Great book, but left me with mixed feelings.

books:


	• Saint (Paradise Series, Book 2) (The Books of History Chronicles) Ted Dekker Amazon Remainders Account, 2006 - 400 pages average customer review:based on 88 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

ALMOST a good book

I was so excited when I found Ted Dekker - finally another Christian author along the lines of Peretti. I love the idea and I really wanted to love his books. I was almost rooting for him before I ever read a page of his writing because I wanted someone new to read that was good.

What I've found as whole for Dekker books is that they are ALMOST good books. It's like he's lacking that X factor that makes them truly good reads. I continue reading them thinking that I enjoyed the last one, but I never get to the point that I feel like I can read the books for the enjoyment and not notice places of poor writing throughout.

The attempt at intertwining theology/philosophy, even in small bits, with the plot of the books doesn't seem to work well for Dekker (with perhaps the exception of the Circle Trilogy). The fact of the matter is that Dekker may be a decent author in general, but he has a really poor background in philosophy and/or theology, making it hard to ignore the very apparent flaws as you try to enjoy the fiction - especially if you're a person who wants theological accuracy even in your fiction reads. Thankfully, this particular book is more about the interesting and suspenseful plot than getting a point across (at least for the 1st three quarters of the book), which makes it just a little easier to swallow for those distracted by the inaccuracies of events tied to the supernatural in his books.

With that said, I have enjoyed the book as a whole. It does seem to fizzle at the end a little. The story is very engaging and even suspenseful at times up until you near the end of the book, at which point it is a bit disengaging. If a let down at the end turns you off, don't get the book. Personally, if I had to choose based on what I know now, I would still read the book. It's fun, enjoyable, and you just don't find a lot of this type of writing out there for Christians. In my opinion, it's worth getting.

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A knockout...

Dekker delivers a knockout hit with his new mind-blowing tale, Saint.

Welcome to the world of Carl Strople, also known as Saint. A first rate assassin, he trains to efficiently kill. He has endured memory wipes, identity stripping, and grueling tests that push his body and mind to the limit. But then doubts slink unbidden into Carl's mind and he wonders who he really is. He doubts the reality that has been drummed into his brain as a black ops sniper. Can he survive the truth?

As is true of any other Dekker book, little can be told without revealing an interesting plot point. No spoilers here. Just know that you will be taken on a ride that slams you one way, then another until you relinquish your preconceived notions and succumb to the story. And it's not only Carl's story, it's ours.

Story is what Dekker does best. This one will not disappoint. In fact, those who have read Showdown will be jazzed to see the many correlations to Saint. And in the midst of it all, Dekker weaves in a parallel to life that will stalk you until you deal with it. Prepare for your brain to be rocked, your emotions to be squeezed, and your soul to be stirred.

This comes most highly recommended. It is hands down the best novel I read in 2006. Dekker admittedly pushes the envelope with every new novel, but I disagree with those who say his works are too violent or over the top. He deftly deals with weighty themes in original ways. Saint is a must-read.

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Great book, but left me with mixed feelings.

I have really enjoyed the writings of Ted Dekker, especially the Circle Trilogy, so I bought the Paradise series (Showdown and Saint). Both books are great, however "Saint" left me with mixed feelings. From the beginning (and through the whole book actually) it seemed too similar to the Jason Bourne trilogy with the whole assassin-with-no-memory plot. However, those who are unfamiliar with the Bourne series most likely will not be bothered by this, as even I who have read all three books soon just ignored it.
Most of the book flowed fairly well. There was plenty to guess about, and Ted keeps you trying to guess it yourself before he tells you. I personally was close in my guesses about the true identities of Carl and the Englishman, however I was not right on either of them. Ted keeps the action going well also with plenty of descriptions of training sessions with Carl and later with chase scenes, however those chase scenes once again reminded me too much of Bourne.
The ending of the book is the main part that left me with mixed feelings. The book built up so much climax that the ending was just too short. In my opinion, Carl found his real identity and power too quickly for the background that had been set up so thoroughly. Also, the final showdown just seemed too simple and Carl avoided it too easily. Also, what was with Englishman's "trump card"? It was referred to so much, then it never seemed to be used. Plus, the one possible instance I can think of it being used was the part that Carl avoided too easily.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but it had just enough drawbacks that 4 stars is the absolute most I can give it. If you have read the Circle Trilogy and/or Showdown, than I certainly recommend this book. Otherwise, it is your decision. This certaily is not Dekker's best effort, but it is still a pretty good book.

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Can't put it down thriller

Ted Dekker is one incredible author. So many of his books are so different from each other as if written by someone else. This book is one you can't put down. Never guess the ending. Wow! I have all his fiction and can't get enough.

Something Special

There was definitely something special about this story, and it stayed with me long after I finished it. I found myself in anguish for Carl and all that he was going through....and holding my breath as he begins to put the pieces together for himself, in a race against time with the villian. I also appreciated the struggle that Carl goes through as he deals with the moral dilema of his training verses his real core values. I think he is one of the strongest heros that Ted Dekker has written, and I look forward to seeing him in future books.

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