Showdown: The Books of History Chronicles, Paradise Series, Book 1

I am a Ted Dekker fan and have been for some time, trying to listen to this book has been trying & even painful at times. I find very rarely find difficulty in listening to most audio books, but the narrator was just not a good choice for this story in my opinion. His voice held nothing in the way of drama, suspense or the sinister nature of what I felt the main character should be. He did an excellent job in the roles of the children, but sadly I just couldn't find his reading and portrayal of the other characters believable or likeable. He would probably be great for another type of book or series but he didn't do it for me here.

I am not sure what to say about this book. It isn't Red, Black or White. If you are expecting the same caliber of book, then you will be disappointed. The story moves a little slower and I felt it was more predictable. Also, I didn't find the characters nearly as interesting.

That all said, I enjoyed the book. This is my 5th Ted Dekker book. I think if you are new to Dekker and are looking for something to keep you on the edge of your seat, start with Red, Black and White. If you've read Red, Black and White, you may want to check out this book. If you want to know why, keep reading. The reason contains a very minor spoiler, but for what it is worth, the astute will figure it out in the first few of chapters.

** minor spoiler **
If you have read Red, Black and White, the story does tie in. For that reason alone it is probably worth the read.

As much as I've read Christian fiction, maybe I'm just not into completely unrealistic and stupid writing. This is the most stupid book I've ever read. I'm not even sure I want to finish it. Ugh.

Kevin King is a horrible narrator. He misinterprets the obvious vocal rises and falls of questions and statements, he does the opposite of the what the words say (rendering a

Yes.

The voices were not true to what was written. And the weaselly, icky voice that Kevin uses for every woman should seriously be done away with.

I guess I'll know if I decide to finish it. I'm far more than halfway through. So far, no.

Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.

Showdown started out slow but you were unsure who was on the good side and who was on the bad.

When the young man went to town and was killed.

When he was brought back to life.