The Black Madonna (Center Point Christian Mysteries)

by Davis Bunn

Following the internationally acclaimed Gold of Kings, Storm Syrrell returns in the compelling story of The Black Madonna.

Antiques expert Storm Syrrell heads to Europe to investigate the clandestine trade in religious artifacts. She dismisses superstitious tales of miraculous healings and divine omens. Yet when an obsessive Russian oligarch calls-just as her friend Harry Bennett vanishes-all assumptions must be cast aside. Storm seeks answers in a medieval monastery. There, the scarred visage of an icon provokes ever more startling questions. Is she prepared to confront both earthly and spiritual powers? Storm remains haunted by lessons in love and betrayal that lie just outside her grasp. But hesitation now holds mortal consequences.

• ISBN10: 1439164894
• ISBN13: 9781439164891
• Publish Date: 7 September 2010
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Gallery
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 336
• Language: English

Reviews

[cherryblossommj]

The Black Madonna is the sequel to Gold of Kings. I knew this was to be a similar type book, but I did not realize it was a sequel. Boy was I excited when I discovered that! (And I must add that I like the new cover of GoK that matches TBM...) In May 2009, I had this to say about Gold of Kings:

Now this was a fun book! "Gold of Kings" is quite adventurous and easily can be visualized as an action film much like National Treasure or the Da Vinci Code films in theory. The reading of this book gives off a similar vibe to Matt Bronleewe's August Adams series (Illuminated, House of Wolves), although it is not quite as cool in my opinion as I just loved those books, but really like this one.

There are really three main characters that you are following through out the book in their physical, mental, and spiritual battles. The adventure is laid out for the reader to enjoy right along with the characters. The only flaw points that draw me back are the parts where a character figures something out, but it is hidden from the reader. That makes me feel like an outsider, and I love the stories that are as if you are right along side them, and not viewing from a window, you know?

One of the best parts about this book are the historical facts and images that are brought to life and explained through out. As the characters are learning some historical pieces of the puzzle the explanations are given to the reader as well in an intriguing manner. Maybe it is because I have a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and this is just my thing, but over all I was thoroughly impressed and plan to look for more titles like this from Davis Bunn in the future.

Now, about this latest adventure with Storm, Emma and Harry... is it possible to say almost the exact same thing about the second book The Black Madonna?! The only thing I'd change is my opinion of calling the story-point a flaw. After reflection as well as an email conversation with the author, I do not think that it's a flaw anymore. It is different to me and something a little out of my own comfort zone, but it does prove to add to the suspense.

I both hate and like the ending. At the same time it is much like a film that makes you wonder, but that's not my personal preference although I know it sells. As a whole I really enjoy Davis Bunn's suspense and adventure novels. Coming from reading The Gold of Kings to continuing the story here it was nice to learn a bit more of the personality and character of homeland security agent Emma. I still would call this Storm's series though.

*Thanks to Howard Books for providing a copy for review through Glass Roads PR.*