Review: A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Center Street
Date: August 4, 2015

Maviah is a woman scorned. Barely acknowledged by a father who wishes that she didn’t exist, her world is turned upside down when an enemy overtakes her father’s camp. Moments after watching her child be thrown to his death by the invading enemy, she embarks on a dangerous and, many would believe ludicrous, journey to try and salvage what’s left of her father’s estate. Even his life lies in her hands.

Once an outcast child, now Maviah must comport herself as Queen of the Desert. It’s a new role for her and one she’s definitely not sure about. Raging from anger and grief at the death of her child, she is accompanied by two of her father’s greatest warriors. Pledge to serve her to the death, Judah, one of the warriors, is anxious to meet Yeshua – the prophet being discussed all across the land.

At once engaging and challenging, Ted Dekker’s latest release will do far more than just entertain the reader. This book, in my opinion, is far more Ted Dekker than many of his previous releases. Having had the privilege of spending some one on one time with him, I immediately recognized his eager curiosity, questioning, and exploration. His voice breaks through over and over and over again in a way that is designed to engage the reader directly in his conversations.

Maviah’s questions will resonate with the reader as something familiar that we’ve all asked. How can a man who wants to bring peace challenge the way of the world? How can Yeshua love in such an unlimited way? Is this love for everyone or only for the special ones? If I could meet Christ, I would imagine it would be much like that of Maviah.

Ted Dekker has always excelled in writing deep, rich, love that is far more than just some story on a page. It resonates with the emotion until you can feel it coming off of the pages. Maviah’s questioning of Yeshua’s teachings is no different. She stumbles through the complexity of his statements all the while trying to sort through her own feelings on the matter. One prominent review of this book has claimed that Dekker created a new genre and I would have to agree. This is more than historical fiction. It enters a spiritual depth that begs the reader to question where they are in their own faith.

This is a dangerous book indeed. It’s not just a story on the page. It will reach into the depths of your soul and squeeze until you are required to face the same questions Maviah faces. A.D. 30 will rock you truly, to your core and resonate in waves through the rest of what you do after you’ve put it down. It has the ability to change you and shape you. I’d encourage you to read it with caution and embrace it with all that you are.

Review copy provided by Publisher