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The Lost Books #5
Lunatic
In Lunatic, the fifth in the Lost Books series, a YA spin-off of the New York Times bestselling Circle series, the world they knew is gone. To save it they may all have to go a little crazy.
Fight the Horde . . . or die with love.
Separated by time and space, our heroes finally return home. But five years have passed and they find a nightmarishly changed world.
The despised Horde are now in control. The healing lakes of Elyon are now blood red. And mighty Thomas Hunter and his Forest Guard have disappeared.
Take a stand with the chosen but be wary, for not all is as it seems. Now the chosen themselves are questioning their very sanity. For the only way to win may be to lose. The only way to live may be to die. And the only one to lead may be a lunatic.
Book 5 of 6 in the Lost Books series (a spin-off of the Circle Series)
Lost Books 1: Chosen
Lost Books 2: Infidel
Lost Books 3: Renegade
Lost Books 4: Chaos
Lost Books 5: Lunatic
Lost Books 6: Elyon
Circle Book 0: Green
Circle Book 1: Black
Circle Book 2: Red
Circle Book 3: White
Full-length book (70,000 words)
Fight the Horde . . . or die with love.
Separated by time and space, our heroes finally return home. But five years have passed and they find a nightmarishly changed world.
The despised Horde are now in control. The healing lakes of Elyon are now blood red. And mighty Thomas Hunter and his Forest Guard have disappeared.
Take a stand with the chosen but be wary, for not all is as it seems. Now the chosen themselves are questioning their very sanity. For the only way to win may be to lose. The only way to live may be to die. And the only one to lead may be a lunatic.
Book 5 of 6 in the Lost Books series (a spin-off of the Circle Series)
Lost Books 1: Chosen
Lost Books 2: Infidel
Lost Books 3: Renegade
Lost Books 4: Chaos
Lost Books 5: Lunatic
Lost Books 6: Elyon
Circle Book 0: Green
Circle Book 1: Black
Circle Book 2: Red
Circle Book 3: White
Full-length book (70,000 words)
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2009
96 people are currently reading
3188 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books9,955 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 131 reviews
May 6, 2023
As many rave reviews as Ted Dekker's mystery/thriller novels have gotten, I've always preferred his fantastical allegories. Sure, Adam and The Bride Collector were great, well-written reads, but Mr. Dekker was at his best when he wrote The Circle Trilogy and The Books of Mortals. Lunatic in the penultimate volume in The Lost Books series, which ties into the saga told in Black, Red, and White. As usual for Mr. Dekker's writings, I found it to be a masterfully written and engaging story. I do have to issue a caution: You see the person on the cover? Well, I don't want to give too much of the book away, but I will say that he/she turns out to be very creepy, moreso than he/she looks in that illustration. So, if you get easily scared by literature--I don't--I'd recommend staying away.
March 13, 2022
So disappointed. The first four books were pretty interesting... 4 Chosen teenagers on a mission to get the books of history away from the Horde, who are evil and only want to destroy the Forest Dwellers. They do not believe in God (Elyon).
this story starts with Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal making it back to their world; however, when they reappear, they are in the Horde's building. They have been gone for 5 years and find out they are actually in the same place where they left, but the Horde has taken over most of the territory and all the Forest Dwellers are on the run...and Thomas Hunter is missing (he is actually in the Circle trilogy).
What throws me off with this book, is a new character, a beautiful woman with one purple and one blue eye. She possesses Johnis and forces him to go on another mission... to take an amulet from the queen Shataki. Silvie is not under her spell, but follows Johnis wherever he goes. Darsal, in the meantime gets captured by the Horde, escapes and drowns in Elyon's water, and is told to go back to the Horde with LOVE.
Meanwhile Johnis wants to get the amulet to kill the Horde. OK he is possessed, Darsal now is the only sane one... I think... and Silvie is not strong enough to snap her man out of his possession.
I don't know what this Lunatic wants and why she is using Johnis. My guess is it will come out in the last book... I sure hope so because I really didn't like the way this one was heading.
this story starts with Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal making it back to their world; however, when they reappear, they are in the Horde's building. They have been gone for 5 years and find out they are actually in the same place where they left, but the Horde has taken over most of the territory and all the Forest Dwellers are on the run...and Thomas Hunter is missing (he is actually in the Circle trilogy).
What throws me off with this book, is a new character, a beautiful woman with one purple and one blue eye. She possesses Johnis and forces him to go on another mission... to take an amulet from the queen Shataki. Silvie is not under her spell, but follows Johnis wherever he goes. Darsal, in the meantime gets captured by the Horde, escapes and drowns in Elyon's water, and is told to go back to the Horde with LOVE.
Meanwhile Johnis wants to get the amulet to kill the Horde. OK he is possessed, Darsal now is the only sane one... I think... and Silvie is not strong enough to snap her man out of his possession.
I don't know what this Lunatic wants and why she is using Johnis. My guess is it will come out in the last book... I sure hope so because I really didn't like the way this one was heading.
January 3, 2020
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Lunatic by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill is a very interesting and confusing book. Many parts of the book made me sit in wonder about what was going to happen next. Then, in others, I would have to sit and re-read the same part in order to understand what the point is. This is a really good book in my opinion.
PLOT
Johnis Silvie and Darsal have just made it back from the Histories. It has been five years since they were last in this world and a lot has changed. All of Middle has been overrun by the Horde. They are stuck in the attic of the town hall of Middle. They must find a way to escape. When they make a run for it, Darsal acts as a distraction and is then caught. She fights but then begs Marak for her life. She is imprisoned and meets Jordan. Since Darsal has not bathed, she slowly turns to Horde. No one has seen this happen in years. She then acts as if she is not supposed to be imprisoned. Darsal escapes to find Johnis and Silvie but does not find them. She heads back into Middle after drowning and becoming albino. She is recognized and is captured. She becomes Marak’s slave. Johnis and Silvie escape and wait for Darsal. When she does not show up, they start their own quest to defeat the Horde. Meanwhile, Marak has a plan to use Darsal to defeat the Albinos.
CHARACTERIZATION
Marak is a major role for the first time in this book. He is the general to the Horde army. He is only under Sucrow, the high Priest. Marak has family members who are albinos and are captured by the Horde. Sucrow decides to test his loyalty to the Horde and puts Marak in charge of watching them and extracting any information out of them. Eventually, Sucrow orders that Marak execute his brother, his wife, and her grandfather. When he does this, it breaks something in Marak. This is not shown until Darsal gives herself up to Marak to be his slave. Marak can see a resemblance to his past lover/brother’s wife in Darsal. He softens towards her. When Sucrow finds out that Marak has an albino slave, he orders him to execute her. Marak finds that he cannot do this. Marak has softened quite greatly.
