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The Circle #2
Red: The Heroic Rescue
"We have stepped off the cliff and are falling into madness."
Thomas Hunter is caught between two shocking realities, each facing a meltdown of epic proportions. When he dreams in one world, he awakens in the other. In one reality, Thomas is a respected military leader urgently trying to deliver the vastly outnumbered Forest People from an agonizing calamity that will end life as they know it. In the other, he's trying desperately to work with the world's top leaders to stop the release of the deadliest airborne virus ever created.
The earth's population is facing the worst global crisis in history. This virus has a three-week latency period, and only ten days remain before its deadly power is unleashed. Thomas must find a way to change history--or face the destruction of two worlds.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
543 people are currently reading
10314 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books10k 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 1,023 reviews
April 27, 2019
W.o.w. I don't think mere words can actually encompass my thoughts about this book, but I will do my best.
This isn't the type of book I usually read, but, at the insistence of several friends, I decided to give this series a shot. A strangely gripping combination of sci-fi, thriller, and fantasy, The Circle series is unlike anything I've ever read, and, I would guess, unparalleled in its genre. (Whatever genre that is.)
First off, any expectations you may have when you start this book, just throw them out of the window right here and now. Black completely turned my expectations on their head, and not completely in a good way. It was just so different from what I expected that I struggled a bit. Certain elements were so bizarre they were too bizarre for me.
That being said, by the time I finished Black, there was no way I could just not read the rest of the series. So I dove into Red. (Quick note: I listened to the audiobook version of Red and highly recommend it. The narrator is fabulous.)
Red. What to even say. All the previously high stakes are raised to even higher levels, and you have no idea how anything can turn out right. It was somewhat jarring for me to go from young, naive Thomas in the other world to 40-year-old war hero general Thomas. That was a pretty big jump that took some getting used to, but I grew to love that Thomas just as much as the Thomas in Black. Dekker knows how to do characters well--each and every one is so colorful and unique, and that's one of the main reasons I loved this so much. Note for those who were offended that I didn't like Rachelle in Black, I did like her much better in Red, just so you know. ;)
The other reason is the allegory. Wow. While I'm not sure how I feel about the way Dekker portrayed certain allegorical elements, overall he did a fabulous job. Certain elements of the allegory are so incredibly moving I was brought to tears several times. It definitely gave me a new perspective on certain biblical events, which I loved.
Speaking of tears, just as it seemed like everything was going to turn out okay, nope, it's not okay. The final twist at the end had me sobbing into my sister's shoulder. Not cool, Dekker. I can't say much because of spoilers, but that end twist was both devastating and moving. Painful, but incredibly well done.
Overall, Red is a masterfully written book. It's certainly not for everyone, but I don't think anyone can deny the amount of sheer talent and brilliance it takes to write something like this epic piece of fiction.
Now excuse me, I'm off to read White. :)
This isn't the type of book I usually read, but, at the insistence of several friends, I decided to give this series a shot. A strangely gripping combination of sci-fi, thriller, and fantasy, The Circle series is unlike anything I've ever read, and, I would guess, unparalleled in its genre. (Whatever genre that is.)
First off, any expectations you may have when you start this book, just throw them out of the window right here and now. Black completely turned my expectations on their head, and not completely in a good way. It was just so different from what I expected that I struggled a bit. Certain elements were so bizarre they were too bizarre for me.
That being said, by the time I finished Black, there was no way I could just not read the rest of the series. So I dove into Red. (Quick note: I listened to the audiobook version of Red and highly recommend it. The narrator is fabulous.)
Red. What to even say. All the previously high stakes are raised to even higher levels, and you have no idea how anything can turn out right. It was somewhat jarring for me to go from young, naive Thomas in the other world to 40-year-old war hero general Thomas. That was a pretty big jump that took some getting used to, but I grew to love that Thomas just as much as the Thomas in Black. Dekker knows how to do characters well--each and every one is so colorful and unique, and that's one of the main reasons I loved this so much. Note for those who were offended that I didn't like Rachelle in Black, I did like her much better in Red, just so you know. ;)
The other reason is the allegory. Wow. While I'm not sure how I feel about the way Dekker portrayed certain allegorical elements, overall he did a fabulous job. Certain elements of the allegory are so incredibly moving I was brought to tears several times. It definitely gave me a new perspective on certain biblical events, which I loved.
Speaking of tears, just as it seemed like everything was going to turn out okay, nope, it's not okay. The final twist at the end had me sobbing into my sister's shoulder. Not cool, Dekker. I can't say much because of spoilers, but that end twist was both devastating and moving. Painful, but incredibly well done.
Overall, Red is a masterfully written book. It's certainly not for everyone, but I don't think anyone can deny the amount of sheer talent and brilliance it takes to write something like this epic piece of fiction.
