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Immanuel's Veins (Books of History Chronicles)

by Ted Dekker (Goodreads Author)

3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 · rating details · 2,743 ratings · 410 reviews

This story is for everyone--but not everyone is for this story.

It is a dangerous tale of times past. A love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.

Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.

With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind....more

Audio CD, 13 pages

Published September 7th 2010 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Feb 14, 2011 Carlos Velez rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: didn-t-like-didn-t-finish

I don't want to finish this book.

It is one of those stories where the dude (Toma) sees some girl (Lucine) who is beautiful and falls instantly and madly in love. But there is no reason for him to be in love. Ted Dekker spends 90% of the first several chapters of the book going on and on about the emotions Toma felt, and how he can't focus, can't think straight, is nervous, is a teenaged-emo kid with raging hormones. But at no point do Toma and the object of his obsession ever have a conversation...more

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Nov 26, 2010 Kylie Crucifixion rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Thanks again Ted for keeping me up all night and giving me ANOTHER (good) cry!!

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Mar 30, 2013 Marissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

My blog: Here's the link to my blog.
Full Book Review: Here's the link to my review.

This is a story of love, lust, and what lies in between. It is a story of sacrifice. It is a battle between powerful beings. And it most definitely is an emotionally-stirring book.

Star Rating: 4.75 stars

Content Rating: PG-13 (For mature audiences.)

Opinions:

I understand why some people found this book controversial. It is definitely different from books I typically read, and did have some sensual pulls and moment...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Carla rated it 2 of 5 stars

I can't help to compare an author's book with his or her other writings...this was not Dekker's best. In comparing Immanuel's Veins to Boneman's Daughters for instance, this one pales significantly. The characters and the story start off with all of the promise of intrigue, interwoven connections, and the anticipation that something is going to go terribly wrong. That soon faded, however, into repetitive character exchanges, monotonous self-reflection by a few, and during the middle I was tempte...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Originalfirefly rated it 1 of 5 stars

So - I'm usually a pretty easy critic. I enjoy books - period. I picked this one up thinking Ted Dekker was a Christian author. (I don't read a lot of Christian fiction in general, but when I was perusing the library that was what made me pick it up.)

I didn't much care for the following things:

- Pretty sure it says in Genesis that those demonic beings were wiped out. I don't mind stories that elaborate outside of what is written in the Bible, as long as they don't contradict it. (The Red Tent fo...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Cassondra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fantasy

Wow. I had begun to dislike Ted Dekker's books in recent years what with all the darkness that seemed to be portrayed in them, especially his thrillers. I have always believed that an in depth study or knowledge of evil is not the way to fight it and that seemed to be something many of his books endeavored to do: educate one on evil so it can be avoided.

I am very pleased to say that this book is nothing like that. It has, in fact, made me think I had misjudged his books. I will definitely give h...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Natalie rated it 4 of 5 stars

The cover was really compelling to me but I wasn't sure I was going to dig it because it wasn't set in present day. I usually like books that are present day but since it was Ted Dekker and I absolutely love pretty much anything that he writes, of course I had to purchase it. The beginning is very interesting (the preface) and makes you want to keep reading. This story is similar to a parable and is another one of Dekker's allegories which are powerful. You actually need to be able to think and...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Tim George rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: suspense

Toma Nicolescu and his companion Alec Cardei have seen more battles and faced more fierce enemies than either can remember in their service to their Empress, Catherine the Great. And now they have been sent on a special assignment to protect a Moldavian countess and her two daughters, Lucine and Natasha. The countess is a free spirit who has raised her daughters to live for the moment and whatever love (or lust) they care to explore. Such instantly appeals to Alec who both acknowledges being the...more Toma Nicolescu and his companion Alec Cardei have seen more battles and faced more fierce enemies than either can remember in their service to their Empress, Catherine the Great. And now they have been sent on a special assignment to protect a Moldavian countess and her two daughters, Lucine and Natasha. The countess is a free spirit who has raised her daughters to live for the moment and whatever love (or lust) they care to explore. Such instantly appeals to Alec who both acknowledges being the lover of the pair. But not Toma. He is a warrior, bound by duty and honor to the will of his empress.

