Green - Ted Dekker

So, as all of you pretty much know, Ted Dekker is my favorite author. His books range from mystery, to horror, to fantasy/allegory, and so many other sub genres that are impossible to list. However, coming up in September, his biggest and most exciting work releases...GREEN!

It all started in 2004 when the Circle series released: Black, Red, and White. These powerful allegories have changed the lives of untold millions, taking them on the fantastic journey of Thomas Hunter, a man caught (literally) between two worlds. Our world: crippled by the looming threat of a deadly virus; and a far off future world, divided by differing ideals and rippled with war. As Thomas tries desperately to keep both worlds from falling apart, he discovers the heart of Elyon (creator of both worlds) and searches for the answers to both worlds dire problems.

Black, Red, and White alone has built a fanbase of millions...but the story doesn't end there...



Now, we are taken back to the forests and the deserts in Green, the sequel to White, as well as the prequel to Black! A literal "Circle" series! Green will give us the continued story of the Forest Guard and the Horde, as well as show us how Thomas Hunter fell into the Black Forest in the first place!

I've tried to keep this as spoiler-free as I can for those of you that haven't read them. And if you fall under that category, I highly suggest you read this fantastic series. If you fall under the category of people who can't wait for Green, go to http://www.teddekker.com/readgreen to receive special offers on Green as well as other Ted Dekker books (Or, just click the handy little box at the bottom of this post!) Just fill in the boxes, and in the bottom box that asks for a Forest Guard number, put in 6711. Also, you can view the trailer, read the first few chapters, and download wallpapers and banners at http://www.teddekker.com/green,

Torchwood: Children of Earth Review

WE...WE ARE...WE ARE COMING.

As a huge fan of Doctor Who, I've been somewhat predisposed to watching Torchwood for the crossovers. With all the hype surrounding Children of Earth, I couldn't wait to experience it for myself. So, I eagerly awaited Monday, July 6th for the premiere. Now, I still I find myself thinking about the finale long after it aired.

It began in Scotland, 1965 when the government handed over 12 children to a mysterious alien threatening the world, known only by the wavelength they've used to contact us: The 456. Around 45 years later, on a day like any normal day, every child in the world stops. In unison, they begin to scream and chant "We Are Coming," using the 456 wavelength. As always, our ever shrinking Torchwood team (Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, and Gwen Cooper) quickly jumps on the case, but this time they face new obstacles. The government, eager to hide their misdealings with the 456, put a bounty on their heads. Now hunted by the government, they have to find a way to stop the 456 and stay alive.

John Barrowman, Eve Myles, and Gareth David-Lloyd, as always, shine in their roles as Jack, Gwen, and Ianto. We are also re-introduced to some familiar faces: Gwen's husband Rhys, and PC Andy Davidson. Joining them are several newcomers, including Cush Jumbo as Lois Habiba, Lucy Cohu as Alice Carter, and Liz May Brice as the enigmatic agent Johnson, as well as an array of other new characters.

With this miniseries, Torchwood defines it's role as the adult, dark spin-off from Doctor Who. After Day Three, you begin to get the dark feeling of hopelessness, which doesn't let up for the rest of the series. Many fans will be shocked by yet another death of a major character, joining the ever growing list of deceased: Suzie Costello, Owen Harper, and Toshiko Sato. The government shows their humanity, making selfish and unwise decisions regarding their predicament. And by the end of the series, you will find yourself emotionally spent, and if you're like me, needing time to decide whether you liked it or not.

Even long after the final credits roll, I still find myself thinking about some of the questions that it raises. Given a world-wide crisis, how would the government respond? How would you react? What lengths would you go to to save the world? What costs would you consider too great?

The verdict: After much deliberation, I think that I liked it more than I didn't like it. Would I recommend it to another Torchwood fan? Maybe. Would I recommend it to anyone else? Probably not.

BoneMan's Daughters - Ted Dekker

BoneMan’s Daughters is a story of beauty and desire, of hatred and malicious intents, and of the love that is able to penetrate even the hardest hearts. It’s the story of Bethany, a young girl caught between two fathers. First, we have her adopted father, Ryan Evans, who has chosen to remain out of her life, instead burying himself in his job as an Intelligence Officer. It’s not until a botched mission in Fallujah that his desire to be the father he never was manifests, but is it too late to earn her love? Secondly, we have BoneMan, a serial killer who has abducted and killed 6 girls by meticulously breaking each of their bones. He is the perfect father looking for a daughter, and expects no less than perfection from her. Both are vying for the position of father and in the end, only one will stand. When BoneMan abducts Bethany to make her his 7^th daughter, Ryan immediately responds. But, the FBI has uncovered new evidence that Ryan is BoneMan. Now pursued by the FBI, he must overcome impossible odds to rescue his daughter. Ted Dekker has yet again woven an intricate and relevant tale that extends beyond its literal interpretation. Often considered a master of his craft, he proves this again with his latest book. BoneMan’s Daughters doesn’t affect on a superficial level, but burrows deep into your mind and continues to pose questions long after you close the cover. It is guaranteed to bring in newcomers to his stories, as well as far exceed to expectations of his fans. 

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Rachel's Tears

On May 2nd, 1998, Rachel Joy Scott penned the following words:

"This will be my last year, Lord. I have gotten what I can. Thank you."

On April 20th, 1999, the United States was devasted by a school shooting in Columbine, CO; among the dead lay Rachel Scott. Though dead, this was not the end of her story. Her parents began reading her journals, which showed them her mistakes and shortcomings, her hopes and dreams, but most of all, her deeply rooted faith in her Creator. In 2000, Her parents published Rachel's Tears, a biography of sorts that chronicled her walk with God, complete with excerpts from her journal. This book has now been re-released by Thomas Nelson to remind a new generation of the frailty of life, but also to challenge them to a deeper walk with God. 

Reading through this book, we wonder how God could use such a tragedy for His glory. This is best explained at the end, where we realize the full meaning behind the title. Rachel shows through a drawing the impact that she would have on lives across the country through her and the 12 other students deaths. Through this book, her prophecy holds true as they continue to impact the lives of many, bring them to a deeper walk with God, as well as a greater understanding of God's infinite wisdom and strength. This book shows God's perfect strength in the face of tragedy, but also challenges you to re-examine your faith and give your all to Him to be used to impact the world. 5/5 stars.

Allo...and Welcome!

So, as a newcomer to the blogging world, Hello! Welcome to the scary place that is my mind. This shall be a place for me to give random updates about myself (and Foofers -my younger sister- too), write reviews for books, movies, tv, etc, and reason through the jumble of confusion that is called life. So without, further inquiry or explanation, I shall click the small orange publish post button. Updates to come soon!