Customer Reviews

La Magdalena: A Theo Nikonos Mystery

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a book I finished in 3-days flat when the last book of this size took me weeks to finish. I was hooked from page 1 till the very last page -- a statement I make about VERY few reads and PERFECT for summertime fun.

If you like mysteries, this one's excellent. If you're interested in mystical / spiritual exploration, again this is a treat. There is some depth of detail on the early Christian sects development which may seem dry at first, but it becomes important information as the book unfolds -- I'll say no more. If you like consipiracy theories a la Robert Ludlum, voila -- you have found a friend. As someone who has visited most of the Mediterranean cities described, this book also provides a delightful travel experience. All in all, a great yarn!

I have yet to read The Da Vinci Code or other Mary Magdalene novels, but this one has me intrigued to study further and learn the truth. Clearly this is a work of fiction, but initial research has shown me that many of the facts in this novel are based on truths that I had not been aware of. A learning opportunity as well!

I hope the rest of his work is as enjoyable as "La Magdalena".

Although Valtos tempts you to lower your expectations early on, suggesting the wildest of mystical flights of fancy, if you keep reading you find a good, solid plot resting on a well-researched foundation. The meticulous attention to detail in the early setting may seem too much of a good thing, but it pays off later when details of setting really matter. The narrator is consistent, noticing stuff all the time, not just when convenient to the plot.

It's much _much_ better written than The Da Vinci Code, although it mines the same vein of material. Realistic character development, pacing of the plot, and chronolgy all help the reader make the leap across the imaginative elements of the story. You want to believe this, unlike Dan Brown's stuff, where you keep saying "NO one could believe this!" even though some of it is true.

This starts slow, but it's well worth the attention. For once there's a conspiracy theory ending that doesn't come out of the blue. It probably won't make you walk around wondering "what if. . . " but you won't be ashamed to be seen reading it in public.

Solid ficition, with enough research to satisfy.

Valtos has crafted a smart, well-written thriller that is as good as--and probably better than--the Da Vinci Code. He traces the same ground as Dan Brown's book--Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Grail, etc--and his main character Theo Nikonos is one of the coolest gumshoes to hit fiction in a long time. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

This is the second Valtos book I have read. I also read the "Authenticator." What made both books so interesting to me was the detail Valtos goes into to describe some amazing things - near death experiences and reincarnation. That detail can also slow down the reading a bit so I give this 4.5 stars instead of 5.

The basic idea of this book is our hero, Theo, finds himself investigating the claims of a young nun that she is Mary Magdalene reincarnated. Takes a little while for the book to get going but once it did, I couldn't put it down. We run into our old friends the Templars along the way as well. Not sure if this was written before or after "The Divinci Code" but it certainly deals with some the same themes. I was ok with that. It was fun to go down that story line again from a different angle. Enjoyed it!

Mary Magdalene as a biblical and historical figure has been much maligned over the years.

In this book, Valtos uses his unique approach to story telling to bring out many of the controversies and historical findings to create a rich and compelling story of the Magdalene.

An infant is found on the steps of a convent in Spain, and is brought up within the order. She is cared for primarily by a single nun. A woman who became her surrogate mother, her playmate, her teacher and in the end, one who introduces her to her true legacy. At the age of eighteen, the girl known as Sister Mariamme begins to behave in a peculiar manner.She argues with those in authority, including priests who are offering Mass. She disputes the Gospels, and even tries to remove any crucifix that enters her sight.Most peculiar of all, She claims that she is Mary, the Magdalene. The Church sends in a Jesuit psychiatrist, at first believing that she is suffering from mental illness. Then things change, and Vatican itself becomes involved in what can only be described as a cover up.

People die.

Theophanos Niikonos, ( who first appeared in the book The Authenticator) becomes involved in this case when La Magdalena as she is now called by many, discreetly hands over a document and requests that he deliver it for her. She does this when she encounters him during a visit to a cathedral.

The story that unfolds is one that uses science and religion to prove ( or disprove) the truth about reincarnation. Many legitimate studies on the subject are quoted. The science behind DNA testing and carbon-14 dating are used to explore the possibilities. The history and the dedication of the Templar's in regards to the Sangreal are addressed.
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A young nun living in a cloistered convent is thought by some to be the reincarnation of Mary Magdalene. Fraught with the memories of Mary Magdalene's life, the young nun draws attention to herself with frequent outbursts against the discrepancies between them and Catholic doctrine. Private Investigator, Theo Nokonis, is hired to investigate the situation before any more word of these inconsistencies further harm the credibility of the powerful Catholic Church. Theo eventually hides La Magdalena from the Catholic clergy who try to prevent their secrets from being revealed.

Many of the details presented in this book agree with discoveries made upon the unearthing of the Nag Hammadi Scrolls and similar sources. Though nothing new, the way these issues were presented, as well as the moving and vivid character development make this book an unforgettable one.

I loved this book, and did not want it to end. I then sent for Valtos' other book that was in print, and liked it as well. I wish he would write some more! I would recommend it highly.

The prose read like water. The character of La Magdalena is developed in a beautiful way, and the attraction to her, and the charisma she evokes seeps through the black type, and you are drawn to her. The characters maintain a high moral tone despite the temptations that are magnetic, causing a conflict between the flesh and the soul that makes for a classic story. I fell in love with Magdalena in this intelligently written jewel.

The comparisons to the DaVinci Code are inevitable but I found this a compelling, hard to put down book. I loved it! Also, it's actually very different from the DaVinci Code even though it deals with the same subject matter. I hightly recommend it and will be reading Mr. Valto's other books as soon as possible.

This is a giant wet smack disaster of a book, probably among the 3 worst I've read in the last few years. Clearly intended to capitalize on the interest generated by 'The DaVinci Code', the story is initially promising but is undone by its horribly ridiculous ending.

The tale starts well enough, basically holding to the Helen MacInnes style of romance thriller, albeit the female lead is a nun (but a nun in bikinis - which is just the start of the nonsense in this book). The tale proceeds, clues point us to information and revelation about Mary Magdalene as a quest is undertaken. The heroes pursue and are pursued. And there things fail. About 2/3's of the way into the tale, the story develops a crisis point and it is here that the author looses his story. The author abandons the complexity he had been building, and deserts his characters. The characters loose all dimention and begin to behave in silly fashion. This all leads to an ending that belongs in Dungeons and Dragons or maybe a comic book.

This is infuriating. The story has tempted you with the promise of insight and knowledge, and instead it turns out to have been a complete waste of time. I only have so much time to read; I resent every hour that I spent reading this.