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The Outlaw Chronicles #2
Water Walker
Alice Snow, a thirteen-year-old orphan, is abducted from her adopted home by a strange man claiming that her real mother is alive, and a frantic FBI manhunt ensues.
505 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
169 people are currently reading
2659 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books9,971 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 286 reviews
June 5, 2024
This was on one hand interesting, but also just kinda sad. It does end well, but I don't like reading about all the stuff this girl went through growing up in a cult. And I don't like the outlaw character at all. I skimmed most of his dialogue.
February 16, 2014
I have two reactions to Ted Dekker--I devour his pages like watermelon in July, or I wince from something violent that went past my mental limit and slam the book shut forever. This one was cool fruit with a few close calls on slinging it across the room. I have a really low tolerance for torture and suffering, something that seems to naturally show up for this author that so accurately portrays the broken human condition.
Water Walker is a thriller with some fantastical elements. As always, Dekker's characters are well-developed and produce the desired result--those we should pity or love, we really connect to, and those we should hate, we despise with a passion.
The young heroine Alice is engaging from the first page, her innocence and desperation begging for someone to rescue her. As her situation goes from bad to worse, that rescue comes from an unlikely source. This is one of those books you won't want to put down until you've finished and Alice finds peace, one way or another. Once again, Dekker paints a beautiful allegory of the struggle we all face if we expect to leave the negative parts of our past behind and change our future purposefully.
Thanks to netgalley for this advanced review copy.
Water Walker is a thriller with some fantastical elements. As always, Dekker's characters are well-developed and produce the desired result--those we should pity or love, we really connect to, and those we should hate, we despise with a passion.
The young heroine Alice is engaging from the first page, her innocence and desperation begging for someone to rescue her. As her situation goes from bad to worse, that rescue comes from an unlikely source. This is one of those books you won't want to put down until you've finished and Alice finds peace, one way or another. Once again, Dekker paints a beautiful allegory of the struggle we all face if we expect to leave the negative parts of our past behind and change our future purposefully.
Thanks to netgalley for this advanced review copy.
April 2, 2014
Loved! True Ted Dekker style. Heart-pounding and tear-jerking all at once. This book isn't just entertainment, this book will change your life (if you let it.) And I don't say this lightly.
This book speaks of forgiveness and true love that keeps no record of wrongs. It shows the uncertainty of a young girl who finally discovers her true identity, not in the horrible circumstances she lives in, but in the heart of a man who has known her all along.
This book speaks of forgiveness and true love that keeps no record of wrongs. It shows the uncertainty of a young girl who finally discovers her true identity, not in the horrible circumstances she lives in, but in the heart of a man who has known her all along.
June 7, 2014
RADICAL!!!!!
I give Ted Dekker’s novel “Water Walker” 10 out of 10.
Ted has challenged Western Christianity to its very core.
*spoiler alert*
The main character, Alice, is kidnapped by her birth mother and step-father. She goes to live with them and their son Bobby on a property surrounded by swamps, under the control of a man called Zeke. Alice then suffers 5 years of religious abuse. She is given an exorbitant list of rules and rituals to follow and is expected to be the perfect, spotless lamb. She is baptised every Sunday to cleanse the whole family of sin. If she suffers from any temptation to be rebellious she is expected to confess and repent for hours in her prayer closet, not to mention suffer other consequences to keep herself pure.
But she is growing into an adult and she is attracted to Zeke’s son Paul. It seems she is forbidden to ever marry, and yet she wants to know what it would be like to be married to Paul. She feels guilty for even imagining these things until Paul tells her that he loves her. They see each other in secret, but Zeke mysteriously (or supernaturally) finds out. Zeke’s response is to take his wrath out on Paul and beat his own son in the face!
This is a poignant description of how most of Western Christendom views God-the-Father. God is so angry at our sin, our lust, our imperfection; that he beats his son to teach us a lesson. Zeke, who represents God-the-Father, sets all the rules. He wants people to be perfect. And when they fail, someone must be punished.
Next, Alice tries to run away, but she is caught by Zeke. Then Zeke tells Alice’s mother, Kathryn, to break Alice’s leg. From my perspective, Kathryn represents the church. She is the enforcer God-the-Father’s rules and punishments. She is convinced that if she doesn’t break her daughter’s leg, their fate will be even worse and their punishment eternal. She wants to be like Abraham who didn’t hesitate to offer up his son Isaac on an altar. But she feels torn because she loves her daughter. So she twists her daughter’s ankle instead.
When Alice tries to escape again, Zeke comes and breaks her leg himself. If the church won’t punish the disciple, then God-the-Father will do it himself. What a sick and twisted view of God we have! But Ted Dekker doesn’t stop there.
Alice has visions of a man named Stephen who represents Jesus. Stephen is coaxing Alice to walk on the water of her troubles. The only way to overcome trouble is take no offence to the trouble and stop perceiving it as trouble. Trouble only exists in the mind. The true power of a Christian is in forgiveness. The true representation of Father-God is that he is always forgiving, never offended by our sin, and does not require punishment or appeasement for sin!
