It's the end...No, the beginning...It's a Circle

Green by Ted Dekker
Hardcover, 432 pages
Published September 2009 by Thomas Nelson
ISBN13: 9781595542885
Read January 2011

I was reading another Dekker book, Skin, when a reference on Goodreads.com caught my eye listing it as pat of the Books of History Chronicles. I clicked the link to see what other novels were part of it. Surprised to see The Circle Trilogy listed there, but even more shocked to see that another book at been made part of the trilogy (making is quadrology?). After this revelation I scurried around to locate a copy for myself - a library in south Georgia was able to send it my library. I had to wait about a week for it (but the huge snowstorm may have impeded its delivery).


I couldn't wait to start it and was slightly confused when it was listed as the prequel to the series. An introductory note from Ted Dekker helped to clear it up. Just as no circle has no beginning or ending, neither does this series. You can start with Green or Black. If any of my readers should read Green as the starting point of the series I would love to hear what you thought without have all the story in your head. I was constantly trying to piece together how it could be the end and beginning. 


The opening chapters and the description of The Gathering to celebrate The Great Romance immediately reminded me of what I loved about this series. Once again I was pulled into wanting to stay in Thomas's desert world and not flip back to the other world. But again these to worlds collided and each had a part to play in the story.


When I first read this series I had not read C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. Ok, so I still haven't read it, but I did see the movies (Prince Caspian in Dawn Treader is totally swoon worthy). Anyways, I could see definite similarities in the works. Of all the Dekker books I have read, the Circle series is by far of the most heavily Christian themed - though at the center of all his books is a battle of good and evil, and to some extent a message of redemption. 


Have you read Green? Did you read it first or last? I highly recommend this series to readers that enjoy a good thriller novel. The writing is wonderful. Dekker is masterful at the written word - some of his Facebook statuses have given me chills in their profoundness. I must warn you if you are considering embarking on this journey: A circle has no beginning nor an end, but is just a continuum.

How will it end? White

White by Ted Dekker
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published: October 2004 by Westbow Press
ISBN13: 9780849917929
Read: June 2006
Goodreads, IndieBound, Amazon


When I read this book it was assumed it was the end. The series at the time was called The Circle Trilogy. Many questions were answered. Thomas Hunter had to make a tough decision in this world, however, it was made easier by what he had learned in the other world. 


You may recall in my review of Black that I had trouble getting into the story. Well, it was while reading White that I discovered just how exceptional the series is and had a new found appreciation for the beginning of the tale. So if you begin this series with Black and feel a little like giving up, please don't you are well rewarded in this ending book. 


I may have even shed a few tears while reading White. The description of the Great Romance and the love Elyon has for his children resonated with my soul. The boy, the lion, the warrior all is one and He comes to bring joy and life. With the threat in this world thwarted, Thomas is free to pursue his Lover in the other world.


Have you read this series? I would love to hear your opinion. In a couple of weeks I will be reviewing a  young adult series and hosting my 1st giveaway. If you want to get the details on it either follow the blog or my on Twitter @Girl_Who_Reads

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The Writer's Coffee Shop Library

About a year ago, I discovered a new opportunity for reading - online. Since starting to read these stories, I have fallen in love with this media. Why? Because I get interact with the writers through leaving reviews on their chapters and, in some cases, through private messages. A second reason is I get to encourage new writers in their craft. It is exciting to see them grow as they write more and incorporate the feedback they are receiving. A final reason I enjoy reading online so much is when there is down time at work or I am taking a brief lunch break at my desk I can quickly access a good story. And should the boss walk by, I can just as quickly click a different tab on my browser.

A few weeks ago, I started perusing the original fiction section of The Writer's Coffee Shop Library. I stumbled across Picture Perfect by emg78.  A dark story that so far is only one chapter, but I am hoping to see more from this story.

Something tragic has happened o the main character Emma. What could have happened that terrorized her so badly that the friendly wave from stranger on the neighboring dock sends her into a full scale panic attack? The only contact she has with the outside world is visits from her brother and occasional, but regular, phone calls with her mother.

Emma isn't the only one that has questions swirling around her. Andrew, the stranger on the dock, walks away from his successful life in a busy city to a rather secluded forest home in a small town. He is immediately intrigued by the fleeing woman he sees on the dock. After asking about her in town, he learns not all is right with her.

In the opening chapter, emg78 has set the perfect stage for a story full of twist and turns as the reader discovers the hidden pasts that have Andrew and Emma seeking seclusion in this isolated woods. I look forward to seeing the rest of the story unfold.