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Magdalene Line Trilogy #3
The Poet Prince
The Son of Man shall choose
When the time returns for the Poet Prince.
He will inspire the hearts and minds of the people
So as to illuminate the path of service
And show them the Way.
This is his legacy,
This, and to know a very great love.
Worldwide controversy surrounds author Maureen Paschal as she promotes her new bestseller—the explosive account of her discovery of a gospel written in Jesus’ own hand. But a scandalous headline about her lover, Bérenger Sinclair, shatters Maureen’s plans and sends her to Florence. In Tuscany, Maureen and Bérenger seek out their spiritual teacher Destino, who insists the besieged couple study one of history’s great Poet Princes: Lorenzo de’ Medici, the godfather of the Italian Renaissance. Bérenger is a Poet Prince of the ancient bloodline prophecy, and even across the centuries, his fate is intertwined with Lorenzo de’ Medici’s. Bérenger must uncover the heretical secrets of the Medici family—and the shocking truth behind the birth of the Renaissance—if he is to fulfill his own destiny. These heretical secrets were hidden for a reason, and there are those who would stop at nothing to prevent Bérenger’s assumption of his rightful role.
The Renaissance comes vividly to life as Maureen decodes the clues contained within the great masterpieces of Lorenzo the Magnificent’s friends: Donatello, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Maureen uncovers truths connected to the legend of Longinus Gaius, the Roman centurion who used pierced the crucified Jesus with his spear. Could Longinus Gaius, doomed to live forever, be someone she knows? Could his infamous Spear of Destiny, sought even by Hitler, be the key to Bérenger’s fate? As Maureen and Bérenger race to find the answers, someone is after them, hell-bent on settling a five-hundred-year old blood feud and destroying the heresy once and for all.
When the time returns for the Poet Prince.
He will inspire the hearts and minds of the people
So as to illuminate the path of service
And show them the Way.
This is his legacy,
This, and to know a very great love.
Worldwide controversy surrounds author Maureen Paschal as she promotes her new bestseller—the explosive account of her discovery of a gospel written in Jesus’ own hand. But a scandalous headline about her lover, Bérenger Sinclair, shatters Maureen’s plans and sends her to Florence. In Tuscany, Maureen and Bérenger seek out their spiritual teacher Destino, who insists the besieged couple study one of history’s great Poet Princes: Lorenzo de’ Medici, the godfather of the Italian Renaissance. Bérenger is a Poet Prince of the ancient bloodline prophecy, and even across the centuries, his fate is intertwined with Lorenzo de’ Medici’s. Bérenger must uncover the heretical secrets of the Medici family—and the shocking truth behind the birth of the Renaissance—if he is to fulfill his own destiny. These heretical secrets were hidden for a reason, and there are those who would stop at nothing to prevent Bérenger’s assumption of his rightful role.
The Renaissance comes vividly to life as Maureen decodes the clues contained within the great masterpieces of Lorenzo the Magnificent’s friends: Donatello, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Maureen uncovers truths connected to the legend of Longinus Gaius, the Roman centurion who used pierced the crucified Jesus with his spear. Could Longinus Gaius, doomed to live forever, be someone she knows? Could his infamous Spear of Destiny, sought even by Hitler, be the key to Bérenger’s fate? As Maureen and Bérenger race to find the answers, someone is after them, hell-bent on settling a five-hundred-year old blood feud and destroying the heresy once and for all.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
98 people are currently reading
1869 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McGowan
23 books608 followersKathleen McGowan is an internationally published writer whose work has appeared on five continents and in at least fifteen languages. She is notable for her claim to be the descendant of Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 11, 2010
I really enjoyed the first in this series and found the whole concept intriguing (especially the author's explanation and connection to her own life). I was quite enthralled with the Medici story in this book, but I found the modern day character counterparts overdrawn and too coincidental and the plot too thin. I want to like this book more than I did. Oh, I was compelled to keep reading, but in a "I shouldn't pick this scab but I must do so anyway" kind of way. The author certainly has an imagination and she'll make you look at famous art pieces in a different light, perhaps. She still needs to perfect her writing style which is choppy and contains the same words used over and over again (on the same page even!). That's sloppy editing. However,
I thought this would be the end of the series, but the author has decided to continue, and her next subject makes sense given that in her first book she explained that she was researching famous women who were misunderstood. This next woman must have been on the author's original list. And, of course, I'll read the next one.
