The Begotten

The Begotten
Lisa T. Bergren
The Berkley Publishing Group
ISBN: 0-425-21016-2
Fiction, Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Qetesh

The Begotten is a deeply riveting and fascinating tale set back in the time of the Inquisition. It opens dramatically with Inquisition soldiers searching for a sorcerer in the catacombs. They are filled with terror as they each in turn hear the sorcerer’s voice whispering in their ear; but no one is there.
This book is as intricate and compelling as the DaVinci Code with a substantial web of political intrigue. The book centers on a secret letter written by St. Paul that speaks about ordinary men and women who will rise up and come to possess fantastic mystical powers. A priest named Father Piero was shown the letters. His teacher led him to the ruins of an ancient chapel where he saw his own likeness painted on the wall. His teacher said that when Father Piero arrived this signaled that the prophecy had started. Father Piero was to search for a woman and a slave who would be the first of the gifted. This prophecy threatened the early church and they tried to destroy the letters and suppress all knowledge of anyone who might bear these gifts. The letters survive despite the church’s involvement and one by one select people begin receiving powerful spiritual gifts. The gifted ones begin to gather together to find others of their kind as their powers begin to grow stronger. Lady Daria receives a powerful gift of healing which is extremely dangerous to her personal welfare during the time of the Inquisition. Father Piero and others aid her with various gifts. They must bind together to fight against the church and those who are determined to destroy them.
This book is written in beautiful prose. The story has a definitive Christian slant but it is not overwhelming and you do not feel like you are having religion preached at you. The story is fascinating and compelling. It is a wonderful read.