Things to know before reading "The 49th Mystic".
1. Do not, I repeat, do not read this book until you've read The Circle Series by Ted Dekker. (which I promise you will love)
2. Know that this is book one. Argh! I have to wait until October 2018 for the second one.
Even though it's plain to see, right there on the cover the words "Beyond the Circle", I didn't realize "The 49th Mystic" was an off shoot of that series. I LOVED the Circle Series so it was a pleasant surprise but if you haven't read that first, you might feel lost.
Ted Dekker has an incredible mind that sees the world and God's plan is a fresh new way. I've grown up in church and love Jesus but still, when I read the Circle series and now "The 49th Mystic" some truths, perhaps because they are turned into allegories, suddenly seem obvious.
*Of course what we are is beyond what we see!
*My real identity is not what the world has named me. My identity is In Christ. That's how I could sign my letters.
How is it I needed a novel to re-enforce that? I kept having small epiphanies.
I also loved that, just like The Circle Series, there were two interconnected stories going on at once. One of the stories takes place in a different time in a seemingly different realm. Perhaps the reason this resonated with me is because there ARE two realms. The natural and the spiritual. And they are connected. Yet separate. Yet connected.
Mr. Dekker's ability to bring a story to life in vivid fantastical color is astonishing. Sir, I applaud you!
Unfortunately, even though I would easily score The Circle Series a 10 out of 10, I found "The 49th Mystic" a little repetitive. The story line is awesome. Who thinks of these things? But as the main character learns God's deep truths, they are repeated a lot. It got to be a bit much. However, I'm already anticipating getting my hands on book 2.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
