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Beyond the Circle #2
Rise of the Mystics
Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams. They are all wrong. Rachelle Matthews, who grew up in the small town of Eden, Utah, discovered just how wrong when she dreamed and awoke in another world. There she learned that she was the 49th Mystic, the prophesied one, tasked with finding five ancient seals before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, the world will forever be locked in darkness.In The 49th Mystic, Rachelle found the first three of those five seals through great peril and mind-altering adventure. But two seals remain hidden and the fate of both worlds hangs in their balance.As Rachelle Matthews sits deep in a dungeon, Vlad Smith is just getting started. Thomas Hunter's world is about to be turned inside out. The mystics say that there is no defense against the Fifth Seal--but finding it will cost Rachelle everything.So begins the final volume of high stakes in one girl's quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.Ready? Set?Dream.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
651 people are currently reading
4471 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books9,978 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 542 reviews
May 20, 2019
I'm not a fan of religious based fiction. Therefore, this is not for me. 0 of 10 stars
November 17, 2018
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
Rise of the Mystics truly elevates Dekker’s body of work, somehow both shattering and fulfilling the core of his Circle series. The issues that I had with The 49th Mystic, namely that the dialogue often felt stilted and that certain elements of Rachelle’s journey seemed too convenient, weren’t present here. I don’t know if there was a legitimate change or if I had just been reading starker prose than normal, but Dekker’s actual writing style seemed greatly improved, as well. There was a flow to his prose that has been missing for a while, and the plot seemed to flow more naturally instead of feeling forced to take a certain path. I also really appreciated that this book picked up exactly where the first book ended, and that Dekker provided a quick recap of important events from The 49th Mystic at the beginning. Both of these decisions show a thoughtfulness in regards to the reader that authors sometimes overlook, and I respect authors when they take the time to include things like recaps and casts of characters and glossaries.
I’m not going to say much about the plot, as even the simplest statements could give away important plot points of The 49th Mystic, this book’s predecessor. However, I will say that I truly appreciated the growth of our main character, as well as that of many of the supporting characters. Both Rachelle and the other characters around her took on a depth of dimension they were lacking in the first book. There was real struggle in this novel, naked doubt and fear and uncertainty. There was real anger and true rage and even truer love. There was premeditated sacrifice of self, which is one of the most meaningful gifts one person can give another. There was immense beauty revealed through the harshest brutality. Above all, there was the decision to completely trust the Creator with every element of life, because He’s the one that designed each one in the first place.
The reason I have always loved Ted Dekker, even when I was sometimes disappointed in his craftsmanship, is threefold. First, the man is a wonderful storyteller. His prose might not sing, but the story he has to tell is always vibrant and moving and feels somehow more real than those crafted by authors who pen lovely sentences. Second, there is so much spiritual depth to every book Dekker publishes. Each story has a second layer to it, as if the tale we are actually reading is simply a parable, something that explains a deep spiritual truth in a way we can more easily understand. Because of this, the core of these stories resonates and stays with me for years, shaping my theology in subtle ways. Third, I really appreciate the way he ties so many of his stories together. There are only two other authors I can think of who make this much effort to weave their tales together, those being Brandon Sanderson and Stephen King. As someone who beliefs deeply in God and whose faith in Him colors the entirety of my worldview, I am completely enamored by the thought of so many varied elements coming together to create an overarching design of some sort; that’s how I believe God works, so I love seeing that in fiction.
If you couldn’t tell from the gushing above, I really loved this book. Dekker has always been one of my favorite authors because his concepts resonate with me so deeply, though in recent years I’ve been disappointed in the technical side of his books. I don’t know if this is because I’ve read so much more as an adult and have thus experienced far better writing, or if Dekker had just slacked in the craftsmanship department for a while. Whatever the case, it was such a relief for me to pick up this book and just disappear into the story without being distracted by my inner critic. While this duology can technically stand on its own (though you do absolutely have to read The 49th Mystic before this book, or you’ll be completely lost), I highly recommend reading Dekker’s other works first, especially his Circle series. The Paradise trilogy and The Outlaw Chronicles also have multiple tie-ins within these two books, but you could absolutely read them after the duology should you choose. If you’ve read Dekker’s work in the past, I can’t recommend these two novels strongly enough. They do a fantastic job of weaving together almost everything Dekker has written. Even if The 49th Mystic was a bit weak in places, it’s absolutely worth reading just to get to Rise of the Mystics. The Circle will never be the same.
Dive Deep, my friends.
Rise of the Mystics truly elevates Dekker’s body of work, somehow both shattering and fulfilling the core of his Circle series. The issues that I had with The 49th Mystic, namely that the dialogue often felt stilted and that certain elements of Rachelle’s journey seemed too convenient, weren’t present here. I don’t know if there was a legitimate change or if I had just been reading starker prose than normal, but Dekker’s actual writing style seemed greatly improved, as well. There was a flow to his prose that has been missing for a while, and the plot seemed to flow more naturally instead of feeling forced to take a certain path. I also really appreciated that this book picked up exactly where the first book ended, and that Dekker provided a quick recap of important events from The 49th Mystic at the beginning. Both of these decisions show a thoughtfulness in regards to the reader that authors sometimes overlook, and I respect authors when they take the time to include things like recaps and casts of characters and glossaries.
I’m not going to say much about the plot, as even the simplest statements could give away important plot points of The 49th Mystic, this book’s predecessor. However, I will say that I truly appreciated the growth of our main character, as well as that of many of the supporting characters. Both Rachelle and the other characters around her took on a depth of dimension they were lacking in the first book. There was real struggle in this novel, naked doubt and fear and uncertainty. There was real anger and true rage and even truer love. There was premeditated sacrifice of self, which is one of the most meaningful gifts one person can give another. There was immense beauty revealed through the harshest brutality. Above all, there was the decision to completely trust the Creator with every element of life, because He’s the one that designed each one in the first place.
The reason I have always loved Ted Dekker, even when I was sometimes disappointed in his craftsmanship, is threefold. First, the man is a wonderful storyteller. His prose might not sing, but the story he has to tell is always vibrant and moving and feels somehow more real than those crafted by authors who pen lovely sentences. Second, there is so much spiritual depth to every book Dekker publishes. Each story has a second layer to it, as if the tale we are actually reading is simply a parable, something that explains a deep spiritual truth in a way we can more easily understand. Because of this, the core of these stories resonates and stays with me for years, shaping my theology in subtle ways. Third, I really appreciate the way he ties so many of his stories together. There are only two other authors I can think of who make this much effort to weave their tales together, those being Brandon Sanderson and Stephen King. As someone who beliefs deeply in God and whose faith in Him colors the entirety of my worldview, I am completely enamored by the thought of so many varied elements coming together to create an overarching design of some sort; that’s how I believe God works, so I love seeing that in fiction.
If you couldn’t tell from the gushing above, I really loved this book. Dekker has always been one of my favorite authors because his concepts resonate with me so deeply, though in recent years I’ve been disappointed in the technical side of his books. I don’t know if this is because I’ve read so much more as an adult and have thus experienced far better writing, or if Dekker had just slacked in the craftsmanship department for a while. Whatever the case, it was such a relief for me to pick up this book and just disappear into the story without being distracted by my inner critic. While this duology can technically stand on its own (though you do absolutely have to read The 49th Mystic before this book, or you’ll be completely lost), I highly recommend reading Dekker’s other works first, especially his Circle series. The Paradise trilogy and The Outlaw Chronicles also have multiple tie-ins within these two books, but you could absolutely read them after the duology should you choose. If you’ve read Dekker’s work in the past, I can’t recommend these two novels strongly enough. They do a fantastic job of weaving together almost everything Dekker has written. Even if The 49th Mystic was a bit weak in places, it’s absolutely worth reading just to get to Rise of the Mystics. The Circle will never be the same.
Dive Deep, my friends.
September 21, 2018
Ted Dekker takes the dive with his readers yet again into the world of the Circle series. The Rise of the Mystics is the conclusion to a spin off series that features new faces and many of the beloved characters from the original story arc in Circle. Now, to be clear you do not need to have read The Circle or it's YA fiction companion The Lost Chronicles to grasp the concepts in this book, but I would highly recommend reading the Circle series first in order to have a firm understanding of some of the main concepts that shape the world you would find yourself traveling.
In this sequel to The 49th Mystic, our heroine Rachelle continues her crusade to find the Seals on Earth, while learning the Truths of Elyon on Other Earth. Talya, Jacob, and a few surprise guest, both Horde and Albino, continue to help shape Rachelle in her journey of revelation to prevent the fall of not just one, but both worlds into darkness. She finds herself clashing with the shadowman Vlad as he continues to cast darkness and devour the Light at every turn.
Since high school, Ted Dekker has been my favorite author. My favorite books, the books I remember fondly are written by Ted Dekker. To say I should be biased to favor his writing would be a correct assumption. But. This was probably my least favorite piece that Ted Dekker has written. My style of reading is very straight forward. If I love it, I read it and I can't put it down. If I don't love it, I close the book, put it away and then maybe in a few months to years try again if I think about it. This book was one that I would have put down and walked away from, but I received it to review so I felt as though I suffered as I suffered through many a required reading in highschool AP English.
This was a stereotypical Dekker novel. Protagonist, spiritual warfare, and metaphors to explain Biblical truths about our faith and standing with the Lord. It had traces of his previous work, A Child Called Blessed. But unlike that book (which I highly recommend to anyone struggling with finding who they are in Christ), this book fell short. The discussions, that were meant to guide the reader to the Seals instead, in my opinion, were lacking. He uses a multitude of metaphors to come to the same conclusion, it was difficult to read and honestly took away from the story and the ultimate conclusions, the Seals (which will not be disclosed here). This was an emotional journey, driven by emotions, maybe since I'm not inherently an emotional person I had trouble with the dialogue. The reasoning was circular, repetitive, and honestly exhausting to read. To be frank, it was like a cow, chewing the cud, swallowing, digesting in the stomach and then regurgitating it up to chew on again. Ted did make good use of Scripture to support his points and I definitely appreciated that. Also, Tayla's journal helps the reader decipher the cacophony of the subjects being taught. I usually enjoy the banter that Ted uses to make a point in his conversations, but this was too much.
