yet again mr. dekker has amazed me ! chosen is a action packed story that will blow your mind.
you will want to read it over and over.

The book came quickly and in excellent condition. I would definitely purchase from this seller again.

Good story, Dekker rights well. Not what I call a 'page burner', but close to it. I enjoyed it, over all. At times I was frustrated with the characters because they didn't do what I considered to be logical things, but maybe Dekker meant it to be that way. I found myself drawn into the story and interested in what happened next. The book reads as if it is for late teens. It may be advertised as such, but I'm older and enjoyed it just the same. I would recommend the book. I read the Black, Red, White series and there a tie ins. I like that series more, but not a by a large margin. If you read the B-R-W series you would proabably enjoy The Lost Books series.

I would describe this book as a "easy, summer read." The characters were very simple,not alot of depth to them but I felt the details to descriptions ie. creatures, travels, forest was above the average in this book.

Prolific author Ted Dekker once again demonstrates his superior skill at weaving in multi-level themes, character profiles and belief systems, all framed within an action-packed dynamo of thrilling chase, fight and escape scenes.

In CHOSEN, the first installment of the Lost Books series, Dekker has the famed Thomas Hunter inciting his forest dwellers to fight for the chance to win one of four top leadership positions. As an unlikely candidate because of his size and interest in books, Johnis doesn't think he has a chance. But by using his mind and his heart, he outwits and outfights other choice warriors and is appointed one of the four to go on a mission issued by Hunter. With little to recommend himself, Johnis is at first ridiculed by his fellow warriors, who see little worth in this upstart.

Together, Johnis, Darsal, Billos and Silvie head toward the desert and the Horde. En route, Johnis begins seeing signs of the evil bat-like mythical creatures, the Shataiki, swarming in the trees above their heads. They are attacked and divided, and all too soon are confronted by Teeleh, the originator of all evil and instigator of much pain against Elyon's people, the forest dwellers. Johnis must try to save his comrades and trick Teeleh into setting them free in exchange for one of the seven lost books of history. After gaining help from the Roush, the pure-hearted bat-like counterparts to the Shataiki, all four warriors get further lessons in listening to wise counsel and not going off task because of fear.

After almost dying due to lack of cleansing in the fresh water, Johnis, Darsal, Billos and Silvie do manage to join together with the aid of the Roush and rescue two of the seven books. Each of the teens gains much insight and fortitude as they re-enter their forest dweller camp and report on their mission. Hunter sees something special in Johnis and predicts his rise as the leader of his people.

Dekker concludes CHOSEN on a high note of community rejoicing and celebration, but hints that the second installment will have the four heroes relying on every ounce of skill, cunning and heartfelt courage to meet their next challenge. Riveting and fast-paced, readers will find the Lost Books series up to the author's usual excellent standard.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

This is a wonderful book! I loved how this story shows how being "chosen" isn't always based on being the strongest, but maybe for some special inner quality that only God can see. The main characters have their faults, which make then easy to identify with, but it's so great to see them begin to grow and develop their strengths. This series is a must read for anyone who enjoyed the Circle Trilogy, especially as it gives more understanding of life in the forests there.

I have to say that way i purchased this it was for a light read. Nothing too deep. I was mistaken. This book ties in at least 3 other books of his outside of the Black, Red, White. Be on the look out for those references. Great writing, very engaging.

Did you know this is a young adult book? I didn't, until I read it. I kept thinking it was written for a younger audience, lacking the maturity of the original Trilogy, and then I saw on the back cover that I was right. For a young adult series, it's not at all bad. However, one can not even begin to understand this series without having first read the original Circle Trilogy and its sequel, Showdown, which are definitely not young adult fiction. I can't quite grasp why an author would try to change his audience in the middle of a storyline.

Don't get me wrong; for young adult fiction it's a good read. It's just not cut from the same block as the other relevant works.

Some have said that this is not a spin-off of the original Circle Trilogy. They don't know what they're saying. This series is solidly based in the original trilogy and can not be fully understood apart from it.

