Chosen (The Lost Books, Book 1) (The Books of History Chronicles)

I would describe this book as a "easy, summer read." The characters were very simple,not alot of depth to them but I felt the details to descriptions ie. creatures, travels, forest was above the average in this book.

Prolific author Ted Dekker once again demonstrates his superior skill at weaving in multi-level themes, character profiles and belief systems, all framed within an action-packed dynamo of thrilling chase, fight and escape scenes.

In CHOSEN, the first installment of the Lost Books series, Dekker has the famed Thomas Hunter inciting his forest dwellers to fight for the chance to win one of four top leadership positions. As an unlikely candidate because of his size and interest in books, Johnis doesn't think he has a chance. But by using his mind and his heart, he outwits and outfights other choice warriors and is appointed one of the four to go on a mission issued by Hunter. With little to recommend himself, Johnis is at first ridiculed by his fellow warriors, who see little worth in this upstart.

Together, Johnis, Darsal, Billos and Silvie head toward the desert and the Horde. En route, Johnis begins seeing signs of the evil bat-like mythical creatures, the Shataiki, swarming in the trees above their heads. They are attacked and divided, and all too soon are confronted by Teeleh, the originator of all evil and instigator of much pain against Elyon's people, the forest dwellers. Johnis must try to save his comrades and trick Teeleh into setting them free in exchange for one of the seven lost books of history. After gaining help from the Roush, the pure-hearted bat-like counterparts to the Shataiki, all four warriors get further lessons in listening to wise counsel and not going off task because of fear.

After almost dying due to lack of cleansing in the fresh water, Johnis, Darsal, Billos and Silvie do manage to join together with the aid of the Roush and rescue two of the seven books. Each of the teens gains much insight and fortitude as they re-enter their forest dweller camp and report on their mission. Hunter sees something special in Johnis and predicts his rise as the leader of his people.

Dekker concludes CHOSEN on a high note of community rejoicing and celebration, but hints that the second installment will have the four heroes relying on every ounce of skill, cunning and heartfelt courage to meet their next challenge. Riveting and fast-paced, readers will find the Lost Books series up to the author's usual excellent standard.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

This is a wonderful book! I loved how this story shows how being "chosen" isn't always based on being the strongest, but maybe for some special inner quality that only God can see. The main characters have their faults, which make then easy to identify with, but it's so great to see them begin to grow and develop their strengths. This series is a must read for anyone who enjoyed the Circle Trilogy, especially as it gives more understanding of life in the forests there.

I have to say that way i purchased this it was for a light read. Nothing too deep. I was mistaken. This book ties in at least 3 other books of his outside of the Black, Red, White. Be on the look out for those references. Great writing, very engaging.

Did you know this is a young adult book? I didn't, until I read it. I kept thinking it was written for a younger audience, lacking the maturity of the original Trilogy, and then I saw on the back cover that I was right. For a young adult series, it's not at all bad. However, one can not even begin to understand this series without having first read the original Circle Trilogy and its sequel, Showdown, which are definitely not young adult fiction. I can't quite grasp why an author would try to change his audience in the middle of a storyline.

Don't get me wrong; for young adult fiction it's a good read. It's just not cut from the same block as the other relevant works.

Some have said that this is not a spin-off of the original Circle Trilogy. They don't know what they're saying. This series is solidly based in the original trilogy and can not be fully understood apart from it.