The story, on the other hand, was done well. The emotions and reactions that Rachelle had were relatable, as her character was meant to be. Though Tayla was not my favorite, I did appreciate his consistency and tenacity in working Rachelle to a conclusion. The meshing of the worlds, if you would, holds true the original story of Circle I so fondly remember. This journey, though chaotic, was something relatable to the journey we all take in life, with the need of constant reminders from those around us and gentle prodding toward the truth.
I probably would not recommend this book to anyone who was not already a Dekker reader. Due to the confusing banter and an ending I honestly did not agree with theologically. I would say that Dekker and I usually line up quite well with our beliefs, but there were a few things in this particular book that I could not agree with Biblically. Salvation is offered to all mankind, but not all mankind choose to receive, because true love wants you to choose Christ and His Father, not have it forced upon you. Not everyone will be embraced by the Lord at the end of their lives, because not everyone chooses Christ. It's not love because no matter what you decide you still are a Child of God, it's love because you get to choose to be His child.
I would give this book 2.5/5 due to circular and repetitive reasoning cuppled with the fact that there are serious theological errors, especially the ending.
In this sequel to The 49th Mystic, our heroine Rachelle continues her crusade to find the Seals on Earth, while learning the Truths of Elyon on Other Earth. Talya, Jacob, and a few surprise guest, both Horde and Albino, continue to help shape Rachelle in her journey of revelation to prevent the fall of not just one, but both worlds into darkness. She finds herself clashing with the shadowman Vlad as he continues to cast darkness and devour the Light at every turn.
Since high school, Ted Dekker has been my favorite author. My favorite books, the books I remember fondly are written by Ted Dekker. To say I should be biased to favor his writing would be a correct assumption. But. This was probably my least favorite piece that Ted Dekker has written. My style of reading is very straight forward. If I love it, I read it and I can't put it down. If I don't love it, I close the book, put it away and then maybe in a few months to years try again if I think about it. This book was one that I would have put down and walked away from, but I received it to review so I felt as though I suffered as I suffered through many a required reading in highschool AP English.
This was a stereotypical Dekker novel. Protagonist, spiritual warfare, and metaphors to explain Biblical truths about our faith and standing with the Lord. It had traces of his previous work, A Child Called Blessed. But unlike that book (which I highly recommend to anyone struggling with finding who they are in Christ), this book fell short. The discussions, that were meant to guide the reader to the Seals instead, in my opinion, were lacking. He uses a multitude of metaphors to come to the same conclusion, it was difficult to read and honestly took away from the story and the ultimate conclusions, the Seals (which will not be disclosed here). This was an emotional journey, driven by emotions, maybe since I'm not inherently an emotional person I had trouble with the dialogue. The reasoning was circular, repetitive, and honestly exhausting to read. To be frank, it was like a cow, chewing the cud, swallowing, digesting in the stomach and then regurgitating it up to chew on again. Ted did make good use of Scripture to support his points and I definitely appreciated that. Also, Tayla's journal helps the reader decipher the cacophony of the subjects being taught. I usually enjoy the banter that Ted uses to make a point in his conversations, but this was too much.
The story, on the other hand, was done well. The emotions and reactions that Rachelle had were relatable, as her character was meant to be. Though Tayla was not my favorite, I did appreciate his consistency and tenacity in working Rachelle to a conclusion. The meshing of the worlds, if you would, holds true the original story of Circle I so fondly remember. This journey, though chaotic, was something relatable to the journey we all take in life, with the need of constant reminders from those around us and gentle prodding toward the truth.
I probably would not recommend this book to anyone who was not already a Dekker reader. Due to the confusing banter and an ending I honestly did not agree with theologically. I would say that Dekker and I usually line up quite well with our beliefs, but there were a few things in this particular book that I could not agree with Biblically. Salvation is offered to all mankind, but not all mankind choose to receive, because true love wants you to choose Christ and His Father, not have it forced upon you. Not everyone will be embraced by the Lord at the end of their lives, because not everyone chooses Christ. It's not love because no matter what you decide you still are a Child of God, it's love because you get to choose to be His child.
I would give this book 2.5/5 due to circular and repetitive reasoning cuppled with the fact that there are serious theological errors, especially the ending.
December 27, 2018
Ted Dekker's The 49th Mystic and Rise of the Mystics:
A Study In Author Revisionism and Reader Disillusionment.
I'm a mess of conflicting emotions -- confusion and disappointment uppermost. I might one day write a longer review, but for now I'll just copy some points across from my updates as I read.
The Writing
Too many now-common YA Tropes (Eerie Pale Skinned Brunette, Love Triangle, Insta-Love, Small Town With Secrets, Chosen One, Mary Sue, I could go on...), too much telling instead of showing, too much winking and kissing knuckles and cocking eyebrows and spitting.
The Eden storyline in the first book was the only one I was at all interested in; the Real Earth plot in the second book was average at best; and I still struggle to even name the main thrust of the events on Other Earth, which were both boring and confusing.
Talya's chapters were yawn-worthy and seemed to be a transparent excuse for ongoing Author Theological Tracts, which sucks when Ted's theology has changed to the point where I can no longer agree with parts of it (more on that later).
From updates:
* "I heard little Maya speak beside me." Oh for goodness' sake. WHAT ABOUT THAT SENTENCE NEEDED "I HEARD" INSERTED IN IT?! COME OFF IT, DEKKER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS."
* "Okay, I had to skip back two pages and re-read a section because of the oddly amateurish mistake of describing someone multiple times as "the mother" instead of by their name, which made me think Person A was dead when it was really Person B."
* "All the Other Earth plots seem a) really slow and b) like transparent excuses for Ted to sermonise about the ---Five Truths--- sparklesparkle, which is c) disappointing given his past stance on story being paramount and d) a letdown because I don't agree with all of his theology."
* "Words we really don't need: "I thought," "I saw," "he heard", "somehow sensing," and any variations of. Especially in first person POV. Also, "he knew," example, "By the long look on his face I knew Tom didn't like whatever his thoughts were." Crikey, that's a convoluted and needless sentence. Tom didn't like whatever Tom himself was thinking? And Protag has to explain that overtly for the reader? Really?"
* "Ted, you're describing a lion that is LITERALLY named Judah. Give the darned cat some texture and weight and colour, for pete's sake, especially when said lion is HUGGING A MAN. #CSLewisDidItBetter"
The Theology
There was a lot here that was good, but there was also a lot that I simply didn't agree with, not helped by the fact it was couched in terms that were part-Fantasy, part-Science, and part-pseudo-Mystical (ha, geddit) and fully deserved the in-text-accused label of New Age Crap. The reasoning was chaotic and circular, the terms used were confusing at best, and biblical statements like "Christ is all; Christ is in all" are acknowledged, unpacked, and then added to, i.e. "Christ is me; Christ is in me," which changes the meaning and, to my view, perverts the whole thrust of the message.
From updates:
* "The same 'there is no death' blanket statement carried forward from the last book. Hoping for some explanation there but no. No explanation. Just: there is no death, Verbatim. Multiple times. Ugh. Come on. No. Jesus died, man. If there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ was not raised, etc..."
* " "The Seals [Mystical Truths sparklesparkle TM] are easily forgotten until you have all five."
Ugh, Narnia/ Silver Chair's "Remember, remember, remember the signs" was so much clearer and more simple than this melodramatic, enigmatic mysticism -- and I feel like they were far more accurate because of that, too."
*" "Judgment of yourself and others -- I am naked, naked is bad, she is cruel, he is Horde -- casts you out of the garden...."
Wait wait hold up. The 'garden' is Eden. So, in context, Ted is saying that all sin is judgement and all judgement is sin (original sin or otherwise)? Ehhhhhhhhhh I don't know. I'd need to unpack that a little more. Or a lot."
*" "...my practice is to align my sight to love. This is how my binding to the world of judgement falls away."
These books have been over-steeped in language that is as far beyond Christianese as Christianese is beyond plain English -- and I don't mean that in a good way. I feel like I need to go read Mere Orthodoxy to cleanse my brain. If I'm struggling with it as a Christian, how much will a non-Christian understand?"
* "Wait, what? So everyone gets saved at the end anyway? What about hell? The outer darkness, wailing and gashing of teeth, depart from me, I never knew you? All that? Hello? Ring any bells?"
* " "All practical good was useless if done in the energy of fear rather than the energy of love." And then you wonder why other characters label it New Age Crap..."
Overall
It's a terrible thing to fall out of love with an author. I've changed as a reader; Ted has clearly changed, not just as a writer, but in his beliefs. I still love his early books; I still love the original trilogy. But I can't say that I look forward to reading his next book, if he ever writes another one, which he has implied that he won't.
The big three overall thoughts, taken from my updates as I read:
* "The depth of the author revisionism in this chapter [or duology] is a little ridiculous."
* "I could make a drinking game out of the words "earthen vessel" and (especially) "polarity", but I would have been completely sloshed before I was halfway through the first book.
e.g.,
"Earthen vessels. But you can use your own terms."
"These clay bodies."
WOW THAT'S SO DIFFERENT. Bingo, check, take a drink!"
* "Okay, classic Red Lake encounter! I should be crying. I should be bawling my eyes out, and I'm not. I'm sitting here feeling nothing. Have I changed that much as a reader? Has Ted changed that much as an author? Is it that I can't trust the emotional stuff because I see too many problems with the theology behind it? I'm sad...
...I should care about these characters, and I don't. I don't remember what they look like, I don't really care what happens to them, and the sad thing is I can see this happening every time Ted's theology changes again, now. The Circle was fine at the end of White, they'd found their resolution, they were the Bride awaiting the Groom. Now? I don't even know what they are now, because these books are so bogged down in...
...circular, confusing philosophy and theology that seems to take five times as many words as needed to get to the point, and still stumbles over itself. Will this happen again? Will our characters get a resolution at the end of Rise, and then Ted decides in another ten years that he was wrong and another trilogy comes out featuring another magic mental-button-push to show Thomas & Co how misled they were?...
...I still love the original trilogy. I love the emotion inherent in it, and I trust the logic and theology that underpins it. But 49th and Rise? I don't trust the logic and theology here, so I don't trust the emotion it produces. A Red Lake encounter should leave me bawling, but I'm cold. I just don't care, and that makes me sad...
...Ted has aways been strong in two areas: story and theology. When the story simply isn't there and the theology is a sprawling, conflicting mess, what remains?"