Now excuse me, I'm off to read White. :)
September 4, 2024
The thrill ride continues...
November 26, 2017
I enjoyed Black: The Birth of Evil more than this one, but towards the end of Red: The Heroic Rescue I became emotionally involved in the story. So while the overall entertainment was slightly less in this installment, it got me really invested in the story and the characters. I’m excited to continue the series and see where this all goes.
February 6, 2017
(So it took me a long time to read this but after A Time To Rise, I had this temporary reading slump)
Wow.
There were tons of twists that made me put the book done and just stare.
It connected so well. CANT WAIT FOR WHITE
Wow.
There were tons of twists that made me put the book done and just stare.
It connected so well. CANT WAIT FOR WHITE
February 5, 2013
Those who know me in the obscure part of life known to some as "The Real World" know that I do not often express the raging sea of emotions that constantly swirls around inside my brain. Think Jamie Hyneman. Think Mister Spock. Yeah. I'm kinda like them. I'm sure some people think I'm the human equivalent of an android, but that's okay, because they can think whatever they want.
I don't know why I tend to bottle up my emotions. I guess it's just the way I'm made. I spend about 95% of my waking hours alone inside my head anyway, so it only makes sense that my emotions stay put there, too.
The reason I'm talking about my emotions is because this book made me shed a tear. Maybe two. I don't know; I didn't count. But you know it takes a lot to do that to someone like me. It happens on occasion with other authors--I got misty-eyed reading Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas and Stephen King's Bag of Bones--but I think that Red is the fourth or fifth Ted Dekker book that has made one of those mysterious beads of moisture well up in my eye.
In Red, Thomas Hunter lives in both twenty-first century America and "Other Earth," which is regular Earth only about two millennia in the future. Every time he falls asleep in one world he awakens in the other. Current Earth is currently (ha-ha) undergoing a terrible crisis in which everyone on the planet has been infected with a lethal virus, and the people who hold the antivirus are using it as a political tool to gain world domination. (Reviewer's note: Please read Black first. Then you will know what I'm talking about.)
In Other Earth, Thomas leads the Forest Dwellers against the evil desert-dwelling Horde who forsook Elyon's (God's) love. Each group wishes to obliterate the other, and each suffers heavy losses in battle. But a rogue warrior named Justin, formerly of the Forest Guard, wishes to make peace with the Horde. The Forest Dwellers think this is blasphemy and wish to put him to death. But Justin has many followers. He preaches a gospel of love and basically tells the Forest Dwellers they're a bunch of hypocrites because they're really no different from the Horde.
Now here is where I think Thomas is a little clueless. In regular Earth he's the estranged son of an army chaplain, and if I had been in his shoes, I would have been like, "Yo, Justin. You're like the second coming of Christ. Far out!" But Thomas is as blind as the rest of the Forest Dwellers and even has a duel against Justin. (Guess who loses.)
Anyway, those of you who know what happened to Jesus can probably guess what happens to Justin, only I think that Christ had the easier way out than Justin does.
The thing about these books that moves me to the core is the way unconditional love plays so prominently in everything the characters do. The modern parallels with Scripture make me look at Christ in a new light. The gospel reading in church this past Sunday was Luke 4:21-30, where Jesus was speaking in the synagogue and made everyone so mad that they tried to hurl him off of a hilltop. People thought he was nuts! Just like the Forest Dwellers thought that Justin was nuts. And little does everyone know that the one they are persecuting is their own God!
So yeah. I shed a tear. But it was a good tear.
By the way, Dustin of Washington, I hope you're happy that I actually wrote a heartfelt, long-winded review this time around. :)
Bailey out.
I don't know why I tend to bottle up my emotions. I guess it's just the way I'm made. I spend about 95% of my waking hours alone inside my head anyway, so it only makes sense that my emotions stay put there, too.
The reason I'm talking about my emotions is because this book made me shed a tear. Maybe two. I don't know; I didn't count. But you know it takes a lot to do that to someone like me. It happens on occasion with other authors--I got misty-eyed reading Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas and Stephen King's Bag of Bones--but I think that Red is the fourth or fifth Ted Dekker book that has made one of those mysterious beads of moisture well up in my eye.
In Red, Thomas Hunter lives in both twenty-first century America and "Other Earth," which is regular Earth only about two millennia in the future. Every time he falls asleep in one world he awakens in the other. Current Earth is currently (ha-ha) undergoing a terrible crisis in which everyone on the planet has been infected with a lethal virus, and the people who hold the antivirus are using it as a political tool to gain world domination. (Reviewer's note: Please read Black first. Then you will know what I'm talking about.)