Johnis is another character who changes a lot throughout the book. At the beginning of the book, he is seen as the strong powerful leader as he is known for in the past books. After he has escaped Middle, the Horde disease sets in and starts affecting how he thinks. He cannot think straight and he starts making poor decisions. Then after he meets Shaeda and agrees to her plans, she controls him. She causes him physical pain when he does not agree with her. Every decision he makes must be what Shaeda wants. This changes Johnis, he becomes crazy and devotes his life to fulfilling what Shaeda want. He has a plan though. Deep in his mind, he plans to overrun Shaeda and take her powers for himself.
SETTING
The main setting in this book is Middle Forest. It is a forest oasis in the middle of a hot dry desert. It is one of three forests. There is the Northern Forest, Middle Forest, and Southern Forest. The time of the book is never stated but it is to be believed that it is far into the future. The technology has been lost and everything is like what it was in the past. This helps explain why everyone is riding horses and using swords instead of cars and guns. It also helps explain why people are devoted to either Elyon or Teeleh. With rougher times, people look for religion as a sense of hope and belonging.
THEME
A major theme in this book is loyalty. Through all that Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal have been through they all stay loyal to a cause. Darsal stays true to her faith in Elyon even after she has betrayed him in the last book. Johnis and Silvie, though becoming Horde themselves, still devise a plan to defeat the Horde once and for all. Even though the characters are struggling with hardships, they each stay true to what they believe in.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This book is about a medium level read. I had a little trouble in a spot but overall I am able to understand what is happening much of the book. I would say this book for high school students rather than middle school students. This is not a gender-specific book. It has action as well as romance that would appeal to both men and women. This is a good add-on to the rest of the series and a great book to read.
Lunatic by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill is a very interesting and confusing book. Many parts of the book made me sit in wonder about what was going to happen next. Then, in others, I would have to sit and re-read the same part in order to understand what the point is. This is a really good book in my opinion.
PLOT
Johnis Silvie and Darsal have just made it back from the Histories. It has been five years since they were last in this world and a lot has changed. All of Middle has been overrun by the Horde. They are stuck in the attic of the town hall of Middle. They must find a way to escape. When they make a run for it, Darsal acts as a distraction and is then caught. She fights but then begs Marak for her life. She is imprisoned and meets Jordan. Since Darsal has not bathed, she slowly turns to Horde. No one has seen this happen in years. She then acts as if she is not supposed to be imprisoned. Darsal escapes to find Johnis and Silvie but does not find them. She heads back into Middle after drowning and becoming albino. She is recognized and is captured. She becomes Marak’s slave. Johnis and Silvie escape and wait for Darsal. When she does not show up, they start their own quest to defeat the Horde. Meanwhile, Marak has a plan to use Darsal to defeat the Albinos.
CHARACTERIZATION
Marak is a major role for the first time in this book. He is the general to the Horde army. He is only under Sucrow, the high Priest. Marak has family members who are albinos and are captured by the Horde. Sucrow decides to test his loyalty to the Horde and puts Marak in charge of watching them and extracting any information out of them. Eventually, Sucrow orders that Marak execute his brother, his wife, and her grandfather. When he does this, it breaks something in Marak. This is not shown until Darsal gives herself up to Marak to be his slave. Marak can see a resemblance to his past lover/brother’s wife in Darsal. He softens towards her. When Sucrow finds out that Marak has an albino slave, he orders him to execute her. Marak finds that he cannot do this. Marak has softened quite greatly.
Johnis is another character who changes a lot throughout the book. At the beginning of the book, he is seen as the strong powerful leader as he is known for in the past books. After he has escaped Middle, the Horde disease sets in and starts affecting how he thinks. He cannot think straight and he starts making poor decisions. Then after he meets Shaeda and agrees to her plans, she controls him. She causes him physical pain when he does not agree with her. Every decision he makes must be what Shaeda wants. This changes Johnis, he becomes crazy and devotes his life to fulfilling what Shaeda want. He has a plan though. Deep in his mind, he plans to overrun Shaeda and take her powers for himself.
SETTING
The main setting in this book is Middle Forest. It is a forest oasis in the middle of a hot dry desert. It is one of three forests. There is the Northern Forest, Middle Forest, and Southern Forest. The time of the book is never stated but it is to be believed that it is far into the future. The technology has been lost and everything is like what it was in the past. This helps explain why everyone is riding horses and using swords instead of cars and guns. It also helps explain why people are devoted to either Elyon or Teeleh. With rougher times, people look for religion as a sense of hope and belonging.
THEME
A major theme in this book is loyalty. Through all that Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal have been through they all stay loyal to a cause. Darsal stays true to her faith in Elyon even after she has betrayed him in the last book. Johnis and Silvie, though becoming Horde themselves, still devise a plan to defeat the Horde once and for all. Even though the characters are struggling with hardships, they each stay true to what they believe in.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This book is about a medium level read. I had a little trouble in a spot but overall I am able to understand what is happening much of the book. I would say this book for high school students rather than middle school students. This is not a gender-specific book. It has action as well as romance that would appeal to both men and women. This is a good add-on to the rest of the series and a great book to read.
January 25, 2012
Lunatic is the 5th book in the Lost book series that picks up right after the events of the 4th book, with the trio of Chosen having recovered the Lost Books and traveling back to "Middle", only 5 years have passed since they were last here so much has changed. Lunatic is also coauthored which given Ted's track record before partnering with Tosca has been shaky at best and this is no exception.
People who complained that they didn't recognize some of the characters they had grown close to over the previous 4 books definitely had some reason to complain. While I realize that much of the book the characters were transforming into Horde and obviously affected them and that Johnis apparently has a vampire whispering into his mind, it was definitely difficult to see the characters we knew in this book.
Also, the inclusion of Vampires into this distant future seemed sort of "after the fact" since there was no indication of any kind in the circle series of the previous 4 books that they played in part of this reality. That and some sub-par writing here and there kept this from being quite on the same level as the previous books in the series and had me scratching my head in places over some of the choices our characters made.
Still, all that being said, the book was not the 1 star effort that others I've read have tried to rate it either. Granted, it's easily the weakest book in the series to this point, but I've definitely read worse and there were some genuinely compelling passages in the book that I enjoyed.
The story was split into two parts; Darsal and Marak have the same plot as Thomas and Chelise did in White except for Darsal is just a passive presence in the relationship who's only doing this as penance for God. Because this had just been done, this story felt a little rehashed and even though the writing was a bit easier to get into, it wasn't overly interesting.
