If you are familiar with Ted Dekker’s books, then A.D. 30 will be a different type of read. Dekker’s books are usually what could only be described as psychological thrillers. In A.D. 30, he moves into the genre of the historical novel. Set during the ministry of Christ, A.D. 30 revolves around the peoples of the desert, or the Bedu. Events occur that send a woman named Maviah seeking the aid of King Herod, encountering the Christ (Yeshua), and traveling among various cities that the reader of the New Testament will be familiar with. It is important to note that this novel is not in the same vein as some of the other “Bible novels” that have been written. A lot of ink has been spilled over the lives of various biblical characters and events, but this is not a novel about the ministry of Christ. Rather, it covers events that parallel Christ’s ministry and encounter His ministry in significant ways. I have often been disappointed with the fictional accounts of biblical events, but I loved this book. Dekker takes his skill as a novel writer and really seems to get into the task of portraying this particular period of history and reflecting the intrigues and customs specific to it. This was a good read, well written, and worth taking a look at if you enjoy historical fiction.