In Other Earth, Thomas leads the Forest Dwellers against the evil desert-dwelling Horde who forsook Elyon's (God's) love. Each group wishes to obliterate the other, and each suffers heavy losses in battle. But a rogue warrior named Justin, formerly of the Forest Guard, wishes to make peace with the Horde. The Forest Dwellers think this is blasphemy and wish to put him to death. But Justin has many followers. He preaches a gospel of love and basically tells the Forest Dwellers they're a bunch of hypocrites because they're really no different from the Horde.
Now here is where I think Thomas is a little clueless. In regular Earth he's the estranged son of an army chaplain, and if I had been in his shoes, I would have been like, "Yo, Justin. You're like the second coming of Christ. Far out!" But Thomas is as blind as the rest of the Forest Dwellers and even has a duel against Justin. (Guess who loses.)
Anyway, those of you who know what happened to Jesus can probably guess what happens to Justin, only I think that Christ had the easier way out than Justin does.
The thing about these books that moves me to the core is the way unconditional love plays so prominently in everything the characters do. The modern parallels with Scripture make me look at Christ in a new light. The gospel reading in church this past Sunday was Luke 4:21-30, where Jesus was speaking in the synagogue and made everyone so mad that they tried to hurl him off of a hilltop. People thought he was nuts! Just like the Forest Dwellers thought that Justin was nuts. And little does everyone know that the one they are persecuting is their own God!
So yeah. I shed a tear. But it was a good tear.
By the way, Dustin of Washington, I hope you're happy that I actually wrote a heartfelt, long-winded review this time around. :)
Bailey out.
August 3, 2020
“El tiempo es nuestro mayor enemigo y nuestro mejor aliado.”
En “Rojo: El rescate heroico” nos encontramos nuevamente con una narración que salta entre de realidad a otra y con el mismo Thomas Hunter de protagonista. Sin embargo, algunas cosas han cambiado.
El bosque lleno de colores en el que Thomas despierta, con una sociedad que convive en paz y sumisión hacia Elyon es transformado poco a poco en un campo de batalla: por un lado están los que permanecen fieles a Elyon y por otro, aquellos que decidieron ser fieles a Teeleh.
Mientras tanto, en la otra realidad, la humanidad se enfrenta a la mayor catástrofe inimaginable, el virus ha sido liberado.
Como pueden imaginar, todo esto provoca una serie de sucesos encadenados que hacen de este libro una obra maestra de la ciencia ficción y el suspenso. Eso sí, los problemas no terminan con este libro, por el contrario, se intensificarán y mostrarán el verdadero carácter y de los protagonistas.
Si les gustó “Negro: el nacimiento del mla” y quieren saber que pasa, no se perderán esta continuación. Pero si no fue así, espero que cambien de parecer porque con “Rojo” Dekker se ha superado, y este libro es mucho mejor que el primero, y es el que definitivamente me llevará a culminar la Serie, y a colocar al autor en la estantería de mis favoritos.
100% recomendado
“Mi paz es la guerra de ellos.”
En “Rojo: El rescate heroico” nos encontramos nuevamente con una narración que salta entre de realidad a otra y con el mismo Thomas Hunter de protagonista. Sin embargo, algunas cosas han cambiado.
El bosque lleno de colores en el que Thomas despierta, con una sociedad que convive en paz y sumisión hacia Elyon es transformado poco a poco en un campo de batalla: por un lado están los que permanecen fieles a Elyon y por otro, aquellos que decidieron ser fieles a Teeleh.
Mientras tanto, en la otra realidad, la humanidad se enfrenta a la mayor catástrofe inimaginable, el virus ha sido liberado.
Como pueden imaginar, todo esto provoca una serie de sucesos encadenados que hacen de este libro una obra maestra de la ciencia ficción y el suspenso. Eso sí, los problemas no terminan con este libro, por el contrario, se intensificarán y mostrarán el verdadero carácter y de los protagonistas.
Si les gustó “Negro: el nacimiento del mla” y quieren saber que pasa, no se perderán esta continuación. Pero si no fue así, espero que cambien de parecer porque con “Rojo” Dekker se ha superado, y este libro es mucho mejor que el primero, y es el que definitivamente me llevará a culminar la Serie, y a colocar al autor en la estantería de mis favoritos.
100% recomendado
“Mi paz es la guerra de ellos.”
July 23, 2023
“Word of a mighty warrior named Thomas of Hunter spread throughout the desert and forests alike. For three years after, the Horde braved only the occasional skirmish, always to their own terrible demise.”
“Red” is the second book in the Circle series of Ted Dekker’s greater Books of History Chronicles world and I didn’t like it as much as the first book.
Thomas Hunter is resting in his room after convincing the CIA of the Raison virus threat. Thomas of Hunter has lived fifteen years without dreaming of the histories and is married with two kids. Thomas Hunter is considered deranged or a possible traitor. Thomas of Hunter is the respected general of the Forest People, leading them in the war against the Horde as they prepare for Elyon’s triumphant return.
