Customer Reviews

The Begotten (The Gifted Series, Book 1)

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A lot of times we like to play the what if question. This can lead to long drawn out debates on what could have happen if something had taken place. Sometimes we worry that things would have been radically different if things had changed. Other times times we speculate on the possibilities that could have taken place if only such and such had taken place. That is the premise of The Begotten. Paul had written many letters to churches. What if there had been another letter sent to a special group of people called The Gifted?

Set during the time of the Inquisition, the secret of Paul's extra letter is trying to be kept hidden by the holy leaders. They are against females holding high authority and wish to keep any knowledge about it in secret. Years later however, individuals with secret powers find each other as they strive to help out those in need. They are Christians, strong in their faith, battling those who have turned to the dark side.

This book was a wonderful engrossing read. I love books about medieval times with knights and lords and ladies. The whole story was fascinating when you imagine a group such as the Gifted existing in today's world or even the world back then. Daria was a very strong female character especially for that time period. She was highly respected by the people around her. The men are eager to protect her yet they do not see her as just a weak female or try to woo her. They are quick to defend her and risk their lives for not only her but anyone in their company. I felt this book in a genre like The Da Vinci Code, although far superior. Myth and legend are always interesting especially when you can incorporate scriptural truth with it. In my opinion, I felt the characters were like a middle ages version of X-Men or Heroes. Group of people with special powers that feel unwanted by the rest of the world.

I highly recommend this book for those who are fans of this genre, and for anyone who enjoys a really good story. If you have a good imagination, this book definitely makes good use of it.

I don't know about you, but I've really had enough of Templar knights, Papal conspiracies, and secret documents that threaten the foundations of the church.

So although I've been a fan of Lisa Tawn Bergren's work in the past, when I read a summary of The Begotten, I wasn't the least bit interested in reading any further.

Then I received a sample chapter of the book through the Chapter-A-Week Yahoo group. And I was stunned. Captivated. Rendered speechless by the power of Bergren's prose.

I went out and got the book immediately. Not because the plot interested me even then, but because the writing in that sample chapter was so breathtaking I couldn't resist.

I read the entire story cover to cover in one night--staying up until 5:30 in the morning to do so--because the tale would not let me rest.

This is a story of valiant people, with abilities they don't ask for or know how to manage, trying to be faithful to their beliefs and make a difference, during a perilous time in a dangerous world.

If you think that sounds a lot like you and me, you're right. And this is just one key to this book's appeal. Another is its honest examination of God and His will. Healing, miracles, Divine interventions, are they real? Why do they occur for some and not for others? Bergren offers no platitudes or canned answers to these questions, but her exploration of them is fantastic. In addition, and I cannot say this enough, Begren's skill as a writer has SKYROCKETED since she took a break from writing in 2002. Her past books were interesting and flowed well, but this? This borders on brilliant.

In movie form, The Begotten is a cross between The DaVinci Code, Luther, The Fantastic Four, and Lord of the Rings.

In book form, it combines the historical detail and noble characters of a Linda Chaikin novel, the darkness and suspense of Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo, the spiritual warfare of Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness, and the miracles of the book of Acts.

I should clarify that The Begotten is not a Dan Brown re-play, a knock-off version of The Last Templar, or a mimic of anything else you've ever read, including the books I just listed. This is a novel that defies all classification and transcends all genre boundaries, and does so with such flair I can only hope Bergren will repeat the process in her upcoming sequel.

Well done, Ms. Bergren, and welcome back.

Satan thinks the time is ripe for his dominion on earth. Thus in 1339, he sends one of his most powerful followers the Sorcerer to reap havoc leading to global control. Dominican Father Piero realizes that the devil has begun what could be the first phase towards Armageddon. Though the Vatican would officially considers this heresy worth burning at the stake, the holy man searches for the rumored Gifted, named in a letter hidden for centuries allegedly written by Saint Paul, but never became part of the canon, in hope that they can prevent the Sorcerer and his minion from succeeding.

He finds the Gifted Lady Daria D'Angelo when she saves the life of dying Church Knight Gianni de Capezzana who has brought many a sinner to their fiery death, but wonders how many of those he brought to godly justice were less saintly than he. In turn the Knight pleads his loyalty to Daria. Soon near Siena, Italy the latest war between heaven and hell on earth will begin.

