"Immanuel's Veins" Giveaway & Review - Win an Exclusive T-Shirt!

Immanuel's Veins
Author: Ted Dekker
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595540096
Type: Hardcover
Pages: 367
Genre: fiction

About the Book: (from the back cover)

"THIS STORY IS FOR EVERYONE BUT NOT EVERYONE IS FOR THIS STORY.

It is a dangerous tale of times past. A torrid love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.

Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.

With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind. Yet there remains hope, because the heart knows no bounds.

Love will prove greater than lust. Sacrifice will overcome seduction. And blood will flow.

Because the battle for the heart is always violently opposed. For those desperate to drink deep from this fountain of life, enter.

BUT REMEMBER, NOT EVERYONE IS FOR THIS STORY."

My Thoughts:

"Immanuel's Veins" holds all the qualities I love about Ted Dekker's novels - suspense, intrigue and bone-chilling scenes that makes me hold my breath, plus an amazing message that isn't soon forgotten.

I love Dekker's books. His writing style is one that sucks me in. From the time I open the book until the time I've finished it, I'm lost in another world that I don't want to be pulled away from. "Immanuel's Veins" did not disappoint me. It takes place in Russia in 1772 and focuses around Catherine the Great and one of her most loyal warriors, Toma Nicolescu. Toma is given the assignment of guarding the Cantemir family with the instructions he is not to become involved with either of the 2 daughters. The hint of danger and a darker presence starts early on in the book with the appearance of a blind man with a crow who warns Toma "evil is in contest with you."

The story is captivating and is full of symbolism. The characters are interesting and unforgettable, with my favorite being the main character, Toma. Unlike other novels I have read by Dekker, this one is written in the first person, giving and even more intimate understanding of what Toma perceives.

Note: This book, although considered Christian fiction, is also paranormal fiction and may appeal to a greater range of readers - not just Christian.


About the Author (from Amazon.com):

TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling thriller author. Heralded as a "master of suspense" by Library Journal, Dekker has sold millions worldwide, establishing himself as one of the most widely recognized author brands (he is the fourth most popular thriller writer on Facebook and more than 40,000 readers congregate on his website, www.teddekker.com).

He began his career writing fantasy novels that explored spirituality (Black, Red and White) and has since become a major force in the mainstream fiction arena with his recent thrillers, "Adam," "Thr3e," "Skin," "Obsessed," and "BoneMan's Daughters," which landed in the #10 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list in 2009. Dekker has been honored with a Christy Award as well as a Gold Medallion Award for Best Fiction. "Thr3e" and his novel "House" became feature films, and more of his books are in development with Lionsgate Entertainment.

Dekker was born to missionaries and grew up among cannibals of Indonesia, and his peculiar upbringing gives him a unique perspective outside the cultural bubble, allowing him the freedom to share provocative insights in his fiction. After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States, earning his B.A. in philosophy and religion and going into business.

In the early nineties, Dekker decided to pursue his desire to write fiction, selling his company, moving his family to the mountains of western Colorado, and writing full-time. Two years and three books later his first novel, a supernatural thriller called Heaven's Wager, was published. Dekker proceeded to write 6 more supernatural thrillers, rising to the top of many bestsellers lists and earning himself critical acclaim and legions of fans. "Thr3e" heralded his launch into mainstream fiction and was followed by "Obsessed," "Skin," "Adam," and "BoneMan's Daughters," all of which hit the New York Times bestseller list.

Photo of Ted Dekker - Credit: Cheryl Muhr

Book was supplied by Thomas Nelson for me to honestly review.

Win a Exclusive Immanuel's Veins T-Shirt!!!

Thomas Nelson is giving away an exclusive Immanuel's Veins T-shirt to one lucky reader of this blog. (see photo) All you need to do is comment on this post with a valid email address. Winner will be drawn at random and will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Shirt is shipped directly from Thomas Nelson. I am note responsible for non-receipt of this item. Winners limited to North American shipping addresses only.

Contest ends September 18th at 11:59pm EST.