Reviews
The Seven Keys of Hildegard - Of Mercy & Of Death
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WHISTLER INDEPENDANT BOOK AWARDS
The writing is imaginative, clear and the themes well developed. Vivid imagery adds depth to the narrative. An ambitious, complex and interesting story.
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BREAKEVEN BOOKS REVIEW
This book pulled me in. There is this intense sense of urgency and the characters well developed. The book, jumping back and forth from different places around the world, took a whole new turn on good vs evil. There is so much more to explore in this series. I will be continuing this historical fiction series.
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REV. DR. SHANON STERRINGER, Hildegard Haus, Ohio, USA
David Dupuis has gone where few tread in his historical novel series. It takes readers into a Catholic world of politics, betrayal, superstition, seduction, prophesy and ritual, a world existing somewhere deep within the "fallen stars" struggling to get back to the Light. This historical series is a page-turner and pulls out a piece of Hildegard's charism not well-known. I loved how the author wove together so many historical nuggets into the fictional text. Hildegard and church history shine through!
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ABBEY, from the United States
As a Theology student who studied Hildegard, and interested to see what Dupuis would do with the character, I really enjoyed this book and the mystery woven throughout the story.
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A reader from the United States
A captivating novel. Dupuis intricately weaves historical fact with fiction and introduces the reader to ancient prophecies, popes, bishops and an 11th century nun. Filled with suspense, mystery and intrigue, you don’t have to be a historical fiction fan to be completely absorbed in this book. There were plenty of twists and turns that left me wanting for more. Highly recommended!
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TAMMY, from the United States
Interesting read. To be honest, I was engrossed in this book. I have recommended it to several members of my parish and also have recommended it as a purchase for the school library.
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A reader from the United States
Well researched and entertaining. Dupuis weaves historical fact with fiction. Filled with suspense, mystery, maneuvering through a century of church intrigue, as the fate of one small child is inextricably interwoven with his protectors and the church as they battle against dark forces preparing for the arrival of the Son of Lucifer. An ideal read for those who love thrillers saturated in conspiracies, religious lore and action.
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TAMMI, from the United States
Well-plotted, well-written with history, and intrigue. I lost sleep for three nights finishing it. Narrative flows smoothly between continents, characters, scenarios, and timelines. I was unaware this title was part of a series until I finished it, and I'm so happy the next book is already published and waiting for me!
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A reader from France
I felt drawn in by the plot . . . the journey was entertaining and kept me reading with gusto and even bated breath.
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A reader from England
I absolutely loved reading this book! I was drawn in from the start. I found throughout, mystery was maintained with just enough information regarding the 'keys' to have to keep reading. I will be reading the next book and look forward to the series as a whole!
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ALLAN, from Midland, Ontario, Canada
Very well written, this book had everything: mystery, suspense and surprise. From the opening page, the ups & downs left me wanting for more. Can't wait for the next book! It was a great book!
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THE PRAIRIE BOOK REVIEW
Dupuis pits dark forces against the Nazarene Church in this swiftly paced first installment in The Seven Keys of Hildegard series. Dupuis skillfully blends religious intrigue, action, and thrills of a chase, his worldbuilding vivid, and he creates some genuine intrigue in tackling events throughout the early 20th century.
The narrative is laced with enough twists and shocks that keep the reader invested until the last page. The pages flew by. Uplifting and satisfying. This engrossing blend of religious intrigue, action and intrigue will appeal to lovers of conspiracy thrillers.
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CAROLINE from England
I was bowled over by this well plotted, well written thriller which is perfect for Christians and non-Christians alike. Totally gripping. If you love mysteries and secrets, you will love this novel, I highly recommend it!
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CHEREI, from the United States
As i read I googled and what a fantastic tale! I sped through the book so quickly, I deliberately slowed down to savor the delightful story of intrigue and ancient prophecies. This one!! Dang!! It's superbly written. It will seriously wondering if it was divine inspiration that made you pick up this book. Really loved the story!
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A reader from the United States
An interesting and riveting book. I kept turning pages to learn more, to uncover more secrets. I loved it. This is one of those books that stay with you forever. I'll definitely be re-reading it!
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A reader from the United States
Absolutely loved this book! I was drawn in from the start. Mystery was maintained with just enough information given regarding the 'Keys' to want to keep reading. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
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A reader from Slovenia
Gripping historical fiction, adventure and mystery. Great story.
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ROBERT, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I'm not Catholic, nor religious but let me tell you, I could not put this book down! I must be spiritual because it had me totally engrossed, a real page turner. Then to find that it's half true and happening in our times. Wow! I didn't expect that. An amazing story. Can't wait for book 2 and the rest of the series to find out how the church, and the world fares. The author has a gift and weaves a great story. Definitely onto something and big!
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A reader from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
A very good read in the DaVinci Code genre. A mystery in the world of Catholicism. Loved identifying with Pope Pius. People the world over fascinated with the events of Fatima. The writing was excellent and kept my interest from page 1. Would appeal to anyone who likes a good mystery with a Canadian connection.
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SANDRA, from Kitchener, Ont. Canada
One of the best novels I’ve ever read! I couldn't put this book down. The use of historical facts combined with the intriguing fictional storyline kept me wanting more! It read like a combination of Thorn Birds and the DaVinci Code. I can't wait for Book 2!
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DON M. from Midland, Ontario, Canada
I couldn't put this book down. it's a classic "good vs evil" story that combines fact, fiction, religion, history and suspense that kept me reading faster just to get to the next page. David's ability to take the reader from the past to the future and back and forth from one continent to another is literary magic and his knowledge of religious history is amazing. I can't wait for Book 2 of this thrilling saga.