Ted has contrasted the widely accepted gospel, with a higher truth that Christianity has so often overlooked! God is unconditionally loving and forgiving. As soon as Alice embraced this truth, it changed her relationship with her mother by spilling love over into Kathryn’s life. Then Kathryn was able to free her daughter and they both truly repented (changed their minds) about who God is.
Ted Dekker I cannot thank you enough for writing this book! I am so proud of you for contrasting these two gospels that are in complete opposition to each other. The first is truly a satanic version of the gospel, for only Satan requires that we be abused for our sins–he is the accuser who comes to steal, kill and destroy! The real Jesus is our forgiveness, love and peace. You are very brave. Traditional Christians will hate this story if they can see it for what it truly is.
In writing water walker, you have become a water walker. You have been my favourite author for many years, but now you have become my hero and an even greater inspiration. I want to write books like this. I admire you. I praise God for you. I hope that I will meet you some day–if not in this life, then in the next.
I give Ted Dekker’s novel “Water Walker” 10 out of 10.
Ted has challenged Western Christianity to its very core.
*spoiler alert*
The main character, Alice, is kidnapped by her birth mother and step-father. She goes to live with them and their son Bobby on a property surrounded by swamps, under the control of a man called Zeke. Alice then suffers 5 years of religious abuse. She is given an exorbitant list of rules and rituals to follow and is expected to be the perfect, spotless lamb. She is baptised every Sunday to cleanse the whole family of sin. If she suffers from any temptation to be rebellious she is expected to confess and repent for hours in her prayer closet, not to mention suffer other consequences to keep herself pure.
But she is growing into an adult and she is attracted to Zeke’s son Paul. It seems she is forbidden to ever marry, and yet she wants to know what it would be like to be married to Paul. She feels guilty for even imagining these things until Paul tells her that he loves her. They see each other in secret, but Zeke mysteriously (or supernaturally) finds out. Zeke’s response is to take his wrath out on Paul and beat his own son in the face!
This is a poignant description of how most of Western Christendom views God-the-Father. God is so angry at our sin, our lust, our imperfection; that he beats his son to teach us a lesson. Zeke, who represents God-the-Father, sets all the rules. He wants people to be perfect. And when they fail, someone must be punished.
Next, Alice tries to run away, but she is caught by Zeke. Then Zeke tells Alice’s mother, Kathryn, to break Alice’s leg. From my perspective, Kathryn represents the church. She is the enforcer God-the-Father’s rules and punishments. She is convinced that if she doesn’t break her daughter’s leg, their fate will be even worse and their punishment eternal. She wants to be like Abraham who didn’t hesitate to offer up his son Isaac on an altar. But she feels torn because she loves her daughter. So she twists her daughter’s ankle instead.
When Alice tries to escape again, Zeke comes and breaks her leg himself. If the church won’t punish the disciple, then God-the-Father will do it himself. What a sick and twisted view of God we have! But Ted Dekker doesn’t stop there.
Alice has visions of a man named Stephen who represents Jesus. Stephen is coaxing Alice to walk on the water of her troubles. The only way to overcome trouble is take no offence to the trouble and stop perceiving it as trouble. Trouble only exists in the mind. The true power of a Christian is in forgiveness. The true representation of Father-God is that he is always forgiving, never offended by our sin, and does not require punishment or appeasement for sin!
Ted has contrasted the widely accepted gospel, with a higher truth that Christianity has so often overlooked! God is unconditionally loving and forgiving. As soon as Alice embraced this truth, it changed her relationship with her mother by spilling love over into Kathryn’s life. Then Kathryn was able to free her daughter and they both truly repented (changed their minds) about who God is.
Ted Dekker I cannot thank you enough for writing this book! I am so proud of you for contrasting these two gospels that are in complete opposition to each other. The first is truly a satanic version of the gospel, for only Satan requires that we be abused for our sins–he is the accuser who comes to steal, kill and destroy! The real Jesus is our forgiveness, love and peace. You are very brave. Traditional Christians will hate this story if they can see it for what it truly is.
In writing water walker, you have become a water walker. You have been my favourite author for many years, but now you have become my hero and an even greater inspiration. I want to write books like this. I admire you. I praise God for you. I hope that I will meet you some day–if not in this life, then in the next.
June 18, 2016
Cults are seriously awesome to read about in literature. Especially weird Jesus cults who believe they're doing all this bad stuff in the name of God. In this particular book, we have a thirteen-year-old who was kidnapped by her birth parents and raised for 5 years in this creepy cult. Of course this messed with her mind and she truly believed in what they were doing. I liked the Christian theme of forgiveness throughout the book and loved when Eden stood up to what she knew was wrong.
August 5, 2016
Water Walker was a typical Ted Dekker read. Super fun to read, a bit creepy, and just very entertaining. I liked it a lot :)
*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book via netgalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book via netgalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
June 7, 2015
A story of a kidnapping, pride and forgiveness in an unbelievable way. Great book. In the beginning, the story takes off and slows down then it hits you. There is a part where people who believe in God take it to almost a cultish way. Prepare for that. Beyond that, the ending is a little deep.
June 17, 2023
Wow!!!!! I did not expect this book to be sooooo good!! I was at the edge of my seat throughout this book. Also this book had terrific faith woven in. The lesson of forgiveness really will hit home when you read it. If you like stories of cults this one will be for you!! I highly recommend this book. It’s a 3 book series and this is book 2 but I was able to read it out of order to understand it. Just ordered book 1 and 3 from the library!! Really if you want to be thrilled read this book!! Can’t recommend it enough!!!
March 9, 2022
I am still processing what I think about this one; it was quite the wild ride!
August 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...
May 12, 2014
I've read a lot of DeKker and can't say I've ever been disappointed from a book I've read by him. I may not like some of his novels as much as others, but no matter what the book is, DekKer puts a lot in his stories for you to like.
His characters are complex, the plots are intriguing, there are twists and turns aplenty to keep you turning the pages, and generally he has the ability to get me to read his books at a fast pace. On top of that his themes/message always cause me to think hard on them not only while reading but well after I've put the book down.
All of that was true about Water Walker. Is it the best book I've read by him? No, not by a long shot, but it was a worthwhile read.
It's always fun to see how DeKker's work interweaves among his novels. Not only is their interlocking characters in his Outlaw series but throughout his whole catalog of work.
One change I've noticed with his writing lately is DeKker has got a lot preachier within his novels in comparison to his past work. Earlier on in his work I felt like the themes were just as powerful but were more metaphorical through the story and you had to sort through what his message a little more. DeKker still leaves you a lot to think about but I feel he is a lot more direct with his message now. No matter how he presents his messages though, I love the way he continually presents interesting plots of good and evil; among others. He really allows you through these stories to understand a lot more about the human condition and make you think about how these truths impact your own life.
While some may disagree with me, I feel like we are past the height of DeKker's best work. Don't get me wrong I think his work is still great, but in the last few year's I haven't found any of his novels to be as gripping as Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy, and some of his earlier thrillers. Even with that said I still think Ted is an outstanding storyteller and I'm looking forward to "Hacker" later this year and what he has coming our way later down the road. I'd love to be proved wrong and see him top Thr3e and The Circle Trilogy, he definitely has the abilities to do so. Either way, as long as he writes them, I'll read them.
His characters are complex, the plots are intriguing, there are twists and turns aplenty to keep you turning the pages, and generally he has the ability to get me to read his books at a fast pace. On top of that his themes/message always cause me to think hard on them not only while reading but well after I've put the book down.
All of that was true about Water Walker. Is it the best book I've read by him? No, not by a long shot, but it was a worthwhile read.
It's always fun to see how DeKker's work interweaves among his novels. Not only is their interlocking characters in his Outlaw series but throughout his whole catalog of work.
One change I've noticed with his writing lately is DeKker has got a lot preachier within his novels in comparison to his past work. Earlier on in his work I felt like the themes were just as powerful but were more metaphorical through the story and you had to sort through what his message a little more. DeKker still leaves you a lot to think about but I feel he is a lot more direct with his message now. No matter how he presents his messages though, I love the way he continually presents interesting plots of good and evil; among others. He really allows you through these stories to understand a lot more about the human condition and make you think about how these truths impact your own life.
While some may disagree with me, I feel like we are past the height of DeKker's best work. Don't get me wrong I think his work is still great, but in the last few year's I haven't found any of his novels to be as gripping as Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy, and some of his earlier thrillers. Even with that said I still think Ted is an outstanding storyteller and I'm looking forward to "Hacker" later this year and what he has coming our way later down the road. I'd love to be proved wrong and see him top Thr3e and The Circle Trilogy, he definitely has the abilities to do so. Either way, as long as he writes them, I'll read them.
March 11, 2014
The Review:
Where do I begin?
There is so much I want to say about this book, Water Walker by Ted Dekker. The author's language and wording, his primary themes, his intermingling of light and dark, the characters and their voices, the bondage and freedom aspects - these things stood out in a very big way. The role of each person in the story and how they played their part in the conclusive end, or rather in a more precise beginning was haunting. I was literally stunned speechless with how it all played out.
This book was no easy read, in my opinion. It was well-paced, of course, but the movement was...complicated. Not complicated in a hard way. No, not at all. I guess I could say that it was like an organized and complex chaos. There were so many messages and lessons weaved into the storyline. Scripture references were constant and served to steer me toward a greater understanding. That helped to open my mind to where Dekker was obviously (and yet not) trying to take me.
I think anytime anyone reads this book they will walk away with something different every time. Perhaps, they will focus on forgiveness, love, grace, or mercy. Maybe they will focus on choices, consequences, spiritual warfare, or new life pursuits. All I know is that they will walk away changed.
Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Tone: Mixed
Cliffhanger: Yes
Stand Alone Read: Yes (Note: Suggest readers consider reading book #1 of The Outlaw Chronicles)
Themes: Love, Forgiveness, Faith
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
A complimentary copy of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. No form of compensation was given to me. I was not required to write a positive review. I have shared my thoughts for your consideration.
Where do I begin?
There is so much I want to say about this book, Water Walker by Ted Dekker. The author's language and wording, his primary themes, his intermingling of light and dark, the characters and their voices, the bondage and freedom aspects - these things stood out in a very big way. The role of each person in the story and how they played their part in the conclusive end, or rather in a more precise beginning was haunting. I was literally stunned speechless with how it all played out.
This book was no easy read, in my opinion. It was well-paced, of course, but the movement was...complicated. Not complicated in a hard way. No, not at all. I guess I could say that it was like an organized and complex chaos. There were so many messages and lessons weaved into the storyline. Scripture references were constant and served to steer me toward a greater understanding. That helped to open my mind to where Dekker was obviously (and yet not) trying to take me.
I think anytime anyone reads this book they will walk away with something different every time. Perhaps, they will focus on forgiveness, love, grace, or mercy. Maybe they will focus on choices, consequences, spiritual warfare, or new life pursuits. All I know is that they will walk away changed.
Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Tone: Mixed
Cliffhanger: Yes
Stand Alone Read: Yes (Note: Suggest readers consider reading book #1 of The Outlaw Chronicles)
Themes: Love, Forgiveness, Faith
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
A complimentary copy of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. No form of compensation was given to me. I was not required to write a positive review. I have shared my thoughts for your consideration.
March 14, 2015
This book is brilliant! I love it so much! It's as thoroughly riveting as any of my favorites, but in a completely different way than most of the fantasy and sci-fi books I adore. It’s shocking and awesome and amazing and beautiful, and I can’t even say I completely understand it, but I can say that I was utterly blown away. The ending completely changed the way I saw the story, maybe even the way I see life. If any book can totally transform someone -- other than the Bible -- it's Water Walker. It's a phenomenal story about the power of God’s love and what forgiveness truly means. And trust me, it’s probably not what you think it is.
If you'd like to hear more of what I think about this book, you can find the full review at Verbosity Book Reviews.
If you'd like to hear more of what I think about this book, you can find the full review at Verbosity Book Reviews.
January 4, 2016
It's Ted Dekker, how could I not give it 5 stars?
One of my favourite authors! I can't even begin to explain this book. Great from beginning to end! :)
Going to read #3 as soon as I can get my hands on it!!
One of my favourite authors! I can't even begin to explain this book. Great from beginning to end! :)
Going to read #3 as soon as I can get my hands on it!!
August 29, 2022
I didn't like reading this book. The story is about a girl who is kidnapped from a foster home by her absent mother and imprisoned in a religious cult, physically and emotionally abused by the mother under the command of a man named Zeke. Until late in the story, the physical abuses are relatively minor, but the emotional abuses are horrible, even more so because they are perpetrated in the guise of Christianity. There's not much I can think of that I dislike more than people doing evil things and saying that they are because of God - the God I know as a loving father, not an abusive, malevolent, angry deity who demands rituals to cleanse the sins of others.
I do realize that I've just described how many see the Old Testament God, and I'm not going to wax Theological and try to explain that, because I'm an armchair Theologian at best. But in fact, that's the point of this book, and of almost all of the body of Ted Dekker's fiction: to expose the Law (not the laws of the country you live in - the Law of the Old Testament) as the insatiable, abusive taskmaster that it is, and to reveal God's grace as the antidote.
So, I did not enjoy reading about Alice/Eden's abduction (this is the same Alice, by the way, from the previous book, Eyes Wide Open). I did not enjoy reading about the horrible way that her mother ran their house in the cult. About the weekly physical abuse, and the periodic other abuses (locking her in a closet, denying her food, etc.) But I kept reading, as uncomfortable as it was, and in the last seventy or so pages, I discovered that the story had to be that way. The story has to be that way because in the end, Eden has to learn forgiveness. Without an unforgiveable offense, there is no miracle in offering forgiveness. In those last seventy pages, I began to see offenses in my own life that need to be forgiven. Some of them, perhaps, ongoing. Some of them deeply wounding. I suspect we all have those. And I saw, in Eden's forgiveness, hope that I could offer my own.
And that's the point of this book. Without darkness, dawn doesn't matter. Without sin, there is no redemption. Without offense, there is no forgiveness. And don't let me discourage you from reading this book... in the world we live in, as I said before, the physical abuses described here are almost ridiculously minor. There are actually no bodily injuries until very late in the story; it could have been MUCH more gruesome. Even then, they aren't eye-gougings or kidney-stealings - I won't tell you exactly what happens of course, but these are things that heal. The reason I give the book four stars instead of five is mainly because Ted Dekker seems to struggle with writing truly empathetic characters. It's like he never really quite gets into their heads and lets us feel what they feel. He is not a particularly subtle writer. But the story is engaging; it connects with his other books, all the way back to The Circle Trilogy and the Showdown books. I don't think it will grow to be a favorite of mine out of his body of work, but it is worth reading. And it has given me something to think about! Which, I suspect, is Ted's intention all along.
I do realize that I've just described how many see the Old Testament God, and I'm not going to wax Theological and try to explain that, because I'm an armchair Theologian at best. But in fact, that's the point of this book, and of almost all of the body of Ted Dekker's fiction: to expose the Law (not the laws of the country you live in - the Law of the Old Testament) as the insatiable, abusive taskmaster that it is, and to reveal God's grace as the antidote.