I thought this would be the end of the series, but the author has decided to continue, and her next subject makes sense given that in her first book she explained that she was researching famous women who were misunderstood. This next woman must have been on the author's original list. And, of course, I'll read the next one.
June 5, 2012
I really enjoy Kathleen McGowan's novels and was thrilled that she was releasing a new one so soon after her last one.
Whether or not you agree with the original premise of her first book - that the Magdalene and Jesus were married and had children - you will learn so much history and geography in general.
This novel follows the Medici line, and it was incredibly interesting to learn about the beginning of the Renaissance and this part of Italy. It absolutely comes to life in the way that McGowan writes about it.
I do feel as though the more that these stories continue, the present-day characters seem to appear less and less. That kind of bothers me, as they were more of the focus in the beginning.
Berenger lying to Maureen about a few things was disconcerting. It is obvious what the truth is before you reach the end, but you wish that the characters were smart enough to figure it out.
I do love that McGowan has done so much research and so much of what she writes is backed up by fact. You will find yourself digging through and looking up the artwork mentioned.
Whether or not you agree with the original premise of her first book - that the Magdalene and Jesus were married and had children - you will learn so much history and geography in general.
This novel follows the Medici line, and it was incredibly interesting to learn about the beginning of the Renaissance and this part of Italy. It absolutely comes to life in the way that McGowan writes about it.
I do feel as though the more that these stories continue, the present-day characters seem to appear less and less. That kind of bothers me, as they were more of the focus in the beginning.
Berenger lying to Maureen about a few things was disconcerting. It is obvious what the truth is before you reach the end, but you wish that the characters were smart enough to figure it out.
I do love that McGowan has done so much research and so much of what she writes is backed up by fact. You will find yourself digging through and looking up the artwork mentioned.
February 18, 2016
Una verdadera joya... Si los dos primeros me hicieron replantearme ideas, conceptos y hechos históricos,este libro me ha dejado ko!
La historia transcurre más tiempo en la época de la Medici que en la actual pero sirve para entender el porqué de muchas cosas que han salido en los libros anteriores... Se vuelve a reinvidicar el
Papel de tantas mujeres sentenciadas a silencio por la historia y que tan importantes han sido ... Solo tengo un pero creo que hay un cuarto libro y no sé el tiempo que hay que esperar para leerlo porque esta saga engancha y te hace pensar!!!
La historia transcurre más tiempo en la época de la Medici que en la actual pero sirve para entender el porqué de muchas cosas que han salido en los libros anteriores... Se vuelve a reinvidicar el
Papel de tantas mujeres sentenciadas a silencio por la historia y que tan importantes han sido ... Solo tengo un pero creo que hay un cuarto libro y no sé el tiempo que hay que esperar para leerlo porque esta saga engancha y te hace pensar!!!
February 18, 2013
I really wanted to love this, but had to say it was okay. There seemed to be WAY too much exposition, that is, setting the stage for what was happening, either in the characters' thoughts or the narrator's voice. It seemed much too much like a synopsis rather than an actual book, despite its length. I kept wondering if the author was really trying to write a piece of fiction or set the stage for a Magdalene-based religion instead. The topic was interesting, but I could not really care about the characters that much, they were just not developed enough. Sorry Ms. McGowan, not my favorite.
August 23, 2010
Got it in order to complete the trilogy - the beginning is a tad corny again, in terms of writing style and phrasing, but we'll see how it turns out.
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Update: Larger review to come, but yea, still corny. More like the second instead of the first book. The story from the past was again more interesting than the one of Maureen. Tho, this time, even the story from the past was not that well-written. It's a shame, really, as the series had quite the potential initially.
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Update: Larger review to come, but yea, still corny. More like the second instead of the first book. The story from the past was again more interesting than the one of Maureen. Tho, this time, even the story from the past was not that well-written. It's a shame, really, as the series had quite the potential initially.
September 16, 2015
I went from being compelled to read this series, to completely bored by it! The first book was incredible, the second was a struggle, and the third I had to force myself to finish. I still highly recommend The Expected One though!
February 9, 2011
Where to begin? Starting this book was difficult in that I knew I'd have to devote many days to it. I also knew that it was going to have to make me think! Well, the above came true, but I certainly was not disappointed in any way.
