Ted Dekker sure knows his physics! Anyway, what I loved about this book was how biblical truths were interwoven into this book. A little wordy and more violence than what I would have liked but I appreciate the message that Dekker was trying to convey.

Rise of the Mystics is my second experience with a Ted Dekker novel. The first book I tried to read, I didn’t finish but I might go back and try again at a later date.

When I requested a copy of this book from Revell, I was warned I should read The 49th Mystic first. I didn’t, and I regret it because I felt somewhat lost for a large portion of the book.

I have mixed feelings with this book. I loved the world-building and imagery but sometimes the dialogue ran way too long and repeated itself to the point I wanted to skip the conversation entirely. My favorite parts of the book were Rachelle on Earth. Other Earth was wonderful, and Rachelle’s character growth was phenomenal. Normally, I would be all about the fantasy world as opposed to the ‘real’ world. I’m not sure what caused the change.

On the spiritual front, I again have mixed feelings. Maybe I didn’t read deeply enough but some of the theology really rankled. When Rachelle gave the impromptu interview at the church with Calvin and Karen, I honestly could not make heads or tales out of her response. Later, she was surprised at her own answer. That’s part of why I was surprised that I enjoyed this version of Rachelle more than the other. Rachelle of Other Earth had her problems but she was without a doubt spiritual.

I requested a copy of this book from Revell Reads and was provided a copy via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I did not enjoy this book. I wasn't sure I would because I had just read The 49th Mystic, and had a lot of doctrinal issues with it. It is hard to read around those things, as they are such a pervasive part of the story line. The five seals are repeated over and over again until you feel like you've been hit over the head with them. All the explaining about the beliefs made it seem he was trying to convince himself of their truth and not just the reader.

Even the storyline felt like it was dragging. I easily fell asleep reading this book every night, so I guess I can be thankful for that. I am super disappointed these two books were even included in the Circle Series at all. They are a horrible ending to a wonderful story. I would not recommend these books to anyone.

I thought the world of Thomas Hunter was lost in the books that came before this Duology but the aspect of the Circle world is never truly far from our beloved author's mind, and again he weaves another story birth from this dream world we all have come to love. So dive deep into the world of dreams as we follow our main character on her journey to save both worlds and conquer the evil that will do anything to stop her. Will evil prevail and encompass everything or will Rachelle fulfill her destiny as the prophesied one?

Just think if we could really live in two worlds the one where we are awake and the one where we are asleep and wake in a totally different world and live there until we fall asleep there, only to wake up back here. Rachelle does that and because of this the government is very interested and since she has found the first few seals she can read minds and a few other things (in both worlds). When the government tries to stop her by wiping her mind in this world, what will the consequences be in the other world and can she still find the last two seals in time, can she even remember them?

This book is very powerful, and not a easy one to get through, in so many ways and on so many levels. Ted Dekker is one to make you think and question how you think and sometimes what you have been taught, only to come back to basically one thing, but alas you will need to find that for yourself.

What an amazing follow on book. If this turns out to be concluding book in relation to the circle it will be a fitting one. Once again the author has woven a masterful story linking past ones and taking you where you never thought it would. The plot and characters are again fantastic and enthralling. This book far exceeded my expectations and my love for Ted Dekker's books continues to grow beyond measure. Can't wait for next book.

Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker, second Book in series. Ted Dekker continues his series and as usual it appears that evil is winning. Both worlds are on the brink of being taken over, but the 49th mystic is still searching for the seals and hope is not lost yet...

If you liked the Dekker's Circle series, you will enjoy the Beyond the Circle series. If you have not read the Circle series, the Beyond the Circle series stands on its own. The 49th Mystic and Rise of the Mystics switch between Earth and Other Earth of the Circle series. The 49th Mystic introduces Rachelle, a blind girl living in the town of Eden on our Earth, who dreams of her life on Other Earth. She discovers both worlds are real and is shocked to learn she is the 49th Mystic in both. The 49th Mystic is the last chance for both worlds! Her quest is to find the 5 Seals necessary to save them both. Rise of the Mystics continues her search and takes her on a journey to discover who she is and how to live InChristi. The story is exciting and leads you to reflect on your own journey through life. I do have some concerns about Dekker's interpretation of some Bible verses and the end of the book. But for a good and exciting read, Dekker has done it again!