I stayed with this one from start to finish! I'm now looking to order the next in the series. By all means, take a look at the books by Ted Dekker. Dekker is a mastermind and will catch all readers, from the novice to the most serious. Awesome!

This story begins in the middle! Actually in the middle of the trilogy, during a period when Thomas Hunter eats the fruit so that he doesn't dream. This series introduces a brand new cast of characters to Ted Dekker's trilogy with Darsal, Billos, Johnis and Silvie, four teenagers assigned the task of finding the lost books of history by the Roush.

Love, the great romance, and loyalty underscore the startling, twisting developments of the plot. Its quick pace and incredible intricacies make this a page turner. Completely riveted, I read them all in rapid fire succession!

I have read almost everything ted dekker has written and his circle trilogy is some of my favorite dekker material. Chosen is a great book that begins a great series, filling in some time between the original trilogy books.
Right away you fall in love with the main hero and his companions. The story is fast and the plot sweeps you away, desperate to know what happens with all that is at stake.
My only complaint is that the book wasn't a little longer with more character development, but it is targeted for young adults. Nonetheless, the plot is excellent and I couldn't wait for the next 3 when I was done. Highly recommended

Ted Dekker continues to amaze me with all the great works he puts out and how he intertwines the stories. Im still not sure how he will tie them all together in the end.This book is aimed at the YA but is for everyone. It deals with an alternate world where four teens are chosen to become part of the Forest Guard who is at war with the Horde(the desert dwellers). Johnis the main character is unsure of himself and why he was chosen but decides to follow his heart instead of his head. A really great book which also ties into Dekkers Circle trilogy, Showdown, and Skin. I would really recommend checking out this series as well as Dekkers other books. I cant wait to read the rest of this series.

I'm not sure what I think about this book. I sit here and feel that there is so much to ponder beyond what was written. The story itself is fast paced and you must pay attention for one thing happens after another in a perfect harmony. The characters are great and lovable, while the villains are very much the opposite as should be. I can tell from reading this story that there is so much more in Ted's mind of what is going on and I'm curious about more related books to see what more I can delve ...more I'm not sure what I think about this book. I sit here and feel that there is so much to ponder beyond what was written. The story itself is fast paced and you must pay attention for one thing happens after another in a perfect harmony. The characters are great and lovable, while the villains are very much the opposite as should be. I can tell from reading this story that there is so much more in Ted's mind of what is going on and I'm curious about more related books to see what more I can delve from this world. It appears that there is more than one world, and more than one series that connects and I'm curious to learn more.

Can I say, "I loved this book!" I have not read any other Ted Dekker book except for "House" and that was co-written by Frank Peretti whom I have always loved (didn't love "House" though, it was okay, but really out there). So I wasn't sure if I'd be into "Chosen" at all or not. Surprisingly, I was blown away by how creative and engrossing it was and I could not put it down... literally from start to finish I was sucked into this parallel world that Ted created. All I could think as soon as I was done was, "When can I read the next one???"
It says that it is Juvenile Fiction on the back of the book, but seriously, it's kind of like the Hollywood Nobody books in that aspect - I must be a juvenile at heart then because I love it!
I suppose I should tell you why I love the book, just in case my recommendation alone is not enough...
Ted creates this completely alternate place which is totally real once you enter the book. His characters are strange, unique, strong and flawed. His settings are altogether believable and in depth (forests, deserts, lakes and evil stadiums). The premise is original and captivating - 4 youth are chosen as leaders to help save their people, but are given a secret mission not even known to by the man that chose them. Can they fulfill this mission and save the future at the possible risk of losing their own people... (dun, dun, DUNNNNNN!)

Join the legions reading "Chosen" and find out!