I must say that the beginning was a bit slow, and I didn't realize the full connection between Maureen's life and the lives of the Medici family, especially Lorenzo, the "father" of the Renaissance period. But, of course, it all came clear to me. I really enjoy the way the author is able to connect fact and fiction so beautifully. McGowan is so thorough in her research and is able to weave such a detailed and complex web of fiction into what is really very interesting history!
Of course, most of the story has to do with the heretical teachings with Mary Magdalene at the center, which is McGowan's constant theme throughout the Magdalene Line series. I wonder just how widespread these teachings of "The Way of Love" were. Perhaps there are more "heretics" in the present day than we realize.
I was surprised that there wasn't more story between Maureen and Berenger, but I truly enjoyed all the history and drama of the Medici era of the Renaissance. To think how much art and literature was created during this short time period (1440-1490) is staggering, and it inspired me to go online and study some of Botticelli's most famous works. I was also amazed that not only did Botticelli create for Lorenzo, but Leonardo and Michelangelo did too. Donatello was sponsored by Lorenzo's grandfather, Cosimo! An amazing time in art history!
Thank you Ms. McGowan for bringing this time period to life so beautifully!
Highly recommended.
I must say that the beginning was a bit slow, and I didn't realize the full connection between Maureen's life and the lives of the Medici family, especially Lorenzo, the "father" of the Renaissance period. But, of course, it all came clear to me. I really enjoy the way the author is able to connect fact and fiction so beautifully. McGowan is so thorough in her research and is able to weave such a detailed and complex web of fiction into what is really very interesting history!
Of course, most of the story has to do with the heretical teachings with Mary Magdalene at the center, which is McGowan's constant theme throughout the Magdalene Line series. I wonder just how widespread these teachings of "The Way of Love" were. Perhaps there are more "heretics" in the present day than we realize.
I was surprised that there wasn't more story between Maureen and Berenger, but I truly enjoyed all the history and drama of the Medici era of the Renaissance. To think how much art and literature was created during this short time period (1440-1490) is staggering, and it inspired me to go online and study some of Botticelli's most famous works. I was also amazed that not only did Botticelli create for Lorenzo, but Leonardo and Michelangelo did too. Donatello was sponsored by Lorenzo's grandfather, Cosimo! An amazing time in art history!
Thank you Ms. McGowan for bringing this time period to life so beautifully!
Highly recommended.
September 3, 2010
I've been patiently waiting for my library to acquire this book. I was not disappointed. I really love this series. In a time when my personal faith in God and the Catholic Church seems to be tested more often than not, there's something in this series that helps me in some small way to bring some of that faith back. I realize that this whole series is probably heartily comdemned by the Catholic church, but perhaps they would do well to consider some of the deeper themes. This book spoke of the need for tolerance, and a warning against fanatics. Both are lessons a person of any faith can use.
Once again, the message of God's desire for our true happiness and love is a major theme. I think that message is what keeps bringing me back to this series.
While I do have to remind myself to take these books with a huge grain of salt (historical fiction often requires this), I found the story captivating. Although I do admit, the second book of this series remains my favorite.
I was thrilled to read the epilogue and discover the concept for the 4th book in the series - another time period that I've always enjoyed - the reign of King Henry VIII, and his daughter, Elizabeth.
It's going to be a long wait. In the meantime, I look forward to discussing the books with Betsy, who I've finally convinced to read them...and so far, she's hooked. :-)
Once again, the message of God's desire for our true happiness and love is a major theme. I think that message is what keeps bringing me back to this series.
While I do have to remind myself to take these books with a huge grain of salt (historical fiction often requires this), I found the story captivating. Although I do admit, the second book of this series remains my favorite.
I was thrilled to read the epilogue and discover the concept for the 4th book in the series - another time period that I've always enjoyed - the reign of King Henry VIII, and his daughter, Elizabeth.
It's going to be a long wait. In the meantime, I look forward to discussing the books with Betsy, who I've finally convinced to read them...and so far, she's hooked. :-)
February 16, 2013
I had really loved the first two books in the series and was eagerly looking to read this one. Somehow, I found it much harder to get engrossed into this book. Perhaps it was because there seemed to be more story focused on the Medici, and less on the present day. I was a bit disappointed to wrap up Maureen's story this way.
December 15, 2012
I tried, but I just can't do it. I think I may come back to it at another time.
April 7, 2018
Diese Buchreihe ist einfach eine meiner liebsten und dieses Buch hat mir wieder einmal gezeigt, warum das so ist.
July 6, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed this Magdalene trilogy. I was sad to finish the book and then relieved to see there is more to come! Can't wait!
