Forbidden (The Books of Mortals)

The wonderful thing about this novel, and most of Ted Dekker's work, is that it's possible to see the hidden depth in what's being written about. The symbolism is tremendous, and the descriptions of emotion take me instantly to times when I know exactly the feeling being described. I imagine there are readers who might not find the same connection if they never experienced the things being alluded to, but even so the story is compelling and characters are fascinating, so this is definitely worth picking up.

I just finished reading all the Game of Thrones books and wanted to read something as good and exciting... so I found the Books of Mortals. The plot seemed attractive at first but this first book is lacking in many ways. The story goes too fast, sometimes too simple and you feel no suspense at all. Only the last pages make your heart beat faster. I wonder if the second book will be better. I already bought it so I am going to find out soon.

"In the year 2005, geneticists discovered the human gene that controlled both innate and learned forms of fear. It was called Stathmin, or Oncoprotein 18. Within 15 years, genetic influencers for all primary emotions were similarly identified.

Nearly a decade later, in the wake of catastrophic war that destroyed much of civilization, humanity vowed to forsake all that had conspired to destroy it. Out of the ashes rose a new world in which both the advanced technologies and the passionate emotions that led to its ruin were eliminated. A world without hatred, without malice, without sorrow, without anger.

The only emotion genetically allowed to survive was fear. For 480 years, perfect peace reigned.

Until now."

With those words, Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee open "Forbidden", the first novel in their new "The Book of Mortals" series. Whether by design, or by happenstance, they also start a book that makes one of the best and most accessible expositions on the dangers of world government I've read in a very long time.

"Forbidden" is primarily the story of Rom Sebastian, a twenty-four year old resident of the city of Byzantium. An artisan (if you can call anyone that in a world with no emotion), Rom is stumbling his way through a mediocre life like everyone else. That life is interrupted when he is accosted by a crazed man on the street. This man claims to have known Rom's late father, and further claims that he was murdered by the government - the same government now chasing him.

The man tells Rom his father was part of an organization called the Keepers - custodians of an ancient and forbidden knowledge. He tells Rom he must now carry on his father's legacy. As the authorities close in, he gives Rom a parcel and exhorts him to discover the secrets it contains, and the secrets his father died to protect. As Rom turns to flee, the Citadel Guard arrives and, to his shock and horror, slit the old man's throat in the street.

With that, Rom is set on a path of both enlightenment and exceptional peril. The parcel contains a vial of blood that, when ingested, restores the emotions long ago excised from the human psyche. Love, hate, envy, jealously, joy - the blood opens a door to all of them. As Rom struggles to comprehend the meaning of the old man's words, he and a small group of his friends taste the blood and its illicit secret. With eyes and hearts newly opened, they begin to unravel the web of half-truths and deceit that have held society together for the last 480+ years.

"Forbidden" is both a complex and a subtle story. Fiction is an effective mechanism to deliver and digest complex ideas (you've read "Atlas Shrugged" and "1984", right?) Like the old saying goes - a little sugar helps the medicine go down. Here, a superbly crafted post-apocalyptic novel helps couch a more cogent and timely warning on the dangers of globalism. Through the eyes of Rom we are given a glimpse of what the world would be like should globalism firmly take root. A world that, sadly, is not as incompatible with much of today's political and societal rhetoric as one would hope:

"Rom had heard the city was a place of light at one time, of sun by day and city lamps by night, like sparkling gems strewn against a backdrop of velvet. Televisions and computers connected everyone. Planes crisscrossed the sky.

Citizens owned weapons.

Now personal electricity was rationed. Televisions existed in public spaces and for state use only. Many had phones but computers were restricted to state use. Planes, reserved for royal business, were a rare sight in Byzantium's overcast sky. And the only firearms in the world existed in museums."

Sounds crazy doesn't it? Sounds like something out of a science fiction book. Sounds impossible and improbable - but it's not. Just spend a few minutes online and you'll be surprised at what you find in the headlines. At last year's climate summit in Cancun, one paper that was presented called for a limit on the personal use of electricity as a means to combat the dubious "global warming" crisis. During this summer's riots in the UK, Prime Minister David Cameron proposed that the government have the power to shut down access to websites and social media during times of societal unrest (a proposal that has since, thankfully, been scrapped). The suppression or outright ban of access to information through the Internet is a favorite tactic of both outright dictatorships as well as merely "oppressive" governments.

The EU has put a plan in to place to eliminate cars in all major cities by the year 2050. The instances of "global warming" propagandists who preach reducing your carbon footprint while they themselves enjoy the conveniences of travel on private jets, are too numerous to catalog. The only stories more numerous than environmental hypocrisy are those cataloging Progressives' call for the elimination of gun ownership as a basic human right.