This was an amazing story. I read it straight through. Couldn't put it down. It reminded me of the Song Of Albion series written by Stephen Lawhead in the mid 1990s. I loved the premise, the plot, the action, the emotion. It was amazing. And those characters were in perilous situations so often it was downright thrilling. I love it when situations seem hopeless, but then something happens to turn it around. But like life, it's never easy. Love isn't easy, nor is faith, not when the facts tell you all is lost. But if you listen with your heart and choose not to filter everything through your head, you will hear the truth. Awesome, gripping fiction. A bit gory and graphic at times, but certainly no worse than what you see on television. I highly recommend it. Ted Dekker knows how to pull you into a story with the best of them. No wonder he's a NY Times best-selling author. :)

Ted Dekker has done it again. The Circle trilogy goes on! A must read if you loved BLACK, RED and WHITE!! You'll love it.

I own all books written by Ted dekker and i had started getting bored with the themes in Skin, Showdown, Saint and House. This however was a refreshing take back to white, black and red. See the story from a different perspective.

I have never read anything by Ted Dekker before. When I stumbled across this book, I didn't expect much other than a quick story. What I got in the end was quite an adventure! This book begins with energy and adventure and it follows through all the way to the end.

"Chosen," written by Ted Dekker, is the first installment in the Lost Book series. Commander Thomas Hunter recruits Johnis, Silvie, Darsal, and Billos as the new leaders of the Forest Guard. Their final mission is to collect four catalina cacti; however, they are attacked and Johnis is divided from the team. While looking for an escape, Johnis encounters the legendary Roush. In speaking with the Roush, Johnis and the other members are then recruited to fulfill a new task. They must find the missing Books of History. The Roush explain that Johnis is the chosen one to lead the expedition to find the books. Throughout the story, Johnis knows two things for certain: (1) he will die, and (2) when his time comes to die, he will not care. With that said, Johnis leads the others with his heart throughout the entire story.

This story is courageous, adventurous, lively, and stupendous. I didn't believe I would be so awed by this 288 page book, but here I am writing about how wonderful it is! I highly recommend this book to teens and adults! Ted Dekker brings a whole new meaning to following and leading "with your heart."

This book was vintage Dekker, spinning off the circle trilogy without the jumping from one world to the next. Chosen comes through with great suspence and excitement as the circle trilogy books with a new hero being born. Thomas Hunter is still a part of the grand scheme and the leader of the Forest guard who are still under the attack of the Horde. If you liked the Circle you will enjoy this first book of The Lost Books series.

I am not disappointed at all. I love this.... and this book has ministered, inspired and entertained. Love it!

I was so excited to see these books coming out! I spent most of one morning reading "Chaos" and most of the next day reading "Renegade." Just when you think you've got it figured out, Dekker throws a twist in and you're in the thick of it again. Heart racing, pulse pounding--don't sneak up on me when I'm reading Dekker--I may scream.

Gotta love it!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595543597/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title
Dekker does it again. In this "first" of the new lost books. We have many of the old favorites like Thomas Hunter and his wife Rachelle, and we are introduced to 4 new charactors who will be with us for this new series about the old lost books. Without giving anything away lets just say for you Dekker fans the only real bummer here is that the book is so small. After being spoiled with the Trilogy and the depth and length of that series my main dissapointment with these new books are in the small amount of material we are given. I guess like everywhere else in life, we are feeling the pain of a hurting economy? I do not know? What I do know is that if you like the works of Ted Dekker? He wont let you down with this newest installment of the Lost Books, "Chosen" This book delivers the kind of character development and plot twists and turns we have come to appreciate. Also at work in this book are some of those surprises with characters and events one can only understand and truly appreciate if he or she has read some or most of Ted's other works relating to this topic.

I am a huge Ted Dekker fan, and my favorite serie's is the Circle Trilogy. For the past year, I've been eagerly anticipating the release of The Lost Books. I loved Chosen. I appreciated the throw back to the second book of the series, Red with the re-introduction of the Roush, shatiki and the black forest. If you loved the Circle Trilogy, you will love Chosen!

