to worry. I will read them all! Love Ted dekker
January 12, 2018
my new favorite author!
January 25, 2018
Engaging
A fast paced read, good characters, and plot. I look forward to reading the whole series! I enjoyed Ted Dekker's writing style.
A fast paced read, good characters, and plot. I look forward to reading the whole series! I enjoyed Ted Dekker's writing style.
July 22, 2018
This was my first Ted Dekker Book. It was ok. I wanted to see how it ended, but just a weird book. haha!
March 13, 2019
Awesome read
Ted Dekker never dissatisfies and this part holds you captive and spellbound to the point almost that you cannot put it down
Ted Dekker never dissatisfies and this part holds you captive and spellbound to the point almost that you cannot put it down
June 13, 2019
Ted Dekker at his best...as usual!
Title says it all... Title says it all... Title says it all... Title says it all... Title says it all...Goodbye to all
Title says it all... Title says it all... Title says it all... Title says it all... Title says it all...Goodbye to all
October 25, 2019
I didn't realize this was a short story/episode of a series. It was interesting and the ending certainly contributes to the desire to read the next episode. I rate this a 4.3
April 18, 2020
Mystery primer
Just getting to know the backstory and characters and it's over.
Red Dekker is a great writer!!!
Can't wait to read more!
Just getting to know the backstory and characters and it's over.
Red Dekker is a great writer!!!
Can't wait to read more!
September 1, 2021
Very interesting!! Can't wait to read more!
August 9, 2022
Didn't understand a thing of the plot.
August 26, 2022
Great book
January 12, 2023
Is another great Ted Dekker book! I am going to buy the next episode! Its a really good book!
April 19, 2024
This is a weird book. I read it for a book club but I wouldn't reread it.
January 28, 2025
Ted Dekker is my very favorite author and I thought the was one of his best?
April 6, 2025
I like his books so chose another and now I wish I had gotten the entire book. This is episode 1 and finished it in a day and now I cannot wait to go on to the next episode.
January 31, 2015
My name is Alice Ringwald but the man who kidnapped me says that's a lie..."
Water Walker by Ted Dekker is touted as a modern day parable highlighting the dual themes of forgiveness and freedom. Here's my thoughts...
Episode One was riveting, mysterious, and suspenseful. Characters were introduced with just enough revelation to perk the readers' interest and leave them wanting more. The plot laid a foundation, providing a place for secrets to dance. The author entices the reader to press on, promising amazing answers to the questions proffered at the onset of the story.
But the answers were unsatisfying or simply didn't come. The mystery devolved into stale activity. A lull settled in during Episode Two.
The characters were flat. The main character, Alice/ Eden is thirteen at the start, described as odd and highly intelligent, with references made to a conspiratorial and scientific experimental history that she has forgotten, for which there is never any explanation. Her voice is stagnant and even when the story skips ahead to an eighteen-year-old version of Alice/ Eden, her voice remains stuck in her thirteen-year-old self: childish, boring, and compliant. The character holds no interest. Being kidnapped and immersed into a cult lend nothing to her development. Alice/ Eden is a bland chess piece who does nothing to gain the sympathies, compassion, or even hatred of the reader.
Then there's The Outlaw, the obvious God figure in this modern day parable. There is no back story given to introduce this character, though it is a forgivable omission considering this is one of a series named after the character. As is, this novel doesn't stand alone well. The lack of explanation of this pivotal, important person leaves a jagged hole. His appearance is disruptive and his authority shadows mere arrogance. The Outlaw holds all the secrets and annoyingly offers tidbits of information on a whim here and there, without showing any credentials or proof of reliability. As a symbol of God, the author is too obvious in his insistence the reader take everything he says by faith. This could be a successful endeavor, but in Water Walker, it felt forced, unacceptable, and choppy.
The plot twist/ epiphany was ridiculous. Forgiveness is a powerful and admirable state of being; but in this story, the journey to forgiveness is rushed and results in an unsatisfactory denouement for the conflict resolution needed. It's more "forgive and forget," than resolution of conflict. The antagonists are killed with kindness. They are simply forgiven, without repentance, consequence, or work. While the power of forgiveness has the ability to cause this kind of miraculous occurrence, in this novel, it was too easy and lazy writing. The main character just changes her mind and everything is sunshine, daisies, and rainbows.
Ted Dekker is a prolific author who delves into genres lacking representation by Christian authors, namely horror, science fiction, and speculative fiction. While admirable, this is an extremely difficult mission field. Authors of faith receiving respect in these genres, such as Madeleine L'Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Anne Rice, are few. Frank Peretti, Jared Wilson, and Tim LaHaye have also ventured into this mission field with debatable success. The tendency to preach with evangelistic fervor instead of conveying a story and allowing the reader make their own conclusions disappoints both unbelievers and believers alike. Authors of faith sometimes fail to step aside and let God cut into the hearts and souls of people without a five point sermon and a sinner's prayer to clinch the deal.
Walking on water may be an easier task.
Decide for yourself...
Water Walker by Ted Dekker is touted as a modern day parable highlighting the dual themes of forgiveness and freedom. Here's my thoughts...
Episode One was riveting, mysterious, and suspenseful. Characters were introduced with just enough revelation to perk the readers' interest and leave them wanting more. The plot laid a foundation, providing a place for secrets to dance. The author entices the reader to press on, promising amazing answers to the questions proffered at the onset of the story.
