All over the world, there are people who live, die, then come back and live again. They have no memory of their past lives, only the slightest feeling that maybe - just maybe -they've done it all before.
One of The Gifted has made it his mission in his current lifetime to find others in the world like him, believing that once they are made fully aware of their gift, they can harness their wisdom, knowledge, and experience from living hundreds of lifetimes to make the world a better place. When he meets Millicent "Mills" Nielsen, a homeless girl who has an unusually strong connection to her past selves, he recruits her to join him on his mission, and they begin searching for others with The Gift. But when the people they've met suddenly begin to wind up dead for seemingly no reason, Mills begins to wonder who - or what - her friend really is, all while coming to terms with truths from her own past that she has worked her whole life to repress.
Okay, first of all, I just need to say… Wow. Just wow.
4.5 stars!
Thank you to the author for sending me a physical arc of this one! I was captivated from the start.
What I loved ⏳ Quick chapters & no dull moments It was so well-written, I just kept turning the pages nonstop and then it was over and I didn’t know what to do with myself ⏳Mills I absolutely adored the FMC, Mills. She’s had the worst life but keeps going and is so genuine and wonderful. Her journey had me tearing up towards the end. ⏳Magical Realism The magic and “powers” in this book are such an interesting take on reincarnation. They get more detailed as the book goes on and I LOVED it ⏳Unreliable narrator I still don’t know what I believe 😅 ⏳ Multiple POV The POV change (first person throughout) changes the whoole story! It was such a good switch. ⏳Mystery There’s a huge mystery following the characters and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time ⏳ Representation Although romance was only in the details in this one, there was some asexual and trans rep
Why not 5 ⭐️? 🧳 There were some questions that didn’t really get answered 🧳 Some unrealistic/inconsistent parts and conversations
⚠️ there are QUITE a few subjects that may be triggers for some readers. Please check out my TW list at the bottom of this review!
✨ If you decide to read this one, let me leave you with a quote from the book:
“My dear friend, you have no idea just how wonderful your life is about to become.” ✨ . . . . . . ⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️ . . . . . . . . . . . - ⚠️ mention of rape - ⚠️ suicide - ⚠️ domestic abuse - ⚠️ pedophilia - ⚠️ sexual coercion/abuse of a child - ⚠️ heartbreak of foster care
Magdalene By Marissa Dike Publication Date: July 31, 2024 Publisher: Gen Z Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
After reading this entire book in one sitting -- in less than three hours, as a matter of fact -- there is no possible way I could rate it anything less than five stars. In fact, I'd rate it higher if I could.
The concept of the book is utterly fascinating! Even before I began reading, I was intrigued by the synopsis of it. While I wasn't quite sure what to make of it at first, it didn't take long for me to be fully invested in this story.
The writing is captivating and made this an unputdownable page-turner. Maybe that's quite obvious, since I read it cover-to-cover in under three hours. The two parts of the story were so perfectly connected and yet felt as if the reader was given two stories for the price of one. And that's how it was with the stories of two main characters, too. While their stories intertwined seamlessly, their individual stories were just as important to the book's plot. I absolutely adored Adam and Mills, with their vulnerabilities and flaws and lovable quirks, and I couldn't wait to see where their journey together (and their individual journeys) took them next.
There were so many times as I was reading that I stopped to re-read a sentence or paragraph, because it was too poignant, too powerful, to read only once. Sometimes, I even had to wipe away tears because the words really got to me. This book was part mystery, part supernatural, and part philosophical -- and all heart. I was truly shocked at how much I genuinely enjoyed this book and it is one that will stay with me for a long while. The sentiments within its pages and the questions it asked me to consider are ones that I'm certain to ponder on my own...and with the people I love.
I highly recommend this book and think it will appeal to a wide audience. If you like mysteries, if you like books with a hint of the supernatural world, if you enjoy reading books that make you think, if you enjoy supporting indie authors and being a part of shouting out their stories --- then Magdalene needs to be at the top of your to-be-read-next list!
