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The Seer and The Scribe #1
Spear of Destiny
Luminis Books presents this suspenseful tale of power, secrets, and darkness in a story that transcends time.
In medieval Germany, Hildegard of Bingen was born with a gift--the ability to see beyond this earthly realm. But a gift can also be a burden, especially when Hildegard's vision helps her witness the vicious murder of a monk at the monastery of Disibodenberg.
When the peace of the monastery is shattered by a second gruesome murder, Hildegard seeks the help of Volmar, her trusted scribe. Together, they discover a treacherous plot to seize the Spear of Destiny--a holy relic rumored to bear a curse that haunts anyone who tries to wield its power for their own purposes.
In turn, Volmar and Hildegard are cast into a web of violence and intrigue spawned by the greed of power-hungry noblemen, deceitful clerics, and the ambitions of a secret society sworn to protect the warriors of the Crusades.
Book One of The Seer and the Scribe series begins where recorded history is silent, introducing you to the extraordinary lives of Hildegard and Volmar, as they challenge the darkness of this fearful time.
YOUNG ADULT / EPIC FANTASY / HISTORICAL FICTION / MEDIEVAL TIMES / STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONISTS / PSYCHIC VISIONS / THE CRUSADES
In medieval Germany, Hildegard of Bingen was born with a gift--the ability to see beyond this earthly realm. But a gift can also be a burden, especially when Hildegard's vision helps her witness the vicious murder of a monk at the monastery of Disibodenberg.
When the peace of the monastery is shattered by a second gruesome murder, Hildegard seeks the help of Volmar, her trusted scribe. Together, they discover a treacherous plot to seize the Spear of Destiny--a holy relic rumored to bear a curse that haunts anyone who tries to wield its power for their own purposes.
In turn, Volmar and Hildegard are cast into a web of violence and intrigue spawned by the greed of power-hungry noblemen, deceitful clerics, and the ambitions of a secret society sworn to protect the warriors of the Crusades.
Book One of The Seer and the Scribe series begins where recorded history is silent, introducing you to the extraordinary lives of Hildegard and Volmar, as they challenge the darkness of this fearful time.
YOUNG ADULT / EPIC FANTASY / HISTORICAL FICTION / MEDIEVAL TIMES / STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONISTS / PSYCHIC VISIONS / THE CRUSADES
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
About the author
G.M. Dyrek
3 books3 followersGrace McIntosh Dyrek was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and has lived in over 30 addresses.
She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and two masters degrees, one in psychology and one in library media education. She's had many jobs, declaring a new career with each move, ranging from an emergency room counselor to a graphic illustrator for the C.I.A.. She is now the librarian at a middle school for 1200 students.
Her only son was born in Asia.
Quite frankly her characters write the stories. She only hopes they will continue to let her eavesdrop in on their conversations and intriguing lives.
She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and two masters degrees, one in psychology and one in library media education. She's had many jobs, declaring a new career with each move, ranging from an emergency room counselor to a graphic illustrator for the C.I.A.. She is now the librarian at a middle school for 1200 students.
Her only son was born in Asia.
Quite frankly her characters write the stories. She only hopes they will continue to let her eavesdrop in on their conversations and intriguing lives.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 5, 2019
This was a great read. The Spear of Destiny is always a good plot line, but in this case it is not over done, the author choosing instead to allow her characters to shine forth, and let the spear simply become part of the plot—not the plot itself.
I enjoyed this mystery very much, however, although the book description gives the impression that the story revolves around St. Hildegard and her scribe, Volmar, the story is mostly about Volmar, which is fine, but I would have loved to see more of Hildegard. Perhaps, if Ms. Dyrek ever chooses to finish the series, we will see more of Hildegard.
I enjoyed this mystery very much, however, although the book description gives the impression that the story revolves around St. Hildegard and her scribe, Volmar, the story is mostly about Volmar, which is fine, but I would have loved to see more of Hildegard. Perhaps, if Ms. Dyrek ever chooses to finish the series, we will see more of Hildegard.
October 8, 2011
"The Seer and the Scribe: Spear of Destiny" a Review by Loren Foster
The Seer and the Scribe: Spear of Destiny
By: G.M. Dyrek
Publisher Name: Luminis Books
Imprint: Myrick Marketing & Media, LLCeBook ISBN 9781935462408
ISBN 9781935462392
Publish Date
April 30, 2011
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Fiction > Juvenile/YA Fiction > Children’s Fiction > Historical > Medieval > Mystery > Thriller > Religion > Monastic > Crusades
Paperback: 288 pages
Amazon.com priced at $12.71
In “The Seer and the Scribe: Spear of Destiny” author G.M. Dyrek puts quill to vellum and casts illumination onto a turbulent period of what was once considered the ‘Dark Ages.’ Set in and around the medieval German monastery of Disibodenberg, our cast of players must wend their way through tough and thorny predicaments: societal expectations and obligations of young adults, to marry or take up the cloth; self imposed religious proscriptions; monastic Benedictine Rules; Papal authority and the ramifications of the First Crusade, influx of wealth and holy relics; the rise of militant religious orders such as the Order of Saint John’s Knights Hospitaller; and the greed of political leaders. All wanting a share of the humble pie.