Man, who does this Ted Dekker think he is? First the "Circle" stuff, then he gets a little deeper, and now he's coming out with "Lost Books!" Ok, I'm hooked. That's just it with Dekker. You read him once and enjoy it, and you're a forever fan. And just because this might possibly have hints of "The Circle" hinting at the cover, that doesn't mean it is the same story. Or is it? Make no mistake about it, Dekker isn't about making another project and turning into his own little cash cow. Not at all. But he does take an ancient faith and hope, and gives us some new stories! I like that.

Have you ever lost the spring in you step? Felt that what you once fought for isn't worth fighting for anymore? There is a sense of this, and it shows in the Land of the Forest Dwellers. And four people, four young people, are chosen. But do they even know what they have been chosen for? Johnis is one of these chosen ones. Did Thomas Hunter make the right call this time? Are these the kind of warriors Elyon had in mind? You can probably expect this to get just a little bit crazy! Watch out for the darkness that will tempt from time to time. Beware of the temptation to run and hide. Don't expect the obvious. Expect it to hit you like a karate kick! When it does snap your head back, get back up, and keep fighting!! You should know by now that Dekker doesn't write something that isn't worth reading. This was worth reading.

For some, it may be too much of a risk to attempt Dekker's latest romp in the forest. But then, if you're like me, you'll slowly unwind the twine that binds the book, and crack that first page. Then you'll lose yourself in another classic Dekker barrage of blows! Sometimes it takes the faith of a child, like the faith Jesus spoke of. Sometimes you take what's handed to you, and you run with it!! If you believe that, then "Chosen" just may be for you. ELYON'S STRENGTH!!!

I've been a Ted Dekker fan since reading his Circle Trilogy a couple of years ago and have read every book he's written since then. His writing is some of the best I've seen from anyone, books like Thr3e and Showdown captured my imagination and kept me hungry for more. But something has happened to my favorite modern writer that I can not explain. His slide from great fiction began with Saint and continued with Skin. Since then he hasn't been able to write a novel that is up to par with some of his past works.

Chosen is no different. Ted Dekker returns to the series that made him great in the first place in his new series, the Lost Books. He returns Thomas Hunter of the Forest Guard as a secendary cahracter who serves as a mentor of sorts to the four main characters, Johnis, Silvie, Darsal, and Billos. The Forest Gaurd are struggling to fight off the powerful Horde army which seeks to destroy the seven green forests of Elyon that are home to the forest dwellers. In response to this great threat Thomas Hunter lowers the age of hsi fighters from 18 to 16. When our four heros are sent into the destert to prove their worth by completeing a task Thomas gives them, they are aproched by teh Roush who inform them that they are destined to search out and find the seven lost Books of History.

No book Ted Dekker has written has conflicted me more then this one. At certain parts I wanted to throw the book at the wall in frustration as I could not stand the horrendous dialogue and cheesy "character development" that plagued the entire middle part of the book. Other parts glued me to my seat as the action picked up and Dekker showed off his ability as a suspense and action writer. The book, like almost all Dekker books, ended magnificently, but like Saint and Skin, the middle was horrible.

The minuses for this book are easy to see for anyone with an eye for literature. First off, and I can not stress this enough, the dialogue was simply horrible. There were many parts where I almost put it down for good because the way the characters spoke to each other was nothing like how real teenagers would talk. Shut your yapper scrapper? I can understand the need to keep the book "clean" (even if I think it takes away from the overall realism of the story) but this is ridiculous. Here is a conversation from the book to let you know just what I mean when I say the dialogue is bad;
pg 109-111, bottom paragraph; (don't worry; I'll try to keep out spoilers).
Johnis; "you will follow me Darsal. You will follow me to hell itself if that's where I lead you" (note here that Johnis isn't the leader of the group yet, Darsal is).
Silvie; "she may have a point, Johnis. You know we could still cut back and make it to the forest in the darkness."
Johnis; "But we won't. We can't. Our destiny is out here in the desert of death where the Horde lies in wait, desperate to feed on our flesh."

