The 49th Mystic wasn’t too bad. I loved how Dekker wove scripture throughout the Bible. I also think it’s interesting how all of Dekker’s books seem to connect. In some sense, this book reminds me of the Paradise series that I read earlier this year, but there much more Scripture interwoven into the book.

This book was somewhat slow-paced and there was probably more violence than what I would have liked. But I appreciated the message portrayed in this book.

I'm really torn on this book! The Circle Series is by far my favorite thing Dekker has written. I love that the Gospel is so beautifully pictured in it, and loved the concept of the dual worlds existing and being accessed through dreams. Thomas Hunter was a great character and just everything about those books was awesome.

Enter the 49th Mystic.

The plot is interesting to say the least. This time a young blind woman is the main character, and we journey with her as she tries to help save the people of her town, and the world in general, by finding the five seals. (Which I admit are confusing as they are revealed, and the logic behind sorting them out does not always flow in a sensible way.)

However, Dekker is a great story teller. The plot moves quickly, there are lots of nice descriptive passages, the characters are clearly defined, and the action is (mostly) believable and pushes the plot forward. There is a twist thrown in the middle of the story that I was not expecting at all, and several characters have theories about what is and is not true about their circumstances, which are not revealed until much later in the book. Kept me guessing!

Where my conflict arises is in the doctrine that is put forth in the book. Some of the things shared from the teachings of Christ are taken out of context, and there are definitely some things said that I don't agree with (such as the Holy Spirit possibly being a woman). Perhaps I misunderstood what Dekker was trying to convey. Or more disturbingly, I understood perfectly and just disagree completely. Many of the 'spiritual truths' shared as Rachelle progressed on her journey just didn't sit well with me. The portion of the book where all the people in the town (including the man who killed several people) all showing the same light, and that Christ is in all and all are in Christ are just not biblical ideas. I feel like this is a vast departure from the original Circle books, and that was very disappointing.

I do want to read the next book and see how the story ends, and see perhaps if there is some redemption in his spiritual philosophy. But I am not holding out much hope for that. I did enjoy the fiction parts of this book a lot. I just came away from it at the end feeling confused and let-down by the spiritual components. I would not necessarily recommend it for fans of the Circle series, as I am not sure it is a good continuation of that beautiful story. Die-hard fans of Dekker will read it regardless of reviews. And I definitely do not recommend it for people who are not sound in their theology, as it can make one very confused with all the ideas he is throwing around. I would say proceed with caution.

The 49th Mystic by Ted Dekker is part of the Beyond the Circle series. Rachelle is a girl living in a small community called Eden. Things soon fall apart and Rachelle has to go on a quest to save the world. Mr Dekker quickly absorbs you in this story and creates a very different, very real new world. It’s an amazing story and readers of science fiction will love this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This was Ted Dekker at his finest. I don't know how he manages to successfully merge past and current titles into the same storyline. He has created a new story that is intricate and builds on what has gone before, yet at the same time is a great read on its own. The novel was fascinating and interesting. I think in this is one of the best in the circle series so far. The narrative and twists and turns were outstanding. Recommend this book to all Ted Dekker fans. If you have not read one of his novels now is the time to embark on a new journey that will blow your mind.

Sometimes in life, you read a book that speaks to you in an unexpected way. It speaks truth and life and peace. The 49th Mystic was this book for me for this exact time in my life.

In the small town of Eden, Utah, a blind girl named Rachelle Matthews begins to dream of another world so real that she wonders if Earth might only be a dream experienced when she falls asleep in that reality.

She is the prophesied one who must find and recover five ancient seals - in both worlds - before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, both worlds will forever be locked in darkness.

True to Dekker’s form, this first of two novels was ah-mazing! It was said that this story is a culmination of all his novels (of which I’ve read EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.). So to see bits and pieces and phrases from his other books was so exciting for me. As Rachelle moves forward to find the ancient seals, her story unfolds with a brilliant battle of good versus evil. The seals themselves are powerful and applicable to every lover of Yeshua.

Although it’s not required, I would suggest reading Dekker’s “Circle/Color” series first. I know it will definitely be helpful when reading the second book of this two-book saga.

In the author’s note at the end, Dekker says, “We are all on the same journey of discovering ourselves in this world, just like Rachelle. It’s the journey from fear to love, from darkness to light, from blindness to sight.” Well said TD!

Dive Deep. ❤️

Ready...set...Dream! Some people say that the great mystery of how one person can live in two very different worlds, at the same time, died years ago with Thomas Hunter; while others say that the gateway between the two worlds is merely a dream. They’re both wrong. In the small town of Eden, Utah, a blind girl named Rachelle is going to experience firsthand just how wrong they are. After some complications during a procedure to restore her eyesight, Rachelle begins to dream of another world that feels so real she begins questioning whether Earth may not be a dream that she experiences when she falls asleep in the other reality. Why would a simple, blind girl have such vivid, fantastic dreams? Because, she’s the Chosen One, from the prophesies, who must find and recover all ancient Seals, before it’s too late. If Rachelle succeeds in her mission, peace will reign, but if she fails, both worlds will be locked in darkness, forever.