Into this mix is thrust a young orphan, Volmar, who by using his wits and observations rises from a lowly position of stable boy to becoming the Abbot’s scribe.
Volmar’s interactions with an equally young Hildegard of Bingen, who reluctantly claims to have both visions of futures yet to come, and an ability to communicate with those now past beyond the realm of the living, test both their spiritual and worldly vows as they struggle to survive.
Piercing monastic tranquility, as once it did the side of Jesus, the legendary Spear of Longinus skewers and wrecks its cursed relic way into the heart of the story. In its convoluted pursuit more than Cocks are fought, as violence and murder impinges and walls are found to have hidden doors hinges. In the shadows books long thought lost are found, as clues to the true identity of a more recent Judas is sought.
Out of the near silence of recorded history, Dyrek breathes life into a cold case murder mystery, that will keep modern C.S.I. fans on the edge of their test tubes. Offering copious footnotes, maps and illustrations, the breadth and depth of monastic life escalate it and its inhabitants far above its juvenile fiction marketing goal.
I look forward to reading more from our Gothic crime fighting Monastic Duo. Move over Gotham city, their are new bats in this belfry!
Loren Foster http://shadolrds.wordpress.com/
"From Whom Words Shadow Doles" /DOLE archaic: one's allotted share, portion, or destiny
The Seer and the Scribe: Spear of Destiny
By: G.M. Dyrek
Publisher Name: Luminis Books
Imprint: Myrick Marketing & Media, LLCeBook ISBN 9781935462408
ISBN 9781935462392
Publish Date
April 30, 2011
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Fiction > Juvenile/YA Fiction > Children’s Fiction > Historical > Medieval > Mystery > Thriller > Religion > Monastic > Crusades
Paperback: 288 pages
Amazon.com priced at $12.71
In “The Seer and the Scribe: Spear of Destiny” author G.M. Dyrek puts quill to vellum and casts illumination onto a turbulent period of what was once considered the ‘Dark Ages.’ Set in and around the medieval German monastery of Disibodenberg, our cast of players must wend their way through tough and thorny predicaments: societal expectations and obligations of young adults, to marry or take up the cloth; self imposed religious proscriptions; monastic Benedictine Rules; Papal authority and the ramifications of the First Crusade, influx of wealth and holy relics; the rise of militant religious orders such as the Order of Saint John’s Knights Hospitaller; and the greed of political leaders. All wanting a share of the humble pie.
Into this mix is thrust a young orphan, Volmar, who by using his wits and observations rises from a lowly position of stable boy to becoming the Abbot’s scribe.
Volmar’s interactions with an equally young Hildegard of Bingen, who reluctantly claims to have both visions of futures yet to come, and an ability to communicate with those now past beyond the realm of the living, test both their spiritual and worldly vows as they struggle to survive.
Piercing monastic tranquility, as once it did the side of Jesus, the legendary Spear of Longinus skewers and wrecks its cursed relic way into the heart of the story. In its convoluted pursuit more than Cocks are fought, as violence and murder impinges and walls are found to have hidden doors hinges. In the shadows books long thought lost are found, as clues to the true identity of a more recent Judas is sought.
Out of the near silence of recorded history, Dyrek breathes life into a cold case murder mystery, that will keep modern C.S.I. fans on the edge of their test tubes. Offering copious footnotes, maps and illustrations, the breadth and depth of monastic life escalate it and its inhabitants far above its juvenile fiction marketing goal.
I look forward to reading more from our Gothic crime fighting Monastic Duo. Move over Gotham city, their are new bats in this belfry!
Loren Foster http://shadolrds.wordpress.com/
"From Whom Words Shadow Doles" /DOLE archaic: one's allotted share, portion, or destiny
January 16, 2012
The Seer and the Scribe is an enchanting medieval murder mystery set in the historical monastery of Disibodenberg, bringing to life the remarkable historical figure Hildegard von Bingen.
One thing that sets apart this book is the artwork. G. M. Dyrek did the drawings herself, and the maps, especially, are detailed and provide visual context. As for layout, rather than inconveniently stuffing a bunch endnotes at the back of the book, one finds footnotes that provide extra meaning to the rituals of the medieval monastic life.
