Friday, September 9, 2011

Forbidden by Ted Dekker Review

Forbidden (The Books of Mortals, #1)Forbidden by Ted Dekker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Goodreads: New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

A terrible truth has been revealed to one man: the entire human race has been drained of every emotion except one— fear. To bring life back to the world, Rom must embark on a journey that will end either in his own demise or a reawakening of humanity. But to bring love and passion back into existence will also threaten the powers of the world with the revolution and anarchy that had nearly destroyed them previously.

After happening upon a journal through strange circumstance, Rom's world is shattered. He learns that humanity long ago ceased to "live," that it exists today in a living death of emotions. In a terrible risk, Rom exposes himself to the vial of blood folded into the old leather of the journal. His change is fearful and fraught with mind-bending emotion. A once-pious observer of the Order's passionless statues, he is filled with uncontrollable impulses. He is filled with love.

He is undone, terrified, and alone in the desolate world.


My take: I've enjoyed two of Ted Dekker's books before. Both were good and psychologically thrilling. This one is, by far, my favorite. It is a dystopia for adults and a trilogy to boot. Just want to put that warning out there. It will take three September for all three books to be published.

*Correction* 
The sequel will be released June 2012 then conclude October 2012. Start reading now.

As per Dekker's style, the story is more psychological thriller and a cleaner read than many other thrillers. This one, however, is quite violent and bloody. If you are infected by Legion, this won't bother you except to cause fear, since all other emotions have been obliterated.

The story is rich in Christian symbolism with good vs. evil, sacrifice for right, humility, forgiveness, and a humble boy who will someday change the world, although it is not yet clear how. Rom and the others are in the midst of deciding who they will serve and how.

Very well written. Story is excellent. Characters are well developed and easy to differentiate.

Swearing - None
Violence - Moderate
Sex - Implied
Dialogue - Clean but intense

1 comment:

Connor Keating said...

Have no emotion but fear? That thought is fearful itself. I mean I'm not saying we are joyful and happy all the time and everything is peachy keen fine but still sometimes we push on and get past bad feelings knowing and expecting the good ones to arrive. Leaving philosophy aside the book sounds nice and I would like to find it on All you can books and read it on my iPad.