Forbidden

By: Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee

Narrated by: Henry Leyva

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

Many years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.

But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the ride.

©2011 Ted Dekker (P)2011 Hachette Audio

A story that wll keep you on your toes...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would certainly recommend it. Very thought provoking.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the quick take off, contrasted by the Stepford type mother who lacks the ability to think for herself. As readers move deeper into the plot, they better understand how the government separates and controls families. The parallels between the latter days and the situations that develop in this story keep the mind buzzing.

Which character – as performed by Henry Leyva – was your favorite?

He does all of them so well. Rom would be my favorite.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No... I needed time to mull it over in my mind. One thing that kept me befuddled was the clear lack of setting. I'm sure the year and location must have been mentioned at the beginning but it needed reinforcement. I'm not a hard core fantasy reader so I struggled with the imagery for a while.

Any additional comments?

I was amazed at whole pages of narration that broke the Show/Don't Tell bylaws again and again, but Dekker's descriptive talents came to the rescue. The reader's mind is like a canvas and he draws mental pictures on it -- just enough, and not too much. There's still plenty of room to add artistic form and action.

Not Bad but Not Good

I had a hard time swallowing the plot of the book. The premise that we had forgotten all emotion and the main characters suddenly wake up and remember they had emotions, is ludicrous to me. There is a chosen one that will awaken everyone to the emotions they have forgotten. Some how though one person has found his emotion and is plotting to become the top dog. Ted Dekker has many great books but this is just not one of them. I think I have a good imagination but I cannot imagine people without emotion.

Hang in there, the book gets really good

It took me a while to get the flow of the book with the amount of characters being introduced and the concept of what the book was about. Once I wraped my arms around these, I loved the book.

The Life is in the blood.

I was originally looking for something entertaining which this was, but it also delivered on a deeper level.
It made me consider my walk with God, and question if I really appreciate what Christs blood, has accomplished.
I know it in my head, this book helped my heart get it too.

Christian Sci Fi/End Times amazement

First time listening to Ted Dekker's creations and I'm hooked! GOAL: I'm listening to all of his stories!!

Future Beyond

Narrator was very good. Story was very interesting intriguing.Looking forward to the next sequel.

Captivating

Great book and great narration . I particularly enjoyed the ability of the narrator to capture the characters with his voice.

Inspiring!!!

This three book series was wonderfully written and masterfully performed to create a striking parallel to the struggle of Christ and the Christian Life. As Rom and his three friends struggled to understand the destiny that have been dropped in their laps, an amazing journey unfolds before them. It not only affects them but will come to influence every living being on the face of the Earth. As they search for truth and meaning, one figure stands at the center; young boy named Jonathan. As he grows into his destiny, protected by those that believe, many struggles come to play. A dark and unflinching evil threatens to destroy everything they have sacrificed so much for. It is Jonathan and the unfailing true belief of those closest to him that prevail, even though they themselves struggle to hold on, doubtful, wondering if there really is a reason for all that has happened. The resulting climax is so poignant and meaningful that , whether you believe or not, you will know that there is so much more to this life then we can see with just our eyes. We must simply know it in our hearts and Love Unconditionally.

Good read

not my favorite Tedd Dekker by far but was still entertaining and I will be listening to the rest of the series. End may have been the best part.

Still don't know

Any additional comments?

There are lots of themes that make you think. I am not sure where the authors are trying to lead me, but like the concepts and historic relationships they present.