Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker

It is 1772 in the country of Moldavia. Toma Nicolesecu and Alek Cardei are assigned the task of protecting the inhabitants of the Cantemir estate. During a party occurring almost immediately upon their arrival, they meet a strange group of Russians. They are shockingly rich and unbelievably attractive, so what's not to like? The seemingly easy job of protecting the Cantemirs gets increasingly difficult, and the strange becomes unnaturally queer. Love is displayed; watch the blood flow through Immanuel's Veins.

I am always anxious to get my hands on Ted Dekker's newest novel, and this one was no exception. I love Ted's mega-series: The Books of History Chronicles, and I was ecstatic to learn that Immanuel's Veins has ties to it. If you love BOHC, and are looking for more, have no fear - this book lives up to those expectations in a way that I did not imagine. Now, don't worry I am not saying that you must read the whole Circle Series first, I am simply saying this is the newest addition to the fantasy collection as far as I'm concerned. However, it is a stand-alone novel and can be read independently. That being said, this was a book of constant suspense that had me clenching my fists desperate to see the outcome. It is a tale of true sacrificial love - the willingness to give everything, even your life, for the sake of another. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, suspense, or romance novels. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Here is the trailer for the book:

To anyone who enjoyed Immanuel's Veins: I am giving away a free Immanuel's Veins t-shirt. If you are interested, please leave a comment below by September 30th. The winner shall be selected at random.  
     

The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

Kit Livingstone is on his way to his girlfriend's house when an old man named Cosimo approaches him. The man goes on about some psychotic theology that the world has multiple dimensions and alternate realities; saying more than what’s required for Kit to make an assessment that the old man is insane. The problem is however, that what we think is correct, isn’t always in line with the truth. Kit finds himself thrust into a world where time is... different. He must find the Skin Map at all costs, but it won’t be easy – for others share the same goal.

This is the first book I have ever read by Stephen Lawhead. I didn’t really know much about him, but the book looked good so I decided to read it. I must say, I was quite impressed! It was well written, and pulled me right in at the beginning instead of waiting a hundred pages. I am not a huge fan of sci-fi, but still, I enjoyed this one. A few of the concepts were in line with Ted Dekker’s Blink but that was fine by me because it is a perplexing line of thought. My only complaint is that I don’t think the ley lines and how the other worlds came to be were explained well enough; but can’t wait to read the next book! Overall, a great work!

Here is the trailer:

Havah by Tosca Lee

It is just after the beginning of time in the Garden of Eden. Eve has just been created, and Adam is the only other human in existence. It is paradise. Pain doesn’t exist, evil is unfathomable, and the fruits of the earth flourish incredibly. Then with a single bite of a seductive fruit man is cursed with sin and mortality. But the story does not end there, obviously not, or you would not exist. This is the story of Havah – mother of all.

This story is told in first person, the perspective of Havah. I love how this story is told in first person because it shows all the emotions that must have taken place in the dramatic events. This story takes the first few chapters of Genesis and turns it into a whole book filling in gaps to create a story that I think is probably quite close to the actual historical events. This book forever changed my viewpoint of the story and gave me a new respect for it all. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Adam and Eve. Supreme job Tosca!

Thunder of Heaven by Ted Dekker

It is deep in the Amazon. Tanya, whose parents are missionaries, and Shannon, who’s parents own a coffee plantation, are madly in love. Everything is going wonderfully for Tanya and Shannon. But then, the unimaginable happens. In an evil massacre, Tanya and Shannon are separated, and forever scarred. Years pass, when the story is finally unfolding. Terrorists have formed a plan that will forever put a dent in America’s history, and not in a good way. Pushed beyond her limits, Tanya must play her part in stopping it. But it won’t be easy. And then an unimaginable twist happens, and it all gets weirder. Evil is revealed, and the thunder of Heaven is unleashed.

I read this book after Heaven’s Wager, which I loved, so I had high expectations. I think it is safe to say that it proved worthy to be in the same series so to speak. It is a story of a terrorist attack, and it is a story of love. If you find either of those interesting, I think you will enjoy it. I recommend this book to people who enjoy suspense books. I suggest that this be the fourth and last book you read in The Martyr’s Song
Series.
   

Heaven's Wager by Ted Dekker

Kent Anthony's dreams are all about to come true. He has a wonderful wife and ten-year-old son, not to mention he just designed a program for his company earning him millions of dollars! Seems to good to be true? It is. Right as everything was going perfect, everything suddenly went wrong. Very wrong. Being so depressed that he practically reaches insanity(or does he?) he comes up with a plan. A very "beneficial" plan that could change things again. The die are rolled, the lots are cast, and Heaven's wager will be revealed.

I loved this book. It was very sad, but it was quite good. It had very powerful spiritual warfare, and showed the power of prayer. I recommend this book to anyone who has someone that they are trying to bring to Christ. I suggest that this be the third book you read in The Martyr's Song Series.

   

When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker

World famous author Jan Jovic is living the life. He is known world-wide, has all the money, and is engaged to the woman he loves. It did not all come about easily though, no, there was quite a price paid for it. He experienced the love of Heaven, and wrote it in a book to share the love with others. But in a minute, his whole life if flipped over. He rescues a young woman named Helen from her pursuers, and life is never the same again. Jan is given a choice- one that is not easily or lightly made. He experiences the ultimate sorrow of Heaven, and sees why and when Heaven weeps.

When I first started the book, I must admit I was kinda disappointed. The beginning "book" labeled "The Priest" is basically a paraphrase of The Martyr's Song. While I loved that book, I wanted a new story. However, once I got past that part, it was an excellent story. It is about loving as Christ loves. And is quite a realistic display of our failures and His forgiveness. I recommend this book to anyone who is curious as to the curious to the value of each soul, or has questions about agape love. I suggest that this be the second book you read in The Martyr's Song Series.