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 at terrible risk.
The first book in a thrilling series set in a desolate future, FORBIDDEN begins a journey that continues with Mortal and will conclude with Soverign. From the combined pens of master storytellers Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee, this tale of passionate love and dark desires peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the journey.
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"This book took me a while to get into. Then I realized that its the first in a series...ahh setting up for the long haul...now I got it. By the end, I was intrigued and would like to finish the series. The pacing was a little slow during the middle part but the action at the end brought it all together."
— Matt (4 out of 5 stars)
“Riveting, resounding, and a magnificent blend of Dekker’s and Lee’s styles. I devoured Forbidden.”
— James L. Rubart, bestselling author“True-blue Dekker, with mammoth twists and head-pounding turns that will have readers and book clubs debating the roles of emotion and logic that drive human existence.”
— Publishers Weekly“Dekker and Lee have created an intriguing future world in which human beings are fundamentally different from what they are today but who still operate with the same basic motivations, even if they don’t know that they do. It’s a world poised on the edge of vast upheaval, and Dekker and Lee draw readers into it and make them eager to read more about it.”
— Booklist“With great plot twists, compelling writing, and unanswered questions, this is a must-read for Dekker fans.”
— Library Journal" God bless you, Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee, for writing Christian literature that reads like a Bruckheimer movie. I am happy the sequel is waiting on the New Releases shelf at the library. "
— Sarah, 2/8/2014" I didn't dislike this book, but I was definitely disappointed. The story line was intriguing but I had a hard time caring for any of the characters. I also felt that the conversations between the characters were extremely repetitive and redundant. I really wanted to like this book more than I could bring my self to do. The ending has made me curious about the next book and I haven't put it out of my head to read the next one yet but I will have to have a break before I start that one. I could see this story going somewhere but if the next two books and characters in them are like the first one, I won't be able to finish it. "
— Kylie, 1/30/2014" Dekker has done it again! He and Tosca Lee take us into a new world of intrigue and suspense. Masterfully plotted with characters that reader comes to care about. Absolutely cannot wait for the sequel. Buy this book! "
— William, 1/15/2014" Excellent! I really liked this one. It's been a while since I've read any of his books. It did not disappoint. I went right to the second book in this series and have pre-ordered the third book. "
— Julie, 1/13/2014" Wow. This was a true page turner. I loved the premise and the excitement of things to come. I'll be waiting for the next book with heavy anticipation. This is really a 4-5 star book, so let's say 4 and a half. "
— Hilary, 1/10/2014" This book was very good. Ted Dekker takes the reader in a different direction in this book. When all of humanity through DNA has been stripped of their emotions except fear. All of them, except for a few people who discover that emotions can be a good part of their lives. "
— Sheri, 12/27/2013" It was good. However, I had to keep reminding myself that I was not reading the Circle Series. They are different, but very similar! But it intrigued me enough to want to read the rest of the series. "
— Amy, 12/6/2013" An interesting take on dystopia. Symbolism was obvious but interesting. "
— Kris, 11/29/2013" I'm reading this now, & enjoying it! taking my time as it's my summer read but still good as it's Ted & he never fails to keep you intregued! "
— Marianne, 10/28/2013" Finished it. Started the next in the series -Mortal. "
— Barbara, 10/21/2013" Intriguing concept and a good adventure story. "
— Chris, 9/21/2013" i personally love all of his books. This one was a little slow getting into, but as usual when you do you can't wait for more. it is written the same way as the Circle series. "
— Ann, 8/20/2013" Another good read from Dekker & Lee. This book kept me interested all the way through, though it wasn't quite as compelling as the first. It has left me yearning to see how book 3 could possibly turn out. Looking forward to "Sovereign." "
— Frank, 3/17/2013" I don't normally read science fiction and thrillers, but I couldn't put this down. The subtle gospel message inside gave me goosebumps. Very well thought-out. "
— Kathy, 10/23/2012" Started out awesome, lagged a little, looking forward to the next one in the series to see if it picks back up. "
— Amber, 9/18/2012" It was okay. I kind of liked the premise and it was a fun read, but it kind of went off the rails toward the end. A lot of new concepts and ideas got thrown in at the very end that didn't feel properly set up. "
— John, 3/13/2012" Amazing...I could not put this book down! If you love the Circle books, Forbidden is a must read. "
— Amanda, 1/21/2012" It was good, but kind of predictable. Reminded me a lot of the circle triology. "
— Sojourner, 12/23/2011" First book by Ted Dekker that I have read. I am not sure how this is Christian fiction. I thought it was very creative and excited to read the next one. "
— Aurora, 12/17/2011" Great writing. Interesting and unconventional twist of the storyline. I could definitely see this happening in real life. Can't wait to read the next installment. "
— Natasha, 11/3/2011" As usual, suspense and intrigue. Love Ted Dekker's books! "
— Peggy, 10/25/2011" Very Good! cant wait for the next one!<br/> "
— Jilda, 10/8/2011" Nice change from his evil vs. good themes. Interesting concept: Society that has eliminated all emotion except fear. anxious to finish. "
— Corabrown, 10/6/2011Ted Dekker is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, with more than ten million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil. His works include THR3E, Blink, Heaven’s Wager, When Heaven Weeps, and more.
Tosca Lee is a New York Times bestselling novelist. Her works include the critically acclaimed Demon: A Memoir, Havah: The Story of Eve, and the Books of Mortals series, cowritten with Ted Dekker. Tosca received her BA in English and international relations from Smith College and has also studied at Oxford University. She lives in the Midwest.
Henry Leyva, an Earphones Award-winning narrator, is a classically trained actor with extensive work in theater, television, film, and radio. He has appeared off Broadway and in regional theaters across the country in many plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Taming of the Shrew, and Street Car Named Desire. He has also performed in audio dramas for the Syfy Channel and National Public Radio