Customer Reviews

Thunder of Heaven (Martyr's Song, Book 3)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

And what a shock!! I'd been avoiding these books like the plague because I'd heard they were all amateurish, even (esp.?) Left Behind. And have you ever been in a Christian bookstore? What a trip! More like a tricked out Hallmark store. Anyway, I bit the bullet because I overheard two colleagues going on and on about a book and I just had to find out what the big deal was. You know how when someone gives a huge buildup to something, then you go check it out and it turns out to be dreck? Well, I was pretty skeptical going in.

You know what? They were right--more right than I can begin to tell you. I've read my fair share of Grisham, Clancy, Coben, Lehane, Connelly, Morrell, Cussler, and lots of others, but never, NEVER have I read anything like this. For one thing, it's really refreshing to get all the action and adventure you could ever want and not have to worry about the main character hopping into bed with whatever female comes within half a mile of him. Not that I care a whole lot about that stuff, it just gets a little tiresome always having to deal with some rank male fantasy. For another thing, this Dekker guy strikes me as a truly original voice. He's got this edginess that I didn't expect from a "Christian" novel.

Since I'm kind of a monomaniac, I know what I'll be doing for the next couple weeks--checking out everything this guy's ever written. So should you.

Wow, what a book!! Thunder of Heaven! The title suggests explosive, dazzling content, and the story lives up to the title. YES!! I am so glad I found this book. I had been feeling so listless and without energy, and this book gave me a good spiritual kick in the behind to get me going.

What story-- I got the biggest adrenaline rush when the suspense overtook me, but I also found myself on the verge of tears about the romance, and I'm a man darn it!! That's not supposed to happen.

But what impressed me most, let me emphasize it, is the spiritual message, the Christian content of the book. The author, Ted Dekker, uses an expression in all three of the Martyr's song books that I believe is unique to his work. The expression is: The Skin of the World. The books picture our existence on earth as a thin thing, a fragile thing-- and what makes Ted's work so very awesome is the way the characters undulate between the physical world and the spiritual world.

Frank Perreti writes about similar themes, as did C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald. By standing on the shoulders of these giants, Ted Dekker has a unique level.

He has combined the pace and intensity of a John Grisham or a Stephen King novel with the spirituality of an Oswald Chambers devotional.

Thunder of Heaven is a worthile read and a good starting point for exploring Ted Dekker's work. Happy reading.

"Thunder of Heaven" was a fantastic story that had me biting my fingernails with suspense. If you've never read a Ted Dekker book,you're missing some of the th most intense Christian fiction of our time. His books are filled with many layers of suspense, romance, mystery, high adventure, etc., and his writing style is engaging-- it's got a good verbal quality about it.

The plot is summarized in other reviews so I'm just going to comment on the underlying message. Ultimately "Thunder of Heaven" is a book about the love of God in the face of evil. What would drive a man to be a terrorist? More importantly, what would drive that same man to his knees in repentance?

I highly recommend this book. Enjoy.

. . . Because you're in for a wild ride. Ted Dekker is emerging as the most formidable and versitile (Christian) novelist of his generation, and Thunder of Heaven goes a long way toward solidifying his reputation. I put the word "Christian" in parenthesis because he's like no other Christian novelist I know writing for a religious publisher. With this, his fourth book, he's got his moves down to the point that he's in a class with the very top thriller novelists writing today.

Everything comes together for Dekker in Thunder--the high concept, the action sequences, the male/female interrelational elements, the denoument. It's amazing to me that this story was conceived and written way before 9/11, what with its brilliant take on terrorism. What is even more incredible is the way he resolves the central conflict at the heart of this story. No matter who you are, I believe you'll come away from Thunder deeply moved. And what's more, you'll have been greatly entertained all along the way. Highest recommendation.

This was by far the best work I have read. Intrigue, action, captivating story line. I am a picky reader particularly when it comes to fiction. Thunder of Heaven kept me interested all the way through. No lulls. I have already been pushing it on every reader I know!

Thunder of Heaven is my 3rd Ted Dekker book, having previously read Heaven's Wager and Three. These are fast-paced and gripping to the end. Ted just has a way of taking the kind of elements you love in a good Grisham or Clancy novel, and adds an even greater dimension with an authentic recognition of the spiritual forces at work in our lives. Dekker's writing doesn't resort to Christian cliches, which I believe has plagued a lot of "Christian fiction." You'll enjoy the story, but you won't miss the deep and redeeming messages in his work. After you read, a great novel to pass along to your non-Christian friends.

I still remember what coaxed me to buy this book. I was in a Christian Book Store and saw 3 Ted Dekker books, and they were of course, The Martyr's Song Series. On Heaven's Wager I noticed that Frank Peretti had recommended it, but when I looked at the back of the book, I didn't think it would be fast enough for me (silly me!) So I got Thunder of Heaven and asked for the other 2 books for Christmas. Needless to say I was impressed! Now some people might be wondering why I would mention Frank Peretti. That is a very important part of my story. You see my friends, Frank Peretti was my favorite Christian Fiction author, until he recommended Ted Dekker. Frank Peretti is still an awesome writer, but Dekker topps Peretti just barely. Ted Dekker does this. He puts ordinary people in a situation only God could get them out of, so you are in for a trip out of your comfort zone when you read him. I own all of Dekker's work, and it is worth twice as much as you pay for it. I've heard it been said that a layman is just an ordinary person who does extraordinary things for Jesus Christ. Ted Dekker, you truly are a layman for everyone who reads your work, and an inspiration. Praise God for this man!

Romance. Intrigue. Thrilling action. Geopolitics. As scary as tomorrow's headlines. What more could you want? This story has it all.

I don't generally like these male testosterone shoot-'em-up thrillers, but this one is definitely different. For one thing, it's got heart. For another thing, Dekker really seems to care about his characters.

I've been watching this guy's career for four books now, and he's on the verge of a major breakout, either his next book, or the one after that. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

. . . So please bear with me. This is my second Dekker book, and if I was surprised by Heaven's Wager, this one blew my socks off. This is a rocket ride. And the love theme is really done well. Right from the get-go, things start happening, and it doesn't let up until the shocking finish. Tanya and Shannon are great characters, I really came to care about them. All in all, a terrific read. Don't miss it!

Maybe it's because we're in the upper left hand corner of the country, I don't know. But the word about this guy is just getting up here. I'm from Tacoma, WA, and until a friend from church mentioned this really cool book I'd never heard of Ted Dekker.

I'm glad I did. I read a lot of Christian fiction, but I can't recall ever reading something like this. Want action? Check (in spades!!). Want a really cool romance? Check. Want a wonderful demonstration of God's agape love? Check. Want fully rounded characters? Check. Want atmosphere? Check.

Really, this guy's got it all. I can't wait to read his other stuff.