The 49th Mystic is the first book in Ted Dekker’s Beyond the Circle series. It takes us back to the world of The Circle series. And, just like the books in the other series that take place in this world, this one is amazingly well written. It also carries on the writing style that Ted used in the other Circle related books by flashing back and forth between Rachelle’s perspective as she experiences both her present and the future. I’ve seen other authors try this style that just weren’t able to pull it off effectively. That said, Ted excels at it. And he doesn’t just tell you the story, he writes in a way that shows the story, so to speak. You just get completely caught up and lost in the story as you read. I enjoyed how various characters were brought in from The Circle Series, as well as getting to meet new favorites. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to stand waiting until the second book comes out. October just seems so far away to find out what happens next.

Been a fan of Ted Dekker for years and this book was no exception to his outstanding writing and story telling. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.

Ted Dekker is the master of explaining Truth through story. I love that this time he has included Scripture, lots of it, at the end of the book to clearly connect it to the lessons learned by his protagonist, Rachelle, and hopefully his reader. For those reading this review and thinking, “Oh no, another thinly veiled sermon,” no fear! Just like Tolkien, Dekker is a beyond first rate storyteller. Fantasy and sci-fi fans will be enthralled.
Blinded at a young age in the secluded and protected small town of Eden, Rachelle hopes to regain her sight through a controversial procedure. It seems ominous that the timing of the procedure coincides with the outbreak of chaos in the world outside the confines of Eden. Rachelle is also plagued by dreams in which a presence she labels as Shadowman threatens to continue to blind her each time she regains her sight. When he shows up at the hospital under the guise of Vlad Smith and places a smear of Rachelle's blood in one of the Books of History, her life, and the lives of all of Eden's residents, runs off the rails. Only through learning her true identity and finding the five seals as directed by someone in the other earth to which she travels each time she dreams will Rachelle be able to restore order.
I am very grateful to NetGalley and Revell Books for providing me with a copy of The 49th Mystic in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation, and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I highly recommend this book, along with The Circle Series.

I must admit, I usually avoid books by Ted Dekker as I've always heard his books are a little "out there." Plus, I am more of a Historical Romance kind of gal, so this was a stretch for me. But I was intrigued by all the reviews and so I thought I would give it a try. I'll say this - he kept me reading until the end.

The book is an allegory of the two kingdoms in which we live - the physical and spiritual. How we view ourselves in those kingdoms is the key. Rachelle, our main character, is physically blind but as the book so wonderfully points out and shows the reader, we are all just as blind as Rachelle. If we are filled with the light of Christ why don't we act like it?

It will definitely get you thinking in regards to how you act in life as a Christian. Will you see with spiritual eyes or be blinded by fear? It's a great story and one I highly recommend. My only disappointment was the ending. It was abrupt and left unfinished. And after all the excitement that came before it and all the build up to the end, as I waited to see what would happen next I turned the page and that was it - nothing. Hence the reason for the 4 stars.
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If you like mystery and fantasy you will like this book.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

This is the most profoundly affecting book I've read in the last year. Dekker outdoes himself with this book and fans will eagerly snatch up the next in the series. Thank goodness it's October 2018! In addition, keep the prior Circle series ready for patrons who can't wait a few months.

Been a fan of Ted Dekker for years and his books always have that needed twist. This one is no exception and I can hardly wait to see where his future books take us as well. You won't believe your eyes!

Way to go Ted Dekker! Stunning is the word that comes to mind. Pulling together The Circle Series, incorporating the characters and themes into this new work of art, simply stunning. Biblical truths written in such a way as to get this reader thinking about God and grace in new, refreshing ways. Ways that touched my heart and made me cry, a good kind of tears.

I’ve been a fan of Ted Dekker’s books for years and have shared that love with friends, who in turn have become fans. A deeply spiritual man, Dekker has shared his journey throughout the years via his novels. His quest for deeper understanding is unquenchable and he successfully shares that quest while lighting the fire in the hearts of his readers.

Rachelle, it did not escape this readers notice that the author named the main character after is daughter, is a blind girl in the city of Eden; a city governed by a very strict interpretation of scripture. Strange things begin to happen when Rachelle sleeps for she finds herself in another world, a world very different than Eden. Rachelle moves between each world whenever she falls asleep; the reader easily moves with her.

She is on a hunt. A hunt for five seals. Seals she must find or both worlds will be destroyed in utter darkness. In this first of the Beyond the Circle series, Rachelle obtains the first three seals, through many harrowing adventures. What are they? You will have to read the book to find out!

Ted Dekker is the one who got me hooked on reading many many years ago with his circle series. The 49th Mystic is a continuation of that series. Naturally, I was stoked to be able to read this book. It had everything I remember from the original series.

