The Prophetess [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Wood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1997

It is December 1999. In the Sinai Desert, archaeologist Catherine Alexander has unearthed six ancient papyrus scrolls that reveal vital secrets--secrets that the world's governments would give anything to possess. But even more important, the seventh scroll is missing--and it contains a secret of unfathomable power. In a race against Armageddon, Catherine must outwit the FBI, Vatican operatives, and a sinister millionaire--to find that parchment.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Feminist spirituality gets its own Celestine Prophecies, and the Vatican gets bashed, in Wood's new novel (after Virgins of Paradise, 1993). In December 1999, archeologist Catherine Alexander discovers in the Sinai desert six papyrus scrolls written in ancient Greek by a female leader of the early Christian church. The scrolls' reference to a Seventh Scroll, in which the secret to eternal life is supposedly revealed, convinces Alexander that her findings could revolutionize Christianity and undermine what she sees as the male-oriented authority of the Church. Determined to prevent suppression of the controversial writings, Alexander smuggles them back to California, where she is pursued by the Vatican, the Egyptian and U.S. governments, the media and Miles Havers, a ruthless computer software mogul who collects religious artifacts. When the handsome Father Michael Garibaldi saves Alexander from an assassin's bullet, and joins in her dangerous mission to find the ancient epistle, a romance blossoms, underscoring both parties' religious dilemmas. The action, bolstered by a clever if trendy use of the Internet, comes fast; but so does the preaching, which will alienate some readers with its anti-Church stance (if the scrolls predate St. Paul's writings, "the entire authority-base of the Catholic Church and the papacy would be blown out of the water!") and others with its undiscriminating theology ("As you believe, so shall it be"). Still others, however, will relish Wood's passionate New Age message, as well its Redfield-inspired packaging.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Here is yet another winner by Woods (e.g., Virgins of Paradise, LJ 5/1/93), who also writes as Kathryn Harvey. "Millennium madness meets Internet mania" describes this exciting novel in a nutshell. In December 1999, archaeologist Catherine Alexander unearths clues to scrolls that could rock the foundations of Christianity, especially the Catholic Church. Her quest for the truth takes her globe-hopping, with an unlikely combination of villains in hot pursuit. There is action without excessive violence, love without unnecessary vulgarity, intriguing themes of women's roles in early Christianity, and interesting views on the replication of religious messages/messengers. Additionally, Wood successfully exploits the current rage for the Internet, which here both helps Alexander and hurts her by allowing the villains to track her. To Wood's credit, she handles a priest as a love interest in a very skillful manner (although some readers may still be offended). A fun, exciting novel timed for super summer reading in public libraries.
Rebecca Sturm Kelm, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib, Highland Heights
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446603805
• ISBN-13: 978-0446603805
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,377,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Haunts Me... ....In A Good Way, May 21, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Prophetess: A Novel (Hardcover)

I casually picked this book up from the library a number of years ago and was immediately interested in the story. I read it cover to cover and then returned it to the library. I had since forgotten the title and author of the book, but I was constantly reminded that I had greatly enjoyed reading it. More recently as I have further explored my religious (or non-religious as the case may be) faith, I have been more haunted by the memory of this long lost book I once read. Biting the bullet, I spent a lovely bit of time reading over the titles under the keywords "egypt" and "fiction" from the same library. I finally came across the right title and my mind truly cleared. This was the mystery book. Now that my search is over, I have my very own copy of this treasure so that I will not let it fade from me again.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great find!, January 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Prophetess (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I wish I had read it sooner! I enjoyed all aspects of the book, the digs, the biblical referencing and the interpertations of the scrolls! I wasn't too keen on the computer jargon, but you didn't need to be a computer wiz to understand the jest of it. It was well written and obviously well researched! Being it was recommended to me, I therefore would recommend it anyone who enjoys a cat and mouse chase! (no pun intended) Also, just for the historical and bibllical aspect, if nothing else. I was intriqued by Catherine and her strong will to vindicate her mother and what her mother stood for. It's a fast read and a real page turner!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a story of hope, and a great thriller, October 10, 2005

By 

Charlie_in_la "charlie" (los angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Prophetess: A Novel (Hardcover)

I borrowed this book from a library, it seemed like it might be interesting, so I gave it 30 pages. 130 pages later, I had lunch. Since it was my day off, I had the luxury of finishing this book after dinner.

So...it is a great "page turner". But more that that, it makes you think very hard about what religion is all about.

The story is that of an archaeologist who discovers some ancient scrolls giving new light on the origins of Christianity. The scrolls tells of an "early Christian era" woman's search for the Redeemer, the importance of women in early Christianity, and what she learned on her journey.

The tale of the archaeologist, and her friends, and their efforts to bring the scrolls to light is riveting, fast-paced, and compelling.

I hope that I do not demean either author, but, I could not help noticing the similarity with the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Both authors have recognized the importance of women in church history. They also both recognize the importance of Mary Magdalene.

Last comment....this is a book that gives me faith...I think that that is a good thing.