The Hildegard Prophecies · Book 1
The Hildegard Prophecies
Book One of an Epic Historical Saga
Originally published as Of Mercy & Of Death
A forgotten prophecy. A murdered father. A destiny that will span generations.
- Published
- 2018
- Publisher
- Friesen Press
- Reading order
- Book 1
About this book
THE THORN BIRDS, THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, THE EXORCIST and THE DA VINCI CODE converge in this sweeping historical-fiction series.
In 1167, the German abbess Hildegard of Bingen receives seven extraordinary visions foretelling humanity's final struggle between good and evil. Believing they are meant for a distant age, she records them as seven mysterious “Keys,” each destined to turn eight centuries in the future—in our own time.
The First Key begins to turn in 1917 when the Virgin Mary appears to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal. But was there another secret, one hidden from the world and guarded through the centuries?
Then, in 1936, a gifted young Italian is hurled to his death from the side of a mountain, setting in motion a chain of mysterious events known only to a select few as The Seven Keys. Before his murder, he unknowingly fathers a son whose very existence must remain hidden from powerful forces determined to destroy an ancient prophecy before it can unfold.
With the quiet assistance of a compassionate young priest named Albino Luciani and a secret Vatican operation, the child's frightened mother escapes to America, carrying with her the future of a bloodline that will one day alter the course of history.
As Europe descends toward war, popes, bishops, secret societies and ordinary men and women become caught in an invisible struggle stretching across generations. Some believe they are shaping history. Others have no idea that history has already chosen them.
Meticulously researched and richly imagined, The Hildegard Prophecies is the first novel in an epic historical saga spanning more than a century. Blending real Church and world history with compelling fiction, award-winning author David Dupuis leads readers from the Vatican to New York City, from the quiet shores of Georgian Bay to the great events of the twentieth century, weaving together faith and doubt, miracles and murder, destiny and free will in a story where truth and fiction become almost impossible to separate.
The ending remains unwritten. But one thing is certain. The march toward Armageddon has begun.
Reader response
What readers said about The Hildegard Prophecies
“The writing is imaginative, clear and the themes well developed. Vivid imagery adds depth to the narrative. An ambitious, complex and interesting story.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
Start reading free
A Reader’s Guide
Eight centuries ago, she saw how it ends. This free Reader's Guide opens the world of “The Hildegard Prophecies” — Hildegard's Seven Keys, the people who guard them and the road to Book 6, Signs. Enter your name and email to unlock the free 8-page guide.