Mary Magdalene as a biblical and historical figure has been much maligned over the years.

In this book, Valtos uses his unique approach to story telling to bring out many of the controversies and historical findings to create a rich and compelling story of the Magdalene.

An infant is found on the steps of a convent in Spain, and is brought up within the order. She is cared for primarily by a single nun. A woman who became her surrogate mother, her playmate, her teacher and in the end, one who introduces her to her true legacy. At the age of eighteen, the girl known as Sister Mariamme begins to behave in a peculiar manner.She argues with those in authority, including priests who are offering Mass. She disputes the Gospels, and even tries to remove any crucifix that enters her sight.Most peculiar of all, She claims that she is Mary, the Magdalene. The Church sends in a Jesuit psychiatrist, at first believing that she is suffering from mental illness. Then things change, and Vatican itself becomes involved in what can only be described as a cover up.

People die.

Theophanos Niikonos, ( who first appeared in the book The Authenticator) becomes involved in this case when La Magdalena as she is now called by many, discreetly hands over a document and requests that he deliver it for her. She does this when she encounters him during a visit to a cathedral.

The story that unfolds is one that uses science and religion to prove ( or disprove) the truth about reincarnation. Many legitimate studies on the subject are quoted. The science behind DNA testing and carbon-14 dating are used to explore the possibilities. The history and the dedication of the Templar's in regards to the Sangreal are addressed.
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So here's the deal: If you liked the DaVinci Code, you'll REALLY like this one. If you hated the DaVinci Code or were offended by its contents, don't read this one. It was written a year before the DaVinci Code (I had to check because of the similarities), but sadly didn't make the bestseller lists nor the big hype of Brown's book.

I'll try to give a brief synopsis without giving anything away, because to do so would be to kill the story for anyone interested.

In the Great Cathedral of Valencia, which supposedly contains the Holy Grail, a young nun brushes against Theo Nikonos, a private investigator who is in Spain for some needed vacation time. As a sidebar, I haven't read the book which precedes this one so I don't know his whole story. Anyway, the nun says something like "I knew you'd find me," hands him an envelope and tells him to take it to one Padre Serrano. She cautions him that there are watchers everywhere, and sure enough, after he leaves the cathedral, someone bumps into him and steals the envelope. Things get even weirder...after he visits said Padre, the small juice bar cafe where they've met is bombed and Theo comes out the lone survivor. But this was after Padre Serrano gives Theo a bit of shocking news: it seems that nun, Sister Mariamme, known as La Magdalena, believes thoroughly that she is the reincarnation of Mary Magadalen. She speaks several ancient languages, knows things about the time period intimately, and is protected by an order of nuns in a convent where no man is allowed to enter. After the Padre's death, Theo is determined to carry on the work started by Serrano: he wants to prove or disprove her claims. But as always, there are those that don't want him to complete his task, and his life is put in danger.

I must say that in the wrong hands, the book could have turned out to be incredibly stupid & a waste of time. However, Valtos does a great job and the story is one you won't put down after starting it.

I would definitely recommend it if you're interested in stories about reincarnation & science; or if you are into the Knights Templar. ( )