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Martyr's Song #omnibus
The Heaven Trilogy: Heaven's Wager,When Heaven Weeps,Thunder of Heaven
Dive deep into the stories that began it all. Ted Dekker's first novels--collected together for the first time. This trilogy is the collection of three gripping, psychological thrillers that peel back the skin of this world to reveal a supernatural reality rarely seen. A daring wager of life and death in Denver. An unfathomable leap of faith in a small Balkan village near the end of WWII. A global struggle for power that begins deep in the Amazon jungle. All three stories are bound together by one family's timeless, harrowing discovery of love and all that is unseen. The Heaven Trilogy offers a window into a world more real and vital than most people ever discover here on earth. A hidden world where the real dramas of the universe--and our daily lives--continually unfold. "Well, well, well, guess what I've found. A fiction writer with a rare knack for a compelling story. Expansive...Clever...A provocative read." --Best-selling author Frank Peretti for Heaven's Wager "Don't miss this book. Don't miss this author's writing. And don't miss the point. Beautiful and suspenseful. I'll have to read this one agian."--Eric Wilson, author of the Jerusalem Unded Trilgoy, for When Heaven Weeps
1061 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2010
338 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
191 books9,989 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 58 reviews
June 29, 2012
All three books in the Heaven Trilogy share two themes:
1. The fact that God’s love is so strong that He will go to extraordinary lengths to reach an individual, and
2. The idea that a person can be called to make a significant difference in the life of another
The first theme is played out very differently in each book, but it easier to follow the second theme in a direct line through each story if you think about the trilogy in chronological order (When Heaven Weeps, followed by Heaven’s Wager and Thunder of Heaven). From that perspective, you can see how God used Jan to impact millions of people spiritually through ministry during his lifetime and how his role in turning Helen into the woman we met in the last two books allowed him to physically impact millions of others even after his death.
My reviews of the individual books are below, but overall I give the trilogy 4 stars.
September 15, 2011- Heaven's Wager (5 stars)
Without revealing too much, I'll summarize Heaven’s Wager as a twist on a classic Bible story. I'm giving the book five stars, not so much because I loved the story, but because I found it to be truly mind bending. Heaven's Wager really illustrates the lengths that God will go to achieve His ultimate goals in someone's life. If you are a Christian, it may also make you reflect on your own faith, especially if you've ever asked God to use you for His purposes.
Because I mention a couple of characters in my larger review of the trilogy, I’ll note that Helen Jovic is introduced in this book. She is best described as a wise and outspoken, but eccentric, prayer warrior. Helen is the only character that appears in all three novels.
June 27, 2012 - When Heaven Weeps (4 stars) and Thunder of Heaven (2 stars)
When Heaven Weeps and Thunder of Heaven follow a similar pattern. The reader is introduced to a somewhat ideal setting that is then shattered by tragedy. Dekker then fast forwards to the future, where you see how at least one of the characters has rebuilt their life. That character then feels God’s draw on his/her life, and the true story begins. By the end of the novel, you’re able to understand why God may have allowed the character to go through the earlier tragedy.
When Heaven Weeps
While not as mind bending as Heaven’s Wager, When Heaven Weeps is my favorite book in the trilogy. Chronologically, it is the first book in the series, and allows you to learn Helen Jovic’s back story. Helen was a unique and interesting character in Heaven’s Wager, but she becomes even more intriguing once you know of her life as a young adult. This book left me with some of the most beautiful images of God’s love for man that I’ve come across in Christian literature, and it is one of the best stories of romantic love between a man and a woman that I’ve ever read.
Thunder of Heaven
Perhaps I reached a bit of Ted Dekker or Heaven Trilogy fatigue by the time I read Thunder of Heaven, but the fact that the book shares so many similarities with When Heaven Weeps made this a much less interesting read. I did like the basic story line, but at times it seemed to move slowly and overall it felt like there were a few too many minor characters.
Most of the book is in 3 star territory – it isn’t a stellar read, but it isn’t terrible either. However, I was disappointed in the last couple of chapters. As a suspense novel, there were several questions introduced early on that were answered as the storyline drew to a close. One of them was addressed in the last chapter or two, but in a way that just didn’t make sense. There were no clues that led to that answer, and it raised tons of new questions. Most of them were quickly addressed in the epilogue, but not enough of them. I really was left with the feeling that Dekker got to the end of the book and thought “Shoot, I forgot about that. What’s the quickest way to address it?” This literary band aid resulted in me giving the book a low rating.