I really enjoyed the first book and while this was still amazing, especially with other characters connecting to the other world through Thomas, I feel like it was a bit unrealistic. Did they really expect all the countries would just hand over their nuclear power? That’s a bit twirling my evil moustache for me. Also I loved, loved, loved when a certain character was introduced and was absolutely gobsmacked when Thomas, the son of a Chaplain, didn’t figure out who He was.
While Black was reminiscent of the Old Testament, Red is definitely the New Testament. Now, onto the next one! I’m so excited to see how it will end.
January 4, 2013
OK... let's start off with the good. There's an exciting pace and lots of adrenaline to this story. The pages turn quickly. It's one of those books where you get a nervous sweat going anticipating the next plot turn. Unfortunately, I had a lot of issues with many of those turns.
So if you're a huge fan of the author or the series, you should probably stop reading my review now, because it pretty much goes downhill from here.
I'm no stranger to suspending disbelief for a good story. Sentient robots, magical elves, blood-sucking fiends, talking animals, indestructible supermen... I'm pretty much on board for anything. But the story has to have logical rules that allow me to suspend disbelief. So whenever I hit a passage or scenario where rules of logic (even as crazily defined by the world in the story) are completely disregarded or nonexistent.... it REALLY, REALLY, REALLY annoys me.
Unfortunately, that happened far too many times in this story, the second in a trilogy, wherein our hero spends time between two very different worlds every time he goes to sleep.
First of all, LUDICROUS! Think about it, if
Second, in the modern world, the virus-terrorist demands Maybe that's all part of the future plot line to be resolved later.
But perhaps most unforgivable and illogical is when our hero
So, so very frustrating.
I'm completely put off by the religious zealotry of our hero in the "old" world. Our hero feels that the horde, if they do not individually accept the word of Elyon (i.e., accept him as their personal lord/savior) should be destroyed. In other words, up to a certain plot turn that comes later, he's totally cool with the murder every non-believing man, woman and child. That sounds a bit too much like fanatical Islam (the Taliban) for me to get on board. But as distasteful as that is, it's worse (from a "logical/rules of the story" viewpoint) that his religious zealotry doesn't follow him into the "new" world when he makes the sleepover switch, although allegedly he's the same person. So on our side, he's NOT a religious zealot, but just a guy trying to stop a virus from destroying humanity. If the logic was consistent, his religious zealotry WOULD translate over, and then he'd probably be trying to use the virus to destroy every man, woman and child who doesn't accept Elyon as lord and savior... which I guess would be everyone in our world.
Finally, the story is wrapped up in the end of the book by a
... and yet I am probably going to continue reading this series into the third book.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
So if you're a huge fan of the author or the series, you should probably stop reading my review now, because it pretty much goes downhill from here.
I'm no stranger to suspending disbelief for a good story. Sentient robots, magical elves, blood-sucking fiends, talking animals, indestructible supermen... I'm pretty much on board for anything. But the story has to have logical rules that allow me to suspend disbelief. So whenever I hit a passage or scenario where rules of logic (even as crazily defined by the world in the story) are completely disregarded or nonexistent.... it REALLY, REALLY, REALLY annoys me.
Unfortunately, that happened far too many times in this story, the second in a trilogy, wherein our hero spends time between two very different worlds every time he goes to sleep.
First of all, LUDICROUS! Think about it, if
Second, in the modern world, the virus-terrorist demands Maybe that's all part of the future plot line to be resolved later.
But perhaps most unforgivable and illogical is when our hero
So, so very frustrating.
I'm completely put off by the religious zealotry of our hero in the "old" world. Our hero feels that the horde, if they do not individually accept the word of Elyon (i.e., accept him as their personal lord/savior) should be destroyed. In other words, up to a certain plot turn that comes later, he's totally cool with the murder every non-believing man, woman and child. That sounds a bit too much like fanatical Islam (the Taliban) for me to get on board. But as distasteful as that is, it's worse (from a "logical/rules of the story" viewpoint) that his religious zealotry doesn't follow him into the "new" world when he makes the sleepover switch, although allegedly he's the same person. So on our side, he's NOT a religious zealot, but just a guy trying to stop a virus from destroying humanity. If the logic was consistent, his religious zealotry WOULD translate over, and then he'd probably be trying to use the virus to destroy every man, woman and child who doesn't accept Elyon as lord and savior... which I guess would be everyone in our world.
Finally, the story is wrapped up in the end of the book by a
... and yet I am probably going to continue reading this series into the third book.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
December 19, 2008
Thomas Hunter lay sleeping in a hotel room in Bangkok. Just as he’d predicted, the deadly The Raison Strain virus had been released into the world. His sister lets him sleep, though, for now.
