A. D. 30 by Ted Dekker

Every once in a while it will take me more time than I anticipate to pick up a book I am supposed to review. That’s what happened with me and Ted Dekker’s latest offering, A.D. 30. When I finally started reading the book, my main thought was, “Why did it take me so long to read this?” This book is amazing, emotional, and speaks to the heart of who Jesus was during his ministry on earth.

Illegitimate daughter of a Bedouin sheikh, Maviah longs for acceptance from her father. Those who love her are taken away from her and she is left floundering with a desire to be known and loved by others. When her home is attacked, her father charges her to make an alliance with King Herod. As Maviah travels through the desert, certain of failure, to reach the king. Two of her fathers strongest slaves, Saba and Judah, travel with her. Saba is strong and silent while Judah is confident, optimistic, and Maviah’s rock. Judah is also determined to find one man during their travels–Yeshua of Nazareth.

“How they loved him! Because he loved them as himself, as if they were he. What you did not do the the least of these, you did not do for me.
–A. D. 30, Ted Dekker

Wow, what an amazing story. This book is a definite departure from Dekker’s usual thrillers (which I am also a fan of) but it is still engaging. See the healer, the teacher, the savior through the eyes of a Gentile woman who believes she is no worthy of the great calling thrust upon her. Read as she meets Yeshua and he changes her heart, her mind, and even her physical being at times. Dekker states in his prologue (which is as much worth reading as the actual book) that this story is ten year in the making. This is a labor of love for Dekker and it shows.

Earlier this month I mentioned another Ted Dekker book in my ten favorites for the year but this one tops Hacker and would have even topped the list had I read it before creating the list. I am already looking forward to the sequel. So, in conclusion, I leave you with three words: READ THIS BOOK!!!

Pick up a copy from your local bookstore or order here or here.

****Center Street Publishing and Hachette Book Group provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.