1. The fact that God’s love is so strong that He will go to extraordinary lengths to reach an individual, and
2. The idea that a person can be called to make a significant difference in the life of another
The first theme is played out very differently in each book, but it easier to follow the second theme in a direct line through each story if you think about the trilogy in chronological order (When Heaven Weeps, followed by Heaven’s Wager and Thunder of Heaven). From that perspective, you can see how God used Jan to impact millions of people spiritually through ministry during his lifetime and how his role in turning Helen into the woman we met in the last two books allowed him to physically impact millions of others even after his death.
My reviews of the individual books are below, but overall I give the trilogy 4 stars.
September 15, 2011- Heaven's Wager (5 stars)
Without revealing too much, I'll summarize Heaven’s Wager as a twist on a classic Bible story. I'm giving the book five stars, not so much because I loved the story, but because I found it to be truly mind bending. Heaven's Wager really illustrates the lengths that God will go to achieve His ultimate goals in someone's life. If you are a Christian, it may also make you reflect on your own faith, especially if you've ever asked God to use you for His purposes.
Because I mention a couple of characters in my larger review of the trilogy, I’ll note that Helen Jovic is introduced in this book. She is best described as a wise and outspoken, but eccentric, prayer warrior. Helen is the only character that appears in all three novels.
June 27, 2012 - When Heaven Weeps (4 stars) and Thunder of Heaven (2 stars)
When Heaven Weeps and Thunder of Heaven follow a similar pattern. The reader is introduced to a somewhat ideal setting that is then shattered by tragedy. Dekker then fast forwards to the future, where you see how at least one of the characters has rebuilt their life. That character then feels God’s draw on his/her life, and the true story begins. By the end of the novel, you’re able to understand why God may have allowed the character to go through the earlier tragedy.
When Heaven Weeps
While not as mind bending as Heaven’s Wager, When Heaven Weeps is my favorite book in the trilogy. Chronologically, it is the first book in the series, and allows you to learn Helen Jovic’s back story. Helen was a unique and interesting character in Heaven’s Wager, but she becomes even more intriguing once you know of her life as a young adult. This book left me with some of the most beautiful images of God’s love for man that I’ve come across in Christian literature, and it is one of the best stories of romantic love between a man and a woman that I’ve ever read.
Thunder of Heaven
Perhaps I reached a bit of Ted Dekker or Heaven Trilogy fatigue by the time I read Thunder of Heaven, but the fact that the book shares so many similarities with When Heaven Weeps made this a much less interesting read. I did like the basic story line, but at times it seemed to move slowly and overall it felt like there were a few too many minor characters.
Most of the book is in 3 star territory – it isn’t a stellar read, but it isn’t terrible either. However, I was disappointed in the last couple of chapters. As a suspense novel, there were several questions introduced early on that were answered as the storyline drew to a close. One of them was addressed in the last chapter or two, but in a way that just didn’t make sense. There were no clues that led to that answer, and it raised tons of new questions. Most of them were quickly addressed in the epilogue, but not enough of them. I really was left with the feeling that Dekker got to the end of the book and thought “Shoot, I forgot about that. What’s the quickest way to address it?” This literary band aid resulted in me giving the book a low rating.
April 30, 2011
These three books were wonderful! My favorite is the first one - Heaven's Wager - which takes place in modern times. I found it to be both exciting and powerful, giving a glimpse of what heaven might be like. The second book, Thunder of Heaven, which takes place years earlier and tells more about some of the characters from the first book, shows a hint of how deep God's love for us is. Finally, the third book, When Heaven Weeps, which takes place a bit after the first with a few of the same characters, shows how God works throughout lives to create a masterful plan.
October 2, 2011
I think I have just discovered another favorite author. I am not a very religious person per se, but with these books you don't have to be. The stories are incredible. I picked up this book and "The Circle," which contains four books in one. I am a fast reader and I was happy that these books were so large. I was able to read the whole series without having to wait in between time. Each story from all the books were stand alone stories, but had a few characters interwoven into each story, so you could see the relationship between what was happening in each book.
All I can say is this man is an incredible writer and I will now be looking for his other books.
All I can say is this man is an incredible writer and I will now be looking for his other books.