So, I did not enjoy reading about Alice/Eden's abduction (this is the same Alice, by the way, from the previous book, Eyes Wide Open). I did not enjoy reading about the horrible way that her mother ran their house in the cult. About the weekly physical abuse, and the periodic other abuses (locking her in a closet, denying her food, etc.) But I kept reading, as uncomfortable as it was, and in the last seventy or so pages, I discovered that the story had to be that way. The story has to be that way because in the end, Eden has to learn forgiveness. Without an unforgiveable offense, there is no miracle in offering forgiveness. In those last seventy pages, I began to see offenses in my own life that need to be forgiven. Some of them, perhaps, ongoing. Some of them deeply wounding. I suspect we all have those. And I saw, in Eden's forgiveness, hope that I could offer my own.
And that's the point of this book. Without darkness, dawn doesn't matter. Without sin, there is no redemption. Without offense, there is no forgiveness. And don't let me discourage you from reading this book... in the world we live in, as I said before, the physical abuses described here are almost ridiculously minor. There are actually no bodily injuries until very late in the story; it could have been MUCH more gruesome. Even then, they aren't eye-gougings or kidney-stealings - I won't tell you exactly what happens of course, but these are things that heal. The reason I give the book four stars instead of five is mainly because Ted Dekker seems to struggle with writing truly empathetic characters. It's like he never really quite gets into their heads and lets us feel what they feel. He is not a particularly subtle writer. But the story is engaging; it connects with his other books, all the way back to The Circle Trilogy and the Showdown books. I don't think it will grow to be a favorite of mine out of his body of work, but it is worth reading. And it has given me something to think about! Which, I suspect, is Ted's intention all along.
February 4, 2019
Water Walker by Ted Dekker is the second book in The Outlaw Chronicles. The books can standalone and they have only loose (though definite) associations with each other. I have to say that this was my least favourite. We first met Alice in Book 1 Eyes Wide Open - so I was interested to see how the books were overlapped, but the overlap was much more tenuous than I expected and the timing seems out. We do learn more about the monastery and the group of exceptional children mentioned in all three of the books, though still tantalising vague.
Alice Ringwald is kidnapped as a thirteen-year-old by her birth mother, who then imposes on her an impossible regime of harsh ritual and restriction. Alice, or Eden as her mother calls her, stays through a mixture of fear and desire to protect her younger brother, Bobbie, and she soon begins to believe the necessity of keeping the rituals for the safety of her and her family. Will Alice/Eden manage to escape and what are the motives of Zeke, her mother's advisor and the leader of the isolated community that Eden is now part of.
The complex characterisation of both Eden, her mother Katherine and other characters is masterly, but for me Water Walker was closer to horror than thriller. The first two-thirds of the book were actually slow, and Eden's plight hard to bear. And I found the analogy and symbolism less helpful in this book as at times it bordered on a Gnosticism (the body is more than mere costume) and Marcionism (depending on how the symbolism is read). I do like Dekker's oft-repeated message of the depth of the Creator's love and acceptance, the need to forgive and be forgiven, and the need to 'let-go' in faith. But I wonder if this may get lost in translation with so much emphasis put on Katherine and Zeke's twisted, manipulative and abusive theology. Nevertheless, Eden is a great character, her interactions with Outlaw riveting, and, once again, Dekker has written a thought-provoking book about the nature of truth, trust and faith.
Alice Ringwald is kidnapped as a thirteen-year-old by her birth mother, who then imposes on her an impossible regime of harsh ritual and restriction. Alice, or Eden as her mother calls her, stays through a mixture of fear and desire to protect her younger brother, Bobbie, and she soon begins to believe the necessity of keeping the rituals for the safety of her and her family. Will Alice/Eden manage to escape and what are the motives of Zeke, her mother's advisor and the leader of the isolated community that Eden is now part of.
The complex characterisation of both Eden, her mother Katherine and other characters is masterly, but for me Water Walker was closer to horror than thriller. The first two-thirds of the book were actually slow, and Eden's plight hard to bear. And I found the analogy and symbolism less helpful in this book as at times it bordered on a Gnosticism (the body is more than mere costume) and Marcionism (depending on how the symbolism is read). I do like Dekker's oft-repeated message of the depth of the Creator's love and acceptance, the need to forgive and be forgiven, and the need to 'let-go' in faith. But I wonder if this may get lost in translation with so much emphasis put on Katherine and Zeke's twisted, manipulative and abusive theology. Nevertheless, Eden is a great character, her interactions with Outlaw riveting, and, once again, Dekker has written a thought-provoking book about the nature of truth, trust and faith.
August 9, 2020
Alice Ringwald, also known as Eden Lowenstein, is kidnapped from the home she's ever known. Her biological mother, Kathryn Miller, plans Eden's kidnapping, while Zeke Gunner, the mastermind behind it all, sits back and watch all of his selfish demands unfold. Days after the kidnapping, Eden reunites with her mother. This reunion forces Eden to start a new life that is more harmful than helpful and the only way out is for Eden to look beyond what she can physically see.
