Lunatic by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill

Reviewed by Karri Compton

"...[The Lost Books] add a lot to the existing Circle series, yet can be read alone."

In the first four Lost Books in this series, the chosen ones, led by Johnis, found and retrieved the Books of History, thereby saving Other Earth. When they return to the land of the Forest Dwellers, they are shocked to learn that over the five years of their absence, things have changed significantly. And not for the better.

Thomas is missing. The Horde has overrun Middle Forest and the lakes have turned from green to red. No longer can albinos bathe once a day and keep the scab disease from taking their bodies and minds. Now they must drown once to forever to prevent themselves from becoming Horde. But are the trio willing to do so?

Johnis and friends uncover a Horde plot by Marak to slaughter every albino alive. Their only hope is to find a way to control the Shataiki and have them destroy the Horde, since albino numbers are too small. This requires an alliance with the enemy and with a being who seeks to help them. But to what ultimate end? Who is the creature with one blue and one purple eye?

Less ardent followers of Dekker’s books may or may not notice the change in style in Lunatic and Elyon. Kaci Hill lends her own distinct expression to the writing, especially to the character Shaeda. Shaeda is expertly characterized--strong, alluring and deceptive--adding extra tension to the plot.

Emotions are tugged at as the reader sees portrayals of torture, murder, drowning, falling in love, jealousy, and ethical dilemmas. How will Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal overcome the odds and accomplish their goals? Unfortunately, we don’t find out in totality until the next and last installment, Elyon.

Not normally a fan of YA novels, I’ve enjoyed the Lost Books series, which add a lot to the existing Circle series, yet can be read alone.

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Karri Compton, wife and mother of three, devours Christian fiction whenever possible. Her favorite genre is suspense/thriller, especially Ted Dekker novels. Since promoting biblical worldview fiction is dear to her heart, she reviews on her blog, Fiction Fanatics Only! and is a staff reviewer and interviewer for such sites as The Christian Suspense Zone. Her latest published work appears in Peculiar People's novel collaboration, Delivered. She is a member of such writers' groups as The Lost Genre Guild and FCW. Editing the completed first draft of her novel keeps her busy, as well as performing in musicals put on by her local community theater association.