The other plot is absolutely bizarre and incorporates some nonsensical behavior by both Johnis and Silvie, vampires and rebellious Scabs, the Horde and Albinos, Teelah worshipers and a whole mess more. While the story was interesting because it was new, it also felt out of place and not just because Johnis was acting so strangely.
Overall, it wasn't what I consider a "bad" book, but much like Ted's previous coauthored books, they don't represent Ted's best work. (Except for Forbidden which as absolutely awesome). Still, if you've read the first four and are planning on reading Green at some point, you may as well make your way through this and Elyon just to finish the journey.
People who complained that they didn't recognize some of the characters they had grown close to over the previous 4 books definitely had some reason to complain. While I realize that much of the book the characters were transforming into Horde and obviously affected them and that Johnis apparently has a vampire whispering into his mind, it was definitely difficult to see the characters we knew in this book.
Also, the inclusion of Vampires into this distant future seemed sort of "after the fact" since there was no indication of any kind in the circle series of the previous 4 books that they played in part of this reality. That and some sub-par writing here and there kept this from being quite on the same level as the previous books in the series and had me scratching my head in places over some of the choices our characters made.
Still, all that being said, the book was not the 1 star effort that others I've read have tried to rate it either. Granted, it's easily the weakest book in the series to this point, but I've definitely read worse and there were some genuinely compelling passages in the book that I enjoyed.
The story was split into two parts; Darsal and Marak have the same plot as Thomas and Chelise did in White except for Darsal is just a passive presence in the relationship who's only doing this as penance for God. Because this had just been done, this story felt a little rehashed and even though the writing was a bit easier to get into, it wasn't overly interesting.
The other plot is absolutely bizarre and incorporates some nonsensical behavior by both Johnis and Silvie, vampires and rebellious Scabs, the Horde and Albinos, Teelah worshipers and a whole mess more. While the story was interesting because it was new, it also felt out of place and not just because Johnis was acting so strangely.
Overall, it wasn't what I consider a "bad" book, but much like Ted's previous coauthored books, they don't represent Ted's best work. (Except for Forbidden which as absolutely awesome). Still, if you've read the first four and are planning on reading Green at some point, you may as well make your way through this and Elyon just to finish the journey.
August 17, 2016
Deep breath. I've run Lunatic and Elyon together into one feature-length day of misery because they are frankly awful and they need finished. If it weren't for the fact they complete a decade-long reading journey of The Books of Histories, I would probably save myself the pain.
Even with the help of Kaci Hill in writing these last two volumes, Dekker still pulls out all the faithful tropes that have made this "young adult" interpretation so reliably dreadful. Six novels in, there's less characterisation than you could swing a Horde at, and frankly if you haven't given up caring what happens to the Lost Books, you deserve a medal. It's just one infuriating contrivance after another.
Speaking of the Horde (who you kind of what to just kill everyone by now), they get completely recast in Lunatic for no reason at all. It seems like an afterthought. Perhaps Hill said to Dekker it would be interesting to add a political dynamic. Maybe she wrote this totally isolated bit of it and it got stuffed in just before it went to print. But the Horde infighting has all the dynamo of a flat sausage. With gristle. And no crusty roll.
Despite the apparently terrifying, gut-wrenching, exhilarating journey of a lifetime, absolutely none of the lead characters have changed in any discernible way. Take out the Dekker-patented melodramatic rhetoric ("her heart ached with the pain of a thousand cathear insertions after she spilled her precious, sweet, life-giving tea"... "they all wept together in love and unity when they agreed who to vote for in Forest Guard's Got Talent, bound forever by a soul that was one") and it's essentially inane twaddle. The grand finale is as grand as an old Casio keyboard pretending to be a grand piano. The way Elyon ends almost makes me want to tear every page out and set each on fire individually because it's the biggest birdie that a writer has flicked to his readers in recorded history. A five-word review could be boiled down to this: WHAT WAS THE F***ING POINT?
The four-part Circle saga was fantastic. I hope one day Dekker can find it in himself to forgive himself for what he's done to it.
Even with the help of Kaci Hill in writing these last two volumes, Dekker still pulls out all the faithful tropes that have made this "young adult" interpretation so reliably dreadful. Six novels in, there's less characterisation than you could swing a Horde at, and frankly if you haven't given up caring what happens to the Lost Books, you deserve a medal. It's just one infuriating contrivance after another.
Speaking of the Horde (who you kind of what to just kill everyone by now), they get completely recast in Lunatic for no reason at all. It seems like an afterthought. Perhaps Hill said to Dekker it would be interesting to add a political dynamic. Maybe she wrote this totally isolated bit of it and it got stuffed in just before it went to print. But the Horde infighting has all the dynamo of a flat sausage. With gristle. And no crusty roll.
Despite the apparently terrifying, gut-wrenching, exhilarating journey of a lifetime, absolutely none of the lead characters have changed in any discernible way. Take out the Dekker-patented melodramatic rhetoric ("her heart ached with the pain of a thousand cathear insertions after she spilled her precious, sweet, life-giving tea"... "they all wept together in love and unity when they agreed who to vote for in Forest Guard's Got Talent, bound forever by a soul that was one") and it's essentially inane twaddle. The grand finale is as grand as an old Casio keyboard pretending to be a grand piano. The way Elyon ends almost makes me want to tear every page out and set each on fire individually because it's the biggest birdie that a writer has flicked to his readers in recorded history. A five-word review could be boiled down to this: WHAT WAS THE F***ING POINT?
The four-part Circle saga was fantastic. I hope one day Dekker can find it in himself to forgive himself for what he's done to it.
March 15, 2013
Worst one yet. I like how they go back to the setting that first started the series in books one and two, but it just feels different now that Vampires in the setting. The author already has enough evil dudes already with the Hord and the Shaitiki. (Read the books to understand what I am talking about.) Why add vampires???? Book 5 ends with another cliffhanger, the worst one yet, so Book 6 may justify the need for vampires. I'm hoping anyways. But I also like how Books 1-4 each has their own story. Book 5's story will continue into Book six which I'm angry about. Also I have a feeling Mr. Dekker should've ended the series with Book four but we'll see.
I would also like to add that I loved the side story, a story of a girl falling in love with the enemy ten times more then the main story, and that's never happened to me before. I'm blaming the poor writing on the fact that this was a side project for Mr. Dekker.
On to book six and the end of the series.
Am I a lunatic?
