A Novel of the Gifted: The Begotten and The Betrayed by Lisa T. Bergren - Review

The Begotten (The Gifted Series, Book 1) by Lisa T. Bergren
softcover, 2006, Berkley Books
ISBN 0425210162
447 pgs.

The Betrayed (The Gifted Series, Book 2) by Lisa T. Bergren

hardcover, 2007, Berkley Books
ISBN 9780425217085
405 pgs.

I will readily admit that I’m not a fan of science fiction and other worldly powers besides that of Christ. But in picking up The Begotten and The Betrayed by Lisa T. Bergren, I found myself pleasantly surprised. I was drawn to her characters, her plot, and the intriguing question--‘what if’.

It’s the year 1339; a time when Christianity was ruled by the papacy. Scripture could only be read in Italian, reading the Bible for yourself was unheard of, and political gain ruled the church.

Enter this timeframe, Daria d’Angelo, a woman of means, without father, brother or husband. She finds herself with the sudden ability to heal people. She meets a gentle priest, a knight of the church, and a little girl who soon discover that they are members of a group called “The Gifted”.

Lisa’s novel expounds on the fact that Paul wrote letters to churches that were never canonized, or included as Scripture. In the first book, The Begotten, a part of one of Paul’s letters is discovered, telling of The Gifted and only that they will come together to share the truth of Christ with others along with their miraculous gifts. But the road ahead of them is not paved with gold.

The Sorcerer, a man who has succumbed to Satan’s hold, is drawing a following of his own. He’s determined to discover who The Gifted are and stop them - permanently.

Lisa’s second book, The Betrayed, continues the saga of Daria, her faithful knights and their journey. They must find the rest of The Gifted, ascertain the other half of the letter and decipher it and stay out of the Sorcerer‘s reach before it’s too late.

I found Lisa’s books wonderfully detailed in the history of the church and written in such a way as to leave you turning the next page with baited breath. Not only does she share God’s truths in a gentle way; she also brings to light the turmoil the church faced in that era.

The Blessed, book three is scheduled for release in 2008.

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the author of 28 books, with over 1.3 million sold. She is a publishing consultant, writer, Bible study leader, mother and wife. Her hobbies include travel (mostly from an armchair), reading, watching movies, cooking and exploring with her family. Lisa's most recent books include The Begotten, The Betrayed, God Gave Us Heaven, What Women Want and The Busy Mom's Devotional. She resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To sign up for her monthly email (which includes a new, unpublished devotional) go to her website at http://www.lisatawnbergren.com/ and join her newsletter list.