A Study In Author Revisionism and Reader Disillusionment.
I'm a mess of conflicting emotions -- confusion and disappointment uppermost. I might one day write a longer review, but for now I'll just copy some points across from my updates as I read.
The Writing
Too many now-common YA Tropes (Eerie Pale Skinned Brunette, Love Triangle, Insta-Love, Small Town With Secrets, Chosen One, Mary Sue, I could go on...), too much telling instead of showing, too much winking and kissing knuckles and cocking eyebrows and spitting.
The Eden storyline in the first book was the only one I was at all interested in; the Real Earth plot in the second book was average at best; and I still struggle to even name the main thrust of the events on Other Earth, which were both boring and confusing.
Talya's chapters were yawn-worthy and seemed to be a transparent excuse for ongoing Author Theological Tracts, which sucks when Ted's theology has changed to the point where I can no longer agree with parts of it (more on that later).
From updates:
* "I heard little Maya speak beside me." Oh for goodness' sake. WHAT ABOUT THAT SENTENCE NEEDED "I HEARD" INSERTED IN IT?! COME OFF IT, DEKKER, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS."
* "Okay, I had to skip back two pages and re-read a section because of the oddly amateurish mistake of describing someone multiple times as "the mother" instead of by their name, which made me think Person A was dead when it was really Person B."
* "All the Other Earth plots seem a) really slow and b) like transparent excuses for Ted to sermonise about the ---Five Truths--- sparklesparkle, which is c) disappointing given his past stance on story being paramount and d) a letdown because I don't agree with all of his theology."
* "Words we really don't need: "I thought," "I saw," "he heard", "somehow sensing," and any variations of. Especially in first person POV. Also, "he knew," example, "By the long look on his face I knew Tom didn't like whatever his thoughts were." Crikey, that's a convoluted and needless sentence. Tom didn't like whatever Tom himself was thinking? And Protag has to explain that overtly for the reader? Really?"
* "Ted, you're describing a lion that is LITERALLY named Judah. Give the darned cat some texture and weight and colour, for pete's sake, especially when said lion is HUGGING A MAN. #CSLewisDidItBetter"
The Theology
There was a lot here that was good, but there was also a lot that I simply didn't agree with, not helped by the fact it was couched in terms that were part-Fantasy, part-Science, and part-pseudo-Mystical (ha, geddit) and fully deserved the in-text-accused label of New Age Crap. The reasoning was chaotic and circular, the terms used were confusing at best, and biblical statements like "Christ is all; Christ is in all" are acknowledged, unpacked, and then added to, i.e. "Christ is me; Christ is in me," which changes the meaning and, to my view, perverts the whole thrust of the message.
From updates:
* "The same 'there is no death' blanket statement carried forward from the last book. Hoping for some explanation there but no. No explanation. Just: there is no death, Verbatim. Multiple times. Ugh. Come on. No. Jesus died, man. If there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ was not raised, etc..."
* " "The Seals [Mystical Truths sparklesparkle TM] are easily forgotten until you have all five."
Ugh, Narnia/ Silver Chair's "Remember, remember, remember the signs" was so much clearer and more simple than this melodramatic, enigmatic mysticism -- and I feel like they were far more accurate because of that, too."
*" "Judgment of yourself and others -- I am naked, naked is bad, she is cruel, he is Horde -- casts you out of the garden...."
Wait wait hold up. The 'garden' is Eden. So, in context, Ted is saying that all sin is judgement and all judgement is sin (original sin or otherwise)? Ehhhhhhhhhh I don't know. I'd need to unpack that a little more. Or a lot."
*" "...my practice is to align my sight to love. This is how my binding to the world of judgement falls away."
These books have been over-steeped in language that is as far beyond Christianese as Christianese is beyond plain English -- and I don't mean that in a good way. I feel like I need to go read Mere Orthodoxy to cleanse my brain. If I'm struggling with it as a Christian, how much will a non-Christian understand?"
* "Wait, what? So everyone gets saved at the end anyway? What about hell? The outer darkness, wailing and gashing of teeth, depart from me, I never knew you? All that? Hello? Ring any bells?"
* " "All practical good was useless if done in the energy of fear rather than the energy of love." And then you wonder why other characters label it New Age Crap..."
Overall
It's a terrible thing to fall out of love with an author. I've changed as a reader; Ted has clearly changed, not just as a writer, but in his beliefs. I still love his early books; I still love the original trilogy. But I can't say that I look forward to reading his next book, if he ever writes another one, which he has implied that he won't.
The big three overall thoughts, taken from my updates as I read:
* "The depth of the author revisionism in this chapter [or duology] is a little ridiculous."
* "I could make a drinking game out of the words "earthen vessel" and (especially) "polarity", but I would have been completely sloshed before I was halfway through the first book.
e.g.,
"Earthen vessels. But you can use your own terms."
"These clay bodies."
WOW THAT'S SO DIFFERENT. Bingo, check, take a drink!"
* "Okay, classic Red Lake encounter! I should be crying. I should be bawling my eyes out, and I'm not. I'm sitting here feeling nothing. Have I changed that much as a reader? Has Ted changed that much as an author? Is it that I can't trust the emotional stuff because I see too many problems with the theology behind it? I'm sad...
...I should care about these characters, and I don't. I don't remember what they look like, I don't really care what happens to them, and the sad thing is I can see this happening every time Ted's theology changes again, now. The Circle was fine at the end of White, they'd found their resolution, they were the Bride awaiting the Groom. Now? I don't even know what they are now, because these books are so bogged down in...
...circular, confusing philosophy and theology that seems to take five times as many words as needed to get to the point, and still stumbles over itself. Will this happen again? Will our characters get a resolution at the end of Rise, and then Ted decides in another ten years that he was wrong and another trilogy comes out featuring another magic mental-button-push to show Thomas & Co how misled they were?...
...I still love the original trilogy. I love the emotion inherent in it, and I trust the logic and theology that underpins it. But 49th and Rise? I don't trust the logic and theology here, so I don't trust the emotion it produces. A Red Lake encounter should leave me bawling, but I'm cold. I just don't care, and that makes me sad...
...Ted has aways been strong in two areas: story and theology. When the story simply isn't there and the theology is a sprawling, conflicting mess, what remains?"
August 5, 2018
What an ending to a powerful story! This book gives you the need to take Ted Dekker’s words to heart and truly dive deep!
Dive deep not only into more if Ted’s writings but into the teachings of Jesus...into Yeshua Himself.
So dive deep, Beloved.
You won’t be disappointed.
Dive deep not only into more if Ted’s writings but into the teachings of Jesus...into Yeshua Himself.
So dive deep, Beloved.
You won’t be disappointed.
June 19, 2018
A compelling, revelatory, and emotional journey, Rise of the Mystics brings not only the story that began with The 49th Mystic to an end, but also the story that began with Black fifteen years ago.
November 3, 2018
Another impressive allegory from Ted Dekker. Hope to see more of these characters.
October 2, 2018
I am super grateful to have received Rise of the Mystics as an Advance Reader Copy, and as requested, I’m offering my honest review. I am a huge fan of Ted Dekker and have read most of his books. Having said that, Rise of the Mystics is not my favorite, and some of the reasons I’ve liked Dekker’s books in the past are part of the reason this one didn’t work as well for me. What I’ve always liked about Dekker’s books is how he interweaves Truth into these gripping stories in such a way that I’m entertained AND take home a new understanding of God without feeling like I’ve been preached to. The story of Rise of the Mystics is fascinating, and the Truths are important, but I do feel like I’ve been preached to, which takes a little bit away from the story and the whole reading experience for me.
Now, Rachelle’s whole journey centers on learning these spiritual Truths about herself and the world. So, there kind of have to be didactic parts to the book. I think I might have been more awed by those teachings if I was not already as familiar with Dekker’s nonfiction The Forgotten Way as I am. On the other hand, this practical approach to those Truths, as lived out by Rachelle, does help them stick better in the mind. Like Rachelle, I’ve been on my own journey to let go of grievance and fear. It’s not easy, and like Rachelle in the book, I need lots of reminders. So, this book was good for that for me, particularly as she got closer to the Fifth Seal. By then, I felt like there was more gentle revelation and less textbook information.
[Spoilers follow]
It was the end of the book, though, that confused and worried me a bit: the part where a wave of love washes over everyone in Other Earth and changes the hearts of even the most hardhearted humans. Miraculously, everyone is changed and saved to live in Justin’s new realm of peace, want to or not, arguably. This only happens in Other Earth, where the rules have always been a bit different. On Earth, everyone still has to make the journey on their own, so the picture given on Other Earth is confusing. It’s a powerful picture, yes. Everyone can be saved by God’s love, even cruel Ba’al. Sadly, it’s hard to believe everyone would choose that love, and in reality, we do get to make the choice on our own, though in the story, it doesn’t seem like it. Is Dekker trying to say everyone will be saved, no matter their beliefs or actions? I know love is the key, but throughout Earth’s existence, people have purposely turned their backs on God’s love time and time again, thinking they knew a better way. On Other Earth, they did, too. It just doesn’t ring true for the whole of Other Earth to have a wholesale change of heart. If the road from blindness to sight isn’t straightforward on our Earth, why is it presented in such a way in Other Earth? There’s some confusing theology here, which matters because Dekker is sharing his thoughts on real theology (it’s not just fiction).
It’s hard to present an entire picture of the truth in a story that’s fiction. There are bound to be theological discrepancies or exclusions, even errors, on the part of the writer and misunderstandings on the part of the reader. After all, we live in a world bound in polarity, as Dekker puts it. We can’t see the whole picture, the real picture, if you will. The Bible does that for us. I enjoyed Rachelle’s journey and enjoyed unraveling what it means to really love one another. I saw through new eyes some of those wonderful Truths Dekker presents. But I’m also a little sad because what I believe isn’t completely reconciling with my favorite author’s beliefs. I just think it’s important that each of us read the Bible and make sure that wherever we are gaining revelation from, it checks out.
Now, Rachelle’s whole journey centers on learning these spiritual Truths about herself and the world. So, there kind of have to be didactic parts to the book. I think I might have been more awed by those teachings if I was not already as familiar with Dekker’s nonfiction The Forgotten Way as I am. On the other hand, this practical approach to those Truths, as lived out by Rachelle, does help them stick better in the mind. Like Rachelle, I’ve been on my own journey to let go of grievance and fear. It’s not easy, and like Rachelle in the book, I need lots of reminders. So, this book was good for that for me, particularly as she got closer to the Fifth Seal. By then, I felt like there was more gentle revelation and less textbook information.