Science fiction perhaps, but not an impossible journey to get from today to the world of "Forbidden"; a world with a severely reduced number of inhabitants (another tenet the globalists like to preach), oppressive government control, and a population ruled by fear. A world where the global elite saw their opportunity when the fear gene was discovered and then didn't let the crisis of world conflict "go to waste". A world where the elite preyed on people's fears, enticing them to give up their liberties - then made overcoming those fears a physical impossibility.

This is not, however, a world without hope. As Rom, his friends, and a few fortuitous allies work to overcome this oppression of the mind and the soul, you find more than a few layers of allegory spread across the pages. In particular, there is a strong religious subtext underlying much of the book. The public, devoid of emotion, is described as being dead. The only way to wake them, to have them born again into a world of emotion, is by receiving the blood in the vial. This paradigm of resurrection and salvation through blood is a core tenet of the Christian faith. It's no secret that Christianity and tyranny do not mix well (there's a reason Christians are persecuted throughout the world, and religion is the target of most dictatorial regimes). The promise of salvation and the hope of forgiveness have been the relentless wind and rain that's worn down more than one mountain of totalitarianism over the centuries.

"Forbidden" is an excellent book, and one you should read for two reasons. First - read it to be entertained. It's a well-written story with a rich world and characters ripe for continued development. Dekker and Lee have created a captivating narrative that will appeal to thriller, sci-fi, and fantasy readers alike. This is the first in a planned series of books, so there is a requisite amount of set-up and explanation. It's handled rather well, with a quick pace and a deft balance between action and exposition.

Second - read the book to be educated. It's a compelling meditation on the dangers of centralized world government. It explores the idea that - while human feelings and passions are messy, and people have a capacity for both good and evil - the alternative to that chaotic swirl of emotions is an antiseptic and bleak existence. This story will force you to consider what it really means to sacrifice freedom for security - even if that freedom is just the freedom to feel. This book that made me think - long and hard. I hope it does the same for you.

*A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher for purposes of this review.

I first read an excerpt of this book through Itunes (or iBooks), which was giving out a promotional excerpt. I immediately was taken by the evocative writing and bought the book. A really unique concept about a future world in which emotion has been wiped out (every emotion except fear) and a serum which has been safeguarded finally arrives into the hands of a few young characters who are then able to experience emotion for the very first time.

This isn't the most literary book, but it's a great read that sucks you into the story immediately. If you like books like Hunger Games, you'll like this one.

When Ted Dekker announced that he was working on a new project that would eclipse The Circle Series I was skeptical & a little afraid. Skeptical because how could he eclipse The Circle Series! Afraid because what if it didn't eclipse it? No doubt it would be good, I mean it's from Ted, but what if it didn't have the impact he was going for? Would he become depressed and stop writing!?

It was also announced that he would be writing it with Tosca Lee. At that time I didn't know who Tosca Lee was. So I still didn't know what to expect.

Then at the 2010 "Gathering" Ted revealed more that drew me in even further.

To make a long story short, I was able to get my hands on an advanced copy.

Then a journey began that lead me to believe that Ted and Tosca just might have made that eclipse happen.

I'm here to tell you that this is one of the greatest books released since The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and of course The Circle Series! I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

Like many others are saying, "If you love The Circle Series, you will love Forbidden!"

And I agree.

A little darker in description than his other books like the Circle Series (which was an awesome series) I really enjoy his books with good vs. Evil and the twists that he develops in his books. I love the character development in his books and look forward to finishing this series! Highly recommended series!

I bought this book based on the number of positive/glowing reviews and was pretty excited to read. The book has a great central concept that could have made for an excellent story. Unfortunately the authors spent more time rushing through the plot and very little time fleshing out the characters. I just didn't really care what happened to the characters which completely deflated some of the bigger reveals/twists in the book. The authors rely too much on telling you why a character did or felt something, instead of building the reader's understanding of the characters motivations via a well told story. I found it a bit of a chore to finish the book though I did finish. The ending was underwhelming and I will not be reading the rest of the series, just not interested enough. Not a horrible book, just did not live up to the hype.

Although at the moment I am continuing to read the series, Dekker - this time with a co-author - has once again let me down. At the end of the second book in the series, one finds out that this isn't serious science fiction at all but just another story in which Dekker puts Jesus - at least as some fundamentalist Christians conceive of Jesus - into new clothes. I had the same experience with his color books, and that series got so schmaltzy with love and blood that I couldn't finish it. In each case, Dekker and his publisher fool you: The cover material on each volume says nothing about the book's strong evangelical message, and the real mission doesn't get revealed (speaking of revelation) until the end of the second book in each series, at which point you've already invested a hell (so to speak) of a lot of time, not to mention money, in Mr. Dekker. L. Ron Hubbard was, in his way, zealous about religion, but he had the good sense to keep religion out of his science fiction, which was generally superb. I wish Dekker would do the same.

