In the Arms of Immortals: A Novel of Darkness and Light

Chronicles of the Scribe #2

by Ginger Garrett

The Black Death sweeps through a Sicilian village in Book Two of Ginger Garrett’s unforgettable Chronicles of the Scribe series

 

It starts when a strange ship docks in the village harbor. That night an old man falls ill…then the baker’s wife…then a street urchin. By morning half the townspeople are dead and more are dying—horribly. And no one in town has a clue how to stop it. Not the local priest. Not the rich baron or his powerful knight. And not the three women at the heart of this book: the baron’s proud daughter, Panthea, the outcast healer Gio, and Mariskka, an unwilling visitor from another time. This fast-moving, richly imagined tale is a sure winner for lovers of historical fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Christian Romance, Fantasy

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Ginger Garrett is the author of the middle grade titles Name Tags and Other Sixth Grade Disasters (Carolrhoda Press) and The Last Monster (Delacorte Press/Random House) as well as other titles for women.

A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband, three children and her 27th rescue dog, Watson.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. It has been far too long since I've lost myself in the pages of a Ginger Garrett novel. In the Arms of Immortals is Garrett's second novel that examines critical turning points in medieval history that changed women's lives forever. In the Shadow of Lions touched on the untold story of Anne Boleyn's faith, and her role in making the scriptures available in an English translation, threatening the religious establishment and allowing individuals to discover and grapple with the tenets of their faith without relying on the church as an intermediary. Immortals takes readers back to 14th-century Sicily, a time when women were granted no voice in the church and introduces Gio, an outcast healer wounded and misunderstood by the very institution that should have heard and protected her, and Panthea, a spoiled baron's daughter whose secret struggles threaten her very soul. When plague arrives in Sicily, and illness which brings a horror and devastation the like of which has never been seen before, Gio and Panthea are faced with a choice -- how do you live when there's no answer to the whys, when God seems silent, and devastation rains down on saint and sinner alike?

Garrett retains the modern-day framing device used in her previous standalone Scribe novel, that of an unsaved woman being given a reprieve through an angelic Scribe's story. Mariskka, briefly introduced in the first novel, is thrust back in time to witness the story that could change her life, but she is powerless to speak once she finds herself in 1347 Sicily, knowing it lies on the precipice of ruin thanks to the coming plague. Mariskka's awakening is woven throughout Gio and Panthea's stories, the latter two women from vastly different backgrounds who unexpectedly find themselves drawn together at the worst time in their city's history, faced with the same choice -- believe a lie, or reach for grace?

Both Gio and Panthea are fascinating studies in the roles of women in the fourteenth-century -- how they were perceived, the roles they were expected to fill, and the cost of testing societal boundaries. Gio, once an innocent, told a lie to save her virtue, a decision that costs her dearly, seeing her shunned by the very one who could have helped her most. Panthea's struggles are more subtle, since as a daughter of privilege she's wanted for nothing, so the threat of her destruction stems from a most insidious enemy -- one's thoughts. Garrett's characterizations are absolute gems, her poetic prose bringing to vastly different but equally passionate women to life on the cusp of one of history's greatest tragedies. These are deeply flawed, realistic women whose respective journeys will break your heart and challenge your faith. Through them Garrett confronts perhaps the greatest lie that has attacked women since the dawn of time -- the lie that we're not enough, good enough, pure enough, capable enough with the reality that a merciful, loving God calls us more than conquerors, if we but accept His freely proffered gift of grace.

Garrett is such a refreshing voice in the inspirational fiction market. Immortals features her lyrical prose, a fast-paced, impeccably-plotted storyline, the trademark way she blurs the line between the physical and spiritual realms, resulting in a page-turning, wholly absorbing read. Her passion for speaking to the role of women in history -- particularly as relates to the unsung heroines of the Christian faith -- is a powerful reminder of the legacy of blood and tears and sacrifice on which my own faith rests. Gio's experience in particular is a masterful examination of the age-old question, "why does God allow suffering?", compassionately daring to suggest that instead we should be asking how shall we live? how shall we choose to exercise our faith in a fallen, messed-up world? This is thought-provoking, challenging, inspiring fiction at its finest.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mariskka fell from grace and had to re-learn humidity when she stole a manuscript from a dead patient’s room. She passed it off as her own. She quickly went from rags to riches. While preparing to take a shower, Mariskka hits her head and blacks out. When she awakes, she is visited by a Scribe. The Scribe is a group of guardian angels. This Scribe is not paying Mariskka a friendly visit. In fact he tells her that she has no guardian angel, due to her actions.

A ship arrives. It is carrying a very deadly disease. Soon people all over are dying. There deaths cause a panic. Something odd has happened to the villagers. Their skin is forming legions and boiling. The people don’t know it yet but the worst plague in history has just started…The Black Plague.

Mariskka must find a way to help the people. It won’t be easy as woman during these times had no voices or input.

In the Arms of Immortals is the second book in the Chronicles of the Scribe series. In the Shadow of Lions is the first book in this series. To be honest, I didn’t feel like you will miss anything by having not read the prior novel, though I can promise you that after reading this book you will be running to the nearest book store to pick up a copy of In the Shadow of Lions.