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KAY, from the United States
I really enjoyed this mystery, I thought it was a unique read and I enjoyed going through trying to solve it. I look forward to more from the author and this series.
The Seven Keys of Hildegard - Of Love & Of Betrayal
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Erik, BREAKEVEN BOOKS REVIEW
Historical fiction has never really been my thing, but Dupuis' first book in this series intrigued me and gave me liking for the genre. In this second book, the love is still there. The author builds anticipation for that big ending. Some of the relationships were very heartwarming and had me invested. These books deal with a caring and supportive family I like to see that in a book. I will definitely read the rest of this series.
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Fr. PETE MIHALIC, Fairport Harbor, Ohio. USA
I read the first two volumes and thoroughly enjoyed the exciting adventure of the classic, dualistic battle between good and evil in the context of this apocalyptic peeling away of the layers of history. I loved the way the author presented his characters in a narrative reflection on the developments and issues faced by the Church in the modern world. He highlights very clearly the Church’s holiness and the hellish temptations that face so many in the Church.
I lived in Rome during the time periods in this book and they brought back many memories and clearly highlighted so many key concerns faced by our world and the Church. I wait eagerly for coming volumes. I would love some day to see this story on the big screen!
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John, Penetanguishene, Ont. Canada
I enjoyed how many local connections there were in this book. As someone who lives in the same town as the author I was so excited to see those local connections. David makes the religious histories easy to read and understand. I could not put this down and in fact read it in 3 weeks which only leaves you wanting more. I can't wait until the third book.
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Suzanne, Tiny, Ont. Canada
Okay, David Dupuis, you've officially hooked me. Of Love and of Betrayal took me on a journey of self-discovery. I would rate this series of books up there with the DaVinci Code. Definitely one for the ages! Bracing myself for all the twists and turns in Book 3.
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Roger, Mexico
A hybrid of ‘Pillars of The Earth’ and 'The Thornbirds.' A fascinating historical timeline told through the filter of Good vs Evil. This book reveals the blemishes and the warts of the Vatican yet allows the reader to root for the hero who has a predestined future within it.
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Denis, Windsor, Ont. Canada
Captivating book of historical fiction and suspense. Second one in a series. Again, a great and quick read.
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THE PRAIRIE BOOK REVIEW
Gripping, meticulously researched, and full of surprises, Dupuis’s second installment in The Seven Keys of Hildegard series reveals the anarchy that lurks in shadows as the ancient keys inevitably turns.
Dupuis’s prose is crisp, and the provocative historical revelations keep readers enthralled. John XXIII’s complex character—calm and tough but also sentimental and a great visionary—is a triumph. The cat and mouse game between the Dark Watch and the church officials keeps the tension high. The final plot twist, while predictable, is thoroughly satisfying, and the way Dupuis resolves it will keep readers waiting anxiously for the third installment. At once intriguing and vividly detailed, this is a conspiracy thriller done right.
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Cherei, from the United States
Of Love & Of Betrayal (The Seven Keys of Hildegard Book 2) is the second book in the Seven Keys of Hildegard series by David Dupuis. If you love historical mysteries based upon real events and real people... especially as they're leading to the ultimate fight between God and the anti-Christ. I love how the story weaves fact and fiction together! The story is so well written that the reader will find themselves googling various popes and prophecies. What is so freaky... these are very real prophecies that have been handed down for centuries. I cannot wait to read the third book in the series! I do believe that the author is also being driven by divine inspiration.
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Sandra, Kitchener, Ont. Canada
Waited for this second book of the 5 novel series, and ordered it right away! OMG!! It just gets better and better!! The use of historical facts to create this suspense filled storyline, had me on the edge of my seat!! Like the first book, I couldn't put this second novel down!
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Don, Midland, Ont. Canada
WOW! This story has everything. It has suspense, intrigue, love, evil, the battle between good and bad, fact, fiction, history, prophecy and it never stops moving. From Rome to rural Canada to New York to Africa and across multiple centuries and into the future. What an amazing story!
The Seven Keys of Hildegard - Of Deception
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A reader from the United Kingdom
This series just keeps getting better and better, as hard as that is to believe because the first two books were amazing. How Dupuis can continue to weave such an interesting and captivating, interwoven historical-fiction tale is mindboggling? This story continues to keep the reader guessing and is pure magic. The fact that Book 3 occurred in the late 1970s and 1980s brought back so many memories. How does he do it? Keep on writing!
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Myra Gail, Sudbury, Ont. Canada
This book kept me on my toes and met my expectations. I have read all 3 books now and I am waiting for the next with anticipation. The Author gives you history, murder and excitement.
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Sue, Tiny, Ont. Canada
Got this beauty for Mothers Day! I have been trying hard to savor it lol! I know it will take a bit for book 4. And it hurt a bit I'm not going to lie to wait for this one. Not just because I am from the area but once you read one you are hooked. Suspenseful and we'll written. Thank you for your talent. Would make an awesome Netflix or Prime series!!
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Suzanne, from Tiny, Ont. Canada
I felt like David was writing this story just for me. I loved following along and calculating in my head how old I would have been at the time-I grew up in the 1980's. The author took us once again around the world but I particularly looked forward to the local landmarks ie: Martyrs Shrine, The Commodore Hotel, Tiny Township and Marygrove Camp. I couldn't help but once again be completely entwined, engrossed & entertained.