I would also like to add that I loved the side story, a story of a girl falling in love with the enemy ten times more then the main story, and that's never happened to me before. I'm blaming the poor writing on the fact that this was a side project for Mr. Dekker.
On to book six and the end of the series.
Am I a lunatic?
July 31, 2012
The writing style of this book differes from the first four in this series and made it very difficult to read. It is very choppy and for the first half of the book I kept wondering what was going on and when something exciting was going to happen. I had to wait too long in this 5th instalment to "get involved" in this book to enjoy the read. I didn't enjoy the story and had to force myself through this book. I'm not to eager to read the next in the series, which is a shame because I have so enjoyed reading Ted Dekkers work, and was looking forward to reading more stories by him.
June 21, 2010
This book was okay. I found myself extremely bored at some parts. And while I was reading these boring parts, I found my mind drifting to the other side of the story and wanting the story to switch back to it.
I think the Silvie/Johnis story was boring. But, I loved the Marak/Daral part.
I also found myself confused a lot. There were a lot of names and not enough time to memorize them all.
But, this book was still very good. I recommend it. :)
I think the Silvie/Johnis story was boring. But, I loved the Marak/Daral part.
I also found myself confused a lot. There were a lot of names and not enough time to memorize them all.
But, this book was still very good. I recommend it. :)
April 8, 2011
I was dissapointed in this book and it's inability to keep the series moving. Perhaps it has something to do with Dekker co-authoring this book. The storyline is strange and a lot of the content made me turn out the lights in the middle of the page, because the story wasn't moving. The four previous books in this series would have had me up late turning pages. One book left to complete the 6 book series. I hope 'Elyon' will be more satisfying.
April 21, 2013
I really like this series but then again I haven't read anything of Dekker's that I didn't like. This series though has a christian based background to it. There is the good and evil and the problems that people have choosing sides.
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September 11, 2016Pretty crazy. I am very interested in Darcel and Marak. I kept reading fast to get back to them. Johnis is going to have to break and cry out to Elyon... We shall see what happens...
September 25, 2012
Lunatic was actually a breath of fresh air after reading the first 4 books in this series. The writing is SOOO much better. If you look carefully, Kaci Hill is noted as a co-author on the cover, and evidently Kaci was just what Dekker needed to save his writing. This book and Elyon also have enough of a unique plot line/goal that it almost feels like a different-though-related series. I don’t know why they didn’t just go ahead and do that anyway -- there are already 2 other spin-off series -- what’s another one?
Lunatic starts off with Darsal, Johnis & Silvie landing back in Other Earth…right in the attic of the Horde’s HQ, which used to be the gathering place in Johnis’s home village. So yeah, a lot has changed in the five years they’ve missed. The Horde have taken over, the non-Horde are referred to as albinos and most of them either became Horde or are on the run now, the Horde are developing a plan to wipe out all remaining albinos, and all the lakes are now red and no longer cure people by contact
Elyon picks up right where Lunatic leaves off, to the extent they actually feel like one book and I had trouble remembering where one ended and the other began (had to look it up). So, if you read one you will need to read the other. I think these two are the best books in the whole series. The writing is loads better. (Thank you Kaci Hill!) The plot is more focused, and the pacing seems more reasonable. I think the bad guys are more convincing and sinister, but at the same time they aren't all the same and Marak, especially, has depth. Now, it is also a bit darker thanks to the vampire lady and the evil priest, and there is more violence. But at the same time, the Christian allegories are also deeper than any of the other books. I really like the allegory going on of needing to drown in the lakes to really live. Oh, and another plus, the Roush are less cheesy. In the past, Dekker had the annoying habit of trying to make the Roush the comic relief by having one of them try to instruct everyone on airborn karate. It was rather jarring to have the silliness randomly inserted. In these two books, the Roush are more messenger/guide-like. They appear when Darsal needs someone to help her think through something, though they rarely tell her what to do, just drop hints and have her talk things out. Which brings up Darsal, who I found to be pleasantly changed in this book. Now some others I understand don't like that Johnis, Silvie and Darsal seem different, but I liked the change. I was never very smitten with Johnis and it is nice for him to have a good reason to be acting like an idiot for once. Darsal's change I found pleasant and very reasonble. For one, she is now 27, not 17 like she was in books 1-3 so she should have matured and has, and secondly, she's now completely surrendered to Elyon, another reason she should be different and more likeable, especially from book 4.
My one bone to pick is this…we’ve never heard of the Leedhans before this book. The priest and others go on about legends about them and how few people remember those legends…but it’s only been 18 years since they came into existance and most of the people in the story are over 18! Which means the collective populous is either excessively forgetful or had their minds wiped when the planet changed. But we aren't told there was any mind-wiping. It would be more believable to me if it had been maybe 1800 years or something.
Anyway, on a whole a much better story and an actually enjoyable read, especially compared to the first four books.
Lunatic starts off with Darsal, Johnis & Silvie landing back in Other Earth…right in the attic of the Horde’s HQ, which used to be the gathering place in Johnis’s home village. So yeah, a lot has changed in the five years they’ve missed. The Horde have taken over, the non-Horde are referred to as albinos and most of them either became Horde or are on the run now, the Horde are developing a plan to wipe out all remaining albinos, and all the lakes are now red and no longer cure people by contact
Elyon picks up right where Lunatic leaves off, to the extent they actually feel like one book and I had trouble remembering where one ended and the other began (had to look it up). So, if you read one you will need to read the other. I think these two are the best books in the whole series. The writing is loads better. (Thank you Kaci Hill!) The plot is more focused, and the pacing seems more reasonable. I think the bad guys are more convincing and sinister, but at the same time they aren't all the same and Marak, especially, has depth. Now, it is also a bit darker thanks to the vampire lady and the evil priest, and there is more violence. But at the same time, the Christian allegories are also deeper than any of the other books. I really like the allegory going on of needing to drown in the lakes to really live. Oh, and another plus, the Roush are less cheesy. In the past, Dekker had the annoying habit of trying to make the Roush the comic relief by having one of them try to instruct everyone on airborn karate. It was rather jarring to have the silliness randomly inserted. In these two books, the Roush are more messenger/guide-like. They appear when Darsal needs someone to help her think through something, though they rarely tell her what to do, just drop hints and have her talk things out. Which brings up Darsal, who I found to be pleasantly changed in this book. Now some others I understand don't like that Johnis, Silvie and Darsal seem different, but I liked the change. I was never very smitten with Johnis and it is nice for him to have a good reason to be acting like an idiot for once. Darsal's change I found pleasant and very reasonble. For one, she is now 27, not 17 like she was in books 1-3 so she should have matured and has, and secondly, she's now completely surrendered to Elyon, another reason she should be different and more likeable, especially from book 4.
