I really enjoyed this book. It was different than my usual genre but I am glad I tried because it was so good. I highly recommend it to anyone.

A Thrilling Ride with Reflective Depth—Ted Does It Again

As usual, Ted delivered—Red was suspenseful, vivid, and absolutely unputdownable. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering what would happen next. The story unfolds like a cinematic rollercoaster: fast-paced, immersive, and threaded with profound spiritual truths.

One moment that made me laugh out loud:

"Clearly a virus was neither a Democrat or Republican."
That line was both sharp and timely—and Ted’s ability to weave humor into intense moments made the story feel all the more grounded.

What I love most about Ted's storytelling is how he shares profound spiritual truths through thrilling, reflective narratives. Red explores how our actions ripple outward—affecting others and even the unseen spiritual realm. We don’t live in isolation. What we do matters, more than we realize.

I can’t wait to dive into White next. This series is unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I’m so glad I stuck with it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Overall Rating: 4.25/5 Stars!
Red is the improvement and plot progression I longed for after Black: The Birth of Evil!!

Plot: 5/5 stars
Dekker’s continuation of the impeccable plot from Black manages to be even more impressive. As the characters move through the worlds, the danger and action they face, and the trials and triumphs in store for them, Dekker manages to draw readers into the story, investing them emotionally and mentally. Additionally, the greatness of the plot doesn’t stop there: Dekker carried through with bringing it to life – even if it didn’t get great until the end (but that’s what series are for!).

Narrative/Writing Style: 4/5
The narrative and writing style in Red is a significant improvement from Black in that the plot is carried out in a way that’s fun to read and actually encourages readers to find their place in the story, whether it’s rooting for a certain character, understanding the motivations more, or simply imagining themselves in the fight. While Dekker doesn’t have the best writing style I’ve ever seen and doesn’t always manage to keep me engaged, his action scenes and the progression of the story impressed me.

Characters: 3.5/5 stars
The characters in this book are still a bit disappointing until the end. As the plot progresses – though the result depends on where you begin in the series, which is still incredibly cool to me – the characters show different layers of themselves. Toward the end of this book, I was beginning to relate to some more of the characters and found reasons to grow attached to them and root for them. Character-driven stories aren’t always my favorite, but a plot like this needs characters to move with it, and Dekker is beginning to show his aptitude for moving characters past their first impressions.

Readability (and Re-Readability): 4.5/5 stars
I would reread this before I’d reread Black, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that’s the point of this series. It’s a circle, so there is no set beginning and end, and not everyone will like every book the same amount. If I’d started with this and moved to Black, I may not have finished it. This series isn't the most easily read I’ve come across, but they’re worth reading.

Overall, I’m glad to see some progression with the characters, which is the most noticeable difference from Black! The plot is honestly still not executed as well as it probably could be, but now that I can connect with the characters, the story will likely benefit from their actions. Dekker is undoubtedly imaginative and a skilled action writer, but there’s still a desire to see more proof of that in the depiction of the plot itself.

This book, along with the others in the series, are the most imaginative books I have ever read, and everything from the dynamic and unique characters to the plot development to fast-paced action draws me in and makes me want to enter that world.

It was good to read this book again after so many years. I really found it inspirational and deeply moving even reading it yet again. The author has shown deep characters in this book.

This is the second book in the circle series (there are four in total). The series is not one I would typically read but was recommended the series by an acquaintance. I will say, I totally trust their recommendations because I loved the series. I suggest starting with Black first.

I loved the parallel worlds element. The main character travels between two worlds, both of which add onto the story started in Black. It is an allegory based on the Christian faith so you may enjoy that aspect more if you are a believer. Next up is white!

I receive complimentary books for various sources, including Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

I read this series years ago when they first came out. I loved the allegorical nature of the books. There are a good many other books that had some of the same characters and I enjoyed them all.

I was thrilled to get Kindle Netgalley copies so I could once again enter the world of Thomas Hunter.

RED
by Red Dekker
Pub Date: July 26, 2009
This isn't the type of book I usually read, but, at the insistence of several friends, I decided to give this series a shot. A strangely gripping combination of sci-fi, thriller, and fantasy, The Circle series is unlike anything I've ever read, and, I would guess, unparalleled in its genre. (Whatever genre that is.)

Truly love revisiting this book.
I first read it as a young adult, at that point I was active in the church. I have since left any type of organized religion, but the book holds up beautifully.

These books are full of fantasy elements, well built characters, and plots that keep you reading.

You absolutely do not need to be religious to enjoy the circle series by Ted Dekker.

This series changed my life when I read it as a teen! The tense action-packed pace, the striking allegory, and the creative world-building is an incredible combination of genres. I cannot recommend it enough.

A obra "Red" é uma obra que vai além de um simples livro sobre cores; é uma reflexão sobre um elemento tão simples que pode influenciar a nossa vida emocional e cultural . Recomendo especialmente de quem gosta de literatura que mistura arte, psicologia e simbolismo.