The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

The Synopsis:

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure–and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.
Her older brother’s questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she’s seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides–but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?
For the first time, bestselling authors Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker team up and deliver an intense, tightly focused ride through the most treacherous world of all.

I received this book from the author via Revell Reads for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

Review:

How well can you recognize a false preaching? If it’s done in “God’s name”, is that truly enough to believe and obey it?

The Girl Behind the Red Rope is another incredible tale written by the master of suspense: Ted Dekker, accompanied this time, by his daughter Rachelle Dekker. And I have to say, I pounced on the book without even reading what it’s about. I’ve been waiting for another Dekker book for a while, and this cover alone is enough to promise excitement. I also really enjoyed Rachelle’s series when they came out, so I was excited to see she had teamed up with her father!

The synopsis is very vague so I wasn’t sure what I would encounter within the pages of this suspense novel. Is it an end of the world novel? Based on Revelations? What could The Girl Behind the Red Rope actually be? I had no idea until I finally turned the pages. What was inside surprised me.

A book about Grace; literally and figuratively…God’s grace, and a girl named Grace. But more than that, it’s about the battles between love and fear. How crippling and binding fear can be in our lives, and how powerful and freeing God’s unconditional love is! It’s a book that speaks out against false preaching and false gospels, all the while creating a story that twists around corners and presents scenarios both chilling and inspiring.

I have always loved Dekker’s books because though his stories are phenomenal, there is always a deeper meaning and message that can be found throughout his stories. The Girl Behind the Red Rope was no exception! But what surprised me was how docile the suspense was and how clear and loud the message was, as compared to previous Dekker books. This book didn’t baffle me near to any extent as the Outlaw Chronicles had, for example, though it did remind me of Water Walker (2nd book in the Outlaw series) to a certain degree. I didn’t experience the same aghast or helpless feelings that I have grown to expect in selecting a book by Ted Dekker, and I actually found much of the plot to be predictable…something I never thought I’d say about a Dekker book!

But, the story was enthralling! Dealing with spiritual warfare in a hidden valley in Tennessee with people who believe the world has ended? It was an exciting read no doubt! It just fell a little short of my expectations in the suspense and surprise department.

So, overall, I give The Girl Behind the Red Rope 4 out of 5 stars and do recommend it as a great story with a powerful message, just be warned that it’s not quite as intense as some of his other books.

There is a good deal of emotional suspense, terrifying creatures, and action that results in mild descriptions of wounds and death. There is no sexual content, though there are mentions of a wife attending her husband’s house for scheduled meetings to conceive a child (part of their culture), though nothing is shown or spoken about in any detail. There is no distasteful language either.