The Poet Prince

The Poet Prince

Be prepared to question your traditional views on Relgion and History itself. Let's hope mankind can learn from the past and live together in peace and love.

A disappointing sequel

Having read Kathleen McGowan's earlier Magadelene Line series, I was looking forward to diving into "The Poet Prince" and frankly the first two thirds of the book didn't let me down. I enjoyed the continuation of the story-line, although even from the outset the writing felt a little lighter and less engaging than the previous novels. I was completely disappointed by the last third of the book. It felt rushed, like a freshman who has just been told they have two minutes to wrap up an essay question. Would I read another book in this series? Yes, if only because I enjoy the subject matter. Would I rush out to buy the next book in the series? No, I'd rather spend my money on something with a little more "hook" to it. I'd wait until I found it on the bargain shelf. Overall I would recommend the series a book club, with the awareness that it could bring up some readers might be uncomfortable with the depiction of the Catholic church.

Puts an Interesting Twist on the Secret History Genre

Back when McGowan's The Expected One caught my eye, it looked like another entry in the growing number of "secret history" novels that cropped up in the best-selling wake of the DaVinci Code. Reading that book showed McGowan had the goods to deliver more than just a quick-buck copycat. Now, three books into the Magdalene Line series, McGowan again delivers her unique blend of historical fiction, alternative spirituality, with just a touch of romance. I eagerly anticipated this book's release and, in general, was not disappointed. If I have one quibble, it's that the quite intriguing historical storyline tends to dominate in this installment to the detriment of the contemporary protagonists. The Expected One was very much about Berenger and Maureen. In this book, their story seems to be on hold and sublimated to the historical ones. Still, the story of the Medicis and Renaissance Florence is so compelling, it's easy enough to forgive and forget this minor flaw. Let's hope that subsequent installments correct that balance and restore the contemporary story to prominence.

A Literary Masterpiece

Magnifico!
McGowan delivers again! The Poet Prince is an exciting, intellectual, and passionate romp! The author repeatedly escorts the reader from Present Day back to the Renaissance Period with seamless skill. Thought provoking, inspiring and mind bending; yet it requires little effort by the reader. Ms. McGowan, I thank you for bringing Lorenzo, Sandro, Michaelangelo, et al back to life for us.

I patiently await her 4th masterpiece. If you have not read McGowan's previous two books, I strongly encourage that you do so! "The Expected One" and "The Book of Love".

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