In another reality, Thomas rides a black steed over a sandy valley, leading his Forest Guard to war against the Horde. Having eaten the fruit that blocks dreams, it’s been fifteen years since he last walked in Earth’s reality. This alternate world has become his home. But to defeat the Horde he needs an explosive, something he can only get by going to sleep.
He wakes in Bangkok to find a gun pressed to his temple, thus Thomas enters back into his bizarre dual reality, hoping to save two worlds from destruction. But he is only one man. Whatever happens to his body in one world happens to his body in the other. The things he learns in one world, he takes into the other. But what happens if he dies?
Without an antivirus, everyone in the world will die from the Raison Strain within a few weeks. Monique, the scientist working on the antivirus, is kidnapped by the perpetrators who want to rule the world. As the terrorists demand the world surrender their nuclear weapons in exchange for the antivirus, Thomas Hunter works with the United States government to try to prevent the end of the world, and when he sleeps, Thomas is trying to save his people from an equally devastating crisis with the Horde.
This story just keeps going and it’s very gripping. If you haven’t read the first novel, I suggest you start there, then get this one. Dekker snags the reader into this amazing journey with Thomas and doesn’t let up. The book has a bit of an ending, but like Black, Red leaves you hanging enough that you need to run to the bookstore to get a copy of White, the last book in the series. I highly recommend Red to anyone looking for a big adventure.
In another reality, Thomas rides a black steed over a sandy valley, leading his Forest Guard to war against the Horde. Having eaten the fruit that blocks dreams, it’s been fifteen years since he last walked in Earth’s reality. This alternate world has become his home. But to defeat the Horde he needs an explosive, something he can only get by going to sleep.
He wakes in Bangkok to find a gun pressed to his temple, thus Thomas enters back into his bizarre dual reality, hoping to save two worlds from destruction. But he is only one man. Whatever happens to his body in one world happens to his body in the other. The things he learns in one world, he takes into the other. But what happens if he dies?
Without an antivirus, everyone in the world will die from the Raison Strain within a few weeks. Monique, the scientist working on the antivirus, is kidnapped by the perpetrators who want to rule the world. As the terrorists demand the world surrender their nuclear weapons in exchange for the antivirus, Thomas Hunter works with the United States government to try to prevent the end of the world, and when he sleeps, Thomas is trying to save his people from an equally devastating crisis with the Horde.
This story just keeps going and it’s very gripping. If you haven’t read the first novel, I suggest you start there, then get this one. Dekker snags the reader into this amazing journey with Thomas and doesn’t let up. The book has a bit of an ending, but like Black, Red leaves you hanging enough that you need to run to the bookstore to get a copy of White, the last book in the series. I highly recommend Red to anyone looking for a big adventure.
April 30, 2018
This had less a fantasy feel to it (no talking bats!) than the first book. The same questions of how is Thomas living in what appears to be two realities intensifies. Especially when in one world he aged 15 years. That is a long time fo r a mind to mature and change. So it was interesting to see how that played out. And when he isn't the only one 'travelling/dreaming' the story intensifies. This book had a sad ending but still an edge that leaves me driven to soon read the next book. THe horde and Thomas' behavoior and hated toward them was frustrating at times. No one should hate anyone just for a different lifestyle or belief. Hating their symptom and frustrated at their choice is fine but being okay with even killing kids really bothered me.
Read
May 29, 2024DNF 20%
Started getting boring. Too many books too little time
Started getting boring. Too many books too little time
Read
March 30, 2021Abandono, esto no avanza hacia ningún sitio, 50% y sigo leyendo lo mismo que en el primer libro. Ahí te quedas majete.
November 14, 2012
I have a friend who loves these books and I hate that I rated it so low. The book is based on a fairly original idea. It makes some good points at times. I am a Christian and I know this trilogy is much loved by some people and I have no problem with it's underlying message or any point it tries to make. I wanted to like it. But as a novel it just isn't that good (at least in my opinion)and it completely failed to draw me in. Thomas and his travails in 2 worlds just don't work for me.
There are some good portions, some good (if slightly heavy handed) use of symbology... but the dialog is stilted, plot shaky, and the set up just doesn't hang together... I say this, and I love fantasy. Fantasy be it epic, medieval, urban or whatever is a genre I enjoy. I just found this one somewhat weak in the "story telling" department.
I wish I could like this/these more.
So, 2 stars and I hope White is better.
There are some good portions, some good (if slightly heavy handed) use of symbology... but the dialog is stilted, plot shaky, and the set up just doesn't hang together... I say this, and I love fantasy. Fantasy be it epic, medieval, urban or whatever is a genre I enjoy. I just found this one somewhat weak in the "story telling" department.
I wish I could like this/these more.
So, 2 stars and I hope White is better.
