This book was part of a survey class and as such, I was looking forward to it. I've liked reading books from different genres and discovering the different types of appeals they have for their selected audience and myself. This book was my least favorite of the entire class.To begin with, the story's premise slowly introduced and never fully explained. Tom is waking up in two different worlds in two separate times; ours and an Eden-like place in the future which is, for all intents and purposes, perfect. No real reason behind this is given, though it's hinted that Elyon (God) has some kind of purpose for this. Changes are mirrored between the worlds and it falls to Tom to prevent the destruction of both by learning about and interacting with both worlds.The books writing was a huge problem for me. The story and pacing of the book are EXTREMELY slow and this made it difficult for me to get caught up in the action when it does happen. All of the characters in this story felt really one-dimensional and I didn't really empathize with the lead, much less anyone else. The dialogue also feels horribly stilted/cheesy at times, making it hard for me to really sink into the story. This one-dimensionality holds true with other plot concepts like the "Great Romance"; I understand it's importance but there's no description of its appeal (and why I as a reader should desire it) and I don't really care about it. The premise is just really frustrating since NO ONE in either world believes Tom for the majority of the book until something horrible happens. Meanwhile, all Tom does is lament that one believes him despite his proof and he's forced to wait until ALL those around him see the error of their ways. Not a lot happens in this book in terms of larger plot development and combined with the lack of character development, the story falls flat.The major flaw of the book, though, is its failure to successfully mix genres. Instead of sticking to one, Dekker attempts to mix his Christian allegory with romance, science-fiction, and bio-thriller. He succeeds with none and the story feels like one giant mess. The book also ends in a cliffhanger, without any of the major plot points or questioned resolved. While series books should have larger arcs, individual titles require that at least part of the stand-alone have some resolution; this didn't have enough for me.I can understand why this book has such a strong appeal; it reflects a strong Christian worldview and allows the reader to engage in a story that possesses the same outlook and framework they do. Dekker does a good job of displaying the relationship between God and man and the love and communication that can exist between them when is man is open to it. Overall, the story attempts to explain the Fall to modern audience and how man has a chance to be redeemed if we can remember God and hold onto Him.
Couldn't put the book down!! I've been desperate for an original, highly engaging supernatural fiction series, and "Black" by Ted Dekker definitely delivered. The character of Thomas Hunter, was well-written, likable and believable.The allegorical-style telling of the redemption story - the beginning of it, anyway - was reminiscent of C.S. Lewis' space trilogy. Especially "Out of the Silent Planet" with Ransom. Halfway through "Black" I began to compare him to Random from C.S. Lewis' book. The story of Thomas Hunter shifting between two different worlds in his dreams was original, and the well-developed worlds and characters compelled me through the book to the very last page. The bad guys were a bit one dimensional, but the plot was brilliant. I've read several reviews that criticized the parts of the story devoted to the "Great Romance." However, I found these sections to be beautifully written. Dekker's prose was magical. Regarding the love of Elyon, symbolic of God, the character of young Johan tells Thomas: "Do you know why we love beautiful flowers? Because we love beauty! 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 it tied to this unfolding story of love between us and Elyon."Exchanges like this between the characters made the eventual Fall of man all the more tragic toward the end of the book. What a great picture of the love of Christ for us!Also, Dekker did a fantastic job explaining the role of evil in this 'other Earth' that Thomas visited, and the need for free will in mankind. For example, see this conversation between Thomas and the God-like child mid-way through the book:"Then maybe you can tell me something else. How is it that Elyon can allow evil to exist in the black forest? Why doesn't he just destroy the Shataiki?""Because evil provides his creation with a choice," the child said as though the concept was very simple indeed. "And because without it, there could be no love.""Love?" Tom stopped.The boy's hand slipped out of his. He turned, brow raised."Love is independent of evil?" Tom asked."Did I say that?" A mischievous glint filled the boy's eyes. "How can there be love without a true choice? Would you suggest a man be stripped of the capacity to love?"This was the Great Romance. To love at any cost."What a great picture of God's unparalleled gift of free will. I highly recommend this book. This was my first Ted Dekker novel, and I've already started book two, "Red."
What do You think about Black: The Birth Of Evil (2005)?
Few books have such an immersive world that you actually feel like you're living in it when you read it. Although this is true about the first book in the ring trilogy (being Black) by Ted Dekker, the book has some major flaws.Characters sometimes seem unrealistic and do absurd things for seemingly no apparent reason. I am constantly reminded of this by the stupid comments that the main character constantly throws out in serious conversations. Such as "If they don't help us we should nuke them," perfectly logical :(I've read other pieces by Ted Dekker (House and Saint) and they have had half way decent writing and amazing plots. Overall his books have been extremely well put together, or so I thought. You can tell that Black was written early on in his career. The writing is really not that great but the plot does still hold up amazingly well. I'm going to call this the "Harry Potter Syndrome" because JK Rowling's series is very well put together, but terribly written. Also the theology in this book seems to be kinda wack. I know from being a Christian that God loves us, but Ted Dekker's portrayal of God randomly hugging people and telling them how much He loves them dosen't seem like the greatest way to present God. I know he loves us, but he does more then just give us hugs and say nice things to us. Last time I checked the bible, God did a lot more then just say "I love you" which seems to practically be the only thing that ever comes out of his mouth. Some actual wisdom might be nice for a change. I'll also mention that the last third of the book picked up an insane amount and a large portion of things were left unexplained. It seemed like the author went "Hhhhmmmm, I don't feel like writing this anymore so I'm just going to skip all the detailed explanations I've been giving so far and sum up the novel in ten pages."Despite my ranting and raving complaints the book is amazing and plain simple good fun. I think Ted Dekker should have spent more time developing this or maybe started this series down the road after writing a few other stories. It's a shame they were written as badly as they are considering the plot line's amazing twists and turns. O well, I'm looking forward to the sequel Red and Ted Dekker has ounce again proved that there is a reason why his name hovers above other modern day authors.Take a star off is you don't enjoy fiction (this novel is very fictiony I guess) and add a star if you like action packed suspense
—Charles
I would highly recommend this book to anyone I know. This was written about the Chronicles of Narnia on wikipedia.org but applies to the Color Trilogy as well: "The series contains many allusions to traditional Christian ideas,... however, the books can also be read purely for their adventure, colour, and richness of ideas." Even if you are not a Christian, I believe you will enjoy this book because it IS a metaphor. In fact, even as a Christian, I didn't understand what the metaphor was until the end of the book! There is no preaching, if you have a Biblical world-view you will just have a deeper appreciation for the story and Dekker's amazing writing.Although I have been a Christian my entire life and have read the Bible cover to cover, I was surprised when I finally understood the plot-line of this book. I actually wept as I understood Christian truths in a fresh and impactful way.
—Rachel
I was intrigued by the idea that this was a trilogy that evolved with a 4th book that could be read before or after the basic trilogy. Okay that sounded a little crazy, but the premise on the cover was good so I decided to get "Black" and begin the journey. The main character goes in and out dreams, back and forth in time, and meet beings and human like animals, and falls in love....all in a period that almost suspends reality. I feel like this is Robin Cook meets the "Matrix" The character brings up the matrix more than once. The book is fast paced and is clearly written with the notion that you will ultimately have to read them all to know what happens. So under stand this is a 4 book commitment if you really want the whole story. I feel fortunate to be able to do these in the car on audio. The reader is good and there is a bit of melodramatic music that ends each chapter. I just started "Red" which is the next book and the series goes on from there. You cannot read "Red" without reading "Black" first. I am enjoying the series.
—Sue Wargo