My one bone to pick is this…we’ve never heard of the Leedhans before this book. The priest and others go on about legends about them and how few people remember those legends…but it’s only been 18 years since they came into existance and most of the people in the story are over 18! Which means the collective populous is either excessively forgetful or had their minds wiped when the planet changed. But we aren't told there was any mind-wiping. It would be more believable to me if it had been maybe 1800 years or something.
Anyway, on a whole a much better story and an actually enjoyable read, especially compared to the first four books.
Read
April 16, 2023I think I am the lunatic for continuing to read this series. My only explanation is that it has been sitting on my shelf for a while. Once I finish it, I can donate the books to a worthy cause.
August 1, 2021
3.6 hesitant stars.
Lunatic has a different feel to it. Part of it may be the fact the Kaci Hill co-wrote with Ted Dekker, but honestly, I think it worked in his favor because this book is better written than the previous five. The sentences just make more sense. I only wish Kaci Hill could help with the development of Johnis… sigh.
Everything has changed when Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal return to their world in Middle. Five years have gone by, there are no more healing green lakes of Elyon and the Horde have taken over the forests turning the lakes into mucky water. The three heroes have no specific plan and no guidance, but when their plan goes wrong the three are split into two groups. Darsal is captured by the Horde and must work undercover to learn the new ways in this new world while trying to survive. She discovers the green lakes are now red and instead of bathing once a day, she must drown herself to be permanently saved from the dreaded scab disease. Meanwhile, Johnis and Silvie go out into the desert in search of their beloved lake to bathe before becoming a Scab themselves. However, Johnis is experiencing hallucinations of a mysterious beautiful woman who takes over his life. Silvie isn’t too fond of this new person, but once more, she agrees to follow Johnis to hell and back again. This woman, a Leedhan, takes over Johnis’s life and manipulates him to her will to defeat the Horde and albinos once and for all.
I really liked the twists in this book. There are new characters and new personalities. I think this series will often take me in a direction I wasn’t expecting. Though I think Lunatic is written well, there is certainly a continuity issue here. It feels as though I’m starting to read a different series.
Once more, I’m not a fan of Johnis. I’m still not convinced that he is the “chosen one” other than the fact the Dekker wrote that he is the “chosen one”. I need proof and want to truly feel that he is the biggest character in this series, but he is severely underwritten. Silvie is more likable than Johnis and Darsal is significantly more interesting. Johnis is just meh. And also he needs to get over himself, he’s really not that great at anything, other than being an impetuous wreck of a hero. After this book, I believe Darsal is actually the chosen one.
One new plot that is a bit confusing and seems random is vampires. I’m not sure how I feel about vampires being ingratiated into the plot. I do appreciate that they aren’t the traditional vampire, but they seem so mythological, even in this future world. The only previous evidence I’ve seen of vampires is Alucard’s name spelled backwards is Dracula… which is not enough evidence.
As a whole in this series I did like the book. Part of me thinks a 3 star fits better but another part of me feels it’s deserving of a 4 star. I have to judge the book as a book within a series and not as an individual book. But it barely made the cut.
4 stars for entertainment
4 stars for writing
3 stars for impact
4 stars for pace
3 stars recommendation
=3.6 stars
Lunatic has a different feel to it. Part of it may be the fact the Kaci Hill co-wrote with Ted Dekker, but honestly, I think it worked in his favor because this book is better written than the previous five. The sentences just make more sense. I only wish Kaci Hill could help with the development of Johnis… sigh.
Everything has changed when Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal return to their world in Middle. Five years have gone by, there are no more healing green lakes of Elyon and the Horde have taken over the forests turning the lakes into mucky water. The three heroes have no specific plan and no guidance, but when their plan goes wrong the three are split into two groups. Darsal is captured by the Horde and must work undercover to learn the new ways in this new world while trying to survive. She discovers the green lakes are now red and instead of bathing once a day, she must drown herself to be permanently saved from the dreaded scab disease. Meanwhile, Johnis and Silvie go out into the desert in search of their beloved lake to bathe before becoming a Scab themselves. However, Johnis is experiencing hallucinations of a mysterious beautiful woman who takes over his life. Silvie isn’t too fond of this new person, but once more, she agrees to follow Johnis to hell and back again. This woman, a Leedhan, takes over Johnis’s life and manipulates him to her will to defeat the Horde and albinos once and for all.
I really liked the twists in this book. There are new characters and new personalities. I think this series will often take me in a direction I wasn’t expecting. Though I think Lunatic is written well, there is certainly a continuity issue here. It feels as though I’m starting to read a different series.
Once more, I’m not a fan of Johnis. I’m still not convinced that he is the “chosen one” other than the fact the Dekker wrote that he is the “chosen one”. I need proof and want to truly feel that he is the biggest character in this series, but he is severely underwritten. Silvie is more likable than Johnis and Darsal is significantly more interesting. Johnis is just meh. And also he needs to get over himself, he’s really not that great at anything, other than being an impetuous wreck of a hero. After this book, I believe Darsal is actually the chosen one.
One new plot that is a bit confusing and seems random is vampires. I’m not sure how I feel about vampires being ingratiated into the plot. I do appreciate that they aren’t the traditional vampire, but they seem so mythological, even in this future world. The only previous evidence I’ve seen of vampires is Alucard’s name spelled backwards is Dracula… which is not enough evidence.
As a whole in this series I did like the book. Part of me thinks a 3 star fits better but another part of me feels it’s deserving of a 4 star. I have to judge the book as a book within a series and not as an individual book. But it barely made the cut.
4 stars for entertainment
4 stars for writing
3 stars for impact
4 stars for pace
3 stars recommendation
=3.6 stars
August 14, 2017
I have followed Ted Dekker’s books since I read House which he co-wrote with one of my favorite authors, Frank Peretti. I read This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness at a young age, and I loved them. So, I was excited to continue reading more of that type of stuff, and Dekker was promising. He did not disappoint. But, I digress. Again.
**Spoiler Alert**
The Lost Books is about four chosen warriors, hand-picked by Thomas Hunter (which is a big deal) to lead them into prosperity and victory against their mortal enemies, the horde. At the beginning of Lunatic we see three of our heroes returning to their homeland after suffering some series losses. They now have all seven books, but time has passed since their leaving and returning to Middle. The horde has taken over, and they have no idea what has transpired in their absence. Let’s just say they missed a boatload, and the story links with The Circle Series chronologically as well. The time line is all very complicated, though.
