A.D. 33: A Novel

The first thing that impresses me with A.D. 30 and A.D. 33 would be, Ted Dekker is the author. He is simply a very consistent author, whatever he puts out. The second thing is, he uses a female protagonist from Arabia, an outcast among her own people who is strong in every way while weak by circumstances at the same time. The *reason* that strikes me as genius is *not* because she is a woman but because of the culture of the time and that she therefore comes into the story as an "outsider" in *every* way possible! I didn't fully appreciate *how* genius that is until the second book, but in terms of story construct - genius on every level. She approaches Judaism & Yeshua (Jesus) as a *total* outsider. She has no knowledge of any of it and no relationship whatsoever with anyone one would know from scripture, no knowledge of "the backstory," no preconceived ideas about *any* of it. Another stroke of genius, to my mind. You have the opportunity to approach the entire idea of Yeshua, Who He is, what He did while on Earth from a unique perspective, through her eyes and experiences. The story is fiction but soundly and securely rooted in historical and scriptural accuracy. He takes no license with history or scripture. The characters are strong, clearly defined and consistent, and each pulls you in and holds you throughout both books. I was deeply moved, inspired and challenged by the complete story. Honestly, it almost was - in some ways - a review of my conversion experience, which was dynamic and a very long process - not an event, really. Far too complex to make anyone sit and listen to or attempt to encapsulate here. Which is to say, the books were a powerful experience for me, personally. Looking forward to reading them both again - the sign of outstanding fiction! I got audiobook of both books too - awesome knitting/crochet fare - except for the parts where tears are streaming down your face for one reason or another. Fortunately, I knit and crochet "by Braille" and often do not follow a written pattern so it will only be the runny nose part that is a problem. I did not find it slow at any point really, but I appreciate the "foundation building" of a well crafted story so I am paying closer attention to the details some people find "slow."

This set of books, A.D. 30 and A.D. 33, was one of the best I’ve ever read. They both really make the reader think about his or her Christianity and how much of life is being lived in the right way. I really could identify with Maviah, as I think most readers would – her difficulty in understanding just how to live the way Yeshua teaches and then her loss of direction along the way due to the bad things that happen on this earth. Our lives are not easy, and then to have continuous faith and live without fear, well, it’s almost impossible even though that is what He asks of us. I really enjoyed the story line of these books as well as the intertwining of the teachings of Jesus as well. It was well-written and very down to earth. I was impressed with Mr. Dekker’s ability to make me feel like I was actually there for the events that happened. Wonderful books. I give them both a 10 out of 10.

I have read the New Testament Gospels countless times. I have devoted decades to the theological and historical study of the person and life lived by Jesus the Christ. I have what some might judge a substantial and theologically diverse library. I only make that point because typically, anticipating something redundant and shallow, I would have had no interest in reading another pop culture styled Jesus story novel. However, having read and enjoyed for leisure other Ted Dekker writings -- I was curious about how he would handle a life-of-Christ in novel form that would remain true to biblical and historical record. I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this book (and its prequel, A.D. 30). It succeeds as a historical novel offering suspense, intrigue and (for those interested) inspiration for restudying biblical and historical context. For me it also served beautifully as a devotional experience. It stimulated meditation, some deep introspection and even times of blissful contemplation. It is worth more than a single reading. Some wanting only a thrill-a-page adventure may find the "selah-pause" pages, designed for reflection, a story slow-down. Not me! I think those readers who are ever thirsty for more of the Life-giving Spirit's soul satisfying drink will cherish these passages.

Continuing on from, AD30 I just couldn't put it down. The teachings of Jesus continue to flow through and yet one realises that daily life is not perfect and without it's challenges but when we recognise who Christ is and that He is in us and we are in Him and we give Him first place in our life there is strength, overcoming power and peace. I as continually reminded of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians and his teaching on the pre-eminence of Christ - and - Christ in you the hope of glory!

It's not easy to write a review about this very special book. Yes, it is the second part of Maviah's gripping story, but it's also about Yeshua (Jesus) and His kingdom. And just as His kingdom is in the world but not of the world the book sometimes accomplishes to take the reader into this other realm. A book written not with Ted's mind but with his heart and a lot of love.

This was a great sequel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Through the use of powerful imagery and great storytelling the good news message comes to live. Enthralling and fast passed story. Thought provoking and uplifting.

In A.D. 30, Ted Dekker masterfully describes how Jesus calmed a storm which his disciples experienced on the Sea of Galilee. He uses that scene throughout the first book, and then into A.D.33 as a word picture. The God of the Universe is above all the storms we encounter in life, but often He leads us through some of the fiercest ones. In the middle of the storms it is all too easy to fall prey to fear. The waves overwhelm us, the wind overpowers us, and we feel like giving up. However, when we turn our focus back onto God and who He is, the waves seem to shrink and the wind becomes a mere whisper. Jesus calms our storms too. Here’s an example from A.D.33: “…he was experiencing the truth, which was this: here he was in a small body that could easily be torn in two by the lion’s jaws or cut down the middle by Kahil’s sword, but this would lessen him no more than losing a finger, because he wasn’t his finger any more than he was his body. Here he was, that small boy, but here he was also: the son of the Father, who was more powerful than a hundred thousand bodies. A voice whispered to him from his memory of the light. In this world you will have trouble, it said, but take heart… I have overcome the world.” An enjoyable, thought-provoking read.

A creative, captivating journey to knowing Yeshua and being known through the eyes of an outsider. I loved this book, along with its prequel, and was fascinated at how the teachings and ultimate truths of Jesus’ teachings lead The Way to an everlasting realm. Just like the characters in the story, we can forget The Way and need to constantly choose to believe in the things that are unseen, rather than the things that are seen. Through the eyes of Maviah, I have a new understanding and appreciation for my identity as one of the Father’s daughters.