February 28, 2011
It pulled me in. Sucked me into a vortex that still resonates with me. Then it made me cry, and laugh, then cry, then pray and fell in love with every single main character.
January 13, 2013
THe Heaven Trilogy would be the first "Christian Fiction" genre that i've read it completely hooked me! Ted Dekker is amazing, and i
Am all for amazingly entertaining fiction that is Christian based and totally interesting, what a page turner! This is a trilogy so to be completely
Honest i finished reading "Heavens Wager, Thunder of Heaven, and about 1/4 of "When Heaven Weeps". I am not the best reader by any
Means... i would actually categorize myself as a beginner, but this book def got me hooked in the genre. I believe more of my peers would
Become readers if they had something worth reading! What better to read than stories that incorporate JESUS CHrist and are totally entertaining!
TED DEKKER is an amazing author that evokes the essence of Christ throughout his writings! Check it out! Great Read!
Am all for amazingly entertaining fiction that is Christian based and totally interesting, what a page turner! This is a trilogy so to be completely
Honest i finished reading "Heavens Wager, Thunder of Heaven, and about 1/4 of "When Heaven Weeps". I am not the best reader by any
Means... i would actually categorize myself as a beginner, but this book def got me hooked in the genre. I believe more of my peers would
Become readers if they had something worth reading! What better to read than stories that incorporate JESUS CHrist and are totally entertaining!
TED DEKKER is an amazing author that evokes the essence of Christ throughout his writings! Check it out! Great Read!
July 23, 2017
As a Christian, these books really spoke volumes to my soul. The question is always asked, "Would you die for Jesus?" Of course, every Christian would say yes, of course, they would. The situations in these books could be real and begs the question, "If you were the one in these books, in these situations, would you still die for Christ or would you beg to live?"
The descriptions of the scenarios and the twists and turns throughout these books kept me interested and had me turning the next page. I had to see what was going to happen next. This set was definitely some of the better Christian fiction books I have read that had meaning behind the storyline.
The descriptions of the scenarios and the twists and turns throughout these books kept me interested and had me turning the next page. I had to see what was going to happen next. This set was definitely some of the better Christian fiction books I have read that had meaning behind the storyline.
December 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this series! The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because the last book was a little slower. But WOW! Amazing. It has a little bit of everything; love, action, suspense, etc. It is also challenging to the Christian faith, urging readers to live like Christ--showing the ultimate love through death. Highly recommend!
January 25, 2014
I couldn't put this book down! I love Ted Dekker's books but had never read his first novels until now. Different than his later writings. More raw and obvious. The stories pulled me in and the way he described Christ's love for us was just amazing. I found myself saying 'wow' throughout the three books. So so great!
July 17, 2016
God is LOVE and in LOVE with you.
Awesome read. I wept with joy and pain from my soul. It will indulge your every spiritual part. You will finish changed from when you began. In Jesus name.
Awesome read. I wept with joy and pain from my soul. It will indulge your every spiritual part. You will finish changed from when you began. In Jesus name.
Read
March 12, 2011real drama of the world, makes it so interesting to move forward in life! one of my favorite authors.
March 8, 2015
Very early on in this book. So far the first few chapters were too overly descriptive and distracting from the story line.
June 27, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy.
February 25, 2014
Awesome!!!
April 12, 2016
I believe this is the most wonderful series I have ever read. I have read so many of Ted Dekker's books, and this trilogy might be my absolute favorite.
February 6, 2019
Ted Dekker never ceases to bring an imaginative edge to his writing. In this series, we follow the life of one man—Kent Anthony. However, what Kent doesn’t realize, is that he is part of something more, and we get to see it played out. The war between Satan and God over even one soul can be the stuff of intense drama. It’s also something that many people do not grasp. When bad things happen, it’s hard to understand that ultimately it’s for our good for Paul wrote in the book of Romans that God “works all things for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)
Along with books like This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti, Ted’s Heaven trilogy is a story that gives us a glimpse into what could be going on when we least realize it. Though it has it's slow times, the story is entertaining, and gives you something to think about.
Along with books like This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti, Ted’s Heaven trilogy is a story that gives us a glimpse into what could be going on when we least realize it. Though it has it's slow times, the story is entertaining, and gives you something to think about.