This is an exhilarating religious historical thriller that is a delightful fantasy rather than a Brownian clone. The story line is action-packed from the beginning as the forces of good and evil prepare for a confrontation that leaves the Vatican caught between a rock and a hard place since the Church hierarchy do not recognize the Gifted (or Saint Paul's letter) yet have no chance to stop the Sorcerer without them. Readers who appreciate a different spin will appreciate Lisa T. Bergren's superb religious medieval fantasy THE BEGOTTEN.

Harriet Klausner

This novel is the first of a trilogy of which all have become a personal reading treasure. A religious historical novel, the trilogy's themes of faith, hope and spirituality are incorporated into a tale of mystery, intrigue and adventure. Interwoven throughout, is support from references to biblical scripture. These biblical references give the work of fiction context and offer an unexpected guide to all Christians, and non Christians; ordinary people and extra-ordinarly people the basis to choose to rise and face life's unexpected trials with the faith and knowledge that all things are possible through God.

The Begotten by Lisa T. Bergren is a great read. Her style and character development are wonderful, I can't wait for number 2 in this trilogy.

I always enjoy Bergren's well-crafted stories but she has risen to a new level of excellence with the Begotten. Well-researched, full of plot twists and beleivable characters, this page turner left me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

The book arrived in great condition. I first read it from the library and bought the next 2 from Amazon to finish the story. I then bought this book to complete the set of 3 so I could lend them out to family & friends.

Absolutely spell-binding reading! Be careful - once you begin reading this thrilling book you won't want to put it down! Lisa Bergren truly is an incredble author and I look forward to reading the next book (The Betrayed) in this awesome series!

I stumbled on this book by chance when looking for something to read that was entertaining, what I found was a book that affirmed my faith in the true teachings of Jesus Christ. In recent past the literary community has sensationalized books about religious mysteries such as the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, garnering thousands of readers and sparking yet another round of debate about the conspiracy of the "church" and religion versus spirituality. In The Begotten we are introduced to a mystery that is not only plausible but historically and biblically accurate. Lisa T. Bergen has created characters that ordinary people can readily identify with in personality and character. The battle waged between good and evil and how these characters exercise their free will is told in such a way that the readers can look pass theological teachings of the church and see how ordinary individuals develop spiritually.

If you are merely seeking a thrilling read, congratulations you have it, however if you're open to the realm of God's greatest promises you'll be blessed with a richness that far exceeds a good read.

The Begotten is book one of a trilogy I read all three books in one week and pray that the series is made into a movie.

The Begotten is the first in a religious mystery/thriller trilogy from Bergren, a well-known Christian fiction author. The setting is 14th century Italy in a town named Siena, not far from Firenze (Florence). The beginning can be a bit confusing as we shift settings for the first few chapters, to set the plot of the story. We follow some of the quests of the papal guard who are trying to track down a Sorcerer who is leading Christians astray by performing miracles. But the church is looking for The Gifted. Prophesied in a Pauline letter, God would provide the world with The Gifted, seven humans who each are gifted with a special ability. These seven would come together to save God's people against dark heresy. Although the letter is unconfirmed Pauline, it is secretly saved from a bonfire lit by the Church, but divided up so that all of it is not in one place to be destroyed.

In 14th century Italy, amid the terror of the Inquisition, we find the first part of the letter, held by a priest named Piero whose Gift is Wisdom. Father Piero is in charge of a convent where Lady Daria D'Angelo has come, with her mute servant, for respite following the dissolution of her handfast. Father Piero recognizes the Healer in her, and after gaining her trust speaks to her of the Gifted of God. Daria's faith recognizes the truth, and the beginning of the prophecy comes to be.

On the way to Siena from the convent, Daria and Father Piero rescue a papal knight and save his life, gaining yet another of the Gifted, the Faithful. The group is uncomfortable with the path into the unknown and the swiftness of the prophecy coming together, but they all follow the teachings of the Bible and their faith in doing what is right. Daria, Father Piero, and Gianni (the knight) build their fortress in Daria's home, but it doesn't protect them from deception when they most need it. The Sorcerer has discovered their secret and is penetrating their weaknesses, hoping to defeat them and coerce them to use their powers to make him all powerful. But The Sorcerer has underestimated their faith in God and in one another, and the war - in faith and on land - has begun.

Not being a strong Christian I wondered if I would like the storyline, but exceptional faith on behalf of the reader is not necessary to enjoy the thrilling story Bergren has written. There is much depth to the plot and characters, and not a lot of blood/gore, but this is far from being a cozy. This is a good, solid mystery with paranormal or supernatural elements, but using aspects of Christianity to interweave the storyline. This would be a good read for those with a background in Christian history and rhetoric who are able to keep an open mind and enjoy the fiction.