Reviews

Water Walker by Ted Dekker

beyondevak's review

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4.0

The Review:
Where do I begin?

There is so much I want to say about this book, Water Walker by Ted Dekker. The author's language and wording, his primary themes, his intermingling of light and dark, the characters and their voices, the bondage and freedom aspects - these things stood out in a very big way. The role of each person in the story and how they played their part in the conclusive end, or rather in a more precise beginning was haunting. I was literally stunned speechless with how it all played out.

This book was no easy read, in my opinion. It was well-paced, of course, but the movement was...complicated. Not complicated in a hard way. No, not at all. I guess I could say that it was like an organized and complex chaos. There were so many messages and lessons weaved into the storyline. Scripture references were constant and served to steer me toward a greater understanding. That helped to open my mind to where Dekker was obviously (and yet not) trying to take me.

I think anytime anyone reads this book they will walk away with something different every time. Perhaps, they will focus on forgiveness, love, grace, or mercy. Maybe they will focus on choices, consequences, spiritual warfare, or new life pursuits. All I know is that they will walk away changed.

Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Tone: Mixed
Cliffhanger: Yes
Stand Alone Read: Yes (Note: Suggest readers consider reading book #1 of The Outlaw Chronicles)
Themes: Love, Forgiveness, Faith
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes

A complimentary copy of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. No form of compensation was given to me. I was not required to write a positive review. I have shared my thoughts for your consideration.

chrisbaker1981's review

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5.0

I don't want to say too much, because this is Ted Dekker, and suspense is the name of the game. This is one of his best, filled with beautiful imagery, and important Truth. It begins with a kidnapping, and never slows down. When you start reading this one, allow yourself some time-you won't want to quit until you know what happens.

If you enjoy this one, I recommend Eyes Wide Open (The Outlaw Chronicles #1) and Outlaw.

gbdill's review

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4.0

Overall a good read. Story contains some adventure, thriller, and a bit of mystery. A lot of allegory. The message is about forgiveness. Forgiving others and not being bogged down with the chaos and mess around us. Which, in turn, liberates from a self-imposed prison. The one thing I didn't like in the message is that it can easily come across as dismissive of our own pain and suffering. Nevertheless, a good read and highly entertaining with a great message. Looking forward to the next book in the Outlaw series, "Hacker".

hannas_heas47's review

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5.0

Just finished this stunning tale of the water walker. I thought this idea was unique and it held a deep seeded message about the power of believing. My first by this author and it was a fast paced read as well. The treatment of Eden was unimaginable and what she went through was truly weird. I still don't get why she didn't remember before. I'm just glad the book had a great message and a good ending. Thanks netgalley for a read in exchange for a honest review.

sandylovesbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

I didn't like this book as much as Ted Dekker's other books. I just couldn't get into it. Normally his books are so thrilling and they grab you and keep you in the pages, not so much for this book. I was halfway through and thought something needed to happen to keep me reading. Things did pick up and I'm glad I read it but I think I will read his older books that I haven't read yet. Those are the best ones, imho. I did like the way Eden was able to forgive everyone and I think her mother and father were in need of forgiving but I, myself, wouldn't be able to forgive others. Maybe one day I will be able to forgive the people in my life that I need to forgive.

brennamyeary's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ktlong's review

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Got this as a win from Goodreads and at first I was disappointed to see that it was a second book in a series thinking that I would have difficulty with the story line without prior knowledge of characters etc.....But having read Dekker's novels in the past I was hopeful for a good read and he did not disappoint me!
I want to read the rest of the series to understand who the Outlaw is and to watch Dekker develop this character. My only disappointment with Water Walker is the ending. I believe forgiveness is what we should strive towards BUT also I think that crimes should be punished. I won't spoil the ending for others by going into more detail....
This book is a must read!

_oliviaflores's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

4.0

thestarman's review

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VERDICT: 0.65 stars, not rounded up.

"Pulse-ratcheting suspense" = NO.

SAY ONE NICE THING: The cover art was pretty good.

My second--and probably last--Dekker book (I also read [b:Saint|125959|Saint (Paradise, #2)|Ted Dekker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1439004991l/125959._SY75_.jpg|681577], which I rated 1.5 stars). Maybe Dekker's style just isn't for me. I found WATER WALKER a chore to finish.

Nutcase or naive characters, unrealistic dialogue & responses, and an unrealistic portrayal of FBI agents. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it more than I did.

madisonlawson's review

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5.0

A page turner and a thinker, Water Walker really gets your mind turning. With such a wholesome ending, I'm thankful I spent my time on this novel.
If you know Ted Dekker, you'll know you won't be disappointed with this book.