Not all Christian books are preachy. Most do tell a good story with strong characters. One of the best things I enjoy about reading these types of books is that they fulfill me and the plots have great substance. Ginger Garrett does this and more in, In the Arms of Immortals. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 1347, a sweeping plague blindsides the people in a Sicilian village. The crisis has varied impacts on three different women, including one woman from another place and time in In the Arms of Immortals by author Ginger Garrett.

First off, when I bought this book earlier this year, I had no idea what time in history I'd be living in when I read it. That's all I'll vaguely say about that. But after reading the first supernatural, split timeline/historical novel in the Chronicles of the Scribe series, I knew I wanted to read this second one.

Considering the author and the subject matter, I was prepared for something dark and gritty. Indeed, this novel is one of the darkest I've ever read of my own accord. It's violent. Tragic. Gruesome. Chaotic. In fact, the dramatic, choppy chaos that makes it hard to get a grip on the plot or characters in this book had me toying with the idea of leaving the novel unfinished.

Still, I knew there had to be a point this author would ultimately get at. Because I was reading through the chaos pretty fast, I held on to get to the point of it all.

And I found the point to be a worthy one, regarding a question many people ask in life—a question that I myself tend to leave alone because it's often the wrong question to ask or to attempt to answer.

Vague again, I know. But if you can handle wading through an inky black ChristFic story to reach a challenging spark of light in the end, you may want to check this one out.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thought-provoking book by Ginger Garrett. This one centers around Sicily in the 1300s and the black plague. It discusses the realities and the spiritual and physical realm. I especially enjoyed the Q&A at the end of the book

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the read

Second time through this and still loved each and every minute reading it. Worth reading during the 2020 pandemic and read this one during the Black Plague.

[Katrina Kehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I read it in like three days on my tablet, and I don't typically like reading books on a screen. I look forward to reading the other two.

[Rachel L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating history. Interesting spiritual side with the angels. Larazzo is an epic jerk. Kind of dark reading for an anxious time for me.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

Little bit of syfy amongst this historical fiction drama was an interesting twist. This is very well done! Thank you

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storyline had me confused a couple of times but overall an intriguing book.

[Linea Winter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Even more weird then the first in the series.

[Rita Toczek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this a lot, although not quite as much as the first one. There is a lot of beautiful writing in here!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found some aspects of this story interesting, it was also quite confusing. The writing was good, but I often felt a bit disoriented while jumping from each person's point of view. While I got that it was medieval Sicily, sometimes it felt like the characters were not connected to reality. I'm not sure how to explain it. They had a lot of internal thoughts that were deep, but it was hard to get to know each character. They all seemed confused. They said things that seemed to contradict who I thought they were based on previous scenes. Like I said, a bit confusing.

But there was a lot of edgy content like innuendos regarding perversion and such, though nothing actually happened. Also, the descriptions of the plague were quite nasty, so if you have a weak stomach you might find that a bit much. There was a lot of tragedy and death as well. At the same time there was a good spiritual message, but it did seem like some loose ends weren't wrapped up, which might leave some people frustrated. I did like one part of the ending (regarding a few survivors) and thought that was a beautiful way to resolve their prior heartache.

I don't really like the scribe concept, though, and I didn't like it in the previous book either (In the Shadow of Lions). I think it would've been better if the had author stuck with the actual historical setting for the story and stayed there.

I enjoyed Dark Hour and In the Shadow of Lions. This story...not so much. But it was never boring. I guarantee that, which is the reason I finished it. I kept wanting to figure out what the point was. People who like stories set in reading medieval settings or time travel novels might enjoy this despite it being a bit disjointed. I plan to read the next book in this series when it comes out. Hopefully it will make more sense to me than this story did.

[Michelle Griep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does Ginger Garrett take one of her main characters back to the past, but by reading In the Arms of Immortals, you’ll travel along as well—and it’s not a fluffy B&B excursion. As much as I personally love to view history through romantic colored glasses, the ugly side of humanity and sin is revealed through this tale…which makes the amazing love and mercy God holds for His creation all the more awesome.
What really shines through in Garrett’s characterization is that you’ll not only find bits and pieces of yourself in the hero and heroine but also in the antagonist. Panthea is a woman who slowly gives herself over to sin, and it all starts with simple little thoughts she knows she shouldn’t be harboring. How many times have I caught myself doing the very same thing? A great reminder that the path leading away from God is taken one step at a time. But though this is a dark tale, the hope God offers is woven throughout. Even until her dying breath, Panthea is offered complete and total forgiveness.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the glimpses Garrett gives of the unseen spirits around us. There’s a reason the first thing out of an angel’s mouth is, “Fear not.” You’ll understand why after you read some of the shocking descriptions of these immortals.
With the usual Garrett style, In the Arms of the Immortals is filled with wit, irony and truth, all packed into a fast paced story. Make sure to buckle up for a great ride when you crack this book open…a satisfying adventure indeed!