What teenager talks like this? Have you ever in your life met a sixteen year old who would, or could in that matter, speak this way? Another obvious flaw for anyone willing enough to see it are the horrible cliché's and stereotypes Dekker shamelessly uses to move his story forward. The prophecy foretelling of a "chosen One" whose going to save the world has been done so many times that it should be illegal for anyone to use it ever again. For anyone to use this tired plot device again shows a lack of originality and effort on the part of the writer. What happened to the originality we saw in his earlier books? On another note, each and every one of these characters falls into a terrible stereotype.
Johnis; The smart weak guy that must overcome his physical weakness to save the world and get the girl.
Billos; The stupid tough guy.
Silvie; The strong girl with a soft spot.
Darsal; The insecure teenager.
I've seen every single one of these characters before, by different names and from different stories but their basic personalitys remain the same. They do the same things, they act the same way, and they always find a way to beat the bad guys in the end. Hurray.

So why doesn't this book get a one or two star rating? Well, when Dekker is in his element I have to say he can still be great. The book starts out pretty well, but then slowly fades into mediocre during the middle part of the story, followed by a killer ending (read my review for Skin and you'll see I said almost the exact same thing). It took him about 200 pages to get back in his element, but once he got in his rhythm there was no going back. His tie ins with Showdown near the end of the book were incredible and kept me glued to my seat into the small hours of early morning. Dekker is a great action and suspense writer, and proves in the ending of this book he still has what it takes to creat great fictionl; too bad he doesn't stay in his element though.

The single greatest piece of advice Thomas Hunter gave to the characters in this book was to "think with your heart." Now, the single best piece of advice this humble fan can give to my favorite writer is to write from the heart. The Circle, Thr3e, and Showdown were all great books because Dekker didn't just go by the numbers and try to write best selling fiction, he wrote what God put into his heart and came out with some great stories. Other then that, I honestly think he should give the Circle a break. Ever since he wrote the original series almost every book since has been a tie in of one kind or another. Showdown was a great tie in, but then it just got weird as he forced the Horde into Skin and Saint. Chosen has the potential to explain a lot of unanswered questions from the Trilogy, liek how Thomas was able to move bwtween our two worlds and what he was doing in the Black Forest, but Dekker doesn't take advantage of this fact. Let's hope that in future entries in this series Dekker will take this opportunity to expand the story. Well, I hope my rambling was helpful to you.

I've been a Ted Dekker fan since reading his Circle Trilogy a couple of years ago and have read every book he's written since then. His writing is some of the best I've seen from anyone, books like Thr3e and Showdown captured my imagination and kept me hungry for more and more. But something has happened to my favorite modern writer that I can not explain. His slide from great fiction began with Saint and continued with Skin and he hasn't been able to write a novel that is up to par with some of his past works.

Chosen is no different. Ted Dekker returns to the series that made him great in the first place in his new series, the Lost Books of History. he returns Thomas Hunter of the Forest Guard as he struggles to fight off the powerful Horde army which seeks to destroy the seven green forests of Elyon that are home to the forest dwellers. No book Ted Dekker has written has conflicted me more then this one. At certain parts I wanted to throw the book at the wall in frustration as I could not stand the horrendous dialogue and cheesy "character development" that plagued the entire middle part of the book. Other parts glued me to my seat as the action picked up and Dekker showed off his ability as a suspense and action writer. The book, like almost all Dekker books, ended magnificently, but like Saint and Skin, the middle was horrible.

The minuses for this book are easy to see for anyone with an eye for great literature. First of all, and I can not stress this enough, the dialogue was simply horrible. There were very many parts in this book that i almost put it down for good because the way the characters spoke to each other was nothing like how real teenagers would talk. Shut you yapper scrapper? I can understand the need to keep the book "clean" (even if I think it takes away from the overall realism of the story) but this is ridiculous. Here is a conversation from the book to let you know how bad the dialogue is;
pg 109-111, bottom paragraph; (don't worry; I'll try to keep out spoilers).
Johnis; "you will follow me Darsal. You will follow me to hell itself if that's where I lead you" (note here that Johnis isn't the leader of the group yet, Darsal is).
Silvie; "she may have a point, Johnis. You know we could still cut back and make it to the forest in the darkness."
Johnis; "But we won't. We can't. Our destiny is out here in the desert of death where the Horde lies in wait, desperate to feed on our flesh."

