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karissakate's review against another edition
3.0
I just love Ted DekKer. This was a good quick read and did a nice job of opening up the story for the remaining books in the series(trilogy?).
cblunier's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
vmkendall91's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely not my favorite Dekker novel, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a wonderful story! Taking on a very different style from what he typically writes is why it only got 4 stars because it wasn't totally what I was expecting. That being said, I'm really looking forward to AD 33. I may have appreciate AD 30 more if it hadn't taken me so long to read. Hoping to get back into reading more :)
bekaaaah's review against another edition
5.0
Maviah is the illegitimate daughter of Rami bin Malik, a powerful Bedouin ruler. As a child, she was outcasted and sold into slavery. Upon being returned home, Maviah still only knows shame and deceit. When a devastating attack reaches their walls, Maviah manages to escape with the help of two of her father’s warriors, Saba and Judah. The three set out to reach King Herod of the Jews and plead for help on behalf of the father and people who never loved her. But such an alliance proves to be deadly and fraught with treachery and betrayal. All seems hopeless, until Maviah meets a man named Yeshua who changes her life.
Wow. What a book. A.D. 30 gripped me from the very first sentence. Reaching only the end of the first chapter, all I could think was, “how in the world have I not read this book before now?” and then, “this is going to be one of my favorite books ever.” And it was. Wholly enthralling, richly suspenseful, powerfully told, and delightfully lengthy–A.D. 30 is a biblical fiction masterpiece, filled with mind-blowing moments that gave me chills and enough action to make my heart skip a beat. I loved it.
Colorfully described to appeal to our humanness, Maviah is a character to behold. I so admired her strength in the midst of fear and despair; she radiated regality in spite of being enslaved and abused her entire life. Judah, the warrior who could read the stars, pulled at my heartstrings. I loved his yearning for something greater, and his always growing loyalty and love for Maviah was beyond sweet. Saba, oh Saba. He’s the perfect example of a man tough on the outside but a teddy bear at heart. Each and every person in this book was gold. And the story! There were so many riveting plot twists and heart-wrenching turns, all the time weaved in with inspiring truths. The way the author wrote the Yeshua scenes was admirable, making sure to keep His teachings prevalent and reachable, while quoting straight from the Bible.
One of the best historical novels I have come across by far. Rarely do you have a story that has you so fully engrossed and invested, where you forget to even eat or sleep because you have to see what happens. I haven’t read anything from Ted Dekker before now, but if this is an example of his writing and storytelling abilities bring on all the books! Highly recommended.
Wow. What a book. A.D. 30 gripped me from the very first sentence. Reaching only the end of the first chapter, all I could think was, “how in the world have I not read this book before now?” and then, “this is going to be one of my favorite books ever.” And it was. Wholly enthralling, richly suspenseful, powerfully told, and delightfully lengthy–A.D. 30 is a biblical fiction masterpiece, filled with mind-blowing moments that gave me chills and enough action to make my heart skip a beat. I loved it.
Colorfully described to appeal to our humanness, Maviah is a character to behold. I so admired her strength in the midst of fear and despair; she radiated regality in spite of being enslaved and abused her entire life. Judah, the warrior who could read the stars, pulled at my heartstrings. I loved his yearning for something greater, and his always growing loyalty and love for Maviah was beyond sweet. Saba, oh Saba. He’s the perfect example of a man tough on the outside but a teddy bear at heart. Each and every person in this book was gold. And the story! There were so many riveting plot twists and heart-wrenching turns, all the time weaved in with inspiring truths. The way the author wrote the Yeshua scenes was admirable, making sure to keep His teachings prevalent and reachable, while quoting straight from the Bible.
One of the best historical novels I have come across by far. Rarely do you have a story that has you so fully engrossed and invested, where you forget to even eat or sleep because you have to see what happens. I haven’t read anything from Ted Dekker before now, but if this is an example of his writing and storytelling abilities bring on all the books! Highly recommended.
hannahjoy91's review against another edition
4.0
From the opening chapter I was drawn in and the story didn't let me go until the last paragraph.
