Power-or rather, the lust for Power-lures many into doing things that they never dreamed they would do. Edmund Kwaw, in The Magdalene Code, used the search for power to highlight the stories of his effectively drawn characters. Most were worshipers-worshipers of both Christ and Satan! His epilogue indicates that in "January, 2003, Pope John Paul II, honored Mary Magdalene with the title apostola apostolorum, which means, Apostle to the Apostles." Did Mary Magdalene have a more special role in the Christian faith than has been known? Truth or fiction? Really unimportant. The fight between good and evil is endless and ageless. I found this alternative historical drama an exciting suspenseful mystery that kept me turning pages. If you enjoy reading about biblical issues within today's fiction, I recommend this book as a must-read!
The prologue captured me immediately. Marianne, a young girl at school, sees a beautiful woman and talks to her, though she is not visible to others. The woman explains that her name is also Mary and together they bury a piece of jewelry in the ground. The woman asks her to someday come back to meet her, that she will know when that time comes.
A young adventurer finds a scroll at a market in Tel Aviv. Although Michael Bailey is really a secondary character, his intuition in finding and purchasing the scroll is an interesting characterization in that he didn't know what he was searching for but that he would know when he saw it; and when he saw the scroll, a shiver ran up his spine. . .
Fortunately Bailey has a friend, Gerald Woodward, who could "age" a document by the time period in which a language was used. He had helped him many times in the past; however, this time Woodward quickly knew that a major "find" had been made. Nobody knew exactly what was in the scroll; however, it was believed that many secrets, including the precise time of the return of the Christ, and the secrets of the resurrection and ascension were included. That was all it took for the news to begin traveling the world. Soon the Vatican knew, including representatives of two different factions within the hierarchy, one of whom learned about it from a spy who had been placed purely to assist in gaining more important roles within the Church.
As expected, many years had gone by since we first met Marianne. She has become a well known talk-show psychic on the radio and through that activity finds herself quickly drawn into the midst of the mystery surrounding the scroll. Marianne has been having nightmares-nightmares where she sees people being killed and mutilated. As she tries to come to grips with these dreams, she meets Gerald Woodward through his sister and immediately knows he will soon be a victim. She tries to tell the police but before they are willing to accept her prediction, Gerald Woodward has been found dead, his heart had been pulled from his body-and was missing.
"The Messenger" also quickly learned of the scroll, as her many followers discovered and passed on everything they could learn to their "master." "The Messenger" who was the direct link and leader preparing for the return of Satan was a beautiful female¾ sometimes. Other times she took on various shapes to help her fulfill her responsibilities and . . . desires.
As more and more murders are committed, Lt. Jackson quickly becomes involved as the lead detective; however, his most likely suspect is . . . Marianne! As she and her friends try to help prevent further deaths, Marianne's nightmares become even more horrible, with blood appearing on her hands and across her body as if she did indeed commit the murders. In order to protect herself and discover what is going on, without being arrested, she disappears.
And while she's gone, she meets again with the beautiful woman from her youth.
She now carries the pendant that has been long buried, and she has chosen to fight for good and received what information she needs in order to understand the importance of the scroll and what must be done.
And she knows she must face "The Messenger."
Kwaw created a uniquely fascinating, yet very relevant death scene between Marianne and "The Messenger." I give my wholehearted congratulations to the author in both his buildup of clues and his follow through in creating a scene I have never seen before and shall not forget!
In some ways, The Magdalene Code could fit into the horror genre; however, I found the action and suspenseful mystery to be the more compelling aspect of the book. Have a taste for the supernatural, "good winning out over evil," alternative history? Hey, you'll want to read The Magdalene Code...soon!
G. A. Bixler
IP Book Reviewer
The Magdalene Code By Edmund Kwaw
G. A. Bixler is co-owner of an online review site of Independent Professional BookReviewers. She is an avid reader and has over 40 years experience in educational administration and publishing.
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