[Spoilers follow]
It was the end of the book, though, that confused and worried me a bit: the part where a wave of love washes over everyone in Other Earth and changes the hearts of even the most hardhearted humans. Miraculously, everyone is changed and saved to live in Justin’s new realm of peace, want to or not, arguably. This only happens in Other Earth, where the rules have always been a bit different. On Earth, everyone still has to make the journey on their own, so the picture given on Other Earth is confusing. It’s a powerful picture, yes. Everyone can be saved by God’s love, even cruel Ba’al. Sadly, it’s hard to believe everyone would choose that love, and in reality, we do get to make the choice on our own, though in the story, it doesn’t seem like it. Is Dekker trying to say everyone will be saved, no matter their beliefs or actions? I know love is the key, but throughout Earth’s existence, people have purposely turned their backs on God’s love time and time again, thinking they knew a better way. On Other Earth, they did, too. It just doesn’t ring true for the whole of Other Earth to have a wholesale change of heart. If the road from blindness to sight isn’t straightforward on our Earth, why is it presented in such a way in Other Earth? There’s some confusing theology here, which matters because Dekker is sharing his thoughts on real theology (it’s not just fiction).
It’s hard to present an entire picture of the truth in a story that’s fiction. There are bound to be theological discrepancies or exclusions, even errors, on the part of the writer and misunderstandings on the part of the reader. After all, we live in a world bound in polarity, as Dekker puts it. We can’t see the whole picture, the real picture, if you will. The Bible does that for us. I enjoyed Rachelle’s journey and enjoyed unraveling what it means to really love one another. I saw through new eyes some of those wonderful Truths Dekker presents. But I’m also a little sad because what I believe isn’t completely reconciling with my favorite author’s beliefs. I just think it’s important that each of us read the Bible and make sure that wherever we are gaining revelation from, it checks out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2018
Ted Dekker continues to capture the hearts and minds of his readers with his latest book Rise of the Mystics. It being even better than its predecessor The 49th Mystic. Dekker weaves the truths of The Forgotten Way into a compelling and thrilling story of adventure but at its core love. And not just any love story but the story of true love. His storytelling is phenomenal as he leaves the reader with a greater understanding of what true love means and challenges their beliefs.
December 15, 2018
Even better than the first one!! this is a marvelous duology and I love the role Thomas Hunter played in here and how it's a kinda alternate ending to Green ... and out main character goes through so much. My only problem was wondering how to read the allegory/fantasy aspects into real life ... sometimes I wasn't sure that I agreed with Ted Dekker, and then I wasn't sure if I was translating things correctly for the real world but oh well. A wonderfully wild ride this was anyway!!
December 30, 2018
I’m being generous here. I gave it that extra star because it was nostalgic. But that’s where it ends.
I actually feel as if I could cry giant tears over this book. It’s not what I wanted. It’s not what it could have been. I feel as if I was slapped around and confused. I wonder if even Paul would have blinked a few times before knowing for sure what Ted was trying to get across.
I love Ted Dekker. I love him immensely. I’ve met him twice (he knew of me both times, remembered me the second time). I became a Christian because of Red, the second novel in the Circle Trilogy. I was obsessed with his books. To this day, I think I only haven’t read 4 or 5 of the 45+ he’s published (for no other reason than I haven’t yet).
But Rise of the Mystics? The acclaimed “Ending to the Circle we needed?” It feels like a farce. It feels like shoddy theology overpowering story.
Ted Dekker was never one who put the story on the back burner. He didn’t preach in his novels. He wrote the story and the words came. This was pulpit preaching, and I feel like the Bible bashes me skull in.
I came away feeling dismayed and, actually, like I was an idiot.
Instead of character development, Rachelle went through character deterioration. She simply lost most of her personality. She became a vessel for the Holy Spirit... except... the Holy Spirit doesn’t wipe us out of existence. He partners with us and augments our personality to REVEAL Himself. If He wipes out our individuality as a means of making us love, then what is the actual point of us existing?
I digress.
I had a few things I enjoyed about the story.
Or one thing, really: When Rachelle wasn’t in the scenes. And for that matter, when Thomas wasn’t in the scenes. The main characters literally made me want to rip my eyes out. They became cardboard cut outs of who they were. Rachelle didn’t even seem recognizable to the girl in the first book. It was slightly... well, it was more than slightly disappointing.
I feel as if the amount of Five Star Reviews this has received scares me. The spirituality is so incredibly New Age and iffy. It made me so uncomfortable. I was squinting like that young child meme that’s so popular.
I have been praying so much for God to reveal when I’m seeing false teaching. And while this isn’t necessarily... false (he says with an incredibly high squeaking question mark?) it is not the solid theology that the Circle Series provided.
Ted is known for his OUT THERE ideas. But I think Ted got so lost in his search to write something meaningful and worthwhile, and that NEVER goes down well.
Nothing wrapped up well. The quality of writing that Ted is known for was missing.
I could say so much more about the lack of storytelling, the Mary Sue characterization, the shoddy theology, the ENDING (OH MY GOSH JUST... *bursts into tears at the cringe*), but I just want to close the book and move on. I’m done Ted, and I’m incredibly disappointed.
I love his books, I love the Circle, and I will read those until I’m old. But I will forget about this duology, and I pray that people find the Circle first before they find 49th Mystic.
I actually feel as if I could cry giant tears over this book. It’s not what I wanted. It’s not what it could have been. I feel as if I was slapped around and confused. I wonder if even Paul would have blinked a few times before knowing for sure what Ted was trying to get across.
I love Ted Dekker. I love him immensely. I’ve met him twice (he knew of me both times, remembered me the second time). I became a Christian because of Red, the second novel in the Circle Trilogy. I was obsessed with his books. To this day, I think I only haven’t read 4 or 5 of the 45+ he’s published (for no other reason than I haven’t yet).
But Rise of the Mystics? The acclaimed “Ending to the Circle we needed?” It feels like a farce. It feels like shoddy theology overpowering story.
Ted Dekker was never one who put the story on the back burner. He didn’t preach in his novels. He wrote the story and the words came. This was pulpit preaching, and I feel like the Bible bashes me skull in.
I came away feeling dismayed and, actually, like I was an idiot.
Instead of character development, Rachelle went through character deterioration. She simply lost most of her personality. She became a vessel for the Holy Spirit... except... the Holy Spirit doesn’t wipe us out of existence. He partners with us and augments our personality to REVEAL Himself. If He wipes out our individuality as a means of making us love, then what is the actual point of us existing?
I digress.
I had a few things I enjoyed about the story.
Or one thing, really: When Rachelle wasn’t in the scenes. And for that matter, when Thomas wasn’t in the scenes. The main characters literally made me want to rip my eyes out. They became cardboard cut outs of who they were. Rachelle didn’t even seem recognizable to the girl in the first book. It was slightly... well, it was more than slightly disappointing.
I feel as if the amount of Five Star Reviews this has received scares me. The spirituality is so incredibly New Age and iffy. It made me so uncomfortable. I was squinting like that young child meme that’s so popular.
I have been praying so much for God to reveal when I’m seeing false teaching. And while this isn’t necessarily... false (he says with an incredibly high squeaking question mark?) it is not the solid theology that the Circle Series provided.
Ted is known for his OUT THERE ideas. But I think Ted got so lost in his search to write something meaningful and worthwhile, and that NEVER goes down well.
Nothing wrapped up well. The quality of writing that Ted is known for was missing.
I could say so much more about the lack of storytelling, the Mary Sue characterization, the shoddy theology, the ENDING (OH MY GOSH JUST... *bursts into tears at the cringe*), but I just want to close the book and move on. I’m done Ted, and I’m incredibly disappointed.
I love his books, I love the Circle, and I will read those until I’m old. But I will forget about this duology, and I pray that people find the Circle first before they find 49th Mystic.
January 17, 2019
Ted Dekker is my favorite author and his circle series of Black, Red, White, and Green played a huge part in my relationship and pursuit of God at a young age. I love Ted Dekker but I think this is a big step down for him. Throughout the book I felt as though I was having a new-age and gospel-twisted philosophy crammed down my throat as opposed to just reading a good story. Many of the teachings Ted Dekker enforces in this book do not align with scripture. Anybody who has read the Bible will know that there are some things here that downright twist the gospel into something that sounds fluffy and self-centered as opposed to being true and Jesus centered. Read the Bible and see the truth for yourself! Don’t depend on new age and false teachings that simply sound good. Feed your soul the truth!
April 23, 2019
Delighted to have finished this book as quickly as I did. I was very invested in Rachelle's story and am glad I didn't "have to wait" for the second one to come out. I again struggled with some of the scientific jargon, but found the spiritual encouragement to be very enlightening and Rachelle's journey to be a great read. My only complaint was that I often heard the author's voice and his particular speech pattern coming through as I read, but that is only because I was lucky enough to hear him speak once (which was captivating.) I appreciated all the Scripture that the author quoted and the explanations as well. I definitely feel like I learned a ton through these 2 books. Much like The Shack, read with an open mind and take from it what you will and can.
May 24, 2019
I was so glad that this book was in my hand when I finished the first one. Book one ends with a cliffhanger, and this one picks up immediately where it left off.
Rachelle's journey to find the last two seals is dangerous for both worlds. But her journey in itself is page-turning.
I was glad to read this book. It kept me up well past my bedtime. It was one of those that I'll probably reread again once this series has sunk into my brain.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Ted Dekker, thrillers
Rating - 4 stars
Rachelle's journey to find the last two seals is dangerous for both worlds. But her journey in itself is page-turning.
I was glad to read this book. It kept me up well past my bedtime. It was one of those that I'll probably reread again once this series has sunk into my brain.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Ted Dekker, thrillers
Rating - 4 stars
October 3, 2018
That wheezing you hear is me trying to catch my breath after finishing the sequel to The 49th Mystic! And this is definitely the case where you need to read that book first. Dekker does give a great catch-up to refresh a reader's mind but The Rise of the Mystics is way too intense and involved to pick up as a standalone read.