But the answers were unsatisfying or simply didn't come. The mystery devolved into stale activity. A lull settled in during Episode Two.
The characters were flat. The main character, Alice/ Eden is thirteen at the start, described as odd and highly intelligent, with references made to a conspiratorial and scientific experimental history that she has forgotten, for which there is never any explanation. Her voice is stagnant and even when the story skips ahead to an eighteen-year-old version of Alice/ Eden, her voice remains stuck in her thirteen-year-old self: childish, boring, and compliant. The character holds no interest. Being kidnapped and immersed into a cult lend nothing to her development. Alice/ Eden is a bland chess piece who does nothing to gain the sympathies, compassion, or even hatred of the reader.
Then there's The Outlaw, the obvious God figure in this modern day parable. There is no back story given to introduce this character, though it is a forgivable omission considering this is one of a series named after the character. As is, this novel doesn't stand alone well. The lack of explanation of this pivotal, important person leaves a jagged hole. His appearance is disruptive and his authority shadows mere arrogance. The Outlaw holds all the secrets and annoyingly offers tidbits of information on a whim here and there, without showing any credentials or proof of reliability. As a symbol of God, the author is too obvious in his insistence the reader take everything he says by faith. This could be a successful endeavor, but in Water Walker, it felt forced, unacceptable, and choppy.
The plot twist/ epiphany was ridiculous. Forgiveness is a powerful and admirable state of being; but in this story, the journey to forgiveness is rushed and results in an unsatisfactory denouement for the conflict resolution needed. It's more "forgive and forget," than resolution of conflict. The antagonists are killed with kindness. They are simply forgiven, without repentance, consequence, or work. While the power of forgiveness has the ability to cause this kind of miraculous occurrence, in this novel, it was too easy and lazy writing. The main character just changes her mind and everything is sunshine, daisies, and rainbows.
Ted Dekker is a prolific author who delves into genres lacking representation by Christian authors, namely horror, science fiction, and speculative fiction. While admirable, this is an extremely difficult mission field. Authors of faith receiving respect in these genres, such as Madeleine L'Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Anne Rice, are few. Frank Peretti, Jared Wilson, and Tim LaHaye have also ventured into this mission field with debatable success. The tendency to preach with evangelistic fervor instead of conveying a story and allowing the reader make their own conclusions disappoints both unbelievers and believers alike. Authors of faith sometimes fail to step aside and let God cut into the hearts and souls of people without a five point sermon and a sinner's prayer to clinch the deal.
Walking on water may be an easier task.
Decide for yourself...
February 26, 2014
This is episode one of a longer work, and it's not good.
Alice/Eden is a thirteen-year old girl who is about to wake up to the biggest surprise of her life. She's about to discover that her birth mother still lives, and wants her. Unfortunately, she finds out by being kidnapped by a minion of that same birth mother. There's also more about Eden that she doesn't know, too.
Let me list some of the problems I had with this book. Sorry, some will be in spoilers, don't read if you plan on picking up the first episode.
1. Because of the serial nature of the book, things that should be big reveals literally get dumped on us, like Eden's true nature and history. I mean, literally dumped by means of a brief phone conversation.
2. Eden and others act very unrealistically. Example-
3. Random infodump priest saying platitudes.
4. This REALLY annoyed me: In fact, spend more time justifying things altogether.
I liked the general premise, but because of the serial format, it feels like he had to rush a lot of things and didn't have time to build on them. There's also standard Dekkerisms, like focusing on the paranormal, said infodump priest, etc. Combine that with some unrealistic character actions, and it's not a good start. What's particularly grating is that if he had just NOT done a serial novel, all of my objections could easily vanish, because he would have more time to develop characters and situations.
My rating might seem harsh, but this is a guy whose done ten plus books, some of which have cracked the NYT best seller list. This isn't the first or even third novel from an indie author. Heck, indie authors do better: check out Pat Todoroff's Shift Tense - Red Flags for how to do a serial novel right. This was not a good start, but to be fair it is only a start, and the rest of the serial novel might be better.
Alice/Eden is a thirteen-year old girl who is about to wake up to the biggest surprise of her life. She's about to discover that her birth mother still lives, and wants her. Unfortunately, she finds out by being kidnapped by a minion of that same birth mother. There's also more about Eden that she doesn't know, too.
Let me list some of the problems I had with this book. Sorry, some will be in spoilers, don't read if you plan on picking up the first episode.
1. Because of the serial nature of the book, things that should be big reveals literally get dumped on us, like Eden's true nature and history. I mean, literally dumped by means of a brief phone conversation.
2. Eden and others act very unrealistically. Example-
3. Random infodump priest saying platitudes.
4. This REALLY annoyed me: In fact, spend more time justifying things altogether.
I liked the general premise, but because of the serial format, it feels like he had to rush a lot of things and didn't have time to build on them. There's also standard Dekkerisms, like focusing on the paranormal, said infodump priest, etc. Combine that with some unrealistic character actions, and it's not a good start. What's particularly grating is that if he had just NOT done a serial novel, all of my objections could easily vanish, because he would have more time to develop characters and situations.
My rating might seem harsh, but this is a guy whose done ten plus books, some of which have cracked the NYT best seller list. This isn't the first or even third novel from an indie author. Heck, indie authors do better: check out Pat Todoroff's Shift Tense - Red Flags for how to do a serial novel right. This was not a good start, but to be fair it is only a start, and the rest of the serial novel might be better.
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