**End of Spoiler Alert**
Anyway, Johnis, the leader, and Silvie, his second, are led telepathically into the desert to meet with a strange being called a Leedhan who is a dangerous creature, weaving images and legends into Johnis and Silvie’s knowledge. She says she wants to ally herself with them, but it is yet to be determined whether she is to be fully trusted. However, they consent, which takes them on a suicide mission into yet another black forest, this time accompanied by a small unit of horde throaters per Sucrow’s (the priest), command.
What? Did you read that right? Yup. Crazy things are going down, and Johnis is losing himself to lunacy. I am excited to see how the story concludes with the next book.
Overall, the entire book rose far more questions than gave answers. Which, at this point (fifth book out of six) is completely acceptable. I did enjoy the book, but it was not my favorite in the series. Granted, it is a middle grade novel, and I do not typically read those. I will definitely finish the series though. Additionally, it was a short, quick read.
You can read more on this post on my website at: https://calyecochran.wordpress.com/20...
**Spoiler Alert**
The Lost Books is about four chosen warriors, hand-picked by Thomas Hunter (which is a big deal) to lead them into prosperity and victory against their mortal enemies, the horde. At the beginning of Lunatic we see three of our heroes returning to their homeland after suffering some series losses. They now have all seven books, but time has passed since their leaving and returning to Middle. The horde has taken over, and they have no idea what has transpired in their absence. Let’s just say they missed a boatload, and the story links with The Circle Series chronologically as well. The time line is all very complicated, though.
**End of Spoiler Alert**
Anyway, Johnis, the leader, and Silvie, his second, are led telepathically into the desert to meet with a strange being called a Leedhan who is a dangerous creature, weaving images and legends into Johnis and Silvie’s knowledge. She says she wants to ally herself with them, but it is yet to be determined whether she is to be fully trusted. However, they consent, which takes them on a suicide mission into yet another black forest, this time accompanied by a small unit of horde throaters per Sucrow’s (the priest), command.
What? Did you read that right? Yup. Crazy things are going down, and Johnis is losing himself to lunacy. I am excited to see how the story concludes with the next book.
Overall, the entire book rose far more questions than gave answers. Which, at this point (fifth book out of six) is completely acceptable. I did enjoy the book, but it was not my favorite in the series. Granted, it is a middle grade novel, and I do not typically read those. I will definitely finish the series though. Additionally, it was a short, quick read.
You can read more on this post on my website at: https://calyecochran.wordpress.com/20...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
(spoiler free)
I thought that this book was wonderful!! I actually really liked the inclusion of the Leedhan (also known as vampires, but not as you know them).
It really was interesting to understand how Johnis was struggling with her (the Leedhan), just like we struggle with sin in our world. I'm into trying to find the real world connections in the book and, once I linked the vampire to temptations that ultimately lead to sin, I thought it was such a great insight into what sin really is.
Personally, the romance was such a great plus for me as well! Darsal is my favorite character now!
So yes, I recommend reading this book! There are some bad reviews about it, but ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences in literature. So, despite the reviews that may have discouraged you from reading this book, I suggest reading this and the last book Elyon (which I am currently reading). Don't give up on this great series just because others haven't liked it!
-Victoria (14 yrs)
I thought that this book was wonderful!! I actually really liked the inclusion of the Leedhan (also known as vampires, but not as you know them).
It really was interesting to understand how Johnis was struggling with her (the Leedhan), just like we struggle with sin in our world. I'm into trying to find the real world connections in the book and, once I linked the vampire to temptations that ultimately lead to sin, I thought it was such a great insight into what sin really is.
Personally, the romance was such a great plus for me as well! Darsal is my favorite character now!
So yes, I recommend reading this book! There are some bad reviews about it, but ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences in literature. So, despite the reviews that may have discouraged you from reading this book, I suggest reading this and the last book Elyon (which I am currently reading). Don't give up on this great series just because others haven't liked it!
-Victoria (14 yrs)
December 17, 2018
Ted Dekker is one my favorite authors but I had little patience for this book. It was maddening that Johnis got possessed by a vampire. It was like he betrayed everything he believed in. I wanted to slap Shaeda for doing this to him. This book was pathetic and made little sense. So much evil and not much to redeem it. The Horde is control and Thomas Hunter and his Circle is in hiding. No hope. I was very disappointed. I barely got through this book. It was not up to Dekker's standards.
May 17, 2025
4.5 stars
This one was much different—and better—than its predecessors. Each book in this series has had a wildly different flavor, and this novel did not break the pattern. After Chaos, the plot arc seems finished. The books have been found, the Dark One has been thwarted, and the mission has been completed. Yet, as our heroes return to their ordinary life, they find that it's not ordinary at all. What once was their beloved Middle Forest has been taken over by the treacherous and deceived Scabs, and their families are either dead or estranged somewhere in the desert in the new order called the Circle, which the Horde is bent on destroying. If you've read Dekker's White, then you'll know what I mean.
In fact, this book reads very similarly to White, both in theme and writing style. After a general loss of believability in the last edition, I feel Lunatic is both more personal and a bit smoother, though it does still suffer from some of the same lack of adequate description and continuity issues as in the rest of the series.
Some readers may not like that Darsal gradually becomes the star of this book while the previous protagonists, Johnis and Silvie, fade to the background. While I don't think the immediate ramifications of the previous book are adequately addressed, I appreciated the chance to see her reaction. The new characters are also rounder than previous supporting roles, and I thought the world felt much more rich and real. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of Karas.
My biggest concern was the introduction of . This new bit of crazy world-building made me feel like I missed a book, though as far as I know, this was the first mention in any of the Books of History novels. It felt a bit random and counter to previous rules of the world.
Overall, a very entertaining book, especially Darsal's storyline near the end. The new developments make the spiritual message shine through all the more. I recommend giving this a read even if you skipped the first four books and came straight from the Circle trilogy.
This one was much different—and better—than its predecessors. Each book in this series has had a wildly different flavor, and this novel did not break the pattern. After Chaos, the plot arc seems finished. The books have been found, the Dark One has been thwarted, and the mission has been completed. Yet, as our heroes return to their ordinary life, they find that it's not ordinary at all. What once was their beloved Middle Forest has been taken over by the treacherous and deceived Scabs, and their families are either dead or estranged somewhere in the desert in the new order called the Circle, which the Horde is bent on destroying. If you've read Dekker's White, then you'll know what I mean.
In fact, this book reads very similarly to White, both in theme and writing style. After a general loss of believability in the last edition, I feel Lunatic is both more personal and a bit smoother, though it does still suffer from some of the same lack of adequate description and continuity issues as in the rest of the series.
