The Blessed (A Novel of the Gifted)

This is the 3rd book in this series that follows an eclectic group of thirteen people--The Gifted. The Gifted are an odd mix of men, women and children, each possessing a special talent bestowed upon them by God to aid the group on its quest. They have been called to Avignon, the new home of the Church, and to the very place and people who may well destroy them all. Led by Daria (a healer), they make their way to fulfill an ancient prophecy--to rid the Church of corruption and to make God's message available to the common man--even as they are hunted by the purest darkness, intent on crushing not only the Gifted, but all things holy. ***** FOUR AND A HALF STARS! Somehow, the author has managed the incredible challenge of weaving a story that is rich in history, drama, spiritualism, romance, suspense and pure unadulterated Evil into a tapestry that is a thrill to experience! As they travel, they begin to gain supporters and believers, the elite that are needed to gain the Pope's ear and to stand with them during the ultimate showdown. Although exercising any of the gifts that these people are blessed with is no small thing, I was especially awed reading of Daria's healings--scenes so intense they left me with goose bumps! Conversely, I was equally creeped-out about reading of a very real Satan's successful manipulations and how easily even holy men were drawn into the web of deceit and depravity. This is the first book of this series that I've read, and even with references to earlier occurrences, I didn't feel that I missed anything by not having read them first. This book is excellent and is able to stand all on its own! Given how intriguing the characters and message in this book are though, I can't wait to read the first two! The Blessed will leave you thinking back to these wonderful characters again and again. This is not your typical story of good vs. evil! Highly recommended! ***** Reviewed by Tracey Naylor for Huntress Reviews.

What an ending, I don't know if I should celebrate or grieve. I miss the characters and long for more. I can only hope that the inspiration that lead Lisa T. Bergen to writing this series will inspire her to revisit this subject and characters in a follow up series. How wonderful it would be to see the descendants of Lady Daria and Sir Gianni discover their spiritual gifts in the 21st century.

I could hardly wait to read "The Blessed". Lisa continued the story of good and evil showing the faithful to reign in the end, as it will be for all Christians. I now own a copy which has completed by set of The Gifted. It is right up there on the shelf next to my Chronicles of Narnia and the Left Behind Series. Every couple years I read through these series, they never get old. The Gifted will be part of this tradition now. I highly recommend this series to all readers. It is full of suspense, love and truth. Way to go Lisa!

I read Begotten & Betrayed and liked them also. But, The Blessed was soooo good I had to write a review. Suspenseful: I can usually figure out what will happen in a TV show, sometimes in a book, but was totally held in between excitement and fear during this story. Daria & her knight the G-man (my nickname) with the rest of the Gifted are traveling to Avignon to see the Pope. They want the Church to share the Word with the people. Abramo Amidei, servant of the dark, rich and influential, is following, laying traps, killing and attempting to thwart the Gifted with the help of nobles and even some Cardinals. The Blessed has enough new charachters, plot twists and turns, highs and lows to stop me from putting it down during the last 100 pages. The good guys win but the bad guys don't lose, yet; the battle continues. I hope this series does too!

The Gifted are a group of thirteen men, women and children from all walks of life; each endowed with a gift from God who sends them on a mission. According to a glass map they must travel to Avignon where the papacy is headquartered. They have a message to deliver to Pope Cornelius, but the evil men endowed with the Dark One's powers try to prevent them from reaching him. Vincenzo de Bruce and his mentor Abramo fail n their attempt to kill them. Daria D'Angelo who was betrayed by her Uncle Vincenzo is a healer who when demonstrated God's powers she seems to convert most who observe her. The defection of her uncle hurts her badly and she hates Abramo who held her prisoner doing horrific things to her. She and the other Gifted know what awaits them in Avignon; corruption of the Cardinals by their enemies and influencing the pope by the Gifted who now have a loyal following from believers. A showdown is coming with the Gifted praying they are victorious. The third tale in the Gifted trilogy (see BETRAYED and BEGOTTEN) comes to a glorious finish. The de facto leader of the group is Daria, a strong independent woman who willingly suffers for God, but remains steadfast in her love and worship of Him. Besides wanting to clean out the depraved at the papal Court, the Gifted believe that the Word needs to be spoken in the native dialect and a worshipper do not a middle man priest to pray to God. This religious thriller is enthralling, filled with action and fascinating characters, and many messages, not all subtle, for the reader to ponder. Harriet Klausner