Books Renegade (The Lost Books, Book 3) (The Books of History Chronicles)
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - Best yet in the series
Sometime after the year 4000 AD, history appears to be repeating itself as Teeleh, enemy of Elyon, overruns the once lush green forests. Those who are faithful to Teeleh, the desert Horde, have multiplied in number, and those loyal to Elyon, the Forest Dwellers, must recruit a new army as theirs dwindles. Thomas of Hunter, the Forest Dweller commander, carefully selects 1,000 worthy young men and women to replenish his diminishing troops.

Heading up this unseasoned army are teenagers Johnis, Silvie, Billos and Darsal, who, unknown to Thomas, have been similarly handpicked by the white Roush (bat-like guardians of all that is good) for a larger mission than Thomas can imagine. The four are instructed to find the seven Books of History, which hold such supernatural power as to destroy all of mankind. With three in their possession, the foursome must search out their lands and that of the Horde to retrieve the other four...or so they think.

When Billos experiences a rush of power unlike anything he's ever known after touching the Book with his bleeding hand, he then schemes and steals the three books and escapes to the desert. Once alone, Billos repeats the process; a vortex opens to another reality and he steps into it. What he discovers is an alternate world where a mysterious stranger, Marsuvees Black, offers him unlimited power in exchange for the books. At his fingertips Billos receives what seems to be endless power to command weaponry to appear at will, and he ruthlessly uses it to kill off innocents in Paradise. Succumbing to the temptation despite inner misgivings, he turns traitor to Elyon and agrees to Black's plan.

Meanwhile, Billos's comrades discover him missing, search for him and the books, and must face Thomas with the truth. Thomas orders them to find Billos and stay out of trouble. Instead, more complications arise when Darsal sets off on her own to find Billos. Thinking herself alone, she is startled to see Karas, the former Horde girl, following her. Together they enter into enemy territory, and Darsal makes a deal with Alucard, the Shataiki, under command of Teeleh, to use his Book in order to rescue Billos. It works...sort of.

Johnis and Silvie, now in more trouble with Thomas for losing Darsal as well, search for her. Despite the danger and their separation, all four continue to play into destiny's hands as they brave their enemies and end up using the books to escape certain death. With one world and another colliding, each of the leaders discovers how Elyon is present with them throughout, using each decision, each circumstance, for a bigger purpose. Even so, not everyone in the group will survive.

This third installment in The Lost Books series is Ted Dekker's best by far. Fans will be eager for the final chapters where the battle for the seven Books of History will find their culmination. Fast-paced and multileveled, Dekker's prose shines in RENEGADE.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

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Rating: - Dekker always surprises
This 3rd in the Lost Books of History series is the best yet. Unexpected reverses and entrance into new worlds holds the reader's attention. Dekker never fails to give constant action and characters who touch the heart. Better buy 3 & 4 together, because you won't be able to wait for 4 after finishing 3!

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Rating: - Ted Dekkor is the best.
Ted Dekker has a way of working other books into the Circle Trilogy and he does it seamlessly.

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Rating: - Dekker Raises the Bar Higher!
After devouring every savory word of Ted Dekker's Chosen and Infidel, I have anxiously been awaiting the release of the next two installments of the Lost Books series. Renegade begins right where Infidel left off: Billos has just vanished from his world, taking the three Books of History with him. Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal (the other Chosen) are now left wondering not only how to find the fourth book, but also how to track down Billos before he does any more harm. Their journey will lead them deep into the enemy's lair, where one will make a tremendous sacrifice in order to help bring Billos home.

Meanwhile, Billos finds himself in the skin between worlds where he goes head to head with the mysterious and ever elusive, Marsuvees Black. Tempted by the dark power Black offers, Billos must now choose whether to fight for truth or give in to his selfish desires. In the end the choice he makes will affect the fate of two worlds and the one he loves the most.

In Chosen and Infidel, Dekker started us off on a mind-spinning journey set in the alternate universe he created in his groundbreaking Circle Trilogy. Renegade raises the bar even higher as we are treated to a delightful adventure full of tension, suspense, and wonder. Dekker fans will once again love the tie-ins to his previous works (Showdown, Skin) and the return of Marsuvees Black is a trip to be sure. While there is enough action and intrigue to go around, this story is also about finding redemption in the most unlikely places. Once again Dekker knocks one out of the park as he beautifully sets the stage for Chaos.