Some readers may not like that Darsal gradually becomes the star of this book while the previous protagonists, Johnis and Silvie, fade to the background. While I don't think the immediate ramifications of the previous book are adequately addressed, I appreciated the chance to see her reaction. The new characters are also rounder than previous supporting roles, and I thought the world felt much more rich and real. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of Karas.
My biggest concern was the introduction of . This new bit of crazy world-building made me feel like I missed a book, though as far as I know, this was the first mention in any of the Books of History novels. It felt a bit random and counter to previous rules of the world.
Overall, a very entertaining book, especially Darsal's storyline near the end. The new developments make the spiritual message shine through all the more. I recommend giving this a read even if you skipped the first four books and came straight from the Circle trilogy.
August 25, 2024
After a five-year absence, Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal return to Middle Forest, only to find it overrun by the Horde. Trapped in the town hall attic, they devise an escape plan, but Darsal is captured and imprisoned. While imprisoned, she succumbs to the Horde disease and becomes a mindless follower.
Johnis and Silvie escape and search for Darsal, but she remains missing. Meanwhile, Marak, a Horde general, develops a plan to use Darsal to defeat the Albinos, a rival faction.
Marak, previously a minor character, becomes a complex figure in this book. Despite his allegiance to the Horde, he experiences internal conflict when his family members are captured and executed. His loyalty to the Horde is tested, but he ultimately develops a soft spot for Darsal.
Johnis undergoes a significant transformation as he succumbs to the Horde disease. His once strong leadership qualities deteriorate, and he becomes increasingly erratic and controlled by Shaeda, a mysterious figure.
The story takes place in Middle Forest, a secluded oasis surrounded by a harsh desert. The time period is ambiguous, but it's clear that technology has regressed, leading to a reliance on traditional methods of transportation and warfare. This setting contributes to the overall atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic world.
Loyalty is a central theme explored in the book. Despite the challenges and betrayals they face, Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal remain dedicated to their cause and their loved ones. Even as they become corrupted by the Horde disease, they hold onto their inner beliefs and ultimately devise a plan to defeat it.
This book is suitable for high school students due to its complex themes and characters. While some parts may require careful attention, the overall narrative is engaging and thought-provoking. The book appeals to both male and female readers with its blend of action, adventure, and character development.
Johnis and Silvie escape and search for Darsal, but she remains missing. Meanwhile, Marak, a Horde general, develops a plan to use Darsal to defeat the Albinos, a rival faction.
Marak, previously a minor character, becomes a complex figure in this book. Despite his allegiance to the Horde, he experiences internal conflict when his family members are captured and executed. His loyalty to the Horde is tested, but he ultimately develops a soft spot for Darsal.
Johnis undergoes a significant transformation as he succumbs to the Horde disease. His once strong leadership qualities deteriorate, and he becomes increasingly erratic and controlled by Shaeda, a mysterious figure.
The story takes place in Middle Forest, a secluded oasis surrounded by a harsh desert. The time period is ambiguous, but it's clear that technology has regressed, leading to a reliance on traditional methods of transportation and warfare. This setting contributes to the overall atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic world.
Loyalty is a central theme explored in the book. Despite the challenges and betrayals they face, Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal remain dedicated to their cause and their loved ones. Even as they become corrupted by the Horde disease, they hold onto their inner beliefs and ultimately devise a plan to defeat it.
This book is suitable for high school students due to its complex themes and characters. While some parts may require careful attention, the overall narrative is engaging and thought-provoking. The book appeals to both male and female readers with its blend of action, adventure, and character development.
June 28, 2023
I just didn't find this entry into the Lost Books series that interesting. With the quest from the previous books completed (with no noticeable impact on anything much), suddenly the characters are thrown into a completely new-to-them context with little or no idea what to do next. The consciousness of Johnis, formerly our rock of faith in Elyon, is being haunted by an unknown "other woman" who forces him to take actions that are totally out of character, and we really don't ever get a clear picture of what exactly she wants from him. Sylvie devolves mostly into girl-who-protests-boyfriend's-imaginary-crush. Darsal winds up being the only character of the original four who even feels like a fully fleshed out character. There are just enough interchangeable, not-empathetic, constantly-bickering members of Horde leadership that my brain gave up trying to remember who was who on that side. It felt like the whole book was the boring setup to a better story, then I never got to the better story.
I almost wish this had been the start of a second series instead of pretending to be the continuation of the one we were already reading. I understand that we still need the books starting with "L" and "E" to spell the word "C-I-R-C-L-E" but it feels tacked on to me. All that said, I've already got the final book Elyon queued up so I can get to the end of the story. Dekker is great and writing redemptive plotlines, so I have faith that he will untangle the knots he tied in this book. I just wish he had tied them a little faster and gotten on to the good stuff earlier.
I almost wish this had been the start of a second series instead of pretending to be the continuation of the one we were already reading. I understand that we still need the books starting with "L" and "E" to spell the word "C-I-R-C-L-E" but it feels tacked on to me. All that said, I've already got the final book Elyon queued up so I can get to the end of the story. Dekker is great and writing redemptive plotlines, so I have faith that he will untangle the knots he tied in this book. I just wish he had tied them a little faster and gotten on to the good stuff earlier.
October 23, 2022
As with most of the Lost Books, I wasn’t terribly invested in this one. There was a… relationship that appeared in around the last half that grabbed my interest. The ending was rather sad and overall Johnis just really disappointed me this entire book 🤣 But I am excited to start the last of the Lost Books!
Oh I must say, if any of yall are considering reading this series or any of the Circle books, READ GREEN LAST! I read Green before this one and it spoiled quite a lot of elements so just keep that in mind.
🚨 Spoilers ahead 🚨
(spoilers for Black, Red, White, and Green as well)
Fave Chapter:
Chapter 16
Darsal drowning was just great… out of context that sounds awful 🤣 It is so nice she is in the Circle now! There that sounds better 🤣
Fave Character:
Darsal
It’s weird not picking Johnis but man he really had a rough time in this book. Darsal, despite ten years of vampire-ish relations, stayed strong and on the side of Elyon the whole time! And her budding relationship with Marak was awesome to see! She’s the reason I had motivation to keep going in the book 😆
Ship:
Johnis x Silvie
I remember really enjoying this pair in Chaos. But here not so much. At first I was disappointed that Silvie wasn’t trusting Johnis like she had up to now. Of course Silvie ended up being right but they both fell for Shaeda’s bait. Speaking of Shaeda, Silvie’s jealousy towards the leedhan reminded me a lot of Thomas and Rachelle because of Rachelle’s jealousy towards Monique. Which is only a bit annoying 😆 Johnis and Silvie had that kind of storyline for most of the book.
