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Summary: A story that makes you think
Review: *Heaven's Wager* turns the account of Job on its ear to make the reader understand that we're all up against spiritual forces, regardless of who we are or who we believe in. Dekker takes us through the life of an unbelieving man who loses his wife, his son, and his fortune without at any moment making us feel the situation is overblown; instead you sympathize with a man who reacts in a human fashion, only to find in the end that his human frailties and failures mean little to a God who is desperate for his love.
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Summary: I Came At This A Little Backwards . . .
Review: . . . because I read When Heaven Weeps first, then Blessed Child, then Heaven's Wager. So I already knew pretty much what to expect from Mr. Dekker by the time I got my hands on this one. That doesn't mean this story was any less powerful. If I'd read it first, I know I'd've been gushing all over the place.Don't get me wrong. This book is better than 99% of the stuff out there, but since it's the author's first effort, it's not quite as polished as the others; that's why I knocked off half a star. Still, it's really a powerful story, and has some absolutely dynamite scenes. Definitely worth checking out.
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Summary: Job
Review: a fascinating glimpse into the life and heart of a modern-day Job who loses wife and child then risks everything by pulling off the scam of the century only to discover its a hollow and lonely place on the wrong side of the law. i appreciated the strong focus on intercession threaded right through the story which higlights the important role an intercessor plays in the redemption of the lost
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Summary: Works Up to a Healthy Gallop
Review: A friend shared this book with me, claiming she couldn't get past the first hundred pages. "I'm curious to hear your opinion," she said. "Maybe you'll like it." Bottom line: Yes, I liked it. Loved it, even. So why her frustration? This novel starts slowly, falling behind the pack of suspense thoroughbreds, appearing to be out of the race before it even begins. Dekker's writing is far from amateurish (except for the repetitive use of certain tags, such as: Stupid Street, pineapple-smiling face, and pinhead, to name those most annoying to me). He overdescribes near the beginning, then settles into a nice pace that I hope continues into his next two contracted books in the series. Around page 100 of "Heaven's Wager," I thought the story was worth it, and the pace was improving. Around page 150, this little racehorse makes a break for it. The story of Kent Anthony's criminal activities is captivating and suspenseful, rivalling at times some of Grisham's best. The plot was intelligent, and the spiritual aspects, though somewhat heavy-handed at the onset, blended nicely into the story as it picked up speed. As the book neared the finish line, the spiritual and criminal pieces came together--with one or two minor surprises. Although it didn't quite catch the leaders in the genre of thrillers and suspense, it passed a good portion of the field for a nice showing. Next time around, I might just place my bets on Ted Dekker.
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Summary: Great Story!
Review: About a man who comes inches from having everything in life that can be immagined, only to have it all come crashing down upon him. Determined to have his million, he nearly gets it, before its ripped from his grasp. Yet even more, it's about an older woman who loves the world so much, she's determined to bring him to Jesus. Step into the book of a lifetime on this one. This was my first book I've read by Ted Dekker, and even though it's one of his earlier books, I was incredily impressed with his style of writing. I admit it did seem slow at times, but proved to be very worthwhile upon the ending. Dekker combines his dry wit with suspense to create a very unique writing ability. "Blink" is next on my list of books to read.
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Summary: WOW!
Review: Awesome book! What happens you hate but like at the same time. Great author, buy all his stuff!
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: Awesome book! What happens you hate but like at the same time. Great author, buy all his stuff!
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Summary: Major Advance for Fiction Coming from Evangelical Subculture
Review: First there was IN HIS STEPS, then there was CHRISTY, then there was BELOVED INVADER, then there was LOVE COMES SOFTLY, then there was GATES OF ZION, then there was THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, then there was TALIESIN, then there was AT HOME IN MITFORD, then there was LEFT BEHIND, and now there is HEAVEN'S WAGER. A long and impressive legacy, each book setting a new standard in its genre, or breaking new ground for "Christian fiction." What makes HEAVEN'S WAGER a breakthrough is that Ted Dekker combines a riviting plot with such a powerful evocation of the love of God for His creatures. By all means, do not take a pass on this intriguing, suspensful, and hugely impactful novel. Also, look for the sequel, WHEN HEAVEN WEEPS, which is just releasing now (middle of May 2001).
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Summary: Not What I Would Have Expected
Review: Given the other reviews I've seen for this book, I was expecting a much more dynamic writing style and a sounder theology. The plot itself is gripping and creative, but the characters are one-dimensional and all too familiar stereotypes. In terms of a thrilling and fast-moving plot, the author succeeds. But in terms of characterization and theology, it's shaky. I was especially troubled by some theological "detours" that I think could be misleading to new believers and maybe even give mature believers false expectations. And although there was a lot of drama that led up to it, this was still another last-minute conversion story--just done with a lot more tension than usual. This was a surprise to me, since I'd heard so many good things about the writing and seen "rave reviews" about the Christian and spiritual content. Not trying to be overly critical, but I wasn't comfortable with what I saw here regarding Christianity, and I was mostly disappointed with the story itself.
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Summary: 50 Yrs of Toil in God's Fiction Vineyard Yields Vintage Crop
Review: Here's the deal: Everything up to now has been practice. Heaven's Wager is the first pitch thrown out to start the real season after Spring Training, the curtain up on a long-awaited Broadway play, the opening note struck by the orchestra of a world premier from Arvo Part. Sure, you say. I'll believe it when I read it. Well, what are you waiting for? Take up the gauntlet. It's interesting to me that Mr. Dekker has appeared on the scene right after the turn of the millenium, because his work surely marks a new dawn for Christian fiction. I've been waiting for something like this for nearly forty years. Yes, I've spent many worthwhile hours with Lewis, Lawhead, Peretti, Percy, and scores of other writers plying the Christian fiction trade, but if you're like me, you've been waiting for that one utterly new voice, that one author whose vision is so clear, whose heart is so pure, whose message is so enthralling, whose story is so captivating that he (or she) literally signals a brand new start. I'm here to say that that individual has arrived--no, has veritably burst on the scene, corruscating with crackling prose, armed with a message that cannot be gainsaid, and forging a path that I guarantee you will be well trod when the day is done. Like that old Nike commercial says, "Just do it"--that is, grab this book and don't quit until you've finished it. You won't be disappointed.
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