What teenager talks like this? Have you ever in your life met a sixteen year old who would, or could in that matter, speak in this manner? Another obvious flaw for anyone willing enough to see it are the horrible cliché's and stereotypes Dekker shamelessly uses to move his story forward. The prophecy foretelling of a "chosen one" whose going to save the world has been done so many times that it should be illegal for anyone to use it ever again. For anyone to use this tired plot device again shows a lack of originality and effort on the part of the writer. What happened to the originality we saw in his earlier books? On another note, each and every one of these characters falls into a terrible stereotype.
Johnis; the smart weak guy that must overcome his physical weakness to save the world and get the girl.
Billos; the stupid tough guy who's refusal to go along with main hero gets him in trouble.
Silvie; the strong girl with a soft spot.
Darsal; the want to be leader.
I've seen every single one of these characters before, by different names and from different places but the basic personality remains the same. They do the same things, they act the same way, and they always find a way to beat the bad guys in the end. Yeah.

So why doesn't this book get a one or two star rating? Well, when Dekker is in his element I have to say he can still be great. The book starts out pretty, but then slowly fades into a mediocre middle followed by a killer ending (read my review for Skin and you'll see I said almost the exact same thing). It took him about 200 pages to get back in his element, but once he got in his rhythm there was no going back. His tie ins with Showdown near the end of the book were incredible and kept me glued to my seat into the small hours of early morning. Dekker is a great action and suspense writer, and proves in the ending of this book he still has what it takes to write great fiction, too bad he doesn't stay in his element.

The single greatest piece of advice Thomas Hunter gave to the characters in this book was to "think with your heart." now, the single best piece of advice this humble fan can give to my favorite writer is to write from the heart. The Circle, Thr3e, and Showdown were all great books because Dekker didn't just go by the numbers and try to write best selling fiction, he wrote what God put into his heart and came out with some great stories. Other then that, I honestly think he should give the Circle a break. Ever since he wrote the original series almost every book since has been a tie in of one kind or another. Showdown was a great tie in, but then it just got weird as he forced the Horde into Skin and Saint. Chosen has the potential to explain a lot of unanswered question from the Trilogy, but Dekker doesn't take advantage of this fact. Let's hope that in future entries in this series Dekker will take this opportunity to expand the story. Well, I hope my rambling was helpful to you.

Well, my fears have been set to rest yet again by the fabulous, Ted Dekker.
I keep thinking he's going to be bomb on a series or book (because everything else is SOOOO good!), but it definitely isn't happening here!

I don't know how he does it! This book was written technically as a 'Teen Series', but I'm hooked. I read 'Chosen' in one day and loved it!
Read the 'Circle Trilogy' first though! Follow it up with Showdown and Saint and then Skin. You'll enjoy this series even more if you read it in order!

I won't give anything away because Mr. Dekker always surprises you!
Just order the books and enjoy them! You won't regret it!
Plus, they look pretty awesome sitting on your bookshelf (there are gonna be 6 different colors representing the 6 Stories of History! How sweet is that?!)

The first book in the continuation of the Circle trilogy is as good as they are.

Ted Dekker is a machine. He's been pumping out book after book, and doesn't show any sign of slowing down for the 2008 book-selling year. Released simultaneously with the second book in the series, "CHOSEN" jumps in where Dekker left off with his Circle Trilogy.

The story centers around Johnis, a just-barely sixteen year old who wants to be part of the Forest Guard, the fighters that protect the forests from the desert-dwelling Horde army, but can't because he's been elimanted from qualifying. Through quite the sequence of events (albeit a football game of sorts), Johnis ends up in the Forest Guard, and is immediately thrown into a crazy adventure that will take him into the heart of darkness itself. Creepy monsters, visions, and the search for seven mysterious books makes this one of Dekker's most fantastical stories yet.