Throughout the story, the characters are not simply agents of action, but people with distinct qualities. The historian, thief, philosopher, victim, healer, detective, orphan, artist, warrior, and others reveal experiences or personify qualities we find in ourselves. Rather than focus on just the protagonist and antagonist, G. M. Dyrek sheds light on the human condition through peering into the recesses of the minds and souls of many characters. It was nice to attach to the struggles and stories of more people than just Hildegard. The first half of the book builds the characters and context, and the second half unfolds some conflicts that the reader would expect along with many surprising and intriguing ones.
The Seer and the Scribe educates as well as entertains. The political and social realities of medieval Europe come to life in a fluid rather than a critical way. Subtly woven through the story are realities of medieval social classes, life in the Crusades, Papal vs. State authority, the dread of diseases, cause and effect faith, the greed for power, unrequited love, and the simplicity of life in a small community that wrestles with the powers of darkness that tempt us all.
The entire book caused me to reflect on the consequences of choices. The undercurrent of "you make your choices, and then they make you" flows throughout the story. You get to know each character - for who they were and who they become - through glimpses into how choices shaped their lives. This was the most impactful theme for me as an adult, who, at mid-life, is reflecting on who I have become and what choices have shaped my life.
It is not surprising to me why this book received the Moonbeam Award (silver medal). I recommend this book one of the Seer and the Scribe for adults and teens who want to enjoy a mystery while learning about history and reflecting more deeply on the human condition.
One thing that sets apart this book is the artwork. G. M. Dyrek did the drawings herself, and the maps, especially, are detailed and provide visual context. As for layout, rather than inconveniently stuffing a bunch endnotes at the back of the book, one finds footnotes that provide extra meaning to the rituals of the medieval monastic life.
Throughout the story, the characters are not simply agents of action, but people with distinct qualities. The historian, thief, philosopher, victim, healer, detective, orphan, artist, warrior, and others reveal experiences or personify qualities we find in ourselves. Rather than focus on just the protagonist and antagonist, G. M. Dyrek sheds light on the human condition through peering into the recesses of the minds and souls of many characters. It was nice to attach to the struggles and stories of more people than just Hildegard. The first half of the book builds the characters and context, and the second half unfolds some conflicts that the reader would expect along with many surprising and intriguing ones.
The Seer and the Scribe educates as well as entertains. The political and social realities of medieval Europe come to life in a fluid rather than a critical way. Subtly woven through the story are realities of medieval social classes, life in the Crusades, Papal vs. State authority, the dread of diseases, cause and effect faith, the greed for power, unrequited love, and the simplicity of life in a small community that wrestles with the powers of darkness that tempt us all.
The entire book caused me to reflect on the consequences of choices. The undercurrent of "you make your choices, and then they make you" flows throughout the story. You get to know each character - for who they were and who they become - through glimpses into how choices shaped their lives. This was the most impactful theme for me as an adult, who, at mid-life, is reflecting on who I have become and what choices have shaped my life.
It is not surprising to me why this book received the Moonbeam Award (silver medal). I recommend this book one of the Seer and the Scribe for adults and teens who want to enjoy a mystery while learning about history and reflecting more deeply on the human condition.
August 30, 2011
Today, College Girl thought she would write about a different book that didn't fall in with her preferred genre of fantasy. Here is what she had to say about it.
"Of course, after the first few chapters, I hardly noticed. The night I finished book one of G.M. Dyrek's The Seer and the Scribe series, I stayed up late to do it. I couldn't stop turning the pages and had to know what happened next. Nothing turned out the way I expected, but I was smiling by the end.
Spear of Destiny is the first book in a series that "begins where recorded history is silent" introducing characters such as Hildegard of Bingen and Volmar, a monk and scribe at the monastery at Disibodenberg. The story is set in 12th century Germany, which is a period I know I've never studied. Despite that, I had no trouble at all keeping track of what was happening in the book. Everything starts fairly suddenly, with news of Hildegard's talents as a seer that allowed her to see a murder that had taken place generations ago at the monastery. Volmar listens to her story and helps her find proof that it was true, but before they can find a way to bring the old murderer to justice, Volmar is told of a holy relic with a powerful curse. When another body turns up at the monastery, it is up to Volmar's scientific mind to find out what really happened.
The book isn't very slow to start; it seems to be just the right amount between the opening scenes and the first subplot. Foot notes are provided at the bottom to explain details of monastic life that modern readers may not understand otherwise. I don't normally read historical fiction or murder mysteries, but I already want to get a copy of the next book in the series, Methuselah's Secret. Another cool detail: the author's son and niece are the models for Volmar and Hildegard, respectively. They appear on the cover and in the pencil illustrations inside. The illustrations added another cool angle when they appeared; the black and white style seemed very complementary of the setting and time period of the story. Thank you so much to my mom over at Crazed Mind for letting me review the book. I loved it!"
