Review/Giveaway: A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker {+ $10 Family Christian bookstore gift certificate}

A sweeping epic set in the harsh deserts of Arabia and ancient Palestine.

A war that rages between kingdoms on the earth and in the heart.

The harrowing journey of the woman at the center of it all.

Step back in time to the year of our Lord…A.D. 30.

The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father’s warriors–Saba who speaks more with his sword than his voice and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.

But Maviah’s path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life which offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people–and herself.

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I was provided with a copy of this book by Family Christian stores, in return for my honest review.  They are also offering a $10 gift certificate to one of my blog followers. If you would like to  win a copy of this book or the gift certificate, please follow my blog and leave a comment below. 

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I remember reading Ted Dekker years ago and staying up late with the light on. His writing style brought a whole new world of fiction into my little reading library. I haven’t read any of his work in a while, so when given the opportunity to review his new historical book I jumped at the chance. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction.

A few of the things I loved about this book were: the characters, the settings, and the interactions with Jesus. The spiritual growth of Maviah who starts the book as a timid slave, but grows to accept her fate and embrace it is inspiring. I loved reading about these characters and their devotion to Jesus, chills ran down my arms knowing text was taken directly from New Testament and used to enhance the story. I adore Dekker’s writing abilities.

On the opposite side I want to be honest and say I found the book to be a bit slow in a few places. The historical details seemed to slow the story down and I found myself skimming ahead looking for dialogue.  This bothered me, because I was pulled out of the story world.

Overall I can give this book a good review, because it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to sharing my copy with one of you.

A big thank you to Family Christian Stores for offering a $10 gift certificate and providing me with a copy of the book to review.  If you would like to win either the book or gift certificate, please leave a comment after you follow my blog.  I will draw two winners on Saturday, January 10th.

Happy Reading!

If you would like to buy your own copy of A.D. 30, please visit: http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/280661/