June 23, 2013
I'm actually giving this 2.5 stars. This series gets less believable, and less enjoyable, the longer it goes on. I originally picked up the first book, The Expected One, because I am interested in stories about the historical Jesus and Mary Magdalene (doesn't really matter how far-fetched, if it's interesting and well-written I'll give it a go). Basically, the historical fiction parts of each book in this series have been passable, Ms. McGowan does a pretty good job of taking historical figures and fleshing them out. It's the modern-day parts of the series that are particularly cringe-worthy. I mean, whatever you believe about the true teachings of Jesus, whether or not you believe that there really are gospels written by Jesus and Mary Magdalene which have been ignored (at best) or suppressed (at worst) by the Catholic Church is immaterial, as Ms. McGowan repeatedly forces her own opinion on the matter down your throat.
I guess I'm not the only one to describe the Magdalen Line series as a Da Vinci Code ripoff; and apparently Ms. McGowan has taken the criticism to heart. I found it very revealing that, despite all that she says about the Way of Love, she seemed to go out of her way in this book to cut down Leonardo da Vinci as an artist who was all head and no heart, while promoting Sandro Botticelli, her preferred "angelic" artist, as the premier artist of the Renaissance and of the keepers of the Way of Love. Funny, I would have thought that there would be no room for petty jealousies in the Way of Love.
Apparently there will be at least one more volume in this series; based on the epilogue of this book, it's going to feature Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII as the Expected One/Poet Prince couple. However, I don't think I'll be reading it.
I guess I'm not the only one to describe the Magdalen Line series as a Da Vinci Code ripoff; and apparently Ms. McGowan has taken the criticism to heart. I found it very revealing that, despite all that she says about the Way of Love, she seemed to go out of her way in this book to cut down Leonardo da Vinci as an artist who was all head and no heart, while promoting Sandro Botticelli, her preferred "angelic" artist, as the premier artist of the Renaissance and of the keepers of the Way of Love. Funny, I would have thought that there would be no room for petty jealousies in the Way of Love.
Apparently there will be at least one more volume in this series; based on the epilogue of this book, it's going to feature Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII as the Expected One/Poet Prince couple. However, I don't think I'll be reading it.
October 1, 2013
Ho fatto fatica a finirlo. La Mcgowan comincia a perdere colpi e le avvisaglie c’erano già ne “Il libro dell’amore”, il secondo della trilogia della Maddalena. Peccato perché l’ambientazione rinascimentale e personaggi del calibro di Lorenzo de’ Medici, Marsilio Ficino, Michelangelo e Botticelli sarebbero di per sé garanzia di interesse quando protagonisti di una storia romanzata: invece la McGowan crea una storia che si trascina lentamente, noiosa, priva di guizzi o di colpi di scena che ravvivino o tengano alta l’attenzione del lettore. Mi ha anche dato fastidio l’opinabilissima versione che la nostra dà su Papa Leone X, del tutto inventata e avulsa dalla realtà. Ho purtroppo letto nella nota finale che questo libro non conclude la saga, come in origine era stato annunciato, ma ci sarebbe un quarto e chissà quanti altri libri. Io non so se li leggerò, propendo per il no.
April 16, 2015
In this final book of the Magdalene trilogy, Maureen Paschal is confronted with accusations against her lover Berenger Sinclair. Seeking to discover the truth amid worldwide outrage at her previous publications of religious documents denied by many, Maureen travels to Florence. There she and Berenger meet a spirtual leader who claims they will only discover the truth by reading and learning about the life of Renaissance poet prince, Lorenzo de Medici. The discoveries they make endanger their lives and chart a new course for their relationship.
This final book of the series is mystical, spiritual, and at times frightening. Suspense reigns throughout, and discoveries are sometimes shocking. These were interesting, thought-provoking books.
This final book of the series is mystical, spiritual, and at times frightening. Suspense reigns throughout, and discoveries are sometimes shocking. These were interesting, thought-provoking books.
August 2, 2011
I have read the previous two books and am intrigued by the stories from history that could possibly have been hidden. I found it challenging to keep wanting to read this book as I do like some tension in my books and it only began to happen towards the end. I learned a lot about the renaissance period and the artists who were all so entwined. As it is written as fiction I am not so sure what she contends to be true and what is fact but they all made for interesting characters. As a history book there is some good information herein. As a fiction book I felt like it could have been a little more exciting.
