Forbidden by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee
Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiant Lit
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Publisher: Center Street
Publication Dates: September 13, 2011

Civilization is dead. You wouldn’t know it from looking at the daily ramblings and wanderings of its citizens but it is, in actuality dead. Hundreds of years ago, there was an apocalypse that was determined to have occurred purely because of human emotion. It was decided then that emotions were dangerous to existence and it would be better for the whole of civilization if emotions (all but fear) were literally bred out of people. So now there’s a world where no one feels love or passion or joy. Only fear. They go to work every day and they pay their bills but it’s a lot like mice or rats in a maze. They do what they need to do to survive and nothing else.

This is the world that Rom has grown up in and the only one that he knows. No one special, Rom lives his life just like everyone else. He goes to work, comes home and the next day, gets up and does it all again. Until one evening on the way home from work, Rom’s world shifts dramatically. He’s witnessed a horrific crime and he’s ended up with something that people have died for in his possession. A vial of blood said to be the most important thing in existence today. And thus begins Rom’s journey into the world of emotion.

The first book in a new series from Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee, Forbidden is a journey like no other. Usually a first book (especially one in a fantasy series) is spent building the universe or setting the tone for the rest of the series. Though this book does that, it does not, in any way, lack for adventure. Murder, mayhem, chases mystery, intrigue…and yes a beautiful passionate love story all play into the opening tome of this new series. Even as you see that Ted and Tosca are carefully placing each separate piece where it belongs in the overall story arc to build a complete masterpiece, you can’t help but be drawn into the gorgeous world that they have created. Full of unrealized majesty and beauty, this new universe begs to be explored in more than just a few books.  Already the tale stretches far beyond and begs for more.

Now I would be remiss if I didn’t address the big question here. Does the writing partnership really work? Often when two writers work together, it’s obvious to see how their work was copied/pasted together and you can sometimes see where one writer’s words butt up against anothers. There isn’t a smooth flowing transition of writing or storytelling and it makes for a bumpy ride for the reader.

With Ted and Tosca, the partnership is seamless. As you’re reading, let me assure you that you cannot tell where one stops and the other begins. The pairing is so fluid and organic that I really thought about shoving their names together into one of those blended monikers that the media always likes to toss around. (Tedsca? Leeker? No….let’s just forget that and move on shall we?)

This melding of these two creatively brilliant minds is like two conductors working together on a symphony. With rich undertones and harmonies wrapping around the main storyline, it’s difficult to imagine a more perfect partnership.

Whether you’re a fan of Dekker’s or Lee’s, let me tell you, this culmination of their creative minds is something you’ll want to own and share with friends. This book stands us at the cusp of something beautiful, brilliant and promises an incredible journey ahead. Don’t miss it.

Rated PG-13 – There are some violent scenes and some more intense storylines. This is one you’ll want to read (and you’ll be glad you did!) with your kids if your readers are on the younger side of the teenage spectrum.

**Review copy provided by Center Street.