January 25, 2019
You know, with how cheesy the first book was, I thought I’d enjoy this one less than the first time I read it as well. While I did give it one star lower rating than originally, I feel like I enjoyed it just as much and got even more out of it this time. This is also the first book I’ve sobbed over in....years. I didn’t realize it had been so long, or that I needed to feel that again over a story.....but yeah. Crying over an incredible. emotional book is literally a therapeutic experience for me. I should do it more often. 😂
In any case, while I was still peeved at some of the writing, and most of what was set in our world is filler, the rest of this was much better than the first book. And the metaphor aspects were absolutely incredible. I forgot how powerful the story was. Excited to binge read the 3rd one this weekend.
In any case, while I was still peeved at some of the writing, and most of what was set in our world is filler, the rest of this was much better than the first book. And the metaphor aspects were absolutely incredible. I forgot how powerful the story was. Excited to binge read the 3rd one this weekend.
December 13, 2021
3⭐️
DNFd at 53%
I’m sure this story appeals to some people, but it’s so repetitive and confusing and boring. They just literally have the same discussions over and over and over….couldn’t finish the book
DNFd at 53%
I’m sure this story appeals to some people, but it’s so repetitive and confusing and boring. They just literally have the same discussions over and over and over….couldn’t finish the book
December 7, 2021
I cried so hard at the end of this book. Very well done.
October 14, 2022
Red by Ted Dekker is the second installment of The Circle series. It starts out where it left off in Black with our main protagonist dreaming. This series for me up, until the end of Red left me in a mystery fog of wanting to know more. Now that I am at the end and thinking about the last installment, I'm unsure if I still appreciate it the same. Its finally shown its true colors towards the last few chapters. Which isn't necessarily bad, I'm sure their are loads of people who love this style but for me I think it was to closely related to the Christian Jesus and his disciples story. Dekker actually rear-ends his last novel in my opinion, by answering the main mystery of the series in Red . He even includes the post-phase of Jesus's death where the disciples see him resurrected and then need to do his will. All of this is fine, but the entirety of the book was much more neutral even if it did include God then it is at the end. All of which is expected from Dekker. Overall a decent book with some interesting character development and story-telling.
October 31, 2025
5 ⭐️
Also, if you’re reading this and were confused by book one, I feel like this one clears up a lot!
⚠️ Warning: potential spoilers ahead - symbolism, character relation to the Bible, and some events that happen. Read at your own risk! ⚠️
Symbolism!
- Okay, Justin being Elyon was EPICCC - and that scene where he’s killed? But it’s symbolic of Jesus’s death on the cross? Holy cowwwwwwww!!
- Thomas fighting Justin - totally Jacob wrestling God
- okay, now Rachelle…. That ending KILLLED meeeee like narrrr you can’t just kill her off 😭
- Monique being able to dream and be Rachelle and vice versa? Epicccccc
- the people being interconnected between worlds? One of my favorite plot lines in this.
Also, if you’re reading this and were confused by book one, I feel like this one clears up a lot!
⚠️ Warning: potential spoilers ahead - symbolism, character relation to the Bible, and some events that happen. Read at your own risk! ⚠️
Symbolism!
- Okay, Justin being Elyon was EPICCC - and that scene where he’s killed? But it’s symbolic of Jesus’s death on the cross? Holy cowwwwwwww!!
- Thomas fighting Justin - totally Jacob wrestling God
- okay, now Rachelle…. That ending KILLLED meeeee like narrrr you can’t just kill her off 😭
- Monique being able to dream and be Rachelle and vice versa? Epicccccc
- the people being interconnected between worlds? One of my favorite plot lines in this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
An improvement on the prequel. The allegorical elements were much more nuanced and far less obvious, and actually kept me trying to figure it out for a long time. The story itself was much more engaging. Though one twist toward the end made me mad. Regretting I don’t have book 3 in the mail yet. The concept of “red” linking the realms is really good.
June 15, 2021
I enjoyed this one more than the first! The storyline is fast-paced from page one. I liked the suspense as each situation seemed to intensify with impossible scenarios. The allegory was beautiful and painful with some unexpected endings! 💔
February 12, 2022
Wow!!! Amazing. The symbolism in this book can be studied for years!
So this is the second book of the series (yes, you really need to read them in order). Black was the first where we find that Thomas Hunter lives in two worlds, the world of today where there is a threat of a pandemic that has no cure, and the future, a world where there are Forest Dwellers (believers in Christ) and the Horde (worshipers of Satan).
The two worlds are both in turmoil. In the current day, the virus has been released and the clock is ticking down to the three weeks where, if the countries don't comply with this 'mad scientist', the antidote will not be shared. In the future, there is fighting and chaos.