It doesn’t take but the first night’s banquet to make Toma realize he and his companion in arms have walked into something neither anticipated. A group of Russians have been invited and while strangely alluring, Toma senses they are also equally dangerous. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he should have paid more heed to the strange old man he and Alec met before arriving. When Toma called him a devil the shriveled character had replied, “I am not the devil … he is more beautiful than I.” But Toma does not believe in the devil or God so he did not listen. That will all change in the few days to come.

Immanuel’s Veins is in some ways a radical departure for Dekker as he tackles what appears to be a historical romance. But at its foundation, this is a return for the author to themes he so profoundly explored in The Circle series. That leads me to wonder if Toma is too closely similar to Thomas Hunter to be coincidence. And I wonder if Dekker will admit to it since he swears this isn’t a vampire novel. Yes, a vampire novel. And a testament to the power of this story is my aversion to all things vampire. It’s not that I have anything against the good vs. evil story of the legends that continue to swirl around old Vlad the Impaler of Transylvania. But this reviewer avoids band wagons and has grown tired of the modern interpretation of the legend that has turned the blood suckers into sympathetic cases driven more by 20 something angst than evil.

In a way only Dekker can, he puts the bad back into Vlad (forgive the pun). What Toma encounters in Vlad van Valerik, a Russian aristocrat, challenges everything the soldier has always been sure of. And though duty and honor are the driving force of his life it is his love for one of the daughters, Lucine, that becomes his north star. The greatest lesson Toma has to learn is that he can no longer trust in his sword and strength of will to fight every battle. Evil runs in the veins of Vlad van Valerik and only something more powerful can overcome him – the blood of Immanuel’s veins.

A warning – this is not a book for the faint of heart. Nothing is held back in drawing a picture both of the blackness of sin and evil or the effect they have on the human soul. Just as in Black, Red, White, and Green, Dekker turns the heart inside-out and shows us what wickedness looks like when it breaks beyond the veil of the hidden spiritual and shows itself in the flesh. You will never forget what Toma feels as he looks into the black pools of temptation that rest in the eyes of Valerik’s daughter. Nor will you be able to set aside how quickly the suave exterior and sweet words of Valerik transform into something akin to the very breath of hell.

Immanuel’s Veins is a story of power, lust, love, evil … and redemption. And it reminds us that redemption did not come without the greatest of costs. It is most appropriate that Toma comes to understand this in the darkest of places in the most hopeless of moments. After all, isn’t that where we come to really comprehend what redemption is?(less)

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Jun 05, 2012 Eliana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You pick up this book 'cause of its cool title and since it says "Dekker" on it ... Here's my review.

I like the point of the book that DekKer made overall about how powerful seduction really is. However, in the middle it dragged--a lot--and at times I felt I was slogging through it, and WHY is Toma in love with Lucine!?!? Because she's beautiful and you "understand" each other? NO! I would've enjoyed the book more if it hadn't been from Toma's point of view in the different sections.
Not so much...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Steven rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

My rating on this deserves explanation.
My feeling about this was on a Love/hate basis. My first problem with the book was that it was made obvious they were vampires but the characters didn't seem catch on. My other problem was that Mr. Dekker was simply following the vampire fad EVERY ONE ELSE IS. Twilight made Vamps awesome and everyone seemed to have jumped on the bandwagon. Then he also tried using "clever" names such as "Vlad" and "Alucard" in the names. Okay, so we all know Alucard is Dra...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Teresa rated it 1 of 5 stars

What do you call a male "bodice ripper" ? A cod piece crusher? This book was not worthy of Mr Dekker's usual effort. It is repetitive in thoughts, actions, and words. Melodramatic to the point of ridiculous. Ted... we "get" it.. they are Vampires!! There's NO MYSTERY!! The minute "Vlad" (Couldn't you think of a name that was a little more original?) walks through the door we know what he is..or.. do you think your readers are really that dense that you have to repeat the obvious over and over? I...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Valerie LeComte rated it 4 of 5 stars

Immanuel's Veins (Ted Dekker)
- Highlight on Page 152 | Loc. 2523-25 | Added on Tuesday, June 07, 2011, 10:49 PM

