As someone who started out as a reader, not a writer, there are so many incredible books and series, in addition to my own, that I would highly recommend. Ted Dekker is my favorite author of all time. So here are my top 5 Ted Dekker books, an author I would recommend for anyone looking for stories where incredible worlds meet intense plots and deep theological discussions.
1. The Circle series by Ted Dekker-
This one is easily my favorite series. Instead of using normal fantasy elements such as dragons or dwarfs, Ted Dekker creates his own, entirely unique world. The series begins with Black, continues in Red and White, then ends (or does it) with Green. I can't decide what part I love most about this series, and I won't give away any spoilers, but I can promise you that the image of Thomas Hunter diving into a green lake will be imprinted in your mind forever. For anyone wanting a fresh perspective on God or the fantasy genre, this is the series for you. Dive deep!
2. When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker-
This book is technically part of a series, but I'll be honest, without the other two dragging it down, this book could probably compete for my favorite book of all time. When Heaven weeps is Ted Dekker's first published novel and oh my it is incredible. While we see precursors of what I label as Ted Dekker's dark phase, this book perfectly blends it's more disturbing elements with an intense blend of theology and characters. This book isn't called when Heaven weeps for no reason, I've read this book three or four times and I weep every single time. I can't even describe how perfect this book is as a picture of God's love for us.
3. Beyond the Circle series by Ted Dekker-
Stepping back years later into the Books of History Chronicles, the series universe the Circle is set in, After coming back from his "dark phase" of writing Christian thriller and horror, Ted Dekker becomes a theologian with this series. While the theological elements are a little heavy, Ted Dekker is careful to not get too preachy. Very engaging and thought provoking.
4. Blessed Child by Ted Dekker
This was my first book by Ted Dekker and I was hooked for life. This is one of his early books before the dark phase, none of those books are on this list. He partnered with pastor Bill Bright to answer the question, if someone was separated from the evils and temptations of the world and raised with a pure connection with God, what kind of power would he be able to release on the world. When a young boy's monastery is destroyed and he's thrown into a corrupted world of temptations and governmental conspiracies, you've got yourself an amazing novel. "Whoever said a straightened hand is better than a healed heart?"
5. The Paradise Trilogy by Ted Dekker-
The only series I actually like from the dark phase and is also apart of the Books of History Chronicles. I've ready this series a bunch of times and it always amazes me how well he weaves between completely different series so seamlessly. This takes a few mythology elements from The Circle and answers some questions, but mostly is it's own thing. Remember the question about a noble savage on number 4? Ted Dekker tackles this question again but in an entirely different way. Upon rereading recently, I was stunned with how powerful the first book, Showdown, is, lets just say I wept. Then we got to the last book, while I hate to repeat myself, the word stunning really is the perfect word for it. I was stunned with how accurate his predictions were of the future world, "1984" and "a brave new world" have nothing on the National Tolerance Act. Being in his dark phase, there are some funky elements I'm not a huge fan of, with the handling of two characters in particular. But the darker parts, "wanna trip on some grace juice baby" are actually handled quite well.
Wow we're already at the end? I guess I'll have to make a part 2 with more Ted Dekker books to share with you guys!
If you like this, check out an exclusive short story here