First Ted Dekker book that I read. ( )

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
The story starts with the rescue of a 10 year old boy named Caleb from an Ethiopian monastary. Jason and Leiah, the rescuers, take him to America. They want to continue to look after him, but he soon becomes virtually imprisoned by Father Nikolous at his Orphanage. When it is discoverd that Caleb has special healing powers, Father Nikolous begins booking public appearances for Caleb, and charging exorbitant amounts of money for admission. There is also a plot spearheaded by a presidential candidate to kill the boy, who seems to know too much about some shady activities the candidate was involved in in Ethiopia. Jason and Leiah are determined to save Caleb--but what of the power of God?






Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
Fast paced, a few plot holes here and there, a powerful message about the power of faith and miracles, and the problem of suffering. The scene of Caleb meeting with a prominent evangelist is especially telling (a Bright cameo?). This message may be a bit to heavy handed for some. Jason and Leiah aren't the deepest of characters, and their romance is pretty predictable (though Jason's acceptance of her scars is a nice touch).






How Good is it?
Solid suspense read, affirming for Christians but probably not too appealing for the non-Christian. ( )