August 7, 2016
I am totally enamored with Kathleen McGowan. I wish I had read the first 2 books of this trilogy, but since I read it in my car I started with the third one first! I have always been an admirer of Lorenzo de Medici because of my love of Michaelangelo. Now I want to read more about Lorenzo having read the Poet Prince. I admire McGowan's obvious extensive research into all of these famous men and WOMEN of the Renaissance. I will definitely read her next book about King Henry VIII and Anne Bolyen. This book has inspired me to delve further into the life of Jesus Christ but not using the Bible as my only resource.
January 3, 2012
I keep reading this series as I think the story premise is very interesting, McGowan has developed the history of a sacred blood line and threaded it into a story. I add that whilst the premise is interesting and makes for a good storyline the writers style is weighed down by her research and personal experiences. This book took a while for me to wade through and after reading the authors notes that she has decided to expand upon her original concept of a trilogy of books, I've decided to hop off the bus, I won't be reading any more, the stories aren't good enough.
July 23, 2016
Great thought provoking soul searching adventure!
This is my 3rd time reading this series, every time I learn more and more about myself, art and the great untold stories of
And the destiny and purpose for my life!
I am so grateful to Kathleen for this series, it is truly making my
Life richer!
Your life will be richer learning about great men and woman who lived
There lives for God's glory.. Through love,art and living to make this world a
Place that reflects heaven on earth!
This is my 3rd time reading this series, every time I learn more and more about myself, art and the great untold stories of
And the destiny and purpose for my life!
I am so grateful to Kathleen for this series, it is truly making my
Life richer!
Your life will be richer learning about great men and woman who lived
There lives for God's glory.. Through love,art and living to make this world a
Place that reflects heaven on earth!
October 9, 2024
This book never really took off for me. The author switched back and forth between renaissance Florence and modern times. The plot did not have much substance, and she doesn't seem to have come to any point with the poet prince. This book was supposed to be the last in a trilogy, but she is apparently planning another installment around Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, who were thrown in as an epilogue to this book.
June 4, 2010
I enjoyed this. However, every time she tries to fill in for the reader who has not read either book 1 or 2 - the transition is awkward and annoying. As always - she goes somewhat overboard in the repitition of her beliefs, but I did like the book. And - you will guess who is the next topic in book 4.
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February 18, 2011I thought this book was...ok....even though they were the same characters, they didn't develop at all. The plot line was weaker than the previous two, especially with as much hype the second book placed in the "answers the third book would bring". A creative read, but nothing fantastic.
March 9, 2011
I gave this book two stars because it took me 9+ months to read and in the end, I skimmed the last 30+ pages. It wasn't a bad book, but it had serious pacing issues. I enjoyed the first two books of this series, but this one was just not as gripping.
November 7, 2011
Agree with other reviewer.....kind of all over the place. It didnt really take me 440 days to read, but the first book in the series is the best.
November 12, 2010
Sometimes tedious to read this author.
February 15, 2018
Bien qu’ayant préféré « Le Livre de l’Amour », ce troisième tome est très bien documenté sur l’histoire de l’art et des personnes qui ont permis à celui-ci de s’étendre bien au-delà de l’Italie. Au fil de ses livres, Kathleen McGowan nous fait découvrir l’histoire d’une autre façon que celle apprise à l’école, elle nous donne envie d’aller plus loin, de faire nos propres recherches…
Mention spéciale pour la fin du livre qui nous dévoile le personnage du prochain tome qui ne devrait plus tarder et qui sera traduit en français.
Rome, an 61 de notre ère.
Les chrétiens sont de plus en plus menacés, Antonin le Pieux, empereur de Rome les classe en deux catégories : les fanatiques prêts à mourir et les croyants compatissants qui utilisent leur foie pour aider les miséreux.
Félicita, mère de sept enfants fait partie des fanatiques, menés au tribunal car jugée coupable des victimes de la Peste dû à sa croyance fanatique ainsi qu’à mourir elle et ses enfants pour rejoindre son défunt mari.
Malgré les supplications de Petronella, l’épouse du Sénateur, à lui faire entendre raison pour épargner la vie de ses plus jeunes enfants, Félicita et tous ses enfants furent tués.
Une nouvelle ère commençait mais pas sous le meilleur hospice pour les chrétiens.
Congrégation de la Sainte-Apparition. Le Vatican, de nos jours.
