Green

I thoroughly enjoy all of Ted Dekker's work, and Green is no exception. This is book zero in The Circle series, which also consists of Black, Red and White, and also ties into the Paradise novels: Saint, Sinner and Showdown. This book is the beginning and the end of the series. In these novels, a man named Thomas Hunter is able to, for reasons unknown to him, move between the present time and 2,000 years in the future. In the future, however, all spiritual realities are visible, including God, Satan, angels, and demons. The only bridge between these two realities is Thomas' blood; using this bridge, several others are able to switch realities.
In both times, the world is on the brink of disaster, thanks to the forces of evil. However, the situation is more dire in the future. Those faithful to God, a number which represents the church, are arguing amongst themselves, despairing of God's very existence, and lusting for battle with the forces of evil, namely the Horde. In these stories, the reality of sin is represented by a skin disease similar to scabies. The faithful are cured of this by diving into their holy pools, which represents coming to faith in Christ. There are also half-breeds--those who are not Horde, who believe in God, but have not believed in Christ. The half-breeds and the believers join together to battle the Horde, in the ultimate showdown between good and evil, which also includes angels and devils. As the battle comes to a head, the arrogance of evil is evident, but they are proven wrong and defeated. The book ends with what is the beginning of the series, the beginning of the book Black.
This is a wonderful book, a very clear parable/fantasy world which illustrates the true end of all things, as predicted by the Bible. Anyone who enjoyed the Narnia Chronicles would appreciate this entire series greatly.

Fearless

I really enjoyed Fearless, though this was no surprise to me. I have been an avid reader of all of Max Lucado's works for many years. Fearless really spoke to me in the place I am in my life. This book encourages us as believers to truly rely wholly on God, and look to Him instead of looking at our fears and worries. Lucado addresses about a dozen fears that are common to most people, and counters them with the truth of God's Words on the subjects. As always, he does this through the use of Scriptural verses, historical anecdotes and quotations, personal anecdotes, and well-crafted prose. Overall it makes for a memorable reading experience.
Fearless, like all of Max Lucado's work, is like a shot of encouragement in the arm of the average believer. This book encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus, not our fears, reminding us that as we do so, our fears fall away until all we have is a reverent fear for Jesus. "As awe of Jesus expands, fears of life diminish. A big God translates into big courage. A small view of God generates no courage. A limp, puny, fireless Jesus has no power over cancer cells, corruption, identity theft, stock-market crashes, or global calamity. A packageable, portable Jesus might fit well in a purse or on a shelf, but he does nothing for your fears." (p. 169)
Like all Lucado's work, Fearless is filled with lovely prose, wonderful quotations from great writers, and something that would appeal to readers of all ages. It reminds us of how great our God is, how truly temporary all we fear is, and of the courage we have available to us as believers. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially those in the midst of struggle.