Once again I'm gobsmacked over this author's ability to create such depth and meaning in a work of fiction. This is a truly inspired piece of work. The kind of faith driven speculative thriller that makes you think. And wrestle. And stretch. Not to be read lightly -- or quickly -- or you'll miss experiencing the full spiritual journey.
"Do not resist. Enter that fear with love, which casts it out. Work out your salvation from the storm through that fear. It's the only way to finally see fear for what it is, a shadow." (p 138)
Rachelle is back, facing the greatest battle of her life -- and most of it happens inwardly -- the war of wills, a conflict between heart and mind. Learning what it means to live love without judgement. And that includes self-doubt and condemnation. There are times I had to pull back and just sit in the story as I made connections between Rachelle's journey and my own.
"I was now condemning myself by calling myself a failure. Did it never stop? It was no wonder there were so few water walkers in the world." (p 253)
Dekker writes about the masks we hide behind and the power they have to block out the Light. Honestly, there are layers and layers of mind blowing concepts that have the ability to lead a reader deeper into her faith. At least, that is my experience with this novel.
The Rise of the Mystic challenges and entertains -- a heart-stopping, soul-stirring thrill of a read!
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Once again I'm gobsmacked over this author's ability to create such depth and meaning in a work of fiction. This is a truly inspired piece of work. The kind of faith driven speculative thriller that makes you think. And wrestle. And stretch. Not to be read lightly -- or quickly -- or you'll miss experiencing the full spiritual journey.
"Do not resist. Enter that fear with love, which casts it out. Work out your salvation from the storm through that fear. It's the only way to finally see fear for what it is, a shadow." (p 138)
Rachelle is back, facing the greatest battle of her life -- and most of it happens inwardly -- the war of wills, a conflict between heart and mind. Learning what it means to live love without judgement. And that includes self-doubt and condemnation. There are times I had to pull back and just sit in the story as I made connections between Rachelle's journey and my own.
"I was now condemning myself by calling myself a failure. Did it never stop? It was no wonder there were so few water walkers in the world." (p 253)
Dekker writes about the masks we hide behind and the power they have to block out the Light. Honestly, there are layers and layers of mind blowing concepts that have the ability to lead a reader deeper into her faith. At least, that is my experience with this novel.
The Rise of the Mystic challenges and entertains -- a heart-stopping, soul-stirring thrill of a read!
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
October 2, 2018
If you are a Ted Dekker fan you will not be disappointed in his latest book, Rise of the Mystics. I will call out that you need to have read the prior book, The 49th Mystic if this book is to make sense, I also recommend that you have read the Circle Trilogy however that is not a must. In The 49th Mystic, in true Ted Dekker fashion he begins to turn your world upside down, however in Rise of the Mystics he shatters all of your preconceived ideas and immerses you in the one truth. You will be immediately submersed into a new world where not only are the main characters having the truth reveled to them, but you as the reader are experiencing these 5 truths come alive. I strongly recommend that you pick up a copy today and continue the journey of finding the rest of the 5 seals, all of which point to the singular truth!
December 31, 2018
For me, this book was like a puzzle that had a few pieces that, on their own, were dazzling and delightful. But when put together, the picture that was created wasn't all that grand.
I want to love everything Mr. Dekker rights. Oh man, do I ever. He is a fantastic storyteller with a talent for taking readers on a thrill-ride! There was so much in this book I didn't see coming, so many twists and turns that left my jaw on the floor, my eyes wide, and myself glued to this book into the wee hours of the morning.
His characterization was amazing. I love these characters so much. I think Mr. Dekker is especially talented in making a good villain. There was just one character I couldn't connect with: (Potential spoiler for those who haven't read the Circle series.)
Not being able to connect with this character made some of the book very disappointing to me. The reason I couldn't connect with him was that so much of the theology in this book was off. The meaning of sin was twisted and the Gospel was distorted. (I was highly amused when a side character accused the main message of the book as being New Agey. One of the more insightful observations in this book...) Due to the severity of some of the theological issues, at the end where the reader is intended to be caught up in the beauty of all that is taking place, I was just sad. I tried really hard to enjoy the end. But I felt so disconnected from the end events on Other Earth because I was so disconnected from the hero of Other Earth.
(Minor spoiler; again, mostly hidden for those who haven't read the Circle, but it could also sliiiiiiightly spoil those who have read the Circle and haven't read Rise.)
I did come away with some good things. I appreciated Mr. Dekker's portrayals of God as someone infinite, untouched by fear, invincible. I was challenged to love others and to explore what it really means to love others knowing that whatever I do unto the least of these, I do unto my Lord. The love some characters showed toward their creator made me want to know and love the Creator more.
Ultimately, I don't regret having read this. I did gain from it, and it was, for the most part, a thrilling ride. What concerns me the most about this book is that Mr. Dekker's raw and true talent for storytelling and compelling characters will cause some to accept his message who might not have otherwise.
I want to love everything Mr. Dekker rights. Oh man, do I ever. He is a fantastic storyteller with a talent for taking readers on a thrill-ride! There was so much in this book I didn't see coming, so many twists and turns that left my jaw on the floor, my eyes wide, and myself glued to this book into the wee hours of the morning.
His characterization was amazing. I love these characters so much. I think Mr. Dekker is especially talented in making a good villain. There was just one character I couldn't connect with: (Potential spoiler for those who haven't read the Circle series.)
Not being able to connect with this character made some of the book very disappointing to me. The reason I couldn't connect with him was that so much of the theology in this book was off. The meaning of sin was twisted and the Gospel was distorted. (I was highly amused when a side character accused the main message of the book as being New Agey. One of the more insightful observations in this book...) Due to the severity of some of the theological issues, at the end where the reader is intended to be caught up in the beauty of all that is taking place, I was just sad. I tried really hard to enjoy the end. But I felt so disconnected from the end events on Other Earth because I was so disconnected from the hero of Other Earth.
(Minor spoiler; again, mostly hidden for those who haven't read the Circle, but it could also sliiiiiiightly spoil those who have read the Circle and haven't read Rise.)
I did come away with some good things. I appreciated Mr. Dekker's portrayals of God as someone infinite, untouched by fear, invincible. I was challenged to love others and to explore what it really means to love others knowing that whatever I do unto the least of these, I do unto my Lord. The love some characters showed toward their creator made me want to know and love the Creator more.
Ultimately, I don't regret having read this. I did gain from it, and it was, for the most part, a thrilling ride. What concerns me the most about this book is that Mr. Dekker's raw and true talent for storytelling and compelling characters will cause some to accept his message who might not have otherwise.
May 21, 2019
When I reviewed The 49th Mystic, I said that I really enjoyed the book, which, in a way, felt like a return to the Dekker of old, but I had some concerns about the theology presented in the book. That concern wasn't lessened by what I read in Rise of the Mystics, and the plot didn't feel as engaging, which made the book a bit difficult to read.
In the first book of this Beyond the Circle series, I was completely engaged in the action in Eden, Utah, and in Other Earth. When Rise of the Mystics begins, the Eden experiment has ended, and Rachelle and her father are the only survivors who factor into the book. DARPA, the organization behind Eden, still factors into this book, and Vlad is still Rachelle's nemesis, but the suspense level wasn't as high. And the portions in Other Earth didn't keep my attention at all.
Other Earth is where most of the theology is discussed, and it really feels like a retread of The 49th Mystic. The mystic Talya has Rachelle repeat what she's learned a few times, and it just feels like Dekker is trying to hit us over the head with it. Also, at one point, Talya tells Rachelle that she can always trust her heart ... which flies directly in the face of Jeremiah 17:9, but maybe Rachelle can trust her heart because she is "Inchristi"—Christ is her and is in her. And the ending of the Other Earth story certainly seems to be promoting universal reconciliation. (These are but two examples of the theology that seems "off" to me.)
I could look past some of my theological concerns in The 49th Mystic because the story was so good, but I can't do the same in Rise of the Mystics. I didn't particularly enjoy the story, which made the questionable theology stand out even more.
Note: This book will make zero sense if you haven't read The 49th Mystic. Also, I don't claim to be a theologian; Dekker may be closer to the truth than I believe him to be, but I would definitely say to read and examine Dekker's words carefully. Normally, I'm not so critical of the way faith is presented in fiction, but this feels like it was written specifically to teach Dekker's view of faith, God, and the gospel—a theology textbook wrapped in fiction.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
In the first book of this Beyond the Circle series, I was completely engaged in the action in Eden, Utah, and in Other Earth. When Rise of the Mystics begins, the Eden experiment has ended, and Rachelle and her father are the only survivors who factor into the book. DARPA, the organization behind Eden, still factors into this book, and Vlad is still Rachelle's nemesis, but the suspense level wasn't as high. And the portions in Other Earth didn't keep my attention at all.
Other Earth is where most of the theology is discussed, and it really feels like a retread of The 49th Mystic. The mystic Talya has Rachelle repeat what she's learned a few times, and it just feels like Dekker is trying to hit us over the head with it. Also, at one point, Talya tells Rachelle that she can always trust her heart ... which flies directly in the face of Jeremiah 17:9, but maybe Rachelle can trust her heart because she is "Inchristi"—Christ is her and is in her. And the ending of the Other Earth story certainly seems to be promoting universal reconciliation. (These are but two examples of the theology that seems "off" to me.)
I could look past some of my theological concerns in The 49th Mystic because the story was so good, but I can't do the same in Rise of the Mystics. I didn't particularly enjoy the story, which made the questionable theology stand out even more.
Note: This book will make zero sense if you haven't read The 49th Mystic. Also, I don't claim to be a theologian; Dekker may be closer to the truth than I believe him to be, but I would definitely say to read and examine Dekker's words carefully. Normally, I'm not so critical of the way faith is presented in fiction, but this feels like it was written specifically to teach Dekker's view of faith, God, and the gospel—a theology textbook wrapped in fiction.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 21, 2018
I am probably the last person in the world who should be reading a fantasy book. They are not the type of book I prefer to read, but since I read the last book in this series, The 49th Mystic, I was asked to review this one, and truthfully, I wanted to find out if Rachelle got the rest of the seals!
No, I'm not going to tell you if she succeeded, what I will say to you is that if anyone is going to get me to read fantasy, it would be Ted Dekker. The man knows how to weave a tale - and what a tale it is!
In the last book, Rachelle had three of the five seals she needed and Project Eden had been revealed to the world, in this book she has been brainwashed by DARPA who quite literally have wiped her memory clean and she can't remember who she is. Not a good thing when you are supposed to be saving the world, especially when you have an evil demon pulling the strings behind the scenes.
While The 49th Mystic immediately grabbed my attention and drew me in, The Rise of the Mystics took me a little longer to get into, because of what was happening to Rachelle and her father. As I continued to read, the story began to improve, but it bothered me when it seemed to be leaning towards the false doctrine of Universalism. Now I could be wrong there because as I said, fantasy books are not my thing. I might have just missed the whole point because frankly, there was a lot of deeper stuff to this book, so you had to think about it rather than enjoy the story.
In the end I "got it" and Dekker captured the glory of heaven, redemption and forgiveness uniquely. So the ending was ... oops! I almost gave it away.
The Rise of the Mystics releases October 2nd. Order your book now. You won't be disappointed.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
No, I'm not going to tell you if she succeeded, what I will say to you is that if anyone is going to get me to read fantasy, it would be Ted Dekker. The man knows how to weave a tale - and what a tale it is!
In the last book, Rachelle had three of the five seals she needed and Project Eden had been revealed to the world, in this book she has been brainwashed by DARPA who quite literally have wiped her memory clean and she can't remember who she is. Not a good thing when you are supposed to be saving the world, especially when you have an evil demon pulling the strings behind the scenes.
While The 49th Mystic immediately grabbed my attention and drew me in, The Rise of the Mystics took me a little longer to get into, because of what was happening to Rachelle and her father. As I continued to read, the story began to improve, but it bothered me when it seemed to be leaning towards the false doctrine of Universalism. Now I could be wrong there because as I said, fantasy books are not my thing. I might have just missed the whole point because frankly, there was a lot of deeper stuff to this book, so you had to think about it rather than enjoy the story.
In the end I "got it" and Dekker captured the glory of heaven, redemption and forgiveness uniquely. So the ending was ... oops! I almost gave it away.
The Rise of the Mystics releases October 2nd. Order your book now. You won't be disappointed.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
September 21, 2018
Usually I am not at a loss for words, but as I sit here pondering the right words to describe the journey that the Rise of the Mystics takes you on I am stunned! One simple word keeps surfacing, “Wow”!
If you are an avid Ted Dekker fan, like I am, and you have grown with him on the spiritual journey, he has taken through his extensive writing career, both in fiction and non fiction, then Rise of the Mystics will change the way you view EVERYTHING!
We are on the cusp, just like the 49th, of major change in our World and we are called, just as Rachelle is, to be the bearer of love and light through the five seals of Truth.
If you dove deep in the Circle Series (Black, Red, White & Green) then you will revel at the chance to be back in that World. Dekker, does not disappoint, the pace, the characters, the flow is consistent with what we have come to love and expect of his writing. The transformation, the light in the darkness, the love without fear, and holding no records of wrong, these are truths that will have you sitting in wonder, pondering if you are ready to be a part of the realm of mystics, where you can find true power in this life and peace in the storms. Or will you keep living like The Circle, placing your hope in a better life to come while living in fear in this one?
It is time to Dive Deep and remove the blindness to our true identity!
If you are an avid Ted Dekker fan, like I am, and you have grown with him on the spiritual journey, he has taken through his extensive writing career, both in fiction and non fiction, then Rise of the Mystics will change the way you view EVERYTHING!
We are on the cusp, just like the 49th, of major change in our World and we are called, just as Rachelle is, to be the bearer of love and light through the five seals of Truth.
If you dove deep in the Circle Series (Black, Red, White & Green) then you will revel at the chance to be back in that World. Dekker, does not disappoint, the pace, the characters, the flow is consistent with what we have come to love and expect of his writing. The transformation, the light in the darkness, the love without fear, and holding no records of wrong, these are truths that will have you sitting in wonder, pondering if you are ready to be a part of the realm of mystics, where you can find true power in this life and peace in the storms. Or will you keep living like The Circle, placing your hope in a better life to come while living in fear in this one?
It is time to Dive Deep and remove the blindness to our true identity!
October 16, 2023
I've always been a huge fan of Ted Dekker. He's an amazing fiction writer. I loved the Circle Trilogy and was excited to see "The 49th Mystic" and "Rise of The Mystics" were a continuation of the story.
Once again, his amazing writing ability did not disappoint. However, I was very disappointed in the theology of this book. My degree is in Biblical Studies, and there were quite a few poor theological interpretations of scripture in this book. (I'm seeing quite a few other reviews that say the same thing, and I'm sad that I have to agree with them.) Therefore, I cannot in good conscience recommend these books to others. This made me very sad.
Once again, his amazing writing ability did not disappoint. However, I was very disappointed in the theology of this book. My degree is in Biblical Studies, and there were quite a few poor theological interpretations of scripture in this book. (I'm seeing quite a few other reviews that say the same thing, and I'm sad that I have to agree with them.) Therefore, I cannot in good conscience recommend these books to others. This made me very sad.
October 3, 2018
So profound. So deeply profound. I have no words.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light into all that are in the house. Let your light so shine, before men, that may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light into all that are in the house. Let your light so shine, before men, that may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
December 7, 2018
Don’t Miss The Rise of the Mystics
I give this book 5 stars! This two-book series is mind-bending and spirit-awakening. The Rise of the Mystics is just as riveting as the 49th Mystic. The characters and action are compelling, but the allegory took me to a new level of who I am in Christ, invited to live in His kingdom of love and peace right now. Wow. I will treasure these books in my personal library.
I received my copy of the Rise of the Mystics from the publisher. My views are my own.
I give this book 5 stars! This two-book series is mind-bending and spirit-awakening. The Rise of the Mystics is just as riveting as the 49th Mystic. The characters and action are compelling, but the allegory took me to a new level of who I am in Christ, invited to live in His kingdom of love and peace right now. Wow. I will treasure these books in my personal library.
I received my copy of the Rise of the Mystics from the publisher. My views are my own.
January 8, 2020
[RECENSIE] Het vijfde zegel (Zegels van waarheid deel 2) van Ted Dekker
MOORD EN DOODSLAG MET EEN KNIPOOG NAAR DE GESCHRIFTEN
++ ‘We daalden af in de vallei van de schaduw des doods, de ziekte van de mensheid, de blindheid die angst veroorzaakte. Maar wij waren het licht’ ++
Oorspronkelijke titel: Rise of the Mystics
ISBN: 978 90 435 3185 6
Uitgegeven door: Uitgeverij KokBoekencentrum
Pagina’s: 447
Beoordeling: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, ½ ⭐️
Ted Dekker, een product van een Nederlandse vader en een Amerikaanse moeder, is in Indonesië geboren. Vandaar vertrok hij naar Amerika om theologie en filosofie te gaan studeren. Sinds 1997 is hij fulltime schrijver van (veelal christelijke) thrillers. Van zijn hand verschenen eerder al verschillende series zoals ‘De Cirkel’ en ‘Outlaw Kronieken’. Dekkers passie is eenvoudig: de waarheid onderzoeken door ongelofelijke verhalen die zijn lezers ertoe aanzetten om de wereld door een andere bril te bekijken.
Nummer 49 is het eerste deel uit de tweeluik ‘Zegels van Waarheid’, het slotdeel verscheen onlangs onder de titel Het vijfde zegel.
++ ‘Als je leeft met het zwaard, zul je sterven door het zwaard’ ++
De inmiddels 17-jarige Rachelle Matthews is kort na haar geboorte blind geworden en woont met haar vader in het stadje Eden in de Amerikaanse staat Utah. Haar moeder is bij de geboorte van Rachelle overleden. Om toch zoveel mogelijk van haar omgeving op te nemen heeft ze zich de techniek van echolocatie aangeleerd. Door middel van uitgezonden radiogolven die weer terug worden opgevangen, kan ze randen van objecten onderscheiden en op die manier ‘zien’. Het is te vergelijken met het visueel systeem van vleermuizen en dolfijnen. Rachelle lijdt al een tiental jaren aan hevige nachtmerries en daarbij verbeeldt ze zich in een andere tijd en wereld te leven.
In het eerste deel, Nummer 49, heeft Rachelle drie van de vijf zegels weten te bemachtigen en heeft daarmee haar woonplaats Eden kunnen bevrijden.
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) wil haar echter onschadelijk maken en in de persoon van schaduwman Vlad Smith, wordt er jacht op haar gemaakt. Tijdens gevangenschap wordt haar geheugen gewist waarmee herinneringen uit het verleden onbereikbaar worden. Toch blijft ze met de hulp van vrienden, o.a. Thomas, Talya, Justin en de zoon van Thomas, Samuel zich inzetten voor het vinden van de twee overige zegels. Dan is de bevolking gered en wordt het in vrede leven werkelijkheid…
++ ‘Laat het toe, spartel niet tegen. Hier ben je voor gemaakt. Ik keer terug naar de poel waar ik uit tevoorschijn ben gekomen. Mijn taak hier is klaar. Het is jouw beurt om te stralen’ ++
Met voortzetting van zijn spannende surrealistische stijl tekent Dekker de voortgang van Rachel’s leven voor de lezer uit. Voortdurend in strijd met het kwaad in de persoon van Vlad Smith, wordt ze regelmatig in levensgevaarlijke situaties gemanoeuvreerd waarbij haar bijzondere gaven oplossingen blijven bieden. Vanuit haar perspectief krijgt haar reis door het leven steeds meer vorm en blijkt ze voortdurend op zoek te zijn om de waarheid te vinden wie ze is, dus eigenlijk een zoektocht naar haar eigen identiteit. Dekker belaadt zijn verhaal met talloze metaforen die indirect als verwijzingen gezien kunnen worden naar de heilige schrift.
Dekker heeft met deze tweeluik weer een mooie verbinding zichtbaar gemaakt tussen de wijze van leven en zoals het christelijk geloof het in haar geschriften opgetekend en bedoeld heeft. Ook hier zijn afspiegelingen van de maatschappij zichtbaar aanwezig evenals de voortdurende strijd tegen het kwaad. Het maakt zijn werk specifiek en herkenbaar waarbij het woord spanning eigenlijk veranderd moet worden in nieuwsgierigheid. Want dat is wat de lezer stimuleert tot doorlezen, zijn of haar eigen nieuwsgierigheid.