Felicity, petite-nièce du père Girolamo DiPazzi a elle aussi des visions qui lui marque son corps de stigmates. Son but : éliminer Maureen qu’elle considère comme une usurpatrice.
Château des Pommes-Bleues, Arques.
Tammy, en pleine folie créatrice découvre un indice sur son oeuvre préférée « Le printemps » de Botticelli.
La prophétie du Prince Poète va mettre en péril la relation de Bérenger et de Maureen.
Tandis que l’on découvre l’histoire des peintres les plus illustres de la Renaissance italienne, celle de Lorenzo, il Magnifico nous est révélée.
Alors que l’on apprend plus sur la prophétie du Prince Poète, Maureen et Bérenger vont recevoir une nouvelle des plus inattendue bouleversant tout sur son passage.
Un nouvel ennemi se profile et avance avec pour seul but tuer l’Elue.
C’est avec plaisir que l’on retrouve Tammy et Roland entraperçus épisodiquement dans le tome précédent mais aussi de découvrir ce qui s’est passé pour une autre personne très proche de Maureen durant ces deux dernières années.
Le Prince Poète et l’Élue doivent plus que jamais être unis pour affronter ce qui pourrait causer leurs pertes.
La prophétie va s’accomplir mais sont-ils prêts à assumer leurs destinées ?
Mention spéciale pour la fin du livre qui nous dévoile le personnage du prochain tome qui ne devrait plus tarder et qui sera traduit en français.
Rome, an 61 de notre ère.
Les chrétiens sont de plus en plus menacés, Antonin le Pieux, empereur de Rome les classe en deux catégories : les fanatiques prêts à mourir et les croyants compatissants qui utilisent leur foie pour aider les miséreux.
Félicita, mère de sept enfants fait partie des fanatiques, menés au tribunal car jugée coupable des victimes de la Peste dû à sa croyance fanatique ainsi qu’à mourir elle et ses enfants pour rejoindre son défunt mari.
Malgré les supplications de Petronella, l’épouse du Sénateur, à lui faire entendre raison pour épargner la vie de ses plus jeunes enfants, Félicita et tous ses enfants furent tués.
Une nouvelle ère commençait mais pas sous le meilleur hospice pour les chrétiens.
Congrégation de la Sainte-Apparition. Le Vatican, de nos jours.
Felicity, petite-nièce du père Girolamo DiPazzi a elle aussi des visions qui lui marque son corps de stigmates. Son but : éliminer Maureen qu’elle considère comme une usurpatrice.
Château des Pommes-Bleues, Arques.
Tammy, en pleine folie créatrice découvre un indice sur son oeuvre préférée « Le printemps » de Botticelli.
La prophétie du Prince Poète va mettre en péril la relation de Bérenger et de Maureen.
Tandis que l’on découvre l’histoire des peintres les plus illustres de la Renaissance italienne, celle de Lorenzo, il Magnifico nous est révélée.
Alors que l’on apprend plus sur la prophétie du Prince Poète, Maureen et Bérenger vont recevoir une nouvelle des plus inattendue bouleversant tout sur son passage.
Un nouvel ennemi se profile et avance avec pour seul but tuer l’Elue.
C’est avec plaisir que l’on retrouve Tammy et Roland entraperçus épisodiquement dans le tome précédent mais aussi de découvrir ce qui s’est passé pour une autre personne très proche de Maureen durant ces deux dernières années.
Le Prince Poète et l’Élue doivent plus que jamais être unis pour affronter ce qui pourrait causer leurs pertes.
La prophétie va s’accomplir mais sont-ils prêts à assumer leurs destinées ?
August 22, 2021
The Poet Prince (Magdalene Line Trilogy, #3) by Kathleen McGowan
"We honor God while praying for a time
when these teachings will be welcomed
in peace by all people
and there will be no more martyrs." p 145
"'The time returns' is our most precious teaching because it has many layers, and each of those layers applies to the different type of love. For all of us, it is an understanding that earthly love returns ultimately to divine love, and then divine love recycles again to give us the gift of earthly life. This is the cycle of the soul." p 173 - 174
"There exists forms of union higher
than any that can be spoken,
stronger than the greatest forces,
with the power that is their destiny.
Those who live this are no longer separated.
They are one, beyond bodily distinction.
