©2014 Center Street, New
York
Ted Dekker is one of the more popular writers in a new
generation. I personally have jumped on his bandwagon for several of his
thrillers (such as Thr3e, and Showdown), was impressed with a couple of hisChristmas tales, but haven’t enjoyed some of his writing nearly as much. That’s
okay, because sometimes we get so caught up in an author that we are blind to
the things that they write that aren’t so good (I have blind spots for JohnGrisham and Bill Crider). In this new book, Dekker stretches his Christian
beliefs to the highest of heights and attempts a story set in the days of the
New Testament and resting heavily on the shoulders of the saints who penned the
sacred books.
Dekker weaves for us the tale of an outcast Bedouin princess
(Maviah) who finds herself on a task to earn back her father’s honor and avenge
her son’s murder. Aided by two of her father’s trusted servants—a large black
mercenary (Saba) and a Jew descended from the
wise men who followed a star, she sets out on her quest. The mission leads her
from the oasis stronghold, now overrun by her father’s enemies, into the land of Palestine. Here she meets with King
Herod, as well as with Miriam (Mary), Peter, and even Yeshua (Jesus). In the
midst of her travels and struggles she finds her heart changed and her view of
her mission re-structured.
The historical setting and Biblical background of the story
give the reader pause because of the attention to detail and the desire for
accuracy. Dekker did such a superb job of weaving this story that I can hardly
wait for 33 A.D. (the promised follow-up story). I give this book an easy five
reading glasses. Even those who are skeptical of the truth of the Scriptural
record will find this story intriguing, inviting, and interesting.
—Benjamin Potter,
December 16, 2014
1 comment:
And excellent blind spot to have.
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