The NerdHerd Reads: Burn {by Ted Dekker}

Title: Burn

Author: Ted Dekker, Erin Healy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

She escaped the fire--but not the effects of the burn.
Janeal has long felt trapped in her father's Gypsy culture. Then one night a powerful man named Salazar Sanso promises her the life she longs for--if she will help recover a vast sum of money tied to her father.
When the plan implodes, Sanso and his men attack the gypsy settlement and burn it to the ground. During the blaze, Janeal is faced with a staggering choice.
"The impact of that moment changes her forever."
As her past rises from the ashes, Janeal faces a new life-or-death choice. And this time, escape is not an option.

So, the other day, I went into my local Mardel. It was a quick stop, as I only had a few moments and was looking for a specific book in the bargain book aisle. And guess who was there, signing books and doing a meet and greet?? None other than Ted Dekker himself. I was upset that I couldn't stay to meet him, so I consoled myself by buying this book (from the bargain book aisle--shh, don't tell him). I had read it a couple months ago, and absolutely loved it.

Janeal is a Gypsy. Her father is the leader of their band, but Janeal hates the life. She often dreams of escaping, and Salazar Sanso is the key, if she does what he asks. But somehow, everything goes completely wrong and Sanso burns the camp to the ground. Trapped in a room with her best friend, Katie, Janeal has to make a decision: save her friend, or save herself. She runs away, creates a new identify for herself, and lives a completely new life, climbing up the corporate ladder. For years, Janeal thinks she is the only survivor.

But all is not as it seems. As Janeal would do anything to make sure no one in her new life knows who she is, she finds out that her boyfriend, Robert, also survived and has been hunting Sanso down since then. And they both discover another survivor, one they were least expecting--Katie.

Ted Dekker did not disappoint with this book. I was hooked from the beginning. At first, it seems like your average underlying message of good vs. evil. And it does explores those themes, but in a very fascinating way, not boring or preachy. But then, comes the twist, the ones Dekker is known for. The story takes a turn, and while it isn't quite supernatural, it is as well. The story is riveting, making you think while also blowing your mind. It's hard to find a book that impresses me this much, but I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.