Those who recognize each other
know the unequaled joy
of living together in this fullness." p. 19
from The Book of Love
This is the third installment in Kathleen McGowan's Magdalene Line Trilogy. It's not a stand-alone book. You must read the first two books to fully enjoy it. Unfortunately, McGowan's attempts to fill up the details from the earlier books do little to skip reading the first two books, and adds a boring element to this particular third incarnation of the plot.
This time, it's Maureen Paschal's love for Bérenger Sinclair who is compared to Lorenzo De Medici and his true love, Lucrezia Donati (Colombina). Unfortunately, Lorenzo can't marry Lucrezia because he's a merchant and she's an aristocratic woman. So they hide their love. In two timelines: the present and 15th century Florence, the plot develops. We have two factions of the Catholic Church, in both timelines fighting each other: the Fanatics vs. the Compassionates.
I really didn't like this book as much as the first one. After reading both the second and third books, I was partly disappointed. Ms. McGowan spends too much time in the 15th century and I felt the present time - even though it was a mirror of the 15th century, was not well developed.
if you liked the first book, as I did, I would recommend you skip the future books.
"We honor God while praying for a time
when these teachings will be welcomed
in peace by all people
and there will be no more martyrs." p 145
"'The time returns' is our most precious teaching because it has many layers, and each of those layers applies to the different type of love. For all of us, it is an understanding that earthly love returns ultimately to divine love, and then divine love recycles again to give us the gift of earthly life. This is the cycle of the soul." p 173 - 174
"There exists forms of union higher
than any that can be spoken,
stronger than the greatest forces,
with the power that is their destiny.
Those who live this are no longer separated.
They are one, beyond bodily distinction.
Those who recognize each other
know the unequaled joy
of living together in this fullness." p. 19
from The Book of Love
This is the third installment in Kathleen McGowan's Magdalene Line Trilogy. It's not a stand-alone book. You must read the first two books to fully enjoy it. Unfortunately, McGowan's attempts to fill up the details from the earlier books do little to skip reading the first two books, and adds a boring element to this particular third incarnation of the plot.
This time, it's Maureen Paschal's love for Bérenger Sinclair who is compared to Lorenzo De Medici and his true love, Lucrezia Donati (Colombina). Unfortunately, Lorenzo can't marry Lucrezia because he's a merchant and she's an aristocratic woman. So they hide their love. In two timelines: the present and 15th century Florence, the plot develops. We have two factions of the Catholic Church, in both timelines fighting each other: the Fanatics vs. the Compassionates.
I really didn't like this book as much as the first one. After reading both the second and third books, I was partly disappointed. Ms. McGowan spends too much time in the 15th century and I felt the present time - even though it was a mirror of the 15th century, was not well developed.
if you liked the first book, as I did, I would recommend you skip the future books.
January 17, 2019
Depuis longtemps j’avais envie de découvrir cette saga historique consacrée à Marie-Madeleine. C’est désormais chose faite et je ne regrette pas m'être laissée entraîner dans cette quête périlleuse et tout à fait captivante sur les traces de l’Evangile perdu de Jésus Christ !
Au-delà de ce mystère millénaire, de cette histoire d’amour héroïque et bouleversante ; au-delà de ce voyage palpitant et incroyablement imaginatif qui m’a emmenée de New-York à Chartres, des mystères cathares aux intrigues du Vatican, j’ai tout simplement adoré la façon dont Kathleen a réhabilité Marie-Madeleine mais encore bien d’autres femmes qui, toutes, ont joué un rôle prépondérant dans la spiritualité, mais qui ont tout simplement été oubliées par l’Histoire.
Même si l’idée d’un mariage entre Jésus et Marie-Madeleine reste toujours polémique pour certains, la version qu’apporte Kathleen McGowan sur la vie de Marie-Madeleine m’a parue crédible. La ligne traditionnelle du christianisme m’ayant toujours semblé trop dogmatique et politique pour que j’y adhère, j’ai davantage été séduite par le nouvel éclairage et la nouvelle lecture que donne l’auteure sur la vie épique de Marie-Madeleine et de sa relation avec Jésus.
En tant que conteuse émérite, Kathleen McGowan a su éveiller chez ses lecteurs l’idée qu’on ne connaît peut-être pas tout de l’une des histoires les plus importantes de l’humanité. Cependant, elle nous laisse totalement libres d’adhérer ou non à son interprétation de l’histoire. Pour ma part, je suis plus disposée à croire à une spiritualité fondée sur l’amour, le pardon, la tolérance et l’égalité, quand bien même cette dernière notion n’existait pas à l’époque où se sont déroulés les faits !
