I'm a big fan of Bergren's sweet and cuddly kids picture books, but this was my first delving into her supernatural suspense novels written for adults. And she did a mastery job here as well. The storyline revolves around a piece of ancient parchment that brings together the people who are illustrated in it from the Middle Ages.
For some reason, the songs from Don Quixote kept playing in my head as I read it. I definitely enjoyed the development of the characters and the deepening of the rifts between the forces of good and evil and those who don't seem to understand which side they are on. It definitely kept my interest.
The only negative response I had to the book is that it is not a stand alone book. Storyline threads were left dangling. It's more of a prologue to the other two books in the series. However, if you like reading series, definitely start with reading this one.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
![Begotten (The Gifted Book 1) by [Lisa T. Bergren]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wj6MzDsAL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
All 3 for you in this series
See full series
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
"We reside in enemy occupied territory. But it is as God wishes. We must pray for his divine protection and direction."I have read very few books set in the 1300's. Because this time frame is unfamiliar to me, getting into this book was a bit challenging at first. But I kept going, and I am so glad that I did. There seems to be so much research done into this time period that it really brought a new realization to me as far as what life would have been like back then. The descriptions of transportation, meals and even costumes were interesting. A few traditions I would definitely wanted to avoid (handfasting!), but the falconry and pageantry would have been fascinating.Ultimately this is a story of a select group of men and women who were supposedly called to step forward in faith during this time period. Supposedly a long lost letter of Saint Paul foretold some details of their involvement as did a prominent fresco. The author was very clear that these documents were not long lost inspired Scripture but instead documents of the faithful. This story is definitely portrayed as fiction, not as reality.The strongest element is the spiritual component. Both actual and hidden battles of good vs. evil take place. Daria is a heroine to be reckoned with, and Gianni the knight acts as her personal protector. He is definitely worth admiring. There were enough characters that occasionally I did get lost, but I do think that the author did manage to keep them all straight in her portrayals for the most part. Just as the author intended, a few people were definitely hard to identify as to their true colors.I really appreciated how the emphasis was on doing miracles because of love. Healings took place because of prayer. This story held God in high esteem, not those who were "working" on his behalf. Although parts were resolved, this book definitely leaves the reader hanging. I plan on reading the remaining two books in the trilogy. Since the next book is entitled Betrayed, I am guessing that there will plenty of parts left to finish in the final book, The Blessed.My understanding is that the author updated this series that she first released over a decade ago. She had readers help her to "freshen up" her original ideas. I can tell that the author really tried to do due diligence by interviewing experts and asking for input.Although there were a few parts that were not ideal (such as the slower start,) there was so many great aspects to this book that I feel like it deserves a 4.7 rating and then to be rounded up to a 5. Although I was initially a provided a copy of this book in advance, I actually read it through Kindle Unlimited. I wanted to review this one. The cover and concept intrigued me. All opinions are my own.
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 2, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 8, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 17, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 27, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 4, 2021
"We reside in enemy occupied territory. But it is as God wishes. We must pray for his divine protection and direction."
I have read very few books set in the 1300's. Because this time frame is unfamiliar to me, getting into this book was a bit challenging at first. But I kept going, and I am so glad that I did. There seems to be so much research done into this time period that it really brought a new realization to me as far as what life would have been like back then. The descriptions of transportation, meals and even costumes were interesting. A few traditions I would definitely wanted to avoid (handfasting!), but the falconry and pageantry would have been fascinating.
Ultimately this is a story of a select group of men and women who were supposedly called to step forward in faith during this time period. Supposedly a long lost letter of Saint Paul foretold some details of their involvement as did a prominent fresco. The author was very clear that these documents were not long lost inspired Scripture but instead documents of the faithful. This story is definitely portrayed as fiction, not as reality.
The strongest element is the spiritual component. Both actual and hidden battles of good vs. evil take place. Daria is a heroine to be reckoned with, and Gianni the knight acts as her personal protector. He is definitely worth admiring. There were enough characters that occasionally I did get lost, but I do think that the author did manage to keep them all straight in her portrayals for the most part. Just as the author intended, a few people were definitely hard to identify as to their true colors.
I really appreciated how the emphasis was on doing miracles because of love. Healings took place because of prayer. This story held God in high esteem, not those who were "working" on his behalf. Although parts were resolved, this book definitely leaves the reader hanging. I plan on reading the remaining two books in the trilogy. Since the next book is entitled Betrayed, I am guessing that there will plenty of parts left to finish in the final book, The Blessed.
My understanding is that the author updated this series that she first released over a decade ago. She had readers help her to "freshen up" her original ideas. I can tell that the author really tried to do due diligence by interviewing experts and asking for input.
Although there were a few parts that were not ideal (such as the slower start,) there was so many great aspects to this book that I feel like it deserves a 4.7 rating and then to be rounded up to a 5. Although I was initially a provided a copy of this book in advance, I actually read it through Kindle Unlimited. I wanted to review this one. The cover and concept intrigued me. All opinions are my own.
I have read very few books set in the 1300's. Because this time frame is unfamiliar to me, getting into this book was a bit challenging at first. But I kept going, and I am so glad that I did. There seems to be so much research done into this time period that it really brought a new realization to me as far as what life would have been like back then. The descriptions of transportation, meals and even costumes were interesting. A few traditions I would definitely wanted to avoid (handfasting!), but the falconry and pageantry would have been fascinating.
Ultimately this is a story of a select group of men and women who were supposedly called to step forward in faith during this time period. Supposedly a long lost letter of Saint Paul foretold some details of their involvement as did a prominent fresco. The author was very clear that these documents were not long lost inspired Scripture but instead documents of the faithful. This story is definitely portrayed as fiction, not as reality.
The strongest element is the spiritual component. Both actual and hidden battles of good vs. evil take place. Daria is a heroine to be reckoned with, and Gianni the knight acts as her personal protector. He is definitely worth admiring. There were enough characters that occasionally I did get lost, but I do think that the author did manage to keep them all straight in her portrayals for the most part. Just as the author intended, a few people were definitely hard to identify as to their true colors.
I really appreciated how the emphasis was on doing miracles because of love. Healings took place because of prayer. This story held God in high esteem, not those who were "working" on his behalf. Although parts were resolved, this book definitely leaves the reader hanging. I plan on reading the remaining two books in the trilogy. Since the next book is entitled Betrayed, I am guessing that there will plenty of parts left to finish in the final book, The Blessed.
My understanding is that the author updated this series that she first released over a decade ago. She had readers help her to "freshen up" her original ideas. I can tell that the author really tried to do due diligence by interviewing experts and asking for input.
Although there were a few parts that were not ideal (such as the slower start,) there was so many great aspects to this book that I feel like it deserves a 4.7 rating and then to be rounded up to a 5. Although I was initially a provided a copy of this book in advance, I actually read it through Kindle Unlimited. I wanted to review this one. The cover and concept intrigued me. All opinions are my own.
Images in this review