“We aren’t machines meant to perform, but creatures of love, of emotion. Ultimately we all give our loyalty only to that for which we have true affection. Our dreams, hopes, and desires lead us, not our duty to a master. Unless we have true affection for that master, yes?”
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Immanuel's Veins (Ted Dekker)
- Highlight on Page 175 | Loc. 2879 | Added on Tuesday, June 07, 2011, 11:03...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Jody Mena rated it 5 of 5 stars

The gist of this book is that Christianity makes perfect sense, but only if vampires exist. Yet in spite of the preachy evangelical metaphors, it kept me hooked all the way through, and that just proves it was a really good book. I was lured to read this book by the tag line on the cover: "This book is for everyone, but not everyone is for this book."; like a moron, I took it as a challenge (thinking it was something more along the lines of the Marquis de Sade, silly me). It wasn't nearly so con...more The gist of this book is that Christianity makes perfect sense, but only if vampires exist. Yet in spite of the preachy evangelical metaphors, it kept me hooked all the way through, and that just proves it was a really good book. I was lured to read this book by the tag line on the cover: "This book is for everyone, but not everyone is for this book."; like a moron, I took it as a challenge (thinking it was something more along the lines of the Marquis de Sade, silly me). It wasn't nearly so controversial as promised, and not even slightly life-changing, as promised in the testimonials in the front of the book (seriously, who are these people?); nevertheless, I found I couldn't stop reading. It was a real vampire story, no sparkles (Twilight) or tattoos (House of Night) or hard-boiled-necromancer-private-eye-with-a-male-harem (Anita Blake); don't get me wrong, I love it when the vampires are just misunderstood anti-heroes, but there's something to be said for the real, 18th century, Transylvania-esque setting, characters that are just black-and-white enough to make it a classic good-versus-evil fairy tale, and vampires that are sexy, evil, blood-drinking monsters, truly the bad guys for once. One complaint, I found Vlad's change of character a little forced near the end. There was no lead-up or reason given for the sudden change from a charming lover into a violent monster, other than as a convenient plot device for the reader to suddenly dislike him. Come to that, there was really no lead-up or reason for Toma's infatuation with Lucine, but that's romance novels for you, so it was a bit less vivid. Toma's conversion to Christianity was a little heavy handed; the author laid it on a little thick. Incidentally, the portrayal of the corrupt Bishop and Church were spot on. All told, it was a really good book, I couldn't put it down! If you can suspend your disbelief, you will surely find it an great romantic horror tale, and you may or may not find it 'life changing' - read it and find out!(less)

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Oct 11, 2011 Jenni Noordhoek rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: adults, maybe an older teen

Shelves: speculative-fiction

The 2-star rating is probably not really deserved - Dekker is very good at what he does - it's personal opinion based on what I got out of the book.

First of all, addressing the 'Christian' concerns over the book:

Dekker has only one thing on his mind when he writes, apparently. Christ's love for the church, etc. (I think all of the books of his that I've read touch on this subject at least once, and some spend most of the time discussing it) This story is a little different.

Act 1 goes by with...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Tanner rated it 3 of 5 stars

A solid book by Ted Dekker filled with blatant sacrificial-Christ overtones. Everything is an emotional emphasis on the meaning of true love in a substitution-like manner or that is what Dekker wants you to think. I actually found the story as Dekker's answer to the current vampiric-love story craze. Not a bad response, really. The story is interesting and reminded me of the movie "Interview with a Vampire" in its dark tone and setting. Dekker does a good job in emphasizing an eerie quality to h...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dekker's tagline for this book is 'This story is for everyone, but not everyone is for this story.' It is so true. As true to Dekker form 'Immanuel's Veins' was extremely well written and had you riveted by the end of the 1st chapter. I like the book now that I'm done with it, but while reading it I wasn't liking it. Mainly because I choose my genres carefully, and read fantasy and mystery mainly because I'm not into the sensuality side of things. However, by the time I finished the book I saw t...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Gail Welborn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of supernatural fiction

Recommended to Gail by: No One

Shelves: reviews

Immanuel's Veins, by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, Hardcover, 2010, Hardcover, 384 Pages,
ISBN-13:978-1595540096, $25.99

"Beware, Toma...There is evil in the wind... Beware the evil..."

