PLEASE NOTE: I have to preface this review by saying that I am reviewing the audio version of the book. I did not actually read the books so I am sure many of my spellings of names are probably spelled wrong. Not owning the print book, I cannot confirm the correct spellings.

WARNING: If you have not read the first two books in the trilogy, then don’t read this review. Each book starts where the previous finished and as such it is not possible to avoid all spoilers about the preceding titles.

Black has turned to Red, and now White has the chance to swallow all the darkness forever. Will evil finally be conquered in either world?

In our earth, the virus has circled the globe and everyone is afflicted, causing massive chaos. Thomas Hunter has gone missing and may very well be dead. Monique has also disappeared and with her, all hope of finding a cure for the virus. Even in light of two such great losses (for are they really lost?), there may still be a chance to save the world. Unfortunately that price may be too high for some of our beloved heroes.

In the other world, Justin had been put to death, and returned to life, only to then go away after Thomas and his small band of those still loyal to the true Elyon are reborn to The Circle. But is He ever really gone? Thomas and the Circle now preach peace instead of war. They will not raise their swords against the ever-growing Horde no matter what happens. Even the death of Thomas’ beloved Rochelle will not turn him from the new course set to follow Justin.

And this is all just the beginning of the Great Pursuit…

Thomas’ new duty is to bring even more Horde into Elyon’s fold. But this is made increasingly difficult by the fact the Horde’s “religion” has become so twisted and warped that they have completely lost sight of who Elyon really is and what He wants. Until Shelice comes in to the picture... She is daughter to Korang, ruler of all Horde, and she is quite taken with their newest prisoner, the great Thomas of Hunter. After forced proximity to Shelice for some time, he comes to love her dearly. His hope now is to make her understand the Truth and follow Justin as He desires.

War still wages of a different sort, but this time the prize is everyone’s souls.

Thomas’ desperation had grown as our world came to the brink of Armageddon, as did the other world as well. As time runs out, the readers feel the hope of our beloved ensemble of characters fading. Though the resolution to the horrors facing our Earth is shocking, it really isn’t as much of a surprise as it could have been. The revelations of key components made me stop a moment, until I realized I actually knew what it would come down to all along. However, that does not by any means lessen the impact of the climactic moment where the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

As The Circle trilogy progressed, we spent more and more time in the other world. That is where the strongest forces were waging battle and only with the help of Elyon could ours be saved. Here, we discover the true meaning of The Great Romance and why we all must take it into our hearts. It seems odd to think of a relationship with God as a romance and to consider his followers a bride, but strangely enough, it works here. This concluding title is far more deeply spiritual then the prior books. White is all about sacrifice, making peace and finding love in a Higher Power. The similarities between the beliefs of The Circle and the beliefs of Christianity cannot be overlooked.

White sent a strong message of peace into my heart and reinforces beliefs that through tolerance and understanding of those different from ourselves we can really know God. To Him, we are all the same. It is our own corruption and prejudice that make us susceptible to evil and hate. The Circle trilogy will remind readers that there is Someone greater out there than themselves.

At the conclusion of this trilogy, I am once again amazed with Rob Lamont. I’m a huge audio book fan so I’ve heard lots of different performers, but I think he ranks up there at the top for me after finishing The Circle. The depths of his talent have barely been plumbed. His exceptional performance did much to enhance this listening experience for me. He made it even more impossible to be moved by our beloved friends’ lives. For Thomas and company have truly become the readers’ friends and won’t be easily forgotten.

I have never been a strong reader of inspirational fiction, but Black, White, and Red by Ted Dekker brought strong emotions to the forefront for me that will stay with me long after concluding the trilogy. The Circle trilogy is easily one of the best reads I’ve encountered this year and has really made me think more than I had expected.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, September 2006. All rights reserved.