Customer Reviews

Saint (Paradise Series, Book 2) (The Books of History Chronicles)

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The beginning and middle of the book is very engaging. From the very beginning I was hooked. Many times I stayed up later than I planned so that I could read one more page. Alas, towards the end, it all fell apart. There is a whole lot schmaltzy "it's all about love" crap towards the end that is just horribly written (did someone else take up the pen?), and the actual last page left me thinking, "huh? that's the end??" It's as if Dekker either didn't plan the ending well, or ran out of time, or his editor butchered it, or he just couldn't find a better idea. If it weren't for the last 20 pages or so, I'd have given the book 5 stars.

Although it makes references to previous books that I haven't read, it isn't necessary to have read them to enjoy this one. But, it still makes me want to go back and find those other books.

Dekker, in his trademark fashion, brings us another high-concept story set against a backdrop of spiritual questions. This time, the central theme is identity: Who are we? Why are we here? How do we discover and embrace our gifts?

Before you think this is a thriller bogged down by overwrought philosophy (a mistake you wouldn't make if you've read Dekker's previous books), let me assure you that this book starts with a race against time and ends with a rockin' climax. Carl discovers he is one of the world's finest assassins, yet wonders what has brought him to this place. He gets hints along the way of something not quite right--mysteries of his past, and doubts about his future. The story leads Carl through a stripping of his identity to understand that which he has truly been called to do.

As usual, Dekker paces his books with the ridiculous ease of a child prodigy at a chessboard. He moves his characters here, then there, for and against each other, never letting things idle too long in one place. Not that I'd mind a little more time with the characters. Dekker's books, though, are geared toward universal truths and plights common to everyone; in essence his characters and settings reflect a broad appeal that is no doubt a part of his success. While "Saint" is a standalone story, it grows from the foundations of his earlier book "Showdown," and seems poised to move right into his next, "Skin." With some obvious nods here to Stephen King's Dark Tower series, Dekker continues to create his own world within a world, one that is instantly recognizable and distinctly its own.

I won't bother summarizing the novel as I'm sure the other reviews have done that. Saint is an amazing, fast paced adventure novel that is James Bond and faith with twists of mystery/suspense/romance/revenge. A real thriller in every sense of the word. The book is near impossible to put down and will leave wishing for more and praying that the movie is soon to follow.

Having said this, I would caution you. If you are new to Ted Dekker, You may not want to start with "Saint". There are many allusions to previous works of Mr. Dekker, elements of the plot that are difficult to understand or less powerful if you have not read those works (specifically "Showdown" or the "Circle Trilogy"). At first I thought this to be cheap advertising of previous books but the further i got into the story I realized that there is a creative genious that is tying all of these stories together through truths and characters found there-in. Ted Dekker proves himself once again to be a phenomenal writer in "Saint" but it is a book that is most greatly appreciated if you have read previous works.

Don't sit around. Go buy them. REad them, devour them, love them! You will be hooked.

Saint is the latest novel from Christian best-seller Ted Dekker. "Saint" is a code name for an assassin named Carl that is being trained at a top secret location in Hungary. The training methods are intense and painful, and Carl has turned into one of the best snipers in history. Now ready for his mission, he is sent to the United States to assassinate a world leader. Carl's training has stripped him of his identity. He starts having memories of a wife named Kelly and a son named Matthew. Then he begins having doubts about the mission he swore he would complete.

The premise for Saint is very intriguing, and the first half of the book is great. The last half of the book is a severe letdown. It starts when the plot slowly moves from this world to the supernatural world. Then there is the costant referring to Project Showdown. I know that Showdown written by Dekker and released before Saint. Nowhere on Saint does it indicate this book is a sequel or part of a series, yet it is very necessary that Showdown be read before you read Saint. In some series books, you can read out of order because the author covers the previous events enough for you to not have had to read the first book. Dekker does not do that and thus I was confused and lost and the second half of the book was filled with characters and references from Showdown.

Whatever chance there was that I enjoyed this book was lost when I didn't read Showdown first. I blame that on the marketers of the book and Dekker too, perhaps. On his website, it doesn't indicate these books are linked and it doesn't on the book either. If you are going to read Saint, you must read Showdown (and House, because it is referrenced too).

I was planning to read Saint over a weekend, but I couldn't seem to put the book down. Like Ted Dekker's other books, Saint is more non-stop action with twists and turns, heavily laced with emotional undercurrent than a leisurely read that I could bookmark after a few pages. Ted has that wonderful ability to draw a reader into the story he's telling - causing me to promise myself, "just one more chapter, then when things settle down a little in the story line, I'll put this book down and get some sleep." I'd like to thank Ted Dekker for another book that was well worth the next-day yawns from lack of sleep.