No money was made off of theses reviews. They are just our opinions.
"Of course, after the first few chapters, I hardly noticed. The night I finished book one of G.M. Dyrek's The Seer and the Scribe series, I stayed up late to do it. I couldn't stop turning the pages and had to know what happened next. Nothing turned out the way I expected, but I was smiling by the end.
Spear of Destiny is the first book in a series that "begins where recorded history is silent" introducing characters such as Hildegard of Bingen and Volmar, a monk and scribe at the monastery at Disibodenberg. The story is set in 12th century Germany, which is a period I know I've never studied. Despite that, I had no trouble at all keeping track of what was happening in the book. Everything starts fairly suddenly, with news of Hildegard's talents as a seer that allowed her to see a murder that had taken place generations ago at the monastery. Volmar listens to her story and helps her find proof that it was true, but before they can find a way to bring the old murderer to justice, Volmar is told of a holy relic with a powerful curse. When another body turns up at the monastery, it is up to Volmar's scientific mind to find out what really happened.
The book isn't very slow to start; it seems to be just the right amount between the opening scenes and the first subplot. Foot notes are provided at the bottom to explain details of monastic life that modern readers may not understand otherwise. I don't normally read historical fiction or murder mysteries, but I already want to get a copy of the next book in the series, Methuselah's Secret. Another cool detail: the author's son and niece are the models for Volmar and Hildegard, respectively. They appear on the cover and in the pencil illustrations inside. The illustrations added another cool angle when they appeared; the black and white style seemed very complementary of the setting and time period of the story. Thank you so much to my mom over at Crazed Mind for letting me review the book. I loved it!"
No money was made off of theses reviews. They are just our opinions.
November 3, 2012
The shortening days and growing coolness of autumn make nesting with a really good book all the more appealing; especially a riveting mystery or vivid history. The Seer and the Scribe by G.M. Dyrek is the best of both; a riveting mystical mystery with lavish historical detail that makes the medieval world, and its real life characters, come alive.
The characters in the book are based on people who really lived, most notably, Hildegarde of Bingen, who was a Renaissance woman before the Renaissance. G.M. Dyrek did a beautiful job of taking what could have been very dry subject matter, and giving it depth and life.
Hildegarde, Volmar, and Sophie, are fully dimensional young adult people with real fears, feelings and failures, but also curiosity, courage and compassion. There is also a strong supporting cast of both heroes and villains that provide plenty of challenges and opportunities for the main three characters to find out about themselves and their capabilities.
The setting, Disibodenberg, a German monastery early in the 12th century, provides a vivid setting for the characters and action. The anchorage, infirmary, and library and routines of monastic life are described in great detail. They never, however, become so ponderous that they take away from the story. Rather, the history and setting are skillfully woven in with the characters and plot to create a seamless whole.
The plot, like the history it covers, has many twists and turns, but the pacing never lags, or goes so fast that the reader loses track. The story, in fact, makes the real history more appealing and exciting, by reminding readers that people who lived eight hundred years ago were real people, living real lives, who made possible the world we live in today.
http://www.gmdyrek.com/#!
May 4, 2011
I just finished this book. It only took me a few days to read. It is a great book! I kept thinking, "This book would make a great movie!" I know nothing about monastaries, but the story was so clear and vivid, I thought I was right there living it. There is a bit of everything--historical fiction, a hint of romance, the supernatural, and murder mystery. The characters of Volmar and Hildegard were brilliant. The book was well written with great illustrations. Like I mentioned earlier--I don't know much about monastaries, but the author did this brilliant thing by putting footnotes on the pages which gave definitions and explanations to words I was not familiar with. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 26, 2012
I love historical fiction, especially about little-known periods of history, such as Germany in the early 12th century. I bought this book not knowing what to expect, and I was sucked into the story from the first scene and could hardly put it down. The characters are so well-drawn they feel like real people. The details of setting and situation are thoroughly researched, and it shows in the effortless way the author used all these threads to weave a fascinating story. Hildegard and Volmar have become two of my all-time favorite characters, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 1, 2012
I have mixed emotions about this book. On one hand, as a history teacher looking for a way to teach about monastic life during the Renaissance time period, it is an excellent read. The historical detail is rich and the descriptions are full of historical accuracy. On the other hand, I was not drawn into the story right away and found that there were almost too many characters central to the plot. I am hoping the English teacher will team up with me and teach it as I don't think it will be a huge win in my history class.
August 17, 2011
I am enjoyed reading this story. The author has created a mystery that will appeal to high school students and adults.
Want to Read
September 28, 2018This is my librarians book
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews