The Girl behind the Red Rope (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          When I saw that this book was being released, I knew I had to review it. It's not that I'm a fan of Ted Dekker. Actually, I tried reading a few of his books and they were hard for me to read. So I dove in, wanting to read this book simply because of who his co-writer was. This is his daughter's, Rachelle Dekker, book debut -- as far as I know. I know of Ted Dekker, but Rachelle, not so much. And here's the thing: I loved this book!

          Never had I been so intrigued by a book that is both fictionalized, but made me literally not to want to put it down. It's an intense read by father/daughter duo, Ted and Rachelle Dekker. Now, when I say "intrigued" I mean that once you're hooked into this book, You. Are. Hooked. From the start nothing is as it seems. What I can say without divulging too much of the plot or the story is that the characters are memorable, there are some great lines given, and not only that it's overall well-written.

          There is one line within the whole of the book that didn't sit well with me, but then again, if I was a child once more, seeing what Stephen sees Eli doing, I'd probably equate that as magic myself. To that I also add that there's nothing overly "magical" about what the Holy Spirit does. Don;t get me wrong, I'm not here to rip the book to shreds, but to offer a critique of the material. Is it a great book? Absolutely? Does it have an overall great message? Yes, I say. But there are elements Christ-followers would look at and say, "Um, I'm not so sure about this."

          What I can say, honestly and with all sincerity, is that this is one duo that has done an immeasurable and wonderful job weaving a tightly scripted, well-rounded book! It is an on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read. So, would I read it again? Hands down. I am absolutely keeping this book in my collection. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review.