Based on the blurb about the novel on the back cover, I was very excited to read this book. It was very entertaining and I flew through the first 250 pages or so. But then it took a weird turn in the plot and started introducing a lot of X-Men type powers. I like X-Men type stuff, but was not expecting it in this book based on the blurb on the back.

I made myself read the last 100 pages just so I could finish the book, but I regretted it afterwards. I wish I would have known about the Sci-Fi aspect before I started reading the book. It also seems not as well thought out of an ending. Parts of it did not make sense.

I'm a huge fan of Ted Dekkar, but lately I've noticed that his books have been lacking. Showdown was a wonderful read, and I was completely engrossed in it, thinking I would feel the same about SAINT I bought it. I think the most dissapointing about this book was that it was actually a sequel to Showdown, yet you don't know it till halfway through. I found this completely rediculous, and even though the story was somewhat interesting at times, it never really seemed to go anywhere...and never really ended either. There is never any true complete ending, and it leaves you feeling like you read a whole bunch of words instead of an actual story.

I've been wondering for the longest time if Dekker would ever come out with something to match the intensity of THR3E. I mean, he's really... REALLY going to have to be locked and loaded to beat the caliber of THR3E, and that's just how it is. But upon picking this up, it sucked me right in, quick, but not quite quicker than THR3E. I believe that Dekker intended for this to not just be a page turner, but to play with the mind, even more so than he does with most of his work! Most of his work is bar none 5 star material, and "Saint" comes from out of the shadows and exceeds a lot of expectations.

So you meet a man focused, and a man who succeeds at his every objective. Carl is a trained killer, and he doesn't even know his own identity. He doesn't know who Kelly really is, yet he has killer instinct to the max! His is part of The X Group, and there are very few of them. He knows that he doesn't like Englishman. Englishman is a threat, and he very well may be born of black, but never mind that for now. Carl may want to kill the President of the United States. His journey will take him to many places. From Hungary, to New York, maybe even to Colorado, who knows! He's on a mission, and he just may find out who he really is.

So how did Dekker do it again? Hey, it's Ted Dekker!! That's how. He's kind of like Dean Koontz, you don't dare question the man. That's how good he is. If he chooses intense action, there you go. A hint of romance? Hey, no problem! If Ted Dekker wants his work to put on 4 ounce boxing gloves and knock you on your back, that's what will happen! Hey, the back of this states that he may want to kill YOU, so do you REALLY want to pick this up? WILL YOU upon reading the final page of this Dekker mastermind survive this encounter? Just remember that you won't be prepared for this. Ok? Remember that. Now YOU may begin the journey!

I have really enjoyed the writings of Ted Dekker, especially the Circle Trilogy, so I bought the Paradise series (Showdown and Saint). Both books are great, however "Saint" left me with mixed feelings. From the beginning (and through the whole book actually) it seemed too similar to the Jason Bourne trilogy with the whole assassin-with-no-memory plot. However, those who are unfamiliar with the Bourne series most likely will not be bothered by this, as even I who have read all three books soon just ignored it.

Most of the book flowed fairly well. There was plenty to guess about, and Ted keeps you trying to guess it yourself before he tells you. I personally was close in my guesses about the true identities of Carl and the Englishman, however I was not right on either of them. Ted keeps the action going well also with plenty of descriptions of training sessions with Carl and later with chase scenes, however those chase scenes once again reminded me too much of Bourne.

The ending of the book is the main part that left me with mixed feelings. The book built up so much climax that the ending was just too short. In my opinion, Carl found his real identity and power too quickly for the background that had been set up so thoroughly. Also, the final showdown just seemed too simple and Carl avoided it too easily. Also, what was with Englishman's "trump card"? It was referred to so much, then it never seemed to be used. Plus, the one possible instance I can think of it being used was the part that Carl avoided too easily.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but it had just enough drawbacks that 4 stars is the absolute most I can give it. If you have read the Circle Trilogy and/or Showdown, than I certainly recommend this book. Otherwise, it is your decision. This certaily is not Dekker's best effort, but it is still a pretty good book.

This book had me hooked from the very beggining. It was exciting and I had a hard time putting it down. The suspense through out the book was incredible! I was thinking to myself, "Someone has to make a movie about this!" However, unfortunately the end of the book made this book a very average book instead of an all time great among Christian fiction works. It became extreamly fictious in nature and became more like an epic comic book battle rather than the suspensful story that although was hard to believe still had you saying "this could actually happen". I feel as though the book did a complete 180 degree turn at the end. Again, I really felt throughout the book that this was a great book and I ended up being extreamly disappointed. I recommend those who enjoy reading to still read this book just keeping in mind that the ending is somewhat wacky.