Peace has reigned on Earth for hundreds of years. But that peace came at a steep price - a virus that was designed to strip humanity of all emotions save for fear. There is a group, known as the Keepers, who seek to restore humanity to its full potential. They guard a vial of blood which will restore humanity to any who consume it. Rom has the vial thrust suddenly upon him, and not knowing what to expect he drinks of the blood. What do you do when to be alive is forbidden?

Many reviewers have already been comparing Forbidden to the Circle series, which contain some of Dekker's most well-known books. The similarities are quite striking. Once Rom and his friends drink of the blood, their relation to those who are dead seems very similar to the Forest Guard/Scab relations. Each side thinks they are right and that the other side has lost something.

Unfortunately, Forbidden wasn't as enjoyable or deep as the Circle trilogy. Though it opens with a chase sequence, I found the beginning of the novel to be very slow paced. It took me nearly 2/3rds the length of the book before I felt myself being drawn into the story and being connected to the story.

Another problem was that it seemed to be very exposition heavy. None of the main characters have ever exhibited emotions other than fear, and when they first drink they are overwhelmed by the new feelings. Unfortunately, we are nearly always told what they are feeling and rarely shown. On top of that, I found it unrealistic (within the world) for the characters to be able to identify and name the emotions as easily as they did, and how soon they were able to adapt to them. Even beyond the emotions, there were too many times that the rule "show, don't tell" was broken, which sometimes made it hard to connect to characters or action sequences.

The world itself felt very scattered and I had a hard time picturing it. It takes place hundreds of years in the future, yet it is not technologically advanced. They still have electricity and small amounts of motor vehicles, but too often it felt as if I was reading a medieval setting. This was particularly strange when I would find references to electricity or radios and have to remind myself of the true setting.

Leading up to the release of Forbidden I was excited to see Dekker joining with Lee. Lately, Dekker's fantasies have left me extremely unsatisfied (especially Immanuel's Veins). Tosca Lee's Demon: a Memoir was one of the more thought provoking novels I've read in the past year. However, while reading Forbidden I felt as if most of the story was Dekker's. Yes, I could see where Lee's writing meshed well with Dekker's, however the characters and the storyline felt very Ted Dekker-ish. The personality of Rom and his friends seemed too similar to characters from the Circle series and The Lost Books series. Even the villain gave off a strong Ted Dekker-villain vibe, though his character was also one of the shallowest.

The redeeming part of this novel was the last third of the book. Some of the twists were completely unexpected, but kept me turning the page. Dekker and Lee made some bold decisions which I did not expect, but really enjoyed, when it came to some of the character arcs. When the end came I wanted to know what was coming next.

In the end, I think Forbidden got off to a very rocky start, but by the end I was left wanting to know what happens next. I only hope the next book is able to avoid the weaker elements of Forbidden and truly make the story soar.

3/5 stars

Forbidden (The Book of Mortals)

An exquisitely crafted allegory of Life, Religion, and a Savior. Superlative writing and storytelling: excellent wordsmithing, vivid imagery combined with great adventure, suspense, and plot twists that keep you turning pages until the end. Also a good segue way into the next installment, "Mortal." The unique combination of the talents of Lee and Dekker delivers as promised.

Ted Dekker has raised a trumpet of challenge! In a pairing of pure brilliance with Tosca Lee the summons is delivered, `will you dare to become mortal'? Will you dare to bleed the emotions that threaten to both crush and elevate the human race? Dekker fans and new readers alike must answer this call! Take up your arms and fight for the choice to live your life on that cliff's ragged edge of passion.
Dekker's newest key-stroke of genius will incite just that. In a world of our own making, an altered race lacks the simplest and purest of emotions that make life worth living and are left as shells capable only of fear. One man unwittingly stands against this tragic order and drinks deeply of chaos, sending him into a confusing tumultuous journey for truth. The characters he drags with him quickly become the reader's treasured friends, leaving you to bleed painfully and joyously on every page.
For avid Circle fans, this is a must read with the expected delicate, elusive ties that bind Dekker's books together. For new readers and fans of sensation Tosca Lee, your mortal life hangs in the balance of the choice you make right now! Turn away from the order and obedience that dominate; choose to become part of the phenomena blasting truth and knowledge back into literature. Choose a mortal life and drink deeply of Dekker and Lee!

Great book! I am huge fan of the Circle Trilogy (minus Green). I love Ted Dekker but some of his books fall flat for me but this is the best Dekker novel I have read yet (I am not sure how much Tosca Lee had to do with that). I can't wait for the second in the series to come out.

This book was not disappointing at all! Pre-ordered it the night before the release for my kindle and started reading it at 12:18am! Couldn't put it down ever since. Took me about a day to read it and I did NOT want it to end. I am a HUGE Ted Dekker fan and am NEVER disappointed at his books. Can't wait for the next one to come out in 2012!