Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Outlaw by Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker returns to form with this prequel (of sorts) to Eyes Wide Open.


It's 1963, a mother is traveling, by sea, with her son. The horrific happens when the ship wreaks and the two are separated. Julian believes her son drowned in the storm and she is captured by savage tribe in the middle of nowhere, earth. Thus begins her terror-filled existence in a culture she can't understand.

Dekker has entered a new focus to his storytelling. What began as hints in Sovereign now come to full force in Outlaw. Why are Christians some of the most miserable people alive? If we are people set free from sin, why are we so depressed and defeated?

Dekker tackles this question within his adrenaline-laced plot and intriguing characters. There are moments with the jungle tribes that feel repetitive: Julian is constantly threatened with death and you're sure it's coming only to be left to live another day ... with the threat of death tomorrow. After a few chapters of this, I no longer cared.

The richness of the jungle tribes and setting come about because of Dekker's obvious personal history living in Indonesia. As you read the first part of the story, you are actually experiencing the surroundings with Julian. It feels/reads so real.

The latter part of the story take a twist with typical Dekker-yanks.

It's at this point where you realize where he's going with this story and then the larger series. (If you've read the Eyes Wide Open series you'll have a head's start)

This is an absolutely fantastic read not only for the story but for the deep thoughts you'll be left with.

I can't wait for the next one!


This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Center Street Publishing.

No comments: