Black

Fantasy fiction is a genre of literature that is well-loved by many readers. Focusing on the fantastical rather than reality, there is something quite special about fantasy fiction. Within the pages of a fantasy novel, the reader is instantly transported to a reality far different than his own. He can read about far away lands filled with magic, awe inspiring beasts and monsters that could never live outside a story book, and great heroes that take on the ultimate evil for the greater good. When looking for a good fantasy fiction book, look no further than three well-known authors who specialize in this particular genre. Tolkien created a world full of Hobbits, Wizards, and Dwarfs; likewise C.S. Lewis wrote the story of four siblings in a magical land, and Ted Dekker wrote his Colored Books Series. The first of these was Black.

Thomas Hunter never thought he was special. He may have had an unusual childhood growing up on an army base in the Philippines, he may have done a few things wrong in his life, he might have the mind of a flighty wannabe author but he was never special. That is, until he is called upon to save the world. In a strange twist of fate, Thomas' mind is no longer his own; without provocation his mind is suddenly able to jump between two different realities when he sleeps. Both realities seem so real, as if they could be coexisting, though both realities are wildly different from each other and both contain their own unique set of challenges Thomas finds that he is completely at home no matter where his mind is. Thomas hopes that he can exist peacefully in either reality as a man that no one knows or cares about; he thinks he can lead a semi-normal life and one day gain control of his own mind again. But what will happen when worlds start colliding, when both fantasy and reality need a hero? Will Thomas rise to the challenge? Is Thomas Hunter strong enough to save his worlds?

I can't begin to describe this book accurately; it is simply too detailed and too vast to summarize in a few short paragraphs. Ted Dekker has written a wonderful piece of fiction that can stand alongside anything written by Tolkien or Lewis. To put it bluntly, I loved this book. I was surprised that I enjoyed Black as much as I did. I am not an avid fiction reader, I much prefer any other genre. While I can say that I had high hopes going into the book I never expected to come out hungry for more. Written in a beautiful style, Ted Dekker's book truly immerses the reader in a world unlike any other. Vividly described and meticulously crafted, it's not hard to get lost in the book for hours simply admiring the scenery. I genuinely loved the characters and felt attached to them by the end. Though I did typically enjoy series, I am excited to read the next book from Ted Dekker and I'm hoping I enjoy it just as much as this first book. I would suggest that younger readers skip this book for now or read it was a parent due to some graphically described deaths and tense situations; however, if younger children are interesting in reading this book on their own there is an abridged comic-book version for the first three books in the Colored series. That being said, Black would be an enjoyable read for anyone who loves fantasy fiction. Whether in comic book form or not everyone should take the time to read this book and the accompanying series.


*****
RJ

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