The writing here is good. Very good. And things move along very quickly. The only interesting thing to note is that while this has been marketed for youth, readers who have not read the Circle Trilogy (marketed for adults) will most likely be a little confused on some story points. (Maybe that's why Dekker put out those graphic novels of the trilogy in the fall...?) There are even some very interesting tie-ins to the rest of the Dekker universe which will be very intriguing for long-time fans, but will likely not shed much light on things.

All in all, this is very likely to please the young fantasy crowd it's been aimed at. And while at times some readers may too obviously see the message Dekker is dishing out here, it will still entertain and inspire. Definitely worth your day to read.

After reading about fifty pages of Chosen, I returned to Amazon and ordered the rest of the Lost Books, Project Showdown, and the Circle Trilogy. I love his stuff! These should keep me busy until Renegade, Chaos, and Sinner are released.

DEKkER writes the most excellent Christian fiction, and I hope to someday be as good of a writer as he. Dekker and Perretti inspired me to write STAND, the first book in my Chronicles of Trinian Trilogy, and I will have the prequel to STAND out soon.

STAND

Keep up the great work Ted, your imaginative stories, and creative writing continue to be a blessing and inspiration to us all! Keep the stories coming. "You have been chosen" to lead and we can't get enough!

I got this book on Christmas Eve, and I started reading it the day after Christmas. I tried not to finish the book in one day, I really did. But the book was just too good, I just had to know what happened next. I'm a die hard Dekker fan, and he didn't let me down.

Great book. Just read Black, Red, and White before these.

Ted Dekker is one of my favorite authors. His work never ceases to inspire me and keep my heart beating at a healthy pace. I can always read his books in one sitting. I was excited with the release of Chosen and Infidel and can't wait for the release of his next four books this year!

Can four teenagers really save humanity if they throw everything to the wind to follow their hearts?

Johnis believes so. And so does Thomas Hunter, supreme commander of the Forest Guard.

It's been thirteen years since the Colored Forests gave way to desert. Elyon's followers now live in seven scattered forests, each forest containing a lake of life-giving water which the forest dwellers depend on to fight off the dreaded skin disease of the Horde.

But the skin disease isn't the only danger Elyon's chosen people face.

The Horde army is now 400,000 strong. Word has reached Thomas Hunter that the Horde plans to attack from the east in four days time. With only 20,000 eligible Forest Guard fighters left, Thomas is forced to lower the recruiting age from eighteen to sixteen in order to boost the Guard's ranks.

Of the new recruits, four are hand picked by Thomas to become squad leaders. Before Johnis, Darsal, Billos, and Silvie can receive their commission, they must undertake one final test. Thomas sends them on a mission that takes them to the edge of the desert on the west side of the forest, but it soon becomes clear to Johnis that the west is not as safe from the Horde as Thomas thought.

Johnis must make an agonizing choice when he unexpectedly meets with creatures long deemed as legend. Can he really turn his back on Thomas and the Forest Guard to follow his heart?

Can he convince Silvie, Darsal, and Billos to follow him deeper into the desert in search of the six missing Books of History while keeping their mission a secret from everyone, including Thomas?

The answer to these questions can be found in the pages of Chosen, book #1 of Ted Dekker's new Circle Series.

Building on his successful Circle Trilogy, Dekker reintroduces readers to the world they came to love in Black, Red, and White. The battle between good and evil continues as Elyon's chosen are pitted against the Horde and the Shakaiki once again. The lovable Roush, who remain committed to helping and guiding the forest dwellers, also reappear.

Although the Circle Series will be marketed as Young Adult novels, older readers need not worry. Dekker is in his element with this new tale. His talent for creating memorable characters and alternate realities merge to make Chosen a book that will appeal to all ages.

The main characters in this series may be teenagers, but their struggles are timeless and universal. Forest life has forced them to enter adulthood earlier than today's society. Not only is sixteen marriageable age, but now they are required to protect their villages in combat. Their decisions will shape their future, and that of all humanity. Their story explores themes which include following your heart, the search for truth, and yes, the enduring battle between good and evil.