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
As much an exploration by the author as a retelling, it's very interesting to see Jesus (Yeshua) through the eyes of foreigners - primarily two slaves - and a woman, Maviah, an illegimate child of a Bedouin sheikh. Maviah herself is a woman steeped in fear, betrayal, abandonment and grief, having to defend herself against many trials as she learns to live in a new way.
This was the first "contemporary" interpretation where I felt the disciples, although only passing characters, were real: as fishermen rather than learned scholars they were confused by Yeshua's teachings, thinking them amazing and insightful but conflicting riddles. His teaching turned everything they knew on its head.
In addition to historical facts, such as the relationships between regional leaders and their wives, it's filled with other details too, starting with the Bedouins (Bedu) and moving through to the weather in Galilee. It gave me new insight and context for both how Jesus taught and what He meant. I couldn't resist reading passages out loud for others' benefit, and have a new understanding of what it means to place my faith in Yeshua.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first "contemporary" interpretation where I felt the disciples, although only passing characters, were real: as fishermen rather than learned scholars they were confused by Yeshua's teachings, thinking them amazing and insightful but conflicting riddles. His teaching turned everything they knew on its head.
In addition to historical facts, such as the relationships between regional leaders and their wives, it's filled with other details too, starting with the Bedouins (Bedu) and moving through to the weather in Galilee. It gave me new insight and context for both how Jesus taught and what He meant. I couldn't resist reading passages out loud for others' benefit, and have a new understanding of what it means to place my faith in Yeshua.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
katemarie99's review against another edition
4.0
A.D. 30 is the first book in Ted Dekker's newest series.
A.D. 30 is the story of Maviah, daughter of a powerful leader among the Bedu, a tribal dessert people. But Maviah is an outcast, viewed as an object of shame because she is a woman. But there are other reasons as well, other things that have piled shame upon shame. The only person who really cares for Maviah is Nashquya, her father's young wife. And when Nashquya dies, Maviah's world slowly begins to crumble. Maliku, Maviah's half-brother, betrays their father and the kingdom is lost. But her father sends Maviah on an important mission: to make an ally of King Herod in Palestine. This mission will send her across the treacherous dessert with only her two protectors: Jewish Judah, an exuberant, lively young man who captures Maviah's heart, and black Saba, a strong, silent warrior. Maviah immediately befriends Phasa, Herod's pretty, silly young bride. One day when Herod is away, Phasa and Maviah sneak away to meet Yeshua, a Jewish rabbi who Judah is obsessed with. Maviah is shaken by the encounter. Then Maviah finds out about Herod's plot to murder his wife; this gives her leverage with Aretas and Shaquilath, Phasa's parents, rulers of Petra. Maviah proposes her carefully crafted plan to them and they agree. Maviah will be released, along with Saba - but Judah will be kept as a guarantee. But Maviah is betrayed; they hand Judah over to Kahil, ally of Maliku. Before she leaves, Maviah is blinded by Kahil. Saba leading her, they travel once more to visit Yeshua. But Maviah is not healed. She is filled with anger and shame. When she returns to Petra, she is forced to fight to the death in an arena - against Maliku. Just before it is too late, Maviah's sight is restored. Her own tears heal her blindness. She defeats Maliku, but instead of killing him, she extends mercy, following the Way of Yeshua.
Like many of Dekker's books A.D. 30 has the Middle Eastern element. This is kind of a recurring theme in Dekker's work. He clearly has a passion for those in bondage to the Middle Eastern culture and customs.
Dekker's books are always well-researched and A.D. 30 is no exception. The varied cultures of the Jews, the Bedu, and the other ethnic groups that play a role in this story are all have the necessary depth and texture. The Biblical research appears to be extensive as well.
I like the pace of A.D 30. After some disappointing reads in the past couple of years, do we finally have the old Ted Dekker back? Only time will tell.
The stakes are high for A.D. 33!