A huge thank you to the author for the gifted e-book and invitation to be a part of her ARC Street Team in exchange for my honest review. It was an honor to be able to read this book before its publication and share my thoughts about it with the world. ❤️
Magdalene by Marissa Dike is a spellbinding tale of reincarnation, self-discovery, and the unforgettable connections that bind us across lifetimes. From the first page, Dike draws you into a richly imagined world where "The Gifted" – souls who remember their past lives – grapple with the blessings and burdens of their abilities. The story centres on Millicent, or Mills, a homeless yet deeply resilient protagonist whose vulnerability and strength make her instantly relatable. As she navigates her mysterious gift, Mills teams up with enigmatic companions to unravel the secrets of their shared pasts. The plot brims with suspense, especially as strange deaths cast an ominous shadow, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end. Dike's prose is lyrical and evocative, vividly evoking forgotten memories and soul-deep struggles. Her exploration of reincarnation feels eerie and profound, prompting reflection on life, death, and what lies beyond. Themes of resilience and friendship shine through, adding warmth to the otherwise chilling mysteries. While the narrative occasionally leans heavily on introspection, the characters' raw emotional journeys more than make up for it. Mills' connection with Adam, a fellow Gifted, adds layers of intrigue and emotional complexity, making their evolving bond a standout element of the book. At its heart, Magdalene is a deeply thought-provoking exploration of identity and purpose set against the backdrop of a beautifully crafted universe. Whether you're a fan of character-driven stories or philosophical musings on existence, this novel is an unforgettable read. Dike's writing is nothing short of magical, and I can't wait to see what she brings us next!
This book was hard to rate. There was a lot to love, and a lot that was left to be desired.
This book had a TON of beautiful lessons to be taken from it, and they will stick with me. The character development was wonderful, and the characters and their stories were the heart of this story. Lily is the ray of sunshine and the most important voice of all in this story I think. She was really what made this story worth telling.
However, the plot was just not the best way to deliver what the author was trying to say, in my opinion. The author had a lot to say here, and she had a really important and powerful voice that got a bit lost in this slow, directionless plot.
I also do not love an unreliable narrator, and it felt like neither narrator could be trusted, and we’re left not knowing what really happened. And I feel confused about Mills’s feelings for Adam, and maybe she’s confused about her feelings too. It’s unclear.
Overall, I feel like I took away some really wonderful and meaningful insights from this book. But I did have a tough time feeling compelled to get through to the end because of the slow pacing and uneventful plot.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me a free copy to read and review!
I read across genres, and I know that most books I read are for specific audiences or are pretty niche. But Magdalene is one of those books that I want everyone to read. It's beautifully written. It is deep and thoughtful. It makes you think about the world and life in different ways. It's unique and fascinating. And the voice of the narrators...I didn't want them to stop.
This is the kind of book I want to buy everyone for their birthday this year. It's the kind of book I want to talk to everyone about. It is a book you NEED to read.
The narrators are unreliable and incredibly flawed, but so human you can feel them in your heart (aren't we all a bit unreliable, foolish, and big-headed sometimes?). I don't want to say too much because going into this one with an open mind will make the read that much better. But there are elements of mystery and some otherworldly components (reincarnation).
Marissa Dike's Magdalene takes the reader into a world where death is just a temporary setback for some.
The novel follows a group of individuals blessed (or cursed) with "The Gift" - the ability to live multiple lifetimes without remembering their past experiences.
At the heart of the story is Millicent "Mills" Nielsen, a homeless girl with an unusually strong connection to her previous incarnations.
Mills is recruited by a mysterious man on a mission to unite those with The Gift, believing their collective wisdom could change the world for the better.
However, as their fellow Gifted start turning up dead, Mills begins to question her enigmatic companion's true motives.
Dike weaves a captivating mystery that explores the nature of identity, memory, and the weight of unremembered experiences.
With its mixture of supernatural elements and gripping suspense, Magdalene is an enjoyable and insightful read.
This might be my favourite book of the year so far! It is such a unique story line, and Marissa Dike writes beautifully. I started reading it on Friday morning, while I was supposed to work, and I finished it on Saturday morning. "Adam" and Mills' travels remind me a little of Sam and Dean in Supernatural - and I thought the locations and characters were really vivid and authentic. The theme of reincarnation and the stories of the characters' previous lives - especially Mill's - were all skillfully plotted and executed with poignance. As with most great books, I don't want to say much about the plot, as I feel everyone should just enjoy the journey!
Thank you Marissa for sending me an ARC of this book!
I really enjoyed the fresh concepts and thoughts put into this novel. Very unique and I often wondered where it was going. Stick with it, the story and the emotions are worth it. Everything is worth it.
I look forward to seeing more from Marissa going forward and plan to find out what else she has already published.
Much like Liam's Town (previous book that you should definitely check out!) This one starts slow, and I had no idea where it was going. Mills was a heartbreaking and wonderful FMC, and her male companion (name changes too much to say) was intriguing. Unreliable narrators, when well done, are always so interesting to me, and truthfully, I'm still not sure what I believe.
This book will make you question everything about life and death and everything in between. It gave me Pixar's Soul meets the darkness and wit of Donnie Darko. 10/10 recommend you read this one!
This book had me hooked from the start! Loved it! I loved the way she wrote this book and it kept me wanting to read more! This book was very well written as well.
Thank you for the copy of this ARC! I read this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope to read more of your writing!!
I really enjoyed this book. Marissa Dike's writing drew me in instantly. The story is unique and compelling, and her lovely, descriptive writing style and colorful characters make the book hard to put down. If you want an enjoyable and thought-provoking book, I highly recommend Magdalene.
Curious Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2024 I always get wary and skittish whenever some extraneous gift abounds. But spurious science fiction flicks have conditioned us to expect and even believe gifts are possible. The book explains the difference between reincarnation and repeated rebirth in the narrative. Several stories worldwide have been told about how a seemingly homeless person is discovered to possess ingenuity, just like our ‘protagonist’ Mills. But is she a killer? I’m gonna let you find out just like Adam did! The story premise is intriguing. Thank you.
I can't thank Marissa enough for this copy of "Magdalene." It's always a joy to discover a new (to me) incredible author who shares beautiful stories.
"Magdalene" is an amazing book. There's a mystery, an unreliable narrator, unforgettable characters, supernatural elements, dual points of view, and an eyeopening ending.
The overall message was inspiring and touching. I took so many notes of phrases or insights that really resonated with me and left me feeling hopeful.
I'm grateful to have been introduced to Marissa's books and now I want to read them all.
Unreliable narrator or everything you need to know? That’s the question I found myself asking about half way through this book and it was a question I had to compulsively read to find the answer too.
This book isn’t like any one book. I couldn’t sit here and compare it to book X or the writing to author Y. But it also has this writing style that is familiar and easy.
I loved how the beginning half is narrated by Adam who we learn some about but who toward the end of his narration I come to view as a possible unreliable narrator. Is his account accurate? Is he telling the truth? I had to know. I had to know his reasons. I kept wondering why he felt he had this mission and wondered if it would be satisfactory explained and by the end I got the the answers I needed… does that mean he’s reliable or not… I wouldn’t want to say. Read and find out.
Part of me thought I needed more explanation on The Gift but as the story progresses and Mills takes over narration, I really feel the gift is fleshed out and the reader gets answers to lingering questions. The gift is reincarnation in a sense but the story give even more answers than this that I wouldn’t want to ruin.
One of my favorite aspects is that the answers I got from the book, may not be the answers another reader takes away. And I love books like that because they allow conclusions to be drawn based on the prose, narration and characters… yet our own ideals influence what we believe and see in that.
I loved the character of Mills. She teaches you a lot through her narration and exploration of her past. Her past delves into sexual abuse, victim blaming, homelessness and more. You learn from her and instead of feeling the despair of these moments in her past, you feel her hope for the future.
I found myself marking down numerous favorite quotes from the story and loved the writing. It flowed easily and I connected with the characters. Even topics like God (which as an atheist I enjoyed how God and religion was handled) and the gift became something to be interpreted by our own lives and experiences while intertwined with the story.
If unreliable (or reliable depending how you view him) narrators, strong characters, and life lessons explored in story and not preached are things you enjoy in novels then I’d definitely recommend this one. It engaged me immediately and had be eagerly turning the page to find out what happened next and I adored the character of Mills.
I read an ARC of this in April 2023 in exchange for an honest review.
"One way or another," she said, "all human relationships end in pain."
Oh MAGDALENE, you are a mystery at surface level and so introspective that it feeds my little dark heart.
This book is about the theory of past lives and the people who have some memory of those lives. We mostly follow two characters who cross paths and decide to travel around the US to talk to other people who have "The Gift." You go along on their mini quest and discover a mystery surrounding unexplained deaths that begin to occur in the towns they visit.
I always enjoy a story that involves unexplained topics like past lives, deja vu, fate, etc. MAGDALENE taps into a wide range of human needs, traumas, reactions, wants and desires. Obviously, it also explores the realms of death, tragedy and grief. This was a much deeper story than I was anticipating and I loved that surprise.
It's definitely a slow burn of a story but I didn't mind going along for this emotional journey. The main characters are a little bit unreliable but they aren't really sure about themselves as well. One of the main characters, Mills, is such a tragic character but I absolutely loved her growth. I was excited to follow her storyline and see her evolve as each chapter passed.
The ending was great and also sad--but again, I am melancholy at heart. Really good storytelling and the writing was easy to read. I would love to read a sequel to this and see where else this story could go. The author did a wonderful job with MAGDALENE and has added their name to my list of authors to keep an eye out for. Great work Marissa!!
**There are trigger warnings in this--so please look them up. ***Thank you to the author for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.