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rowannie's review against another edition
It was just boring, and felt shallow. I think there were some interesting ideas in there (particularly the interpretation of vampirism), but it was very surface-level, and the writing felt… juvenile? I understand that heavy-handedness is probably common in Christian fiction (and arguably, might even be a feature, not a bug), but it did make me laugh.
Furthermore, the world is so empty. We’re given a time period and a place for the setting, but it came across as though the author had done no research.
Furthermore, the world is so empty. We’re given a time period and a place for the setting, but it came across as though the author had done no research.
justalilguy77's review against another edition
3.0
I don't regret reading this book, but it didn't wow me either. The ending is the payoff and a very exciting page turner, but not until the ending in my case.
becaboo24's review against another edition
4.0
The testimonials in the beginning of this book accurately describe my feelings of Immanuel's Veins. I was left in tears, and with happiness and hope. Redemption and love are the most prominent aspects found this beautiful novel. Although I was a bit turned off by Dekker's "villian" in his plot, I grew used to it since this type of evil person can exist in our world today (but certainly not to that extent). Lucine was a great character in the first half of the book (she was so likeable and witty-I respected her) but then she grew annoyingly naive throughout the last half of it. Then there is Toma. He's just great. I sincerely appreciate and respect him as well. ;) His deep love for Lucine is what kept me up at night, hopeful of love. =) After finishing this book, I just sat there, stunned and wonderstruck. So yes, I did really like Immanuel's Veins. :)
jazzinbuns's review against another edition
5.0
Immanuel's Veins is by far the best book I've read by Ted Dekker so far. It pulled me in from the first few pages, the mysterious pull I felt to learn more of Alek and Toma as we follow them into the beginnings of their guard assignment. I was empathetic with Lucine, agreeing with Natasha, and impressed with the inhabitants of Castle Castille. I only wish to find a spin-off of sorts that closely follows and expands the goings-on of Castle Castille before the ending, as the mystery and slight glimpses into their activities was what kept me turning page after page.
lizisreadingagain's review against another edition
1.0
This is the story as told by a young warrior, Toma Nicolescu. It's a tale of a struggle between lust and love. Set in Moldavia in the 1700’s, Toma and his companion Alek are given an assignment to protect the Cantemir family, a woman and her two daughters.
The daughters are very beautiful. One revels in sensuality and men’s affections. The other is demure and waiting for true love, uncertain what true love embodies.
This is the first of Ted Dekker’s books I’ve read, so I was curious and didn't know what to anticipate. Immanuel’s Veins is shrouded in mystery from the very beginning, starting with the synopsis on the back cover. The mysteriousness is what creates a fast-paced read. Being of the fantasy genre, it is suspenseful but not frightening.
Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with the content. There were so many sensual scenes and vampire-like activity, that I felt uncomfortable reading it. I believe the author’s intent may have been evangelistic, but I cannot see how the end justifies the means. I feel the imagery was meant to titillate, and I have a problem with it being used in a Christian work. Therefore, I will not be recommending this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The daughters are very beautiful. One revels in sensuality and men’s affections. The other is demure and waiting for true love, uncertain what true love embodies.
This is the first of Ted Dekker’s books I’ve read, so I was curious and didn't know what to anticipate. Immanuel’s Veins is shrouded in mystery from the very beginning, starting with the synopsis on the back cover. The mysteriousness is what creates a fast-paced read. Being of the fantasy genre, it is suspenseful but not frightening.
Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with the content. There were so many sensual scenes and vampire-like activity, that I felt uncomfortable reading it. I believe the author’s intent may have been evangelistic, but I cannot see how the end justifies the means. I feel the imagery was meant to titillate, and I have a problem with it being used in a Christian work. Therefore, I will not be recommending this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
wmmcmanlypants's review against another edition
2.0
Last 2/3 wasn’t bad maybe 3/5. Clever idea, I think. And the overt Christ-like imagery didn’t bother me as much as it has in other novels. But the first 120pgs were just so slow. Set up could’ve been done in 60, surely.
micksland's review against another edition
4.0
Really, people? I was expecting to be disappointed in this book, due the cries of "Vampires! Twilight copycat!" that are circulating around Goodreads. After finishing, I have to wonder if those people have even read the book. How can anyone possibly compare the two? Let's have a look.
Twilight: Sparkly vampires that love people and want us all to be friends. Oh, and some evil vampires for variety
IV: Vampires that drink human blood, rape, pillage, plunder, and murder. Evil, like vampires are supposed to be.
Twilight: A love story that completely sucks because it is only based on sex.
IV: A love story that DOESN'T suck because it is based on self-sacrifice.
Twilight: Flowery, ridiculous writing.
IV: Writing that is somewhat flowery, but also feels authentic to 18th century Europe.
And I could go on, but I won't. Suffice it to say that this book was way better than I thought it would be. I love the way that vampires are used in the God vs Satan metaphor in the story. Also, I am glad that Dekker chose to tie this book into his Books of History Chronicles. Knowing about the vampires' past history alleviated one of the book's major problems- lack of characterization. If Lucine, Alek, and Natasha had been more interesting, this book would have gotten 5 stars. I am assuming that Toma is tied in with Thomas Hunter and his various alter egos, so I can forgive Dekker for this character because I just assumed that he was the same Thomas as in the other books.
Twilight: Sparkly vampires that love people and want us all to be friends. Oh, and some evil vampires for variety
IV: Vampires that drink human blood, rape, pillage, plunder, and murder. Evil, like vampires are supposed to be.
Twilight: A love story that completely sucks because it is only based on sex.
IV: A love story that DOESN'T suck because it is based on self-sacrifice.
Twilight: Flowery, ridiculous writing.
IV: Writing that is somewhat flowery, but also feels authentic to 18th century Europe.
And I could go on, but I won't. Suffice it to say that this book was way better than I thought it would be. I love the way that vampires are used in the God vs Satan metaphor in the story. Also, I am glad that Dekker chose to tie this book into his Books of History Chronicles. Knowing about the vampires' past history alleviated one of the book's major problems- lack of characterization. If Lucine, Alek, and Natasha had been more interesting, this book would have gotten 5 stars. I am assuming that Toma is tied in with Thomas Hunter and his various alter egos, so I can forgive Dekker for this character because I just assumed that he was the same Thomas as in the other books.