Darak (Darsal x Marak)
These two!!! They were the best! Interestingly enough they reminded me of Thomas and Chelise! So it was a bit funny that I felt this whole book was just switching between scenes of Thomas x Rachelle and Thomas x Chelise. Naturally being a bigger fan of Chelise’s relationship with Thomas, I was a big Darak fan here. Darsal being an albino slave to a superior Horde person… that’s exactly like Thomas and Chelise’s situation 😂 I enjoyed it with Chelise so I enjoyed it here. Excited to see them more in the next book!!
Oh I must say, if any of yall are considering reading this series or any of the Circle books, READ GREEN LAST! I read Green before this one and it spoiled quite a lot of elements so just keep that in mind.
🚨 Spoilers ahead 🚨
(spoilers for Black, Red, White, and Green as well)
Fave Chapter:
Chapter 16
Darsal drowning was just great… out of context that sounds awful 🤣 It is so nice she is in the Circle now! There that sounds better 🤣
Fave Character:
Darsal
It’s weird not picking Johnis but man he really had a rough time in this book. Darsal, despite ten years of vampire-ish relations, stayed strong and on the side of Elyon the whole time! And her budding relationship with Marak was awesome to see! She’s the reason I had motivation to keep going in the book 😆
Ship:
Johnis x Silvie
I remember really enjoying this pair in Chaos. But here not so much. At first I was disappointed that Silvie wasn’t trusting Johnis like she had up to now. Of course Silvie ended up being right but they both fell for Shaeda’s bait. Speaking of Shaeda, Silvie’s jealousy towards the leedhan reminded me a lot of Thomas and Rachelle because of Rachelle’s jealousy towards Monique. Which is only a bit annoying 😆 Johnis and Silvie had that kind of storyline for most of the book.
Darak (Darsal x Marak)
These two!!! They were the best! Interestingly enough they reminded me of Thomas and Chelise! So it was a bit funny that I felt this whole book was just switching between scenes of Thomas x Rachelle and Thomas x Chelise. Naturally being a bigger fan of Chelise’s relationship with Thomas, I was a big Darak fan here. Darsal being an albino slave to a superior Horde person… that’s exactly like Thomas and Chelise’s situation 😂 I enjoyed it with Chelise so I enjoyed it here. Excited to see them more in the next book!!
March 21, 2019
I loved the first three of the books in this series. Number four and five, not so much. I have one more to go before finishing the whole series.
I actually got a bit bored reading this one. A new character/type of creature has been introduced. I don't like her, nor do I understand her business. Perhaps while reading Elyon, the final book, it will become apparent. At any rate...
Our intrepid young explorers have returned from the past, only to find their own world radically changed. Thomas and the Forest Guard, indeed ALL of the forest dwellers are supposedly now living in the desert. The forests are overrun with Scabs. What has happened in the five years they have been gone? While Darsal is made a slave by a Scab general, Johnis and Silvie turn into scabs because Elyon's lakes are spoiled.
Off we go into the wild blue yonder...
I actually got a bit bored reading this one. A new character/type of creature has been introduced. I don't like her, nor do I understand her business. Perhaps while reading Elyon, the final book, it will become apparent. At any rate...
Our intrepid young explorers have returned from the past, only to find their own world radically changed. Thomas and the Forest Guard, indeed ALL of the forest dwellers are supposedly now living in the desert. The forests are overrun with Scabs. What has happened in the five years they have been gone? While Darsal is made a slave by a Scab general, Johnis and Silvie turn into scabs because Elyon's lakes are spoiled.
Off we go into the wild blue yonder...
June 6, 2020
2020 Book Nerd Your Way Challenge.... #30
Did not fit an available category for the EBN Challenge.
Book #5 of The Lost Books series. 3 of the chosen are back in their original world now, but everthing is different and all the rules have changed. They have to come up with a plan to save themselves and the rest of the world. Can they do it? I love the challenges they faced and the strengths and weaknesses that the characters are shown to have.
Did not fit an available category for the EBN Challenge.
Book #5 of The Lost Books series. 3 of the chosen are back in their original world now, but everthing is different and all the rules have changed. They have to come up with a plan to save themselves and the rest of the world. Can they do it? I love the challenges they faced and the strengths and weaknesses that the characters are shown to have.
March 4, 2021
I listen to this with my fifteen year old son while driving. And while we are really enjoying the series and parallels to God's truths for us today, this book was the most confusing so far. I actually found it stressful following the story. I recognise that was sometimes because I had to concentrate on traffic etc, but it was hard to pick back up. We had to keep pausing the book to discuss what on earth was happening. I'm looking forward to it all coming together in book 6!
December 30, 2023
“Lunatic” introduced some new ‘species’ for the “Lost Book” series. I know the Dekker has several worlds within the circle and outside the circle but the new species did cause me a lot of confusion. It was a good continuation and how we learn what has happened since our characters were last there. The writing wasn’t phenomenal but as I’ve stated before with these books they are written for teenagers.
October 18, 2017
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Dekker seemed completely in his element which I didn't really see in the first four books (or perhaps it was the help of the co-author?). There was so much going on and so many new ideas introduced. I think it was just what the series needed to stay engaging. The search for the lost books definitely got old after four volumes.
April 5, 2018
Again, like the others, this is an average scifi, maybe better than average, but I'll keep it at a 3. The story goes on. Mr. Dekker keeps them interesting, always a new dilemma. The writing style in this one seemed to change a little, very subtle, and maybe it's because I'm reading other books, but I do think it changed a bit.
March 31, 2019
Lunatic
Sometime, I grow weary with these books, the author tends to stay in a scene sometimes too long for my taste, like this whole story around Shaeda not even sure who she represents. I believe she is on the evil side and has possessed Johnis. I had the same problem with Chaos, too long underground in darkness. I hope Elyon is in the light.
Sometime, I grow weary with these books, the author tends to stay in a scene sometimes too long for my taste, like this whole story around Shaeda not even sure who she represents. I believe she is on the evil side and has possessed Johnis. I had the same problem with Chaos, too long underground in darkness. I hope Elyon is in the light.
March 1, 2024
I was wondering what new story might come about after Dekker wrapped up the the original story in the first four books and I was pleasantly surprised. I think I kind of like this better than the first ones. I especially like the allusions to Biblical truths. My kids tell me the Circle trilogy is better. I might be moving on when I finish this set!
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