Toma, Catherine the Great's fiercest warrior, and his friend, Alec, had paused to rest their mounts before proceeding to the "great white" Moldavian castle below, the concern of their mission. To protect the Cantemir family, particularly twin sisters, Natasha and Lucine. At the sound of the man's voice Toma wheeled h...more

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Jan 11, 2011 Fylvia added it

I feel like such a jerk giving a negative review of a book that begins with 16 raving endorsements. The only thing I liked about the book was the skillful development of the character Toma. His persona was unveiled in parallel to the unveiling of the theme of sacrificial love.

Beyond that, there were a few things that bothered me:

1) The inconsistency of the language. The story is set in the 1700s, but the conversations are mixed with colloquial phrases from centuries later. Phrases such as “hunk...more

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Nov 22, 2010 Goldarrow Of The Silver Bow rated it 1 of 5 stars

Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-Dooo “Welcome, you have just entered the Twilight Zone.” *turns off Twilight Zone theme song*

Ok ok so I am going to get hate mail for this but, this book sucked. I felt like I was in the twilight zone, you know the Twilight book series “twilight zone”. Really Mr. Dekker, you had to copy cat that? Couldn’t you come up with something new?

As always with Dekker the opening of Immanuel’s Veins was good.

But the morals were so messed up through out the book I almost put it down...more

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Sep 26, 2010 Janna rated it 3 of 5 stars

I love Ted Dekker. Seriously, I love his writing, his style, his stories and can I just say that I met him last year and he is just a great guy (and I'll just say what we're all thinking - he's pretty sexy too!). I love the way his stories suck you in and grip you until they are finished and then they keep your mind captivated for days after. "Boneman's Daughters" was really good, "Kiss" with Erin Healy was excellent, "The Lost Books" are amazing, you get the idea. I was really excited for "Imma...more

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Sep 26, 2010 Nicola rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, no-longer-own

Acquired: Received a review copy from Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze Program.

Reason for Reading: I've been a fan of Dekker's for a few years and am reading each new book that comes out.

A warrior, Toma, and his companion are sent to guard a Lady and her twin daughters as the Empress feels they may be in danger and the daughters are suitable to be used for marriage negotiations. His companion has an affair with one daughter and Toma falls in love with the other but keeps his feelings to himself as he...more Acquired: Received a review copy from Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze Program.

Reason for Reading: I've been a fan of Dekker's for a few years and am reading each new book that comes out.

A warrior, Toma, and his companion are sent to guard a Lady and her twin daughters as the Empress feels they may be in danger and the daughters are suitable to be used for marriage negotiations. His companion has an affair with one daughter and Toma falls in love with the other but keeps his feelings to himself as he is duty bound not to become involved. Through his companion's escapades though, Toma, becomes aware that the nearby neighbours living in what one would call more a fortress than a castle are not only dangerous but downright evil. Ultimately, this is another take on the vampire tale, though the V-word is never used. Instead the mythology is taken from fantastical Biblical interpretations of the Nephilim. The story is a sensual one, full of lust and enticing senses. It is a story of Good vs. Evil, of the Passion of Christ, God's Love and redemption. However, the book would also read as a paranormal by non-believers.

The first half of the book has a very strong Gothic feeling with dark castles in the night, women wandering alone, long musky tunnels underground and strange portraits hung on the wall. Typical of that genre is the melodramatic love story that would match any Victorian Gothic. Ted Dekker once again writes another book that keeps you turning the pages with an eerie atmospheric suspense. This book, though, is quite different than anything I've read by Dekker at this point. I won't say it's my favourite but the story was certainly gripping and intriguing.

I did have a some theological problems with the book though. Set in a country and era where all the characters are part of the Russian Orthodox Church (whether practicing or not), Dekker's characters were somewhat unrealistic. Water was made holy, by having a just-turned believer saying a few words that came to mind over it, a crucifix as well. An Orthodox Christian would know this would not necessarily even work and a priest's blessing would be needed for the type of Evil we are talking here. And secondly, this man who is a soldier in the Empress's Army fighting for God goes over the Lord's words at the Last Supper in his mind and vehemently stresses the symbolic nature of the blood at the Eucharist. An Orthodox Christian in 1700s Russia wouldn't even have contemplated such heresy, never mind have taken it as some sort of "fact". (less)

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Sep 22, 2010 Cafelilybookreviews rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Like bees to honey, no doubt fans of Ted Dekker will flock to his newest book. However, I made the unfortunate mistake of choosing Immanuel’s Veins as the first book I would read to expose myself to this author and I believe it soured me.

Dekker is wildly popular and has a steady following so I’m sure that the bad taste left in my mouth after reading this book is due to my personal preferences. On the back of the book it says: “But remember, not everyone is for this story.” And I would caution r...more

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Sep 15, 2010 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Older Teens through adult

Recommended to Theresa by: Thomas Nelson

Shelves: christian, fantasy, fiction, paranormal-fiction, review-copy, romance, suspense, thriller

"Immanuel's Veins" holds all the qualities I love about Ted Dekker's novels - suspense, intrigue and bone-chilling scenes that makes me hold my breath, plus an amazing message that isn't soon forgotten.

I love Dekker's books. His writing style is one that sucks me in. From the time I open the book until the time I've finished it, I'm lost in another world that I don't want to be pulled away from. "Immanuel's Veins" did not disappoint me. It takes place in Russia in 1772 and focuses around Catheri...more

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Sep 14, 2010 Brenda Casto rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The year is 1772, and Toma Nicolescu and his friend Alec Cardei have seen their fair share of battles while serving the empress of Russia, Catherine the Great. So when they are dispatched to Moldavia to protect the Cantemir family, a very influential family in Moldavia, until the empress could appoint a ruler for that country who would be loyal to Catherine the Great, they think it will be an easy job.
The Cantemir family consisted of Kesia and her twin daughters Lucine and Natasha. Both girls ha...more

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Sep 14, 2010 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker is a stand out book by a controversial Christian author. Toma Nicolescu is a devoted warrior for Catherine, Empress of Russia, so when he is sent to Moldavia with Alek, his comrade-in-arms, to protect the twin daughters, Lucine and Natasha, of an important estate, he intends to remain businesslike, despite their renowned beauty. Alek and Natasha have an immediate connection as lovers of passion and freedom. Toma is mysteriously drawn to Lucine, but his duty to Russ...more

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Sep 11, 2010 Elise rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction, own

I did not get my copy of IV till last night, but I finished it before sleep closed my eyes! One word- AMAZING! I will probably ready it again today, this is a book that screams to be reread. It is a story that weaves thrill into a romance so beautiful that you can't stop reading until you know that the pure desperate love overcomes. The minor references to Circle subjects/characters gives a fitting conclusion to fans of that series, while those who have not read it will enjoy IV, not feeling tha...more I did not get my copy of IV till last night, but I finished it before sleep closed my eyes! One word- AMAZING! I will probably ready it again today, this is a book that screams to be reread. It is a story that weaves thrill into a romance so beautiful that you can't stop reading until you know that the pure desperate love overcomes. The minor references to Circle subjects/characters gives a fitting conclusion to fans of that series, while those who have not read it will enjoy IV, not feeling that they have missed anything. If you have not yet gotten a copy of IV, DO IT TODAY! You will not be disappointed. You will be blown away by a picture of love that will leave you feeling desperate for more.

The fight between love vs. lust/evil is so clearly drawn in this story that one hungers for more love, if only to see it rise up to overcome the lust that draws the beloved away. The first person dialogue of the hero of the story lends itself well to the reader identifying with his struggle.

The reality of the heroines emotions; that of a desire to be loved so wholly, so deeply that she would accept lust as a substitute, really pinpoints where many are. Both in human relationships, and in our relationship with Christ, we do hunger so much for true love that sometimes we settle for lust instead. It is a wonderful picture of the love Christ has for us, that he would sacrifice himself for the very chance that we would accept his love. However, we so often, like Lucine in IV, see the lusts of this world that offer themselves to us now. Even though partaking in those things leads to a death of our soul, we hunger so deeply to be filled that we accept the lie that the lusts of the flesh allow us to live, placating our fading conscience with the statement "How can you be dead when you feel alive."

However, now that I have been glowing in my praise, I would be remiss if I did not point out a few things that bothered me. While I love the book, and highly recommend it, there were a few small things that struck a cord with me as being not quite right. Most notably the eruption of love between the Toma and Lucine. It strikes so fast, so unexpectedly, and in the face of efforts not to allow it to grow by the very parties involved. Not that things like this cannot happen, but true love hardly blossoms overnight, and never at first sight. It presents an unhealthy view of what true love is. Now granted, I do believe that Dekker was trying to paint a picture of the draw that God had already placed between them and that this passion that erupted so overwhelmingly on the part of Toma was just his calling to be her Immanuel at an early stage. However it does fall into looking much like the simple infatuation/lust that many experience upon first sight, restrained only by the duty/honor that keeps Toma acting like his friend Alek. Pure love often grows from desire, but is coupled with knowledge; knowing the beloved and choosing to love. I think that part is well illustrated in the latter part of IV, but the rapid infatuation/desire left me feeling Tomas love a little cheapened for a while.(less)

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Sep 07, 2010 Jenn Stevens rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of IV, and have read it twice. Ted has really gone over the top with this novel. It is sure to create some controversy due to the raw emotion bled into the page- A good thing, I think. I've read all of Ted's books, and am inspired by his honest, unapologetic style. I found Immanuel's Veins to be his most powerful work thus far. It really made me think and examine preconceived notions I had about my Creator and myself, among other things. It even made me un...more I was lucky enough to get an early copy of IV, and have read it twice. Ted has really gone over the top with this novel. It is sure to create some controversy due to the raw emotion bled into the page- A good thing, I think. I've read all of Ted's books, and am inspired by his honest, unapologetic style. I found Immanuel's Veins to be his most powerful work thus far. It really made me think and examine preconceived notions I had about my Creator and myself, among other things. It even made me uncomfortable in some places. Yet, if an author can't do that, they aren't worth reading.

Ted has a gift for making us see things as they are, not just in a way that makes us feel good or make us comfortable in our faith. His novels don't look like your typical "Christian" fiction, yet it's hard to read any of them without witnessing God's love as it conquers evil. It's not preachy. It's deep. It's often painful. It sometimes makes you squirm and want to put it down. It unapologetically calls out evil as it is-terrifying, real, seductive, and walking among us every day. Ted also gives us a story of God's ability to vanquish that evil with a Creator's relentless pursuit of us in a Great Romance. And that will blow you away-

Immanuel's Veins is on a basic level a beautiful, fast paced love story between Toma Nicolescu, a warrior for Catherine the Great in 1770's Eastern Europe, and his charge, Lucine Cantimir, who has fallen under the spell of a Duke in nearby Castle Castile. There are stormy nights, dungeons, feasts, towers, battles for the honor of the ladies, and lots of other historical action adventures. There are many twists and turns, and you are never quite sure what is around the next corner. There are many epic good and evil battles throughout the novel. It will really make you examine how evil can (and does) use love for its own benefit to ensnare.

There is so much more to the story of Toma and Lucine, though. Immanuel's Veins is the story of a savior's love for his bride, and just how far a savior will go to rescue His Bride. This love story will bring tears to your eyes. It will lift your eyes toward heaven and redefine what romance is all about. It all starts with a Lover and a Beloved. Beyond that, you will just have to dive in, dive deep, and grab ahold of this epic novel.
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Jul 17, 2012 Joshua Rollins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Toma Nicolescu is sent by the Queen of Russia to protect the Cantemir twins and their mother from harm.Toma is ordered by the Queen not to fall in love with any of the Cantemirs, but when Toma lays eyes on Lucine Cantmeir he falls in love at that moment.When Toma does not speak of his love for lucine another man comes to ask for her hand, not just anyman but the Duke Vlad van Valerik.Toma come to comes find out after visiting his castle that Vlad and his coven are some kind of blood sucking beas...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

I must start off by saying that I had a hard time finding out what this book was even really about... One of the ladies at the library recommended it to me and said someone I know had just finished it and liked it. The inside flaps of the hardcover only contain reviews and the authors bio, the description here on Goodreads didn't tell me anything, and so while at the library I looked up the summary on the card catalog computer and got that it dealt with good vs. evil and a love triangle. Finally...more I must start off by saying that I had a hard time finding out what this book was even really about... One of the ladies at the library recommended it to me and said someone I know had just finished it and liked it. The inside flaps of the hardcover only contain reviews and the authors bio, the description here on Goodreads didn't tell me anything, and so while at the library I looked up the summary on the card catalog computer and got that it dealt with good vs. evil and a love triangle. Finally, a bit of something to go on! Also, the cover had a round silver circle sticker on it proclaiming "See First Pages for How This Book Is Changing Lives!" The first pages contained more reviews from regular reader folks, titled as some name and then 'Mother', 'Student', 'Business Owner' or other benign descriptions. Intrigued more by the lack of information than what I did know, I took it home. (This is either a terrible, or really clever, way to market a book. I want to say the former, but after all, I did check it out.)

The story itself opened up to me as a bit of BROMANCE novel, a bodice ripper for guys although it was never overly explicit and left a lot to your own imagination.

The main character, Toma, is in the service of Russia's Catherine the Great and must protect a family in her name, a family with two very lovely twin daughters. With his trusty best friend Alek, who is far more lover than fighter, the two make their way to the Cantemir Estaste. Almost reaching their destination the men are told by an old man, "there is evil in the wind. Beware, Toma. Beware the evil."

The evil turns out to be Vlad van Valerik, master of Castle Castile. A man given to wearing black clothing and things such as capes, high collars, and red lace at his wrists. His followers obey his every word, they all party into the night, and everyone has weird looking eyes. The books never names what sort of creature these people are, even when it's determined blood is their drink of choice.

The setting is dark and mysterious. The author did a great job at setting a mood. The writing is usually well done, although at times I found references to modern language that pulled away from the setting and time period of the book. The sentence "What is it with you fallen ones, always wanting what isn't yours?" left me wondering if someone was going to be told to talk to the hand... It just didn't play off well.

This is an adult vampire story; think Twilight with a lot more sensuality for adults. Again, the story never did overtly discuss sex acts and in that manner, I think the best things were in what was left unsaid. That said, I do see a market for this story and for those who are caught up in the current monster craze.

This book was a quick, easy read. The chapters weren't very long and the print of the book is quite large. I have never read this author before and I might try something else from him - if I can find what the books are actually about.(less)

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Mar 07, 2012 Hannah rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Hannah by: Mother

I am so done with Ted Dekker. Goodness, I've said that for the last few books, but this time I mean it!

Why, you might ask? Because I'm sick of these mediocre books he's been putting out. It seems like Dekker is pushing out books like a bunny pushes out babies. Everywhere I turn, I hear of a new book coming out authored by him and some lukewarm, relatively unknown coauthor that probably wrote most of the book. The books no longer seem to be about telling stories and relying powerful morals; they...more

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About Ted Dekker

Ted 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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Books by Ted Dekker

White: The Great Pursuit (The Circle, #3)

Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle, #1)

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Quotes from Immanuel's Veins

“There is indeed good and there is indeed evil, and both walk the earth. But good has little to do with the forms of religion, and evil has as little to do with so much behavior condemned by religion. Both good and evil vie for the passions of the heart. For love!” — 37 people liked it

“Immanuel, God with us-that He would leave the spiritual realm and be present in the flesh and blood in such an act of humility is a staggering notion. As it is, He willingly gave His blood, in the flesh, so that others might find life, for it is written: "He did not come by water only, but by blood," and "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission." Now blood is required to give new life to the dead.
I tell you, He did not give only a small amount to satisfy this requirement. He was beaten and crushed and pierced until that blood flowed like a river for the sake of love. It was for love, not religion, that He died.
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel's veins. And those plunged beneath that watery grave to drink of His blood will never be the same.” — 23 people liked it

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