À vous de voir donc, mais l’œuvre de Kathleen McGowan ne manquera pas de vous interroger en votre cœur et en votre esprit, si vous souhaitez y croire vous aussi…
Dans tous les cas, je ne saurais que conseiller la lecture de cette trilogie qui ouvre des perspectives nouvelles et passionnantes sur ce qui pourrait être l’un des secrets les mieux gardés de l’Histoire.
Au-delà de ce mystère millénaire, de cette histoire d’amour héroïque et bouleversante ; au-delà de ce voyage palpitant et incroyablement imaginatif qui m’a emmenée de New-York à Chartres, des mystères cathares aux intrigues du Vatican, j’ai tout simplement adoré la façon dont Kathleen a réhabilité Marie-Madeleine mais encore bien d’autres femmes qui, toutes, ont joué un rôle prépondérant dans la spiritualité, mais qui ont tout simplement été oubliées par l’Histoire.
Même si l’idée d’un mariage entre Jésus et Marie-Madeleine reste toujours polémique pour certains, la version qu’apporte Kathleen McGowan sur la vie de Marie-Madeleine m’a parue crédible. La ligne traditionnelle du christianisme m’ayant toujours semblé trop dogmatique et politique pour que j’y adhère, j’ai davantage été séduite par le nouvel éclairage et la nouvelle lecture que donne l’auteure sur la vie épique de Marie-Madeleine et de sa relation avec Jésus.
En tant que conteuse émérite, Kathleen McGowan a su éveiller chez ses lecteurs l’idée qu’on ne connaît peut-être pas tout de l’une des histoires les plus importantes de l’humanité. Cependant, elle nous laisse totalement libres d’adhérer ou non à son interprétation de l’histoire. Pour ma part, je suis plus disposée à croire à une spiritualité fondée sur l’amour, le pardon, la tolérance et l’égalité, quand bien même cette dernière notion n’existait pas à l’époque où se sont déroulés les faits !
À vous de voir donc, mais l’œuvre de Kathleen McGowan ne manquera pas de vous interroger en votre cœur et en votre esprit, si vous souhaitez y croire vous aussi…
Dans tous les cas, je ne saurais que conseiller la lecture de cette trilogie qui ouvre des perspectives nouvelles et passionnantes sur ce qui pourrait être l’un des secrets les mieux gardés de l’Histoire.
December 25, 2018
An amazing tour-de-force. This quote really got to me: "there are untold layers to reality above and beyond what we allow ourselves to understand." That's a theme of my own writing.
Much of this takes place in Italy, at the dawn of the Renaissance. However, the roots of the story in ancient Rome show the division of Christianity between those who followed the teachings of Jesus, and the fanatics who worshiped pain and death. The fanatics persist to this day.
Berenger did not appeal to me and I wondered what Maureen saw in him, after the way he lied to her about cheating on her, by sleeping with a supermodel. It made him look weak. But she took him back.
Destino is totally far-out. He's 2,000 years old? Oooo-kay. Whatever, he's someone I'd like to know.
I'm very much looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Much of this takes place in Italy, at the dawn of the Renaissance. However, the roots of the story in ancient Rome show the division of Christianity between those who followed the teachings of Jesus, and the fanatics who worshiped pain and death. The fanatics persist to this day.
Berenger did not appeal to me and I wondered what Maureen saw in him, after the way he lied to her about cheating on her, by sleeping with a supermodel. It made him look weak. But she took him back.
Destino is totally far-out. He's 2,000 years old? Oooo-kay. Whatever, he's someone I'd like to know.
I'm very much looking forward to the next installment in this series.
December 30, 2018
I have loved this series so much and thought I was saying goodbye to it. I hear there is a 4th book in the series and it can't come soon enough. This has been an amazing journey through a Christianity that makes so much more sense to me than the one most of us know today. The thought that a man who endured so much pain, Jesus Christ, could actually have known love and family is comforting to me. And the idea that he wrote a gospel of his own with Mary Magdalene? How much better would the world be today if that were true and accepted? No matter what your beliefs, the great teacher deserved some happiness. Kathleen McGowan has woven a tapestry of beauty, fierceness, tragedy, and hope into a gorgeous, time-traveling story that takes us across more than 2,000 years of humanity, including the Italian Renaissance in its earliest years fueled by the Medici vision. Just incredible.
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