Book Review: The Girl Behind the Red Rope

From the Back:

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history.
When a terrible scourge 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 rope.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will cause Grace to question everything she 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.


In a world where the boundaries are clear and punishments severe, a young woman risks everything to break free from the system of fear and control to find freedom and love.

My Reflections:

I don't remember if I have ever read a book by Ted Dekker, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I don't think I was quite prepared for this type of novel, I usually steer away from the dystopian type read however I thought why not? 

The cover was inviting and I love a good suspense-filled book. Having had an unfortunate time spent in a cult when I was young I am all too aware of the fear and power these types of individuals use to control their followers. 

I found this book to be interesting, it was a tad predictable but I was less than impressed with the darkness contained within the pages of this book. I am not a pollyanna type, I am aware that we live in a fallen world I don't, however, have to read about it in my spare time.  

The "Girl" Grace is a young newly married woman. She possesses a curious mind and a desire to know truth she often finds herself in great danger as she tests the boundaries of her teachings. However, she has been witness to the darkness that pervades unless she keeps herself pure and follows the rules. These rules are meant to keep not only Grace but the community as a whole safe from the Fury. Sylous (a dark spirit) has appointed Rose as the head leader with her weak and spineless husband. Will Grace blindly follow the teachings she has been taught or will the appearance of a young boy with beautiful eyes and a supernatural draw be her undoing? 

This book lacked sound Biblical backing, more of a new age flair with a splash of Christianity thrown in. This book would not be the first book that I would recommend to my readers. I think it may be an okay choice for adults and older teens who have a good solid foundation in their faith. This and the dark subject matter left me feeling slightly bewildered and frankly a bit disappointed.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of more than forty novels, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. He was born in the jungles of Indonesia to missionary parents, and his upbringing as a stranger in a fascinating...

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Rachelle Dekker

Rachelle Dekker is the Christy Award-winning author of The Choosing, The Calling, and The Returning in the Seer series. The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle was inspired early on to...

Continue reading about Rachelle Dekker