The 49th Mystic (Beyond the Circle Book #1) Kindle Edition

How many truths can one book hold? Every page brought a new way of thinking, a new perception of who God is and thus, who I am in Him. True freedom can be found in the pages of this book if you are willing to stretch beyond the current landscape of what you thought you knew. A thrilling story of how to live beyond fear. Never before has a work of fiction touched my life so deeply. I recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their true identity in this life.

Wow! He's done it again! Ted has blown my mind and challenged me to open my eyes and see life through a new perspective!If you’ve not read a Ted Dekker novel before, prepare to be thrilled and amazed (and hopefully hooked). If you have read Ted, be prepared to dig deep and be amazed. Either way the 49th Mystic is an incredible story that will not disappoint.Ted has the incredible ability, the gift really, of taking a Biblical truth that is difficult to understand and even harder to apply and through his stories he paints a picture of what these truths look like lived out in everyday life. And now he paints us a picture of what it looks like to walk in our true identity, as the Father sees us. I am amazed. I am changed. I am renewed to continue walking. And I am more than excited for the continuation of this incredible journey in book two.In true Ted fashion, he has given each reader a choice. You can read this book as the incredible, in-depth story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, turning pages, so difficult to put down. Or you can choose to let it grab hold of your heart and lead to a deeper level of God’s truth that is Biblically sound. Whether you read it for the story that will blow your mind or accept the challenge to let God speak to you at the same time, you are in for the ride of your life. Do we have eyes to see and ears to hear, or not - the choice is ours.

The Circle was an innovative series and one I enjoyed tremendously. It's not my favourite of Dekker's but rate it very highly.I didn't feel I needed to revisit The Circle as I can recall at the time feeling that it had perhaps gone on for a book too long, however, it was fun being transported there again and reacquainting myself with the Roush, Shatiaki, Elyonites and such.Rachelle is a blind teenager who has developed a method of 'seeing" by way of echolocation clicking. She lives in a secluded town called Eden which is separated from the rest of world. The residents believe that much of the rest of America is constantly under siege from enemy forces, however, they are safe in their isolated haven.Rachelle undergoes an operation which goes 'wrong' and this enables her to be transported in her dreams to another world. The world of The Circle.As with all Dekker stories there is a lot going on so you need to stay on the ball and there's good pace that keeps you reading. Rachelle soon discovers that she is a 'saviour' of sorts (ala Thomas of Hunter) and must find 5 seals to save the world. She gets caught up in a variety of dangerous situations in both worlds that put at risk her chances of discovering these seals. She is confronted by a number of evil types who want to stop her mission and rain down chaos of one of worlds.But what is significant about this story is the explicit messaging that underpins it. Dekker has undergone a significant awakening of his faith since finishing The Circle which he documents in his non-fiction work The Forgotten Way and the Way of Love. The key messages of these works he attempts to incorporate in this two book series. I think you will gain a greater appreciation of these messages if you read The Forgotten Way first. And if you're not a Christian you may struggle to enjoy the novel because much of the story involves exploring these key concepts of being the beloved of God. I've read a few reviews that have expressed concern for Dekker's faith, suggesting he's succumbed to New Age-thinking and/or failing to properly communicate the full message of the gospel, but having read The Forgotten Way these claims aren't true. Dekker has developed into a modern-day mystic of sorts and he writes like one.I think this story met my expectations. I kinda wish he'd left The Circle alone and perhaps created a new story world to express his revived spiritual messages and hence, in some way this is a tad deflating. I felt Rachelle was going through a similar experience as Thomas of the Hunter and that it had been done before.However, if you haven't read The Circle series you will appreciate the story world, Dekker's perspectives on good and evil and how he weaves his messages into the story.The story doesn't really end and we need to read Part 2, The Rise of the Mystics, to round it out. Perhaps an 800-page volume may have been better, however, the best suggestion might be to wait until the 2nd one comes out before reading the first. With it coming out in the next few days I'm looking forward to diving deep and finishing it off.

One of my sons and I have been reading Ted's books for a number of years. I bought him a copy for his birthday and a copy for me to read later when I have some time... at least that was the plan. I decided to read a little bit just to get an idea of what it was about. Yeah, you know what happened. I couldn't put it down. I just finished it tonight and am now looking forward to book two. While I'm waiting I'm going to read The Way of Love. I really appreciate Ted's ability to show the story. With all the 5-star ratings I don't know if the book really needs another one, but I wanted to through my 2-cents in.

I am honestly baffled by the five star rating. I admit I'm not a die-hard Dekker fan, but I have read a few of his books over the years and generally enjoyed them. So when Kindle recommended this, I clicked.But from that point on it became a chore just to finish it.In short, the storyline is fragmented. The characters are flat. And the narrative is tediously preachy -- so preachy, in fact, that the reader is left reading just to try and figure out what the actual point of the obvious "sermon" is.And that's the worst part. The point is there is little discernible point. God is in everyone. Everyone is God. You are the light of the world. Murderers are the light of the world. Everyone is light. Nothing is light. Then follows the metaphysical nonsense of polarity and the abuse of Quantum Physics.Just when you think you cannot endure to the end. You get to the end and find that you have to shell out another $15 and endure several more hours of additional reading just to figure out if there actually is a meaningful end.No thanks. I'll spend my $15 on a couple cups of coffee, a bagel and a quiet corner in a small coffee shop. I'll be much happier .. and frankly probably wiser for the experience.

This book takes you to another reality, whilst causing you to question your own present reality.... am I truly seeing and living in the light that Jesus gave? A truly gripping story to follow the awesome Circle series.,

Excellent read

Sooo Very Challenging to go a little deeper in your thinking.....just to be awaken to the idea that there is Sooo much more to be reached in a personal relationship with God the Father, the Son and the Spirit....to hear and feel how one willing blind girl, will open herself to the truths of Gods word and walk in the light with Him, is encouraging and inspiring and astonishing... A must read.

Ted Dekker has done it again! In my opinion, this is his best work to date. This story contains so much truth and wisdom, I kept a notebook handy as I was reading so I could jot down things I didn't want to forget. Rachelle's journey mirrors our own - the struggles, the choices, the decisions that ultimately determine our path in life. Thank you, Mr. Dekker, for another "make you think" novel. Love it! Now to wait for the release of "Rise of the Mystics" and the conclusion of Rachelle's story.

A book that really tugged at my heart and emotions that I couldn't put down. The truths woven into the story and the reality of the human race. How easy it is to lose sight and become blind even when we know the truth

Great story unveiling deep truths. I love stories that communicate the truth of our inChristness.We are in Christ and He is in us. We need to unlearn and awaken.

Not finished reading it yet, but it is hard to put down!

This writing is a real thought provoker. I really enjoy the way Ted presents his thoughts leading me right back to the word and causing me to rethink and look deeper.

Ted Decker has such an amazing way of writing that grabs my attention right away. I’m looking forward to the next book!!

Das Buch ist einer der besten Romane die ich je gelesen habe! Ein fesselndes Buch mit tiefen Wahrheiten die jeder noch viel zu wenig ergriffen hat.

Ted Dekker at his best once again.