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Arms of Immortals by Ginger Garrett is the second book in the Chronicles of the Scribes series. It is a beautiful October day in 1347 on the island of Sicily when a mysterious ship comes ashore. Not long after its lone passenger sets foot on the island, people start dying, horrifically and suddenly, and no one will be left untouched by its wake. Not the beautiful daughter of the baron or the knight who loves her. The outcast female healer or the town priest she once loved. Mariskka, once a hospice nurse, now an author with a secret, had no thought of anyone else, including those residents of Sicily until a strange force propels her into the past and forces her to face its horrors. Garrett has stared an enigmatic and fascinating series with the Scribes, and I hope that it doesn't end any time soon! She has a rare talent for writing about the invisible spirits around us that make them come to life and feel real without ever being hokey. Her recreation of the Black Plague is difficult to read, but all too easy to believe. Death, followed by violence and bloodshed keeps the pages turning, even as the reader wants to turn away from the darkness that is so realistically rendered. I love this completely original series with its depiction of the past along with angels and demons!

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger Garrett knows how to take a risk. Talk about a topic there aren't many books on, maybe for good reason... the Black Plague. We step back in time to 1347 in Sicily. There we meet a couple of different women from different stations in life. Gio is a recluse who is a natural healer, she uses herbs, spices and natural cures to help people but she is looked down on by people (unless they need her help) and spat on my children. She is at odds with the local church man for reasons we don't see until later. Panthea is a daughter of leisure who's father is in charge of the village and they live in the castle. She is promised in marriage to a knight who loves her, but she just can't seem to be happy with that.

A mute woman arrives in town just as things start to change. The part of the book that I sometimes have trouble with is the Scribe and how the woman got to the village. But if I get past that confusion the story itself is very interesting. The Black Plague starts to break out and we see how everyone reacts differently to the death and destruction. The hardest part of the book is reading the descriptions of the Black Plague doing its killing, but I think Ginger handles that well.

Overall this is a very interesting book that sets itself apart by the unique subject matter it brings to light.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I decide I want to read a book, it is usually a snap decision. Many times I do not even read the entire description before deciding I want to read a book. When I started reading the description for In the Arms of Immortals, all I had to see was that it was about the Black Death and I wanted to read it. In the Arms of Immortals is the second book in the Chronicles of the Scribe series, a series I was not familiar with until I started this book. This book lost me almost from the start because I just did not get it. So, I read some reviews and gave myself some background about this series and this author. That was a huge help as it put the book in perspective, and I got it.

In the Arms of Immortals is quite a book, and it is about so much more than just the Black Death. I will admit that I found many parts of this book to be disturbing and I did have some difficulty reading it, but it is a very gripping story about spiritual warfare. The author did a fantastic job of researching and writing this story. I am glad I decided to take the extra time to get to know what this series is about before giving up on this book because I would have missed out on a really good story. This book may not be for the faint of heart, but there are some wonderful lessons to be learned in this story that is written by a very talented writer. So, give it a try and you decide.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the Arms of Immortals is by Ginger Garrett. It's about a nurse who steals a story from one of her patients, and then is sent into the story (or the sequel). There is a lot left unclear. Anyways, Marisska is sent back to Sicily in 1349, at the time of the Black Death. The Destroyer arrives, bringing the Plague. No one knows where it came from or how to stop it from spreading. Not the dying, old baron who rules the town. Not the outcast healer, Gio who lives on the outskirts of the port city. Not the baron's proud daughter, Panthea. Or the powerful night who lives her, Armando. Not the priest, Lazzaro, who angers at Gio, his lost love, and the baron who enslaved him. The books goes through the lives of these five characters. Marisska wants to help, but can't speak. More and more people die. The only way to live is to accept grace and mercy, to forgive and be forgiven.

While ITAOI does incorporate such topics as angels, religion, God, art, power, oppression, control, disease, it leaves a lot out. There's so much that isn't clear, and it really bugs me. I'm still left with a lot of questions. And a lot of things bugged me about this book. I haven't read any of her other books, but I was told the first book is a lot better.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Sicily, 1347, In the Arms of Immortals transports readers back to the days when the Black Death strikes a small harbor village. I’ve been a fan of Ginger Garrett’s since I read Chosen, the story of Queen Esther, and her books just get better and better. She makes historical times come so alive that when I raise my eyes from the page, I’m surprised to find myself in my cozy living room. But she doesn’t just paint an historical picture. She reveals the workings of the spiritual world, and how the beings who dwell there intersect with ours. This story is chilling, powerful, and beautifully detailed. Here’s the endorsement I was privileged to offer for this book:

In the Arms of Immortals paints a breathtaking portrait of life and death, of hope and despair, of unspeakable joy and indescribably sorrow. Ginger Garrett transports her readers from modern times to fourteenth-century Sicily in an intricately crafted illustration of God’s lifesaving power. This book has it all – detailed research, flesh-and-blood characters, and a captivating tale that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

[Wyndy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the her second book about how women changed the Church Ms Garrett has chosen the time