Eindoordeel: 3,5 sterren
Spanning: 3 sterren
Plot: 3 sterren
Leesplezier: 3 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 4 sterren
Originaliteit: 4 sterren
Psychologie: 3 aterren
MOORD EN DOODSLAG MET EEN KNIPOOG NAAR DE GESCHRIFTEN
++ ‘We daalden af in de vallei van de schaduw des doods, de ziekte van de mensheid, de blindheid die angst veroorzaakte. Maar wij waren het licht’ ++
Oorspronkelijke titel: Rise of the Mystics
ISBN: 978 90 435 3185 6
Uitgegeven door: Uitgeverij KokBoekencentrum
Pagina’s: 447
Beoordeling: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, ½ ⭐️
Ted Dekker, een product van een Nederlandse vader en een Amerikaanse moeder, is in Indonesië geboren. Vandaar vertrok hij naar Amerika om theologie en filosofie te gaan studeren. Sinds 1997 is hij fulltime schrijver van (veelal christelijke) thrillers. Van zijn hand verschenen eerder al verschillende series zoals ‘De Cirkel’ en ‘Outlaw Kronieken’. Dekkers passie is eenvoudig: de waarheid onderzoeken door ongelofelijke verhalen die zijn lezers ertoe aanzetten om de wereld door een andere bril te bekijken.
Nummer 49 is het eerste deel uit de tweeluik ‘Zegels van Waarheid’, het slotdeel verscheen onlangs onder de titel Het vijfde zegel.
++ ‘Als je leeft met het zwaard, zul je sterven door het zwaard’ ++
De inmiddels 17-jarige Rachelle Matthews is kort na haar geboorte blind geworden en woont met haar vader in het stadje Eden in de Amerikaanse staat Utah. Haar moeder is bij de geboorte van Rachelle overleden. Om toch zoveel mogelijk van haar omgeving op te nemen heeft ze zich de techniek van echolocatie aangeleerd. Door middel van uitgezonden radiogolven die weer terug worden opgevangen, kan ze randen van objecten onderscheiden en op die manier ‘zien’. Het is te vergelijken met het visueel systeem van vleermuizen en dolfijnen. Rachelle lijdt al een tiental jaren aan hevige nachtmerries en daarbij verbeeldt ze zich in een andere tijd en wereld te leven.
In het eerste deel, Nummer 49, heeft Rachelle drie van de vijf zegels weten te bemachtigen en heeft daarmee haar woonplaats Eden kunnen bevrijden.
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) wil haar echter onschadelijk maken en in de persoon van schaduwman Vlad Smith, wordt er jacht op haar gemaakt. Tijdens gevangenschap wordt haar geheugen gewist waarmee herinneringen uit het verleden onbereikbaar worden. Toch blijft ze met de hulp van vrienden, o.a. Thomas, Talya, Justin en de zoon van Thomas, Samuel zich inzetten voor het vinden van de twee overige zegels. Dan is de bevolking gered en wordt het in vrede leven werkelijkheid…
++ ‘Laat het toe, spartel niet tegen. Hier ben je voor gemaakt. Ik keer terug naar de poel waar ik uit tevoorschijn ben gekomen. Mijn taak hier is klaar. Het is jouw beurt om te stralen’ ++
Met voortzetting van zijn spannende surrealistische stijl tekent Dekker de voortgang van Rachel’s leven voor de lezer uit. Voortdurend in strijd met het kwaad in de persoon van Vlad Smith, wordt ze regelmatig in levensgevaarlijke situaties gemanoeuvreerd waarbij haar bijzondere gaven oplossingen blijven bieden. Vanuit haar perspectief krijgt haar reis door het leven steeds meer vorm en blijkt ze voortdurend op zoek te zijn om de waarheid te vinden wie ze is, dus eigenlijk een zoektocht naar haar eigen identiteit. Dekker belaadt zijn verhaal met talloze metaforen die indirect als verwijzingen gezien kunnen worden naar de heilige schrift.
Dekker heeft met deze tweeluik weer een mooie verbinding zichtbaar gemaakt tussen de wijze van leven en zoals het christelijk geloof het in haar geschriften opgetekend en bedoeld heeft. Ook hier zijn afspiegelingen van de maatschappij zichtbaar aanwezig evenals de voortdurende strijd tegen het kwaad. Het maakt zijn werk specifiek en herkenbaar waarbij het woord spanning eigenlijk veranderd moet worden in nieuwsgierigheid. Want dat is wat de lezer stimuleert tot doorlezen, zijn of haar eigen nieuwsgierigheid.
Eindoordeel: 3,5 sterren
Spanning: 3 sterren
Plot: 3 sterren
Leesplezier: 3 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 4 sterren
Originaliteit: 4 sterren
Psychologie: 3 aterren
May 18, 2019
** “Perception is the lamp that determines your experience of life in this body. If your perception is clear, you’ll experience light and love, not darkness and fear. If your perception is unclear, you’ll see a world of darkness and fear. Judgment is making record of wrong. The choice is ours: to release grievance and see light, or to judge and walk in darkness.” **
The journey of Rachelle Matthews, also known as the 49th Mystic, continues in Ted Dekker’s “Rise of the Mystics,” the second novel in his “Beyond the Circle” series.
“Rise of the Mystics” picks up four months after the prior novel. Now 17, Rachelle, her father and the rest of the Eden residents have left the Utah compound, being reprogrammed by DARPA. The officials who are working closely with Rachelle and her father David have attempted to completely reboot her memory, to the point where they’ve made Rachelle believe she’s schizophrenic to explain away her mysterious powers like telekinesis and auditory hallucinations.
She is also no longer dreaming of her life in Other Earth, where war is brewing between the two peoples — the Elyonites, who believe in the holy Elyon, and the Horde, who worship the evil Teeleh.
In both worlds, she has been tasked to find the Five Seals of Truth — having found the first three in “The 49th Mystic.”
With the help of scientist Steven Collingworth, she scrambles to reclaim her identity on present-day Earth. Facing dangerous roadblocks from America’s highest office, she must also face her fears to defeat the evil Vlad Smith who is determined to use her to destroy the Realm of Mystics on Other Earth, crushing the world of Yeshua, also known as Justin.
“Rise of Mystics” is written in typical Ted Dekker fashion — deeply spiritual, scientific, philosophical and political. It is a massive love letter, helping the reader to dive deep into their relationship with the Almighty God. This is a tale of love, identity, strength, overcoming fear, transformation and faith, revealing who is the way, the truth and the life.
It also reveals several other lessons, like you suffer the same fate you inflict in life; struggles are opportunities for salvation; bad news is only a matter of misperception; don’t be anxious for tomorrow; with faith anything is possible; judgment of ourselves only puts us in prison; the necessity to deny one’s self while letting go of attachments; and the renewing of our minds. It also stretches our mind to question how do we truly know what’s real.
The main theme that runs throughout both novels is love. Love of one’s self. Love of our fellow man. Love of our enemy. And love for our eternal creator.
This series is a fantastic addition to Dekker’s original Circle series. It will truly blow your mind, taking you to places deep within your soul. However, you must read “The 49th Mystic” before reading “Rise of the Mystics.” You don’t necessarily need to read the original Circle series, but it may provide some background.
Fans of Shawn Smucker’s “Day the Angels Fell” series or even authors like Stephen King will love Dekker’s novels.
Disclaimer: this story does contain quite a bit of violence and brutal situations.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
The journey of Rachelle Matthews, also known as the 49th Mystic, continues in Ted Dekker’s “Rise of the Mystics,” the second novel in his “Beyond the Circle” series.
“Rise of the Mystics” picks up four months after the prior novel. Now 17, Rachelle, her father and the rest of the Eden residents have left the Utah compound, being reprogrammed by DARPA. The officials who are working closely with Rachelle and her father David have attempted to completely reboot her memory, to the point where they’ve made Rachelle believe she’s schizophrenic to explain away her mysterious powers like telekinesis and auditory hallucinations.
She is also no longer dreaming of her life in Other Earth, where war is brewing between the two peoples — the Elyonites, who believe in the holy Elyon, and the Horde, who worship the evil Teeleh.
In both worlds, she has been tasked to find the Five Seals of Truth — having found the first three in “The 49th Mystic.”
With the help of scientist Steven Collingworth, she scrambles to reclaim her identity on present-day Earth. Facing dangerous roadblocks from America’s highest office, she must also face her fears to defeat the evil Vlad Smith who is determined to use her to destroy the Realm of Mystics on Other Earth, crushing the world of Yeshua, also known as Justin.
“Rise of Mystics” is written in typical Ted Dekker fashion — deeply spiritual, scientific, philosophical and political. It is a massive love letter, helping the reader to dive deep into their relationship with the Almighty God. This is a tale of love, identity, strength, overcoming fear, transformation and faith, revealing who is the way, the truth and the life.
It also reveals several other lessons, like you suffer the same fate you inflict in life; struggles are opportunities for salvation; bad news is only a matter of misperception; don’t be anxious for tomorrow; with faith anything is possible; judgment of ourselves only puts us in prison; the necessity to deny one’s self while letting go of attachments; and the renewing of our minds. It also stretches our mind to question how do we truly know what’s real.
The main theme that runs throughout both novels is love. Love of one’s self. Love of our fellow man. Love of our enemy. And love for our eternal creator.
This series is a fantastic addition to Dekker’s original Circle series. It will truly blow your mind, taking you to places deep within your soul. However, you must read “The 49th Mystic” before reading “Rise of the Mystics.” You don’t necessarily need to read the original Circle series, but it may provide some background.
Fans of Shawn Smucker’s “Day the Angels Fell” series or even authors like Stephen King will love Dekker’s novels.
Disclaimer: this story does contain quite a bit of violence and brutal situations.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
May 19, 2019
The Beyond the Circle Series starts out with The 49th Mystic. Rise of the Mystics is the second and final book in the Beyond the Circle series by Ted Dekker. These are my first books that I have read by Dekker but I understand this new series also plays off of his original Circle series although it can be read independently.
Rachelle Matthews is also known as the 49th mystic. She lives in two worlds at once. In the ancient world she is currently locked in a dungeon. She has received three out of five seals in the book one and needs to complete the next two to save the people she loves and cares about. How can she do it in this realm when she is stuck in the dungeon? In the modern earth world she faces even greater struggles to overcome as she faces off with the villain Vlad Smith. I don't want to give away any spoilers so will stop there.
