Is it fair to say I don't know where to begin? I just finished the book and I had tears in my eyes for the last 3 chapters or so. This story of Rachelle has touched me beyond belief. What I had assumed to be a completion of the story started in The 49th Mystic was actually a way for me to see what it is to be in Christ. Ted has laid out so plainly for us something that would have taken me a lifetime to understand myself. I might not have ever understood it. As a 28-year-old woman, I can say that I wish I had been able to read it sooner. It could have saved me few years of wandering in darkness. This is the best book I have read all year. Nothing is going to be able to top this one. If you've ever wanted to know who Christ is and to know the love that he has for you, please, please read this book. I am immensely blessed by it. I only hope that you are too. ( )

Really good conclusion. Definitely to read after The 49th Mystic. Really liked the theological challenge. ( )

Rise of the Mystics continues Rachelle’s story that began in The 49th Mystic. If you haven’t read the first book, definitely do not start this one; it won’t make much sense.

Now, I don’t want to say too much about Rise of the Mystics story-wise to avoid spoiling it. Still, I generally enjoyed seeing how the story continued and concluded. Rachelle proved to be a fascinating character, and her emotional journey is an intriguing one.

A thought-provoking one, too. As expected, this second Beyond the Circle delves into theological matters—and I’m still not sure how I feel about what Dekker suggests. Generally, I appreciate challenges to my theology, making me think about and reflect on the truth. But after loving, loving, loving The Circle, this duology’s “preaching” did not feel right. Of course, it did not help that much of the theology expressed in Rise of the Mystics felt like repetition, especially after The 49th Mystic.

I may give a reread of the Beyond the Circle books a chance down the road, but for now, I still prefer the original Black-Red-White saga.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

This was the second book in a fantastic fantasy series. Rachelle was a girl that heard voices as she grew up and then had nightmares. Make sure to read these books in order. You must read The 49th Mystic first to understand all of the horrific things that Rachelle goes through to find the five seals and save two worlds. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

"Rise of the Mystics" is the second book in the Circle series. At times I was lost but I have a feeling it is because I didn't read the first book. Ted Dekker had a catch-up section to refresh and summarize what happened in the first book.

Rachelle is at war between the mind and heart. She is learning what it means to live without judgment including self-doubt. Our society makes us feel like we have to hide behind masks. Rachelle and other supporting characters seem to have some growth. This book feels relatable with real-life struggles such as fear, doubt, and uncertainty. There is a lot of spiritual depth. It has a New Age vibe to Christianity. Derrek does a wonderful job explaining spiritual truth in an easy way to understand. His characters are relatable.

This is a faith-driven speculative thriller that makes you use your brain. I'd advise you not to skim the pages because you will get lost. At times the plot seems to be moving at a nice past and other times it moved really slow causing me to be bored. At times the dialogue seems forced and doesn't go along with the characters. Maybe it is just how I envisioned the characters in my head. When I got to the end of the book I felt like things weren't wrapped up. His recap on what important events that happened from book one "The 49th Mystic" at the beginning. When it comes to book series I always love authors doing a recap, glossary and character descriptions. For not reading the previous books I didn't mind it. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't outstanding either. It was an interesting read. The Rise of the Mystic is full of heart and is very intense.

The book was provided to me by Revell Publishing Company for an honest opinion of the book. ( )