Water Walker is the second installment of the Outlaw Chronicles that focuses on faith and forgiveness. Eden is considered the golden child, the young girl who is pure and does no wrong. She is placed on Earth to be a person of hope and to take away the curse the family possess. Throughout Eden's trials and tribulations, she becomes a water walker thanks to Stephen Carter, the Outlaw. A water walker is someone who face their fear(s) to reach the shore, a metaphor for hurdles and obstacles one overcomes. What Outlaw helps Eden to visualize and understand can be applied to our everyday living so we too can become water walkers.
Water Walker is the second installment of the Outlaw Chronicles that focuses on faith and forgiveness. Eden is considered the golden child, the young girl who is pure and does no wrong. She is placed on Earth to be a person of hope and to take away the curse the family possess. Throughout Eden's trials and tribulations, she becomes a water walker thanks to Stephen Carter, the Outlaw. A water walker is someone who face their fear(s) to reach the shore, a metaphor for hurdles and obstacles one overcomes. What Outlaw helps Eden to visualize and understand can be applied to our everyday living so we too can become water walkers.
October 4, 2019
I'm a Christian, and the thing I like more than anything else about some of Ted Dekker's books is that they get me rooting for something far deeper than the good guys to win and the bad guys to lose. I find myself rooting for love, forgiveness, and the saving of the lost.
Water Walker was great in this regard. Not only is this book a thriller, it's a great lesson in the Christian walk. I can't say how without spoilers, so we'll just leave it at that. It's a different look at some very applicable principles.
Water Walker was great in this regard. Not only is this book a thriller, it's a great lesson in the Christian walk. I can't say how without spoilers, so we'll just leave it at that. It's a different look at some very applicable principles.
June 12, 2021
Well, this book thoroughly stressed me out.
December 21, 2020
Another amazing book in the Outlaw Chronicles with profound wisdom woven into its plot. It had a slow start, but soon enough I was on the edge of my seat and read 3/4 of the book in one night. I cannot wait to read the next two in the series.
July 23, 2018
Keeps in the book. Pretty good overall.
March 15, 2014
Ted Dekker in his new book, “Water Walker” Book Two in The Outlaw Chronicles published by Worthy Publishing takes us into the life of Alice Ringwald.
From the back cover: “My name is Alice Ringwald, but the man who kidnapped me says that’s a lie. He calls me Eden and says he’s taking me to be with my mother. But my mother, like everything else in my past, is dead. Or so I thought.”
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 a strange man comes to her door. Her real mother is alive, he says, and begs her to return home. When Alice won’t leave with him, the man forces his way into the house and abducts her.
In a frantic manhunt the FBI pursues, but the man slips through their fingers. He and Alice vanish without a trace.
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.
I am sorry to say that I didn’t like this book as much as the first one. When there is a kidnapping and an FBI manhunt I expect great thrills and excitement. Instead I got a zealot compound where they are brainwashed. Not really my cup of tea. Ted Dekker does a wonderful job on the themes though. Truth and forgiveness are delved in with clarity and insight. If you want to know who you really are you need to get out of the boat and walk on water. And the only way to do that is walking with God.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: “My name is Alice Ringwald, but the man who kidnapped me says that’s a lie. He calls me Eden and says he’s taking me to be with my mother. But my mother, like everything else in my past, is dead. Or so I thought.”
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 a strange man comes to her door. Her real mother is alive, he says, and begs her to return home. When Alice won’t leave with him, the man forces his way into the house and abducts her.
In a frantic manhunt the FBI pursues, but the man slips through their fingers. He and Alice vanish without a trace.
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.
I am sorry to say that I didn’t like this book as much as the first one. When there is a kidnapping and an FBI manhunt I expect great thrills and excitement. Instead I got a zealot compound where they are brainwashed. Not really my cup of tea. Ted Dekker does a wonderful job on the themes though. Truth and forgiveness are delved in with clarity and insight. If you want to know who you really are you need to get out of the boat and walk on water. And the only way to do that is walking with God.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 8, 2014
The Synopsis:
“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 who recently adopted her and gave her new hope.
That hope, however, is shattered one night when a strange man comes to her door. Her real mother is alive, he says, and begs her to return home. When Alice won’t leave with him, the man forces his way into the house and abducts her.
In a frantic manhunt the FBI pursues, but the man slips through their figures. He and Alice vanish without a trace.
So begins Water Walker, a modern-day parable that examines the staggering power of forgiveness and reminds us it’s possible to live free of the hurt that keeps our souls in chains.”
My Review:
Wow! This book was incredibly amazing! Water Walker is book 2 in the Outlaw Chronicles and I would suggest reading book 1 (Eyes Wide Open) first, it refers to Eyes Wide Open in more ways than 1.
Water Walker was not as suspenseful as Eyes Wide Open, but, for Christians, it has a way of causing your blood to boil, making you want to finish the book to see justice come to the “bad guy”!* As the synopsis implies, forgiveness is proven to defeat even the evilest of men.