One person, Justin, who symbolizes Jesus, doesn't want to fight and tries to broker peace between the two groups. There is also a priest named Ciphus, who really is not a good soul!!! I find it interesting that his name is soooo close to the Caiaphas who, during Jesus' time, condemned Jesus to be crucified. Well, Ciphus pretty much does the same here. Justin ends up being drowned in the lake that all the forest dwellers bathe for purification. One of the followers doesn't want to see the torture of this man and stabbed him so Justin will die quicker. Justin's blood fills the lake and all the lakes now turn red with his blood. For all you Christians out there... you can see the connection, right!?
There are sooo many connections like this throughout the book. I just loved it.
So this is the second book of the series (yes, you really need to read them in order). Black was the first where we find that Thomas Hunter lives in two worlds, the world of today where there is a threat of a pandemic that has no cure, and the future, a world where there are Forest Dwellers (believers in Christ) and the Horde (worshipers of Satan).
The two worlds are both in turmoil. In the current day, the virus has been released and the clock is ticking down to the three weeks where, if the countries don't comply with this 'mad scientist', the antidote will not be shared. In the future, there is fighting and chaos.
One person, Justin, who symbolizes Jesus, doesn't want to fight and tries to broker peace between the two groups. There is also a priest named Ciphus, who really is not a good soul!!! I find it interesting that his name is soooo close to the Caiaphas who, during Jesus' time, condemned Jesus to be crucified. Well, Ciphus pretty much does the same here. Justin ends up being drowned in the lake that all the forest dwellers bathe for purification. One of the followers doesn't want to see the torture of this man and stabbed him so Justin will die quicker. Justin's blood fills the lake and all the lakes now turn red with his blood. For all you Christians out there... you can see the connection, right!?
There are sooo many connections like this throughout the book. I just loved it.
June 25, 2013
Again I really enjoyed this. Stronger allegorical messages than Black by quite a long way, but I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I still enjoyed the story and the characterisation. I'm intrigued to see how the plot line in this world (Bangkok) straightens out, or if it does, in the next book. I found that story line the easier of the 2 to get involved with.
March 29, 2024
Great book! Good follow-up! Can't wait to start White. The ending was sad, but I'm sure it will be happy at the end.
March 15, 2012
Author Ted Dekker offers an interesting premise in his Circle Trilogy (Black/Red/White) -- that a man can alternate between the present and the future through his dreams and influence one reality by his actions in the other. The series is also a fascinating Biblical allegory. The final book, White, is the best of the three, because it explains clearly in the finale most of the unanswered questions Dekker raises in this thought-provoking series. For fans of fantasy, speculative fiction, and Christian literature, it's a real treat. It's smart writing with undertones that make you think.
The story is a bit melodramatic at times and lags in places, and it's difficult to keep the multitude of characters straight because some lack depth or disappear and reappear at different points in the trilogy. You also have to suspend belief when Dekker writes about how politics in Washington and foreign governments work. It's not the way geopolitics works.
All in all, it's a trilogy worth reading. I gave the first two books, Black and Red, four stars primarily because at times they leave the reader confused about names, places, events, and how they relate to the Biblical allegory. In the end, though, Dekker redeems himself with a solid ending.
The story is a bit melodramatic at times and lags in places, and it's difficult to keep the multitude of characters straight because some lack depth or disappear and reappear at different points in the trilogy. You also have to suspend belief when Dekker writes about how politics in Washington and foreign governments work. It's not the way geopolitics works.
All in all, it's a trilogy worth reading. I gave the first two books, Black and Red, four stars primarily because at times they leave the reader confused about names, places, events, and how they relate to the Biblical allegory. In the end, though, Dekker redeems himself with a solid ending.
August 29, 2012
Note: this review treats the whole series, of which this book is a part. No spoilers.
All in all, a bit disappointing. Dekker's strength is suspense; he kept me wanting to know what happened enough to read the whole series (Black, Red, White, Green) pretty quickly (~1600 pages). In the end, though, I'm not sure it was worth the time. He isn't a very good writer, his plots are predictable, the Christian imagery is a bit heavy-handed (extremely so at times), and aspects of the story went beyond my suspension of disbelief. He also steals unreservedly from C.S. Lewis but lacks Lewis' talent or creativity, so if you've read Lewis first, you're bound to be disappointed. However, Dekker's themes are heavy enough and his underlying theology strong enough that portions of the series could spark serious discussion if used in the right way. I cried several times, not because the writing was that good, but because the story (Jesus and redemption) is that good. It is one of Dekker's goals to retell that greatest of stories in all his books, and this he does consistently. For this, I'd give it 2 1/2 stars if I could.