For my review of A.D. 33 and other Dekker books, check out my blog at http://storyanddarkchocolate.blogspot.com/
A.D. 30 is the story of Maviah, daughter of a powerful leader among the Bedu, a tribal dessert people. But Maviah is an outcast, viewed as an object of shame because she is a woman. But there are other reasons as well, other things that have piled shame upon shame. The only person who really cares for Maviah is Nashquya, her father's young wife. And when Nashquya dies, Maviah's world slowly begins to crumble. Maliku, Maviah's half-brother, betrays their father and the kingdom is lost. But her father sends Maviah on an important mission: to make an ally of King Herod in Palestine. This mission will send her across the treacherous dessert with only her two protectors: Jewish Judah, an exuberant, lively young man who captures Maviah's heart, and black Saba, a strong, silent warrior. Maviah immediately befriends Phasa, Herod's pretty, silly young bride. One day when Herod is away, Phasa and Maviah sneak away to meet Yeshua, a Jewish rabbi who Judah is obsessed with. Maviah is shaken by the encounter. Then Maviah finds out about Herod's plot to murder his wife; this gives her leverage with Aretas and Shaquilath, Phasa's parents, rulers of Petra. Maviah proposes her carefully crafted plan to them and they agree. Maviah will be released, along with Saba - but Judah will be kept as a guarantee. But Maviah is betrayed; they hand Judah over to Kahil, ally of Maliku. Before she leaves, Maviah is blinded by Kahil. Saba leading her, they travel once more to visit Yeshua. But Maviah is not healed. She is filled with anger and shame. When she returns to Petra, she is forced to fight to the death in an arena - against Maliku. Just before it is too late, Maviah's sight is restored. Her own tears heal her blindness. She defeats Maliku, but instead of killing him, she extends mercy, following the Way of Yeshua.
Like many of Dekker's books A.D. 30 has the Middle Eastern element. This is kind of a recurring theme in Dekker's work. He clearly has a passion for those in bondage to the Middle Eastern culture and customs.
Dekker's books are always well-researched and A.D. 30 is no exception. The varied cultures of the Jews, the Bedu, and the other ethnic groups that play a role in this story are all have the necessary depth and texture. The Biblical research appears to be extensive as well.
I like the pace of A.D 30. After some disappointing reads in the past couple of years, do we finally have the old Ted Dekker back? Only time will tell.
The stakes are high for A.D. 33!
For my review of A.D. 33 and other Dekker books, check out my blog at http://storyanddarkchocolate.blogspot.com/
marlo_c's review against another edition
4.0
Most books that I give 4 stars to are ones that I've breezed through. This isn't one of those. I began reading it several weeks ago and was interrupted by other books, so I returned a few days ago mid-book. This is so different from Dekker's other books, but I enjoyed it. I liked the feel of the book, and I liked the combination of strength and fear in Maviah. The historical aspect of it felt authentic and believable. The best part is that I feel a little closer to Yeshua....as though I understand a bit better the Savior I follow.
kristinasshelves's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Ted Dekker book, but I can already tell why he's a beloved author. Maviah, a Bedouin from Arabia lives in the titular year of 30 A.D. and is quickly thrown into a world of uncertainty. While we follow her various trials and watch her strategize to survive, she encounters Jesus and her life is changed forever. The beginning of this story was slow, but by the end I was engrossed in Maviah's story and her growing devotion to Jesus. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
sfalk16's review against another edition
4.0
In the early 2000s, I was a rabid Ted Dekker fan who purchased every book he wrote. However, somewhere after The Circle series, I felt Dekker's books started to lose their heart and I gave up on his work for a while.
A.D. 30 is the first book of Dekker's I've read in about 10 years, and I loved it! All the heart I used to love was present, the plot moved at the perfect pace for my taste, and the characters were beautiful. I still find Dekker's romantic elements to be a little too over-the-top for my practical nature, but I'm happy to set that slight discomfort aside to be immersed in Dekker's expert storytelling.
I highly recommend A.D. 30 and look forward to picking up the sequel soon.
A.D. 30 is the first book of Dekker's I've read in about 10 years, and I loved it! All the heart I used to love was present, the plot moved at the perfect pace for my taste, and the characters were beautiful. I still find Dekker's romantic elements to be a little too over-the-top for my practical nature, but I'm happy to set that slight discomfort aside to be immersed in Dekker's expert storytelling.
I highly recommend A.D. 30 and look forward to picking up the sequel soon.