?A glorious finish? (Midwest Book Review) to the acclaimed trilogy of the Gifted. In The Begotten and The Betrayed, Lisa T. Bergren waged ?a classic battle of good and evil? (Publishers Weekly). Now, the war culminates in the most provocative chapter yet in the blessed and powerful mission of the Gifted. Thirteen in number, each of them possesses a divine purpose as catalysts in a war between … divine purpose as catalysts in a war between light and dark. Among them are Sir Gianni de Capezzana and Daria d?Angelo, who must face the church and avoid being burned as heretics. Trailed by the enemy, and on the run in an unpredictable land, they?re offered tenuous sanctuary where they find love? and unknown danger.
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The Blessed
The Gifted #3
by Lisa T. Bergren
(2021 updated edition)
The Gifted are still being hunted while seeking to recover Hasani. With their path being manipulated the Gifted were in need of allies but determining who could be trusted was not easy, because, as Daria had discovered “all men who wielded power were dangerous, in some measure.” A truth she knew all too well.
As their enemy moves against them the Gifted grow stronger as they are doing the work of the Lord. But standing firm is not always easy in the face of evil and its insidious methods. But through it all faith is the Gifted’s greatest weapon in their fight against the enemy.
This is the third and final book in The Gifted series. Each book must be read in order as each book builds on what came before. Set during the Middle Ages (mid 1300s) miracles and healings are an important focus of ones faith – it is interesting to see how this all plays out throughout this series. Daria’s gifts are both feared and coveted by those in power making her and those with her a threat. This is not a quick read nor an easy one because of the darkness seeking to destroy the light but this is a good read. Highly recommended for those who are looking for fiction with a spiritual aspect to it.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is the gripping conclusion to Lisa T. Bergren’s “The Gifted” series. Although they can be read as stand alone, I would recommend reading them in order so you know who each of the characters are and how they got to be where they are by this book. This book is fast paced and action packed. It shows how good can triumph over evil and that God still will do miracles. I thought it did a good job of showing how the world was in the 14th century especially in regards to people who were different. I do like Lisa’s writing style and she kept you engaged in the story the whole time. She also made you care about the characters and feel like you were there with them. I would recommend reading this series.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Their greatest battles lies ahead…
I’m at a bit of a loss as to where to start. The Gifted has been such a sweeping epic that encapsulating my thoughts on the dramatic and wrenching conclusion into a few paragraphs is quite difficult.
In many ways Blessed was the hardest book of the trilogy to read. Evil seems to triumph and reminiscent of Tolkein’s books things only get darker and seem more hopeless as the end draws closer. But…when things are darkest is when faith shines the brightest, when things seem hopeless is when God can do great miracles. I honestly don’t know what Lisa T. Bergren intended to be the deepest message through this story but I know that the things that reached down into my heart mainly revolved around the need to, use the Word of God as a sword when battling the enemy, to as the Bible says ‘count the cost’, that while obedience is better than sacrifice they often go hand in hand, and that our faith should match our God.
As to the fiction aspects of the story, Blessed is a very moving tale that engages your emotions and transports you to medieval France and Italy. I’ll admit that the plot didn’t always go the way I wanted it to, and sometimes I wanted to yell “NO!” out loud, but it tells you just how invested I was in the novel.
Once again I was completely impressed with Lisa T. Bergren’s skill at telling a story rife with the impossible without painting her characters with a modern brush. Thanks to the Age Of Enlightenment we have long been out of touch with the spiritual realm and with the miraculous aspects of our faith, both elements which people of the era in which The Gifted is set would have been familiar. The characters are wonderful in their tragedies, triumphs, and in their relatable human frailties.
Medieval era historical fiction, yes. An epic tale of intrigue and romance, yes. Valuable lessons in faith and spiritual warfare, yes. Blessed has all of that and more. Don’t miss The Gifted series from the talented pen of Lisa T. Bergren. Just remember the most important thing…after darkness comes light…
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
An incredible finale to the Gifted series! In this book, the one who prophesies is found and the seven “gifted” individuals are finally brought together, along with other faithful and loyal followers committed to their cause of defeating the darkness and spreading the light and the gospel. There are numerous sacrifices and losses on their journey but also new friends who bolster their faith and mission. With plenty of action and plot twists, The Blessed will keep you glued to the pages until the last battle is fought. A must-read for those who love medieval fiction with a bit of church history and a good dose of the supernatural.
Great book!! it will keep you reading