Ted Dekker did a fantastic job of making this book so realistic and his details were great. He also brought the power of forgiveness to its max, telling in detail the peace forgiveness gives as well as self control. I can’t tell you how much I loved this book and I encourage all of my friends to read it. I also look forward to read the rest of the series.
*After, reading all the stuff about forgiveness, you probably have a pretty good idea that you will end up for forgiving the “bad guy”! LOL
“I received this book from Worthy Publishing for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
“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 who recently adopted her and gave her new hope.
That hope, however, is shattered one night when a strange man comes to her door. Her real mother is alive, he says, and begs her to return home. When Alice won’t leave with him, the man forces his way into the house and abducts her.
In a frantic manhunt the FBI pursues, but the man slips through their figures. He and Alice vanish without a trace.
So begins Water Walker, a modern-day parable that examines the staggering power of forgiveness and reminds us it’s possible to live free of the hurt that keeps our souls in chains.”
My Review:
Wow! This book was incredibly amazing! Water Walker is book 2 in the Outlaw Chronicles and I would suggest reading book 1 (Eyes Wide Open) first, it refers to Eyes Wide Open in more ways than 1.
Water Walker was not as suspenseful as Eyes Wide Open, but, for Christians, it has a way of causing your blood to boil, making you want to finish the book to see justice come to the “bad guy”!* As the synopsis implies, forgiveness is proven to defeat even the evilest of men.
Ted Dekker did a fantastic job of making this book so realistic and his details were great. He also brought the power of forgiveness to its max, telling in detail the peace forgiveness gives as well as self control. I can’t tell you how much I loved this book and I encourage all of my friends to read it. I also look forward to read the rest of the series.
*After, reading all the stuff about forgiveness, you probably have a pretty good idea that you will end up for forgiving the “bad guy”! LOL
“I received this book from Worthy Publishing for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
January 2, 2014
Ted Dekker has returned to his genius writing.
Water Walker is a sequel, of sorts, to Eyes Wide Open and Outlaw. I say of sorts because this is Ted Dekker we're talking about and he gets his thrills by twisting his readers into all sorts of knots and leaving them breathless for the next story.
In Water Walker meet an orphan named Alice living with her foster parents - moments before her birth mother kidnaps her. The FBI is on the case as well as the mysterious Stephen introduced in the final pages of Eyes Wide Open and Outlaw. Is Alice to be rescued or shouldn't she live with her real mother?
Those questions are only skin deep right? The real purpose of this story breathed new life into my relationship with God. It's a theme that Dekker has been exploring since his final co-authored book with Tosca Lee, Sovereign. And what is that theme? Ah, for that you need to read this book.
I promise you, you will not be able to get the ideas out of your head. You will contemplate the implications long after the last page is turned. You will want to break free just as some of the characters desire.
This is the book true Dekker fans will flock to and will loudly cheer the return of the mind-bending, soul-twisting author genius of Mr. Ted Dekker. You will be refreshed, friends. You will be challenged and your spirit will leap for light!
I cannot wait for the next one in the Outlaw series.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Worthy Publishing.
Water Walker is a sequel, of sorts, to Eyes Wide Open and Outlaw. I say of sorts because this is Ted Dekker we're talking about and he gets his thrills by twisting his readers into all sorts of knots and leaving them breathless for the next story.
In Water Walker meet an orphan named Alice living with her foster parents - moments before her birth mother kidnaps her. The FBI is on the case as well as the mysterious Stephen introduced in the final pages of Eyes Wide Open and Outlaw. Is Alice to be rescued or shouldn't she live with her real mother?
Those questions are only skin deep right? The real purpose of this story breathed new life into my relationship with God. It's a theme that Dekker has been exploring since his final co-authored book with Tosca Lee, Sovereign. And what is that theme? Ah, for that you need to read this book.
I promise you, you will not be able to get the ideas out of your head. You will contemplate the implications long after the last page is turned. You will want to break free just as some of the characters desire.
This is the book true Dekker fans will flock to and will loudly cheer the return of the mind-bending, soul-twisting author genius of Mr. Ted Dekker. You will be refreshed, friends. You will be challenged and your spirit will leap for light!
I cannot wait for the next one in the Outlaw series.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Worthy Publishing.
March 21, 2014
***Water Walker reveals Dekker has returned to his original writing style!***
"Water Walker," book two in Ted Dekker's "Outlaw Chronicles," releases March 18 from
Worthy Publishing Group who acquired the print rights. The suspenseful narratives of redemption and forgiveness makes clear why “Library Journal” considers this author a master of suspense.
It's the story of thirteen-year-old Alice Ringwald, a foster child with amnesia. Her memories begin six months ago and it's as if she didn't exist before that. In those months she'd been tested many times, told she had a high IQ and speaks like an adult with an unusual ability to absorb new information intuitively. Yet, the counselor she sees once a week tells her she's also naive and trusts without question, much like a child.
Alice only knows she's different in a way no one can explain which makes her feel weird, like she doesn't fit in anywhere. She must have had parents but she doesn't know who they were, where she once lived or even if she went to school. No one has answers and she has too many "why" questions. Until one night, four months after moving into the foster home of John and Louise Clark, Alice answers the door and "stares up into the blue eyes of a man who claims to be her father."…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/water-wa...
