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aallen820's review
3.0
As a stand alone story I can see how the allegory world romance with Thomas and Chelise could work. However, it felt very high school infatuationesque and rather sudden even when taking into account Justin's interaction and encouragement. I may have missed something from a time perspective but my understanding was that Chelise was born to Qurong after the fall and that should make her around 16 years old at the time of White with Thomas around 41. That seems problematic but maybe age and maturity is different in allegory world.
As a picture of how Jesus pursues us even in our sin, I did think their romance was an interesting metaphor.
As a villain, I thought Woref was well written and his interaction with Teelah and the resulting impact was a natural progression throughout the story.
I mostly liked the ending of the real world story and Thomas's decisions there but would liked to have a bit more satisfying end to the villains. It seemed rather short and impersonal given that they upended the whole world.
Again, like in Red, I thought the minimal involvement of the Roush and Shataiki in White were notably absent when they seemed more active parts of Black.
Overall, I didn't dislike White and on the whole liked where the story ended up but just would have preferred some elements to be written a little differently or better explained. Perhaps some of my reservations with it are addressed in future books in the series.
Spoiler
Thomas should be a grieving widower and father of two children. He seems so caught up with Chelise and his own children barely make an appearance or cross his mind throughout the book.As a picture of how Jesus pursues us even in our sin, I did think their romance was an interesting metaphor.
As a villain, I thought Woref was well written and his interaction with Teelah and the resulting impact was a natural progression throughout the story.
I mostly liked the ending of the real world story and Thomas's decisions there but would liked to have a bit more satisfying end to the villains. It seemed rather short and impersonal given that they upended the whole world.
Again, like in Red, I thought the minimal involvement of the Roush and Shataiki in White were notably absent when they seemed more active parts of Black.
Overall, I didn't dislike White and on the whole liked where the story ended up but just would have preferred some elements to be written a little differently or better explained. Perhaps some of my reservations with it are addressed in future books in the series.
jordanak03's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
greaydean's review
3.0
Well, I finished.
I am intrigued by The Circle.
But I may wait a while before wading into other parts.
I should probably read Green first... but I just don't know how excited I am about it. This book was okay, but I wouldn't call it great.
It just wasn't that riveting. I wanted to be enthralled.
I am intrigued by The Circle.
But I may wait a while before wading into other parts.
I should probably read Green first... but I just don't know how excited I am about it. This book was okay, but I wouldn't call it great.
It just wasn't that riveting. I wanted to be enthralled.
cuff21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
debs4jc's review
plot summary: what happens, when & where, central characters, major conflicts[return]the story from red continues, thomas of hunter and his band now have a policy of non-violence with the horde, and so have become experts at running and hiding from them. this backfires and ends up with thomas and some of his crew being taken prisoner. meanwhile, in the 21st century thomas is supposedly dead, but his sister cara has thought of a way to revive him. with the raison strain starting to make people sick, she uses his blood to enter his dream world and re-write history. thomas now feels the strain of trying to save both worlds. with the books of the histories, his blood, and the love of justin (christ) they may be able to do just that.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]style characterisics: pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]quite a few major plot shifts, as dekker dips into the fantastical to ressurect characters. the ending was somewhat predictable (at least in one world), but also a powerful statement of sacrifice. dekker's writing is full of powerful images that the reader won't soon forget.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]how good is it?[return]an adrenaline laced read, great entertainment with a intriguing spiritual underlayer that reinterprets the biblical story in a fresh way
richter10's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
wwalters87's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
perilous1's review against another edition
3.0
A good close-out to this inspirational thriller/urban fantasy series...or is it? >.>
There's definitely a sense of most ends being tied in a satisfying conclusion to the circle trilogy--though there's some obligatory wiggle room left open for plenty of spinoffs or even potential continuation. The allegory angle is still a bit heavy-handed at time, in this reader's personal opinion--and the relational aspects to the comic interpretation can feel a bit rushed. But all in all, there's a pleasing symmetry.
The artwork is just as vivid and well crafted as the previous two, with no trouble in following the panel flow.
There's definitely a sense of most ends being tied in a satisfying conclusion to the circle trilogy--though there's some obligatory wiggle room left open for plenty of spinoffs or even potential continuation. The allegory angle is still a bit heavy-handed at time, in this reader's personal opinion--and the relational aspects to the comic interpretation can feel a bit rushed. But all in all, there's a pleasing symmetry.
The artwork is just as vivid and well crafted as the previous two, with no trouble in following the panel flow.
shannnon's review against another edition
5.0
Black, Red, and White...
I am really enjoying these books. I feel like there is way too much to be said about them however. I can't wrap my mind around all the things I would point out. Lots good. Some bad. But I still enjoy them enough to say, hell ya! 5 stars!
I definitely think they are a bit silly, the dual realities and the way they interact and trying to figure out what these books are really about. I can't tell which "reality" I enjoy the story line of more. Both I think. The characters are all interesting, but very simple? That's probably the wrong word. They are complex and multifaceted but they each play a very specific role, and while it might come across as limiting or flat, I think in this type of story it works very well.
I think I just really enjoy the face paced action of these books, how the stories bounce back and forth, although eventually the parallels become very obvious, but they keep you guessing at the same time. But its the enthusiasm of the main character that is just... down right entertaining I guess.
I'm excited to move on to Green and see where this all started.
I am really enjoying these books. I feel like there is way too much to be said about them however. I can't wrap my mind around all the things I would point out. Lots good. Some bad. But I still enjoy them enough to say, hell ya! 5 stars!
I definitely think they are a bit silly, the dual realities and the way they interact and trying to figure out what these books are really about. I can't tell which "reality" I enjoy the story line of more. Both I think. The characters are all interesting, but very simple? That's probably the wrong word. They are complex and multifaceted but they each play a very specific role, and while it might come across as limiting or flat, I think in this type of story it works very well.
I think I just really enjoy the face paced action of these books, how the stories bounce back and forth, although eventually the parallels become very obvious, but they keep you guessing at the same time. But its the enthusiasm of the main character that is just... down right entertaining I guess.
I'm excited to move on to Green and see where this all started.