When Rachelle falls asleep she wakes up in another reality and vise versa. She is faced with saving both of her worlds and using them to them each other. The Christian allegory is strong with this story and it’s beautiful.

While I did like the book, I liked the original better. Although, given that it was the first set of books that got me interested in reading, it’s a pretty tough act to follow even for a sequal series. The sheer nostalgia alone was enough for me to like this book. However, I believe someone unfamiliar with the story would pick it up just fine.

Sorry, but I did not request or wish for this book. I will therefore not be reviewing it and I have NOT downloaded it to my kindle.
Thanks

It's been a while since I read the Circle books, but I didn't really enjoy this book very much. I'm not sure I agree with the mystical beliefs the main character embraces. I found some concepts quite confusing.

Rachelle a simple blind girl that lives in a small contained town called Eden because of the fallout, has learned to accept her blindness, but her scientist father looks to every avenue to cure her, and when his latest cure seems to work with a odd side affect of vivid dreams of another time and land that Rachelle seems to actually be living in when she sleeps, leads to other problems and a prophecy that may or may not include Rachelle. This book is filled with lots of suspense and much action, and enough philosophy to keep your mind on its toes. This book was worth the 3 year wait.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book it was awesome and the review will go live on my blog on 15 May 2018

Ted Dekker returns to the world of The Circle series he created fifteen-some years ago.

In The 49th Mystic we find a girl named Rachelle, same name as Ted's daughter - I feel kinda bad for his other children left out, who will become this titled character.

Just like in the novels Black, Red, White, and Green, two worlds are accessed through dreams. While there are cameos of familiar Circle characters, Ted has said that this book along with its sequel are stand-alone novels.

Rachelle lives in a secluded community that abides by the Law of God under the guidance of the community leader. God has rules and followers of God must live by those rules.

Then the villain shows up, calls into question their way of life and the community is thrown into chaos. If this was your first time reading a Dekker book, you'd wonder if this was actually the hero because you'd swear there was some truth mixed in with what he's saying.

If you have read Dekker's Books of History Chronicles, this book will feel very familiar. You have the dreaming of two worlds through books and blood, you have the villain showing up in a town and creating havok with the townspeople where one young person is to figure it all out and put a stop to it.

You have the questions of "what is real and what is fabricated?"

It all feels very familiar.

Ted has said that this is the culmination of everything he has written. I can go with that, sure. But as I was reading through The 49th Mystic, I kept thinking, "this is like Showdown", "this part is like Sinner", "this is like that part in The Priest's Graveyard", "this part is like Skin".

Rachelle now has quests in both worlds. What happens in one directly affects what happens in the other. The stakes are high and the consequences are dire.

There are a number of shocking deaths.

It is clear by now that Ted has had a spiritual experience that he wants to share with as many people as he possibly can. I have discovered, when novelists have a similar experience, their books are preachy than plot.

There is a character in Other Earth who is a kind of sage for Rachelle. He is used to preach Ted's new philosophy of our relationship with God. There are pages and pages of him preaching this new way of thinking to Rachelle (and us). I don't remember Dekker's writing anything like this until his A.D. 30 & 33 books.

I really enjoy Ted Dekker books. I have every novel that he's written. Here lately, I've not been able to connect or enjoy them as I once used to.

So it must just be me because these newer books are impacting a great number of readers.

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

9780800734930 (ITPE - sold in the UK), 9780800729783 (HB - sold in the USA)

A brilliantly told story spanning two worlds.

I was intrigued by the blurb for this book – about a blind girl who lives in two worlds. Or rather, in two time periods. When she sleeps in her home town of Eden, Utah, she is awake in a future world, and vice versa.

Motherless Rachelle is close to her father, David, and an independent young lady. Although blind, she ‘sees’ using sonar clicks, and navigates through her world confidently. When strange things happen during a medical procedure to restore her sight, Rachelle soon finds that it’s just the beginning of a series of dramatic events. While she sleeps in Eden, she wakens in another place and time. A place which seems dangerous yet familiar and where she must trust people she barely knows. At first it’s a relief to wake up back in Eden, but life there is about to change forever, and everything she knew and thought to be true will be turned upside down.

As ‘the 49th Mystic’, long prophesied, she must find five ancient seals before it is too late. They might be in either world. And danger follows her in both.

If you’ve ever woken up from a dream so vivid that for a few moments you struggle to work out what is real, then you will completely connect with Rachelle! Although in her case there really ARE two worlds in which she is living separate but strangely connected lives.

I was hesitant about starting this book, but I needn’t have been. Captivated from the very beginning, this was a book I was desperate to keep reading!

Settle into your comfiest reading chair with a cup of something nice and your favourite snack, take the phone off the hook (or switch off your smartphone) and put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign. Once you’ve started this book you won’t want to stop!