I especially like to read a series when I can go right from one book to the next so I was glad that both books were published when I decided to read The 49th Mystic. That said, Rise of the Mystics was different than I expected in both the beginning and the ending after reading the first book. I think it is well-written and interesting, but I really didn't like how the main character was treated and some of the storyline. I understand why the storyline had to play out that way to make it all work but I still didn't ENJOY reading what happened to Rachelle, especially at the beginning. I did like how it all ended though. Also, I continue to appreciate how easy it is to read between the two worlds and keep the characters straight in Rise of the Mystics. I liked the fast paced timing of everything. I never felt bored while reading this book, even though I ached for what some of the characters endured. If you like adventure, with some violence, and allegorical suspense, I encourage you to give the Beyond the Circle series a try--even if you are like me and have never read a Dekker book before. Now I need to go back and read the original Circle series.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Rachelle Matthews is also known as the 49th mystic. She lives in two worlds at once. In the ancient world she is currently locked in a dungeon. She has received three out of five seals in the book one and needs to complete the next two to save the people she loves and cares about. How can she do it in this realm when she is stuck in the dungeon? In the modern earth world she faces even greater struggles to overcome as she faces off with the villain Vlad Smith. I don't want to give away any spoilers so will stop there.
I especially like to read a series when I can go right from one book to the next so I was glad that both books were published when I decided to read The 49th Mystic. That said, Rise of the Mystics was different than I expected in both the beginning and the ending after reading the first book. I think it is well-written and interesting, but I really didn't like how the main character was treated and some of the storyline. I understand why the storyline had to play out that way to make it all work but I still didn't ENJOY reading what happened to Rachelle, especially at the beginning. I did like how it all ended though. Also, I continue to appreciate how easy it is to read between the two worlds and keep the characters straight in Rise of the Mystics. I liked the fast paced timing of everything. I never felt bored while reading this book, even though I ached for what some of the characters endured. If you like adventure, with some violence, and allegorical suspense, I encourage you to give the Beyond the Circle series a try--even if you are like me and have never read a Dekker book before. Now I need to go back and read the original Circle series.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
October 2, 2018
Before you read this book I highly recommend you read the first book in the series, The 49th Mystic. The plot is intricate and could be difficult to follow without the background of the first book in the series. Plus: it was good.
Mr. Dekker is a great storyteller and his perception of evil is EVIL. Those “bad guy” characters who play a role in this story fit that description to a T. The “good guys” in this story are also interesting, well educated, and living in unusual conditions in an isolated and self-sufficient small town in Utah. The story of Rachelle, who is the 49th mystic, is very exciting - dealing with people who populate the earth we know, but also traveling in her dreams to an ancient earth where she interacts with their warring societies in a desperate search for truth. It is a story of love vs fear, freedom vs imprisonment, and is deeply spiritual. The message: God created us and has an overwhelming love for us. His desire is to have a relationship with each of us but sin and fear get in the way. Through Rachelle those barriers can be struck down making that relationship possible, and offering a world where people truly care about each other and fulfilling the commandment of Jesus that we should love God and our neighbor.
I have read several of Mr. Dekker’s books and have enjoyed all of them. He has a unique and imaginative approach to storytelling. The presentation of his faith in his stories is gentle and loving, and unmistakable.
Mr. Dekker is a great storyteller and his perception of evil is EVIL. Those “bad guy” characters who play a role in this story fit that description to a T. The “good guys” in this story are also interesting, well educated, and living in unusual conditions in an isolated and self-sufficient small town in Utah. The story of Rachelle, who is the 49th mystic, is very exciting - dealing with people who populate the earth we know, but also traveling in her dreams to an ancient earth where she interacts with their warring societies in a desperate search for truth. It is a story of love vs fear, freedom vs imprisonment, and is deeply spiritual. The message: God created us and has an overwhelming love for us. His desire is to have a relationship with each of us but sin and fear get in the way. Through Rachelle those barriers can be struck down making that relationship possible, and offering a world where people truly care about each other and fulfilling the commandment of Jesus that we should love God and our neighbor.
I have read several of Mr. Dekker’s books and have enjoyed all of them. He has a unique and imaginative approach to storytelling. The presentation of his faith in his stories is gentle and loving, and unmistakable.
February 4, 2019
This story feature a young girl (17) named Rachelle. Rachelle finds herself caught between two worlds--Earth and Other Earth. When she sleeps in one of the worlds, she awakes to find herself in the other world. Are they merely dreams or two different realities?
When Rachelle wakes up in Other Earth, she discovers she's more than just a girl--she's The 49th Mystic. Thus begins her spiritual journey that will cross over between both her worlds--Earth and Other Earth. Her actions in one world has consequences in both worlds. As with any spiritual journey it's not an easy thing. She has enemies in both worlds who want her to fail. And they are willing to do anything to make sure she fails--even if they have to kill her.
These books are what I call modern-day parables. What's a parable? An earthly story with a heavenly message. Using that definition, these books are definitely parables. There are many spiritual truths that are demonstrated in these stories. Whether you choose to embrace the spiritual message or only enjoy the earthly story, these books are definitely worth your time.
Definitely on my short list to read again!
When Rachelle wakes up in Other Earth, she discovers she's more than just a girl--she's The 49th Mystic. Thus begins her spiritual journey that will cross over between both her worlds--Earth and Other Earth. Her actions in one world has consequences in both worlds. As with any spiritual journey it's not an easy thing. She has enemies in both worlds who want her to fail. And they are willing to do anything to make sure she fails--even if they have to kill her.
These books are what I call modern-day parables. What's a parable? An earthly story with a heavenly message. Using that definition, these books are definitely parables. There are many spiritual truths that are demonstrated in these stories. Whether you choose to embrace the spiritual message or only enjoy the earthly story, these books are definitely worth your time.
Definitely on my short list to read again!
October 2, 2018
Rise of the Mystics
Beyond the Circle #2
By Ted Dekker
First off this is a totally WOW book. And you absolutely have to read book 1 The 49th Mystic first if you don't you will be more lost than Rachelle Matthews when she first awoke in the desert of Other Earth (from book 1).
Everything that Rachelle thought that she had known was wrong or so the DARPA professionals working to help her would have her believe. Vlad Smith, nope just an implanted memory. The sky projection that she brought down with her mind, never happened that was all DARPA. And her dreams that take her to Other Earth just a manifestation of her schizophrenia for which they are treating her.
Rachelle is a threat to both worlds as she is to usher in change through her actions if she can succeed in her mission of finding the Five Seals. Finding the first three seals allowed her to save Eden, but leaving Eden has placed under the manipulative control of DARPA. And in Other Earth, she is being held in an Elyonite prison. Worse the Horde know that both she and Jacob are prisoners of the Elyonite and they want them back.
Rachelle is the 49th Mystic but her life in Other Earth has been stripped of its early memories thanks to the poison she received while imprisoned by the Horde. The Horde is not alone in their desire to stop her. The Elyonites too wish to stop her heretical beliefs and destroy the Mystics and their Realm in the process. Needing to re-learn, to re-member, what she once knew Rachelle is in a race against time and her own fears. But fear is a powerful foe, one that must be conquered before her time runs out.
I liked that Thomas Hunter, known in Other Earth as Thomas of Hunter, is in this book. He is not alone as the Circle - many that one knew from The Circle series are integral to the story. And then there is Justin. After reading this series you'll want to reread The Circle if it has been a while since you last read them. It is easy to return to this world - it is like visiting a favorite childhood haunt and having the time away vanish. Ted Dekker has created another superb chapter in this world and one that should not be missed.
I was sent an advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher after submitting proof on my pre-order of this book with no expectations other than offering my honest opinion.
Beyond the Circle #2
By Ted Dekker
First off this is a totally WOW book. And you absolutely have to read book 1 The 49th Mystic first if you don't you will be more lost than Rachelle Matthews when she first awoke in the desert of Other Earth (from book 1).
Everything that Rachelle thought that she had known was wrong or so the DARPA professionals working to help her would have her believe. Vlad Smith, nope just an implanted memory. The sky projection that she brought down with her mind, never happened that was all DARPA. And her dreams that take her to Other Earth just a manifestation of her schizophrenia for which they are treating her.
Rachelle is a threat to both worlds as she is to usher in change through her actions if she can succeed in her mission of finding the Five Seals. Finding the first three seals allowed her to save Eden, but leaving Eden has placed under the manipulative control of DARPA. And in Other Earth, she is being held in an Elyonite prison. Worse the Horde know that both she and Jacob are prisoners of the Elyonite and they want them back.
Rachelle is the 49th Mystic but her life in Other Earth has been stripped of its early memories thanks to the poison she received while imprisoned by the Horde. The Horde is not alone in their desire to stop her. The Elyonites too wish to stop her heretical beliefs and destroy the Mystics and their Realm in the process. Needing to re-learn, to re-member, what she once knew Rachelle is in a race against time and her own fears. But fear is a powerful foe, one that must be conquered before her time runs out.
I liked that Thomas Hunter, known in Other Earth as Thomas of Hunter, is in this book. He is not alone as the Circle - many that one knew from The Circle series are integral to the story. And then there is Justin. After reading this series you'll want to reread The Circle if it has been a while since you last read them. It is easy to return to this world - it is like visiting a favorite childhood haunt and having the time away vanish. Ted Dekker has created another superb chapter in this world and one that should not be missed.
I was sent an advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher after submitting proof on my pre-order of this book with no expectations other than offering my honest opinion.
September 21, 2018
I LOVED this book! There's so much truth woven into the pages of "Rise of the Mystics." Rachelle goes on quite the journey of learning as she dreams and lives in two worlds, fights for the truth and learns the power of love. The fast pace of her adventures, the powerful emotions of the characters and plot twists often left me eagerly reading into the late hours of the night because I just couldn't stop turning the pages! Several moments left me pumping my fist and yelling, "Yeah!" and grinning from ear to ear (if you love the Circle Trilogy, you'll know what I mean when you read this). I also love how Ted manages to sneak in characters of other books he's written (and you'll just have to read to find that out!). It's just so fun, and wild, and full of adventure. Nice work, Ted Dekker! I can't recommend this book highly enough! Of course, make sure to read "The 49th Mystic" first before diving into this one. :)
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