All in all, a bit disappointing. Dekker's strength is suspense; he kept me wanting to know what happened enough to read the whole series (Black, Red, White, Green) pretty quickly (~1600 pages). In the end, though, I'm not sure it was worth the time. He isn't a very good writer, his plots are predictable, the Christian imagery is a bit heavy-handed (extremely so at times), and aspects of the story went beyond my suspension of disbelief. He also steals unreservedly from C.S. Lewis but lacks Lewis' talent or creativity, so if you've read Lewis first, you're bound to be disappointed. However, Dekker's themes are heavy enough and his underlying theology strong enough that portions of the series could spark serious discussion if used in the right way. I cried several times, not because the writing was that good, but because the story (Jesus and redemption) is that good. It is one of Dekker's goals to retell that greatest of stories in all his books, and this he does consistently. For this, I'd give it 2 1/2 stars if I could.
March 29, 2017
Very well done Ted. This one was able to hold my attention all through to the end and that speaks volumes about the capacity of Mr. Dekker to weave a spell-binding tale. I enjoyed the actions that were happening in the real world.....our world I would say cos we don't know very much which of the world is real.
The other-worldly forests of Elyon and the deserts of Teelah and the scabs started out a little bit unexciting but later picked up momentum and climaxed into a very gripping allegory of the biblical story of redemption. Very nicely done!
I have never read any first chapter that was funnier than this one. Thomas of hunter, who was supposed to be alert, wielding weapons and slashing scabs to death on the battlefront was rather desiring to be knocked to sleep while the battle was still raging. That contrast was very hilarious.
Thorough enjoyed this one....time to find book three!
The other-worldly forests of Elyon and the deserts of Teelah and the scabs started out a little bit unexciting but later picked up momentum and climaxed into a very gripping allegory of the biblical story of redemption. Very nicely done!
I have never read any first chapter that was funnier than this one. Thomas of hunter, who was supposed to be alert, wielding weapons and slashing scabs to death on the battlefront was rather desiring to be knocked to sleep while the battle was still raging. That contrast was very hilarious.
Thorough enjoyed this one....time to find book three!
December 29, 2009
I loved "Black" the first book in the circle trilogy but I was blown away by "Red" the second in the series. I truly enjoyed reading this one. Red moves the story very quickly forward towards the inevitable but it is an adventure that is filled with love, faith, atonement, and spirituality. This epic adventure leads you to look inward at yourself and to draw many parallel conclusions. Red is the rare case where the sequel is better than the first. I really recommend this series for all fiction readers, not just those that love the fantasy genre.
June 24, 2015
Es un libros bastante bueno, me entretuve mucho con la aventura de Thomas Hunter en ambos mundos, pero me molesto un poco que el final siguiera una estructura tan similar al primer libro, sobre todo porque Dekker abandona sus sutilezas y expone sin tapujos su fanatismo religioso, dejando muchas cosas sin una explicación coherente... Pero, si no fuera por esto sin duda le habria dado las 5 estrellas.
Solo espero que Blanco tenga guardado un buen final para la saga.
Solo espero que Blanco tenga guardado un buen final para la saga.
November 24, 2024
#BookReview
#2024readingchallenge
#37spiritualwarfare
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 37 Spiritual Warfare
Book: Red (Circle Trilogy #2)
Author: Ted Dekker
Narrator: Tim Gregory
Four stars for book 2 of the Circle Trilogy. I'm really enjoying this series. Book 2 is full of symbolism and parallels to Christianity. It also fits perfectly with the theme of spiritual warfare because in his alternate reality, Thomas is fighting a spiritual war.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
Thomas and his people have been waging war against there enemy for 15 years. They don't even have a clear understanding of why the Horde is there enemy, they just know they are different and therefore must be bad.
Trying my best not to give spoilers, the people of the forest and there enemies don't even realize they are doing exactly what the Shitake (Satan) wants them to do.
In the present reality Thomas and Monique continue to try to fight a deadly virus and some surprising things start to happen.
I can't wait to finish this trilogy. I highly recommend it!
Check out my reading challenge
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
#2024readingchallenge
#37spiritualwarfare
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 37 Spiritual Warfare
Book: Red (Circle Trilogy #2)
Author: Ted Dekker
Narrator: Tim Gregory
Four stars for book 2 of the Circle Trilogy. I'm really enjoying this series. Book 2 is full of symbolism and parallels to Christianity. It also fits perfectly with the theme of spiritual warfare because in his alternate reality, Thomas is fighting a spiritual war.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
Thomas and his people have been waging war against there enemy for 15 years. They don't even have a clear understanding of why the Horde is there enemy, they just know they are different and therefore must be bad.
Trying my best not to give spoilers, the people of the forest and there enemies don't even realize they are doing exactly what the Shitake (Satan) wants them to do.
In the present reality Thomas and Monique continue to try to fight a deadly virus and some surprising things start to happen.
I can't wait to finish this trilogy. I highly recommend it!
Check out my reading challenge
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
July 3, 2018
Fast paced with danger lurking in both realities, Dekker continues to deliver an exciting read with much to ponder.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,023 reviews