Already acquainted with Dekker's alternate reality? Your mission is to journey forward from the Circle Trilogy and embrace the continuing battle unfolding against the Dark One.

Unfamiliar with Roush and Shakaiki? Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pick up copy of Chosen and enter a reality that, under the skin, is much like ours.

And remember . . . think with your heart.

Just when we thought we knew where Ted was headed in his career, just when we were ready to pigeonhole him, he breaks out with another fantastic series. This is not a cheap spin-off of the Circle Trilogy, or another way to cash in on that series' success. This is great storytelling.

The story introduces us to Johnis, a young man who is still trying to understand his place in the Forest Guard. He knows his community is threatened by the nearby Horde, but he and the others have lost their deeper understanding of the good and evil forces that encircle them. They've become lackadaisical in the thirteen years since the Circle Trilogy ended, and they follow their leader Thomas based mostly upon the old stories.

Soon, Johnis and three partners are thrust into a battle for their very lives, racing to fulfill an assignment from Thomas, while also fighting off the bat-winged Shataiki. Johnis is given his own specific quest, and he is forced to either rise above his own limitations or fall prey to his youth and inexperience.

I discovered Ted's writing at the beginning of his relatively short, but prolific, career. I still think "When Heaven Weeps" is one of the best Christian novels out there, and "Thr3e" broke barriers in the market. When he wrote the Circle Trilogy, we had only hints at the larger mythos he was creating, one which ties together his last ten books or so. While I loved the allegory and depth of "Showdown," I found "Saint" and "Skin" to be more movie-script oriented--not bad, just different.

"Chosen" is a return to the deeper exploration that I've come to expect from Ted's stories. Despite being immensely readable and aimed at the YA audience, this is a story older readers can also enjoy for its fantasy elements and for the spiritual ideas that ring throughout. I'm anxious now to read "Infidel." And if these are any indication, "Adam," his next full-length novel should rank among his best.

I received both Chosen and Infidel (bk. 2 of the series) in the mail at noon. I finished reading them (yeah, both) at 6:00. I couldn't put them down. This series is the tie that binds the Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White) to Dekker's other works. Ted is a master at cliffhangers and totally unexpected twists and now he's taken it to a whole new level by interweaving storylines over multiple books. It's absolutely awesome. If Dekker keeps up this pace throughout the Books of History Chronicles, it will be on par with C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

It's been thirteen years since the evil Teeleh has laid waste to the beauty of Elyon's creation. The Horde roams the desert-filled earth seeking to destroy the followers of Elyon that remain. Thomas Hunter is the commander of the Forest Guard, warriors who have given their lives in service to Elyon and fellow believers. The Horde greatly outnumbers the Forest Guard, and Thomas is reluctantly forced to encourage sixteen and seventeen year olds to fight. Out of this group four have been chosen by Thomas himself as special leaders: Johnis, Silvie, Darsal, and Billos.

These new recruits are sent on one last training mission to prove their worth to Thomas and the Guard. They soon discover there is an even greater mission in store for them, and the survival of Elyon's followers depends on their success. They must seek out and collect the legendary Books of History before they fall into evil hands. Along the way Johnis discovers that not only was he born to lead, but his destiny is greater than he could have ever imagined.

Ted Dekker is one of the most prolific and successful CBA authors to date, and with the beginning of this great new series he only continues to elevate his status. Chosen is an extraordinary tale that builds upon the unforgettable world Dekker created in Black, Red, and White. Adventure, action, and suspense abound, and the world and characters of Elyon are rich and skillfully fashioned. The subtle connections to Dekker's previous works are a clever and fun addition to the enjoyment.

Chosen is being marketed as Young Adult Fiction, but young and old alike will enjoy this latest offering. Dekker fans will love this new story from the Circle universe and new readers will undoubtedly be sucked in to the greatness that is Ted Dekker. This is a superb beginning to what is sure to be a fantastic series.