May 25, 2022
Ted Dekker books were recommended to me by a friend. Not the typical story line I read but I'm so glad I read. The story lines are awesome - suspenseful - intriguing - don't want to put it down reading. The 3 stories in the book are Heaven's Wager - When Heaven Weeps - Thunder of Heaven.
in that order. To me proper reading order should have been When Heaven Weeps - Heaven Wager - Thunder of Heaven.
I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
in that order. To me proper reading order should have been When Heaven Weeps - Heaven Wager - Thunder of Heaven.
I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
July 26, 2021
Awesome
The Heaven Trilogy and The Martyrs Song are amazing books that teach us of God's love! The only suggestion I have is to read The Martyrs Song first. Then read When Heaven Weeps. Then read Heavens Wager. And finally read Thunder of Heaven. They make the most sense that way. Again a great series from Ted Dekker!!!
The Heaven Trilogy and The Martyrs Song are amazing books that teach us of God's love! The only suggestion I have is to read The Martyrs Song first. Then read When Heaven Weeps. Then read Heavens Wager. And finally read Thunder of Heaven. They make the most sense that way. Again a great series from Ted Dekker!!!
November 4, 2021
It started out strong with a good story. It ended ok. I was a little confused in some spots, there are a lot of people to remember and some use more than one name. It didn't read real smooth for me but all in all it wasn't horrible. Just not as good as I thought it was going to be. I feel like there were some loose ends that never got explained.
December 1, 2017
I'd give the first book a 4star, second book 3star, and the last one 3.5star. I liked them overall, just felt like lots of slow moving parts that were enough to keep me from wanting to pick the book back up. Just not what I'm used to with Dekker...
January 24, 2018
Excellent!
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. I cried laugh you name it. I recommend this, you will not regret it.
I love the characters, I love the theme of God's and forgiveness throughout each book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. I cried laugh you name it. I recommend this, you will not regret it.
I love the characters, I love the theme of God's and forgiveness throughout each book!
March 19, 2018
Great book
His writing never disappoints. The heavenly series starts out with a Great story and gets better with the next and the next. Dekker knows how to spin a tale. And always a tale that offers Life.
His writing never disappoints. The heavenly series starts out with a Great story and gets better with the next and the next. Dekker knows how to spin a tale. And always a tale that offers Life.
October 23, 2021
Love Ted Dekkers style of writing and the storylines
He challenges you to think. Characters are well thought out and developed nicely. I think I have read almost all of his books. Never disappoints.
He challenges you to think. Characters are well thought out and developed nicely. I think I have read almost all of his books. Never disappoints.
April 13, 2022
I love these books, Ted Dekker is a great writer, I love his books! These made me realize how real Jesus and Heaven is, I cannot wait to go there and see Jesus and always be happy and without pain anymore!
August 10, 2023
AWESOME
I absolutely LOVED this trilogy. I am such a huge fan, the stories always speak volumes to me. Ted Dekker is a fabulous writer, God has definitely given him such a gift for touching people through his work! Thank you Ted!
I absolutely LOVED this trilogy. I am such a huge fan, the stories always speak volumes to me. Ted Dekker is a fabulous writer, God has definitely given him such a gift for touching people through his work! Thank you Ted!
November 1, 2017
A must read
This trilogy is a must read for Dekker fans and should be read by all. Great books start to finish, you will not be disappointed!
This trilogy is a must read for Dekker fans and should be read by all. Great books start to finish, you will not be disappointed!
March 12, 2018
heaven
March 15, 2018
I really tried to like this series after all the rave reviews but could not get past the first half of the first book. Predictable and unimaginatively written.
November 13, 2018
Great
It was a clean read
Couldn’t put it down. I don’t understand why the books weren’t in order. The first book is actually the second
It was a clean read
Couldn’t put it down. I don’t understand why the books weren’t in order. The first book is actually the second
December 31, 2018
I’m a Ted Dekker fan
Got better with each book...Heaven’s Wager was ok, but the next 2 were good! Candy for the soul. To lay down one’s life, no greater love
Got better with each book...Heaven’s Wager was ok, but the next 2 were good! Candy for the soul. To lay down one’s life, no greater love
April 27, 2019
Good book!!
As always, Ted Dekker writes another great imaginative book!
Everyone should have a "Helen" in their life! We all need one!
As always, Ted Dekker writes another great imaginative book!
Everyone should have a "Helen" in their life! We all need one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews