One of my favorite books of all time! This series changed my life when I read it in my early teens and really got me into reading, fantasy, and speculative fiction.

Black was the first book that introduced me to Ted Dekker and I have to say that I really enjoy this book. I have recommended it to others and will continue to do so as it is a firm favourite. It is an allegorical story and faith based.

This is a mix of things like fantasy and sci-fi. It at times does get violent so small warning if you can't handle that. You will want to read the subsequent books after reading this.

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.

Black is one of those books that burrowed into my psyche years ago and apparently set up permanent camp, because every time I come back to it, it still hits. I first read this before I deconstructed my faith, and it was one of my favorites then—but the wild thing is, it still holds up even now. Strip away the evangelical undercurrent and what you’re left with is a masterful work of fantasy realism with an incredibly immersive, high-stakes narrative.

The dream-world concept? Still brilliant. The pacing? Fast and relentless in the best way. And Thomas Hunter’s journey as he flips between two realities? That trope never goes out of style. Dekker’s writing keeps you turning pages like your life depends on it, and honestly, I’m just impressed by how well this one stands the test of time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, which feels a little like time travel since this came out in 2009—but hey, I’m not questioning the gift. All opinions are my own, and I’m happily still obsessed.

Author Ted Dekker is a great writer. Throughout his many books there are messages. His plots are exceptional. He uses tension that keeps you turning the pages, villains that you look down on and characters that disturb you and yet you cheer them on.
The plot is exceptional. Let’s look at the elements of this tale:
Plot: The plot is really good! There are two worlds with two plots that intertwine. This plot is filled with doubt, curiosity, vision, practicality, dismay, plausible characters, and absorbing script. This is a very suspenseful tale.
Characterization: The characters were realistic. I was waiting for them to jump off the page and take a run around the house. Kara and Thomas are siblings. Their interactions were one of the best parts of this tale. Kara was my favorite character. I did not like Rachelle, she was obnoxious. Thomas was a unique character; he had flaws which made him realistic. He is appealing, amusing, and spirited.
World Building: In this tale we have two vastly different worlds and yet the world building was fantastic. The world building is so good I had to stop and think which world was real and which wasn’t. World 1 is real with all its faults and challenges. World 2 is where the character goes when he is asleep; in this world evil is black, and the good are naïve and unexperienced. In World 2 everything is either black or white, no gray areas.
Fantasy: Well done! The author created a rainbow forest, an unusual bird and fruits.
Action: There was a lot of action and violence in the modern world.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Black
By Ted Dekker
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Series: Book 1 of the Circle series
Rated: 5
Back of the Book: “Thomas Hunter narrowly escapes mysterious assailants only to encounter a silent bullet that clips his head . . . and his world goes black. He awakens in an alternate reality and soon finds himself pulled between two worlds. In one, Thomas is an average guy working in a coffeehouse. In the other, he's a battle-scarred general leading a band of warriors known as the Circle. Every time Thomas closes his eyes, he awakes in a different reality, where he must thwart a looming pandemic in one and confront forbidden love in another. Thomas can bridge both worlds, but he quickly realizes that he may not be able to save either. In this mind-bending adventure of suspense, thriller, and fantasy, the fate of both worlds now rests on his ability to shift realities through his dreams—and somehow find a way to change history.”
Impressions: Ted Dekker is a storyteller like no other. This fantasy world is thoughtful and full of suspense. Faith is woven into the story using parallels to connect to the gospel. The ending was abrupt and left little option but to continue with the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Quotes: “‘Adrenaline dulls reason; panic kills it.’”

“‘The point is, we were created to love beauty. We love beauty because Elyon loves beauty. We love song because Elyon loves song. We love love because Elyon loves love. And we love to be loved because Elyon loves to be loved. In all these ways we are like Elyon. In one way or another, everything we do is tied to this unfolding story of love between us and Elyon.’”

“Dissatisfaction led to mischief as well as good.”

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book!

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.

It was good to read this book again after so many years. The author grabs you and pulls you into the story so you can't put it down. It is inspiring.

I absolutely love this boom and hovered it multiple times. I loveth3entirre series. Infection, my husband and I named our son after themail character Thomas Hunter,.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into Black, especially since this genre is new territory for me—but wow, what a ride. Although it took me a while to understand the back-and-forth between the dreamworld and reality, once I got into the rhythm, I was hooked.

What really held me in the beginning—despite some early confusion—was that brilliant opening scene in Switzerland. The stakes were so high, the suspense so sharp, and the tension between Carlos and Svensson so well-executed that I had to keep going. Ted knows how to start strong and earn your curiosity.

Ted’s research is incredible—the worlds he creates are vivid and believable. From government agencies like the CIA to characters like the Deputy Secretary of State, everything felt grounded and realistic, not exaggerated or cartoonish. His storytelling is immersive, and the suspense was surreal. It literally kept me up at night.

I also loved watching Thomas go from underdog to someone respected and chosen. The spiritual arc—Elyon calling someone who didn’t even believe in Him—was so moving. It’s a powerful reminder that God knows us even when we don’t know Him, and still calls us into purpose. His love is persistent.

The sibling bond between Thomas and Kara added heart to the story, and Ted’s use of short, sharp paragraphs kept the pacing tight and emotional tension high.

This isn’t my first Ted Dekker book (Sovereign was actually my first—and I’ve read it three times!), but Black has opened me up to an entirely new genre I didn’t know I would enjoy this much. I’m already diving into Red next.

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