"Water Walker," book two in Ted Dekker's "Outlaw Chronicles," releases March 18 from
Worthy Publishing Group who acquired the print rights. The suspenseful narratives of redemption and forgiveness makes clear why “Library Journal” considers this author a master of suspense.
It's the story of thirteen-year-old Alice Ringwald, a foster child with amnesia. Her memories begin six months ago and it's as if she didn't exist before that. In those months she'd been tested many times, told she had a high IQ and speaks like an adult with an unusual ability to absorb new information intuitively. Yet, the counselor she sees once a week tells her she's also naive and trusts without question, much like a child.
Alice only knows she's different in a way no one can explain which makes her feel weird, like she doesn't fit in anywhere. She must have had parents but she doesn't know who they were, where she once lived or even if she went to school. No one has answers and she has too many "why" questions. Until one night, four months after moving into the foster home of John and Louise Clark, Alice answers the door and "stares up into the blue eyes of a man who claims to be her father."…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/water-wa...
February 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book better then the first in the series but I think the ending was weak again and the allegory was just too much for me. I understand the author's intent but to the average reader, the sudden turn from rage and bitterness to forgiveness was just too abrupt and the wording was not realistic. Again, I understand the intent to show the reader Christianity's tenants of forgiveness, etc but it just didn't work for me. So much so that I decided to not attempt the third in the series. Dekker's books are just not for me.
June 3, 2014
Reading Water Walker had a very personal impact on me. It was like reading my own life reflected on the pages of a book because I could really relate to the story in many ways. Having faced trials with my own mother regarding obedience, spirituality and sheltering, Dekker really hit a personal chord for me. But it was how he wrapped up the story which made it so beautiful. As I was reading it, I wondered why was he portraying Christianity as a manipulative, self-righteous, and mindless lunacy. I know that many Christians can be like that, but where can the line be drawn for holiness and surrender to God and blind madness? But then I realized, the purpose of the story isn't to dismiss following after God, but to show the difference between the two. I love the message of the story, to believe in God is to trust Him, and because you trust Him you have the power to do anything. That is true freedom. The story was really inspiring and thought-provoking, and I definitely recommend it!
~Alyxandra Sarik
~Alyxandra Sarik
July 1, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the first Ted Dekker book I've read and it won't be the last. This was a great story! His characters are incredibly easy for the reader to envision. I can still see them in my mind's eye. I felt love, pity, hatred, fear and anger throughout the story. I loved how Kathryn found her courage in the end and did to Zeke what I had wanted to do the whole time I was reading.
The only issue I had was when the 'Outlaw' was speaking to Eden in her dreams; at times, I had to read what he said more than once to try to understand what he was trying to convey to her. In the end, I understood, however, and the lesson of forgiveness and the healing that can come from that wrapped up the story nicely.
This is the first Ted Dekker book I've read and it won't be the last. This was a great story! His characters are incredibly easy for the reader to envision. I can still see them in my mind's eye. I felt love, pity, hatred, fear and anger throughout the story. I loved how Kathryn found her courage in the end and did to Zeke what I had wanted to do the whole time I was reading.
The only issue I had was when the 'Outlaw' was speaking to Eden in her dreams; at times, I had to read what he said more than once to try to understand what he was trying to convey to her. In the end, I understood, however, and the lesson of forgiveness and the healing that can come from that wrapped up the story nicely.
April 29, 2016
Rating 3.5
This was my second book by Ted Dekker, the first being the 4-episode series "Eyes Wide Open".
His style is very different to what I'm used, Epsiode 1 and 4 in this book kept me on my toes. I found I lost interest somewhat in Episode 2 and 3. Not sure if it was just me reaching a reading slump or that I just didn't connect.
At the end I found the book to be a great symbolism of overcoming your fears and complete forgiveness extended to your enemies.
I enjoyed the suspense parts. The philosophical parts I found a bit weird. There is some abuse/violence in this book so not for everyone.
This was my second book by Ted Dekker, the first being the 4-episode series "Eyes Wide Open".
His style is very different to what I'm used, Epsiode 1 and 4 in this book kept me on my toes. I found I lost interest somewhat in Episode 2 and 3. Not sure if it was just me reaching a reading slump or that I just didn't connect.
At the end I found the book to be a great symbolism of overcoming your fears and complete forgiveness extended to your enemies.
I enjoyed the suspense parts. The philosophical parts I found a bit weird. There is some abuse/violence in this book so not for everyone.
July 1, 2014
Reseña en español
Loved this book, but... I feel so lost because I haven't read
or the Paradise Series yet and here Outlaw mentioned the Showdown project and the monastery, so I want to read Showdown to understand the story.
On the other hand, the message was so profound! I had never seen the forgiveness in that way.
Loved this book, but... I feel so lost because I haven't read
or the Paradise Series yet and here Outlaw mentioned the Showdown project and the monastery, so I want to read Showdown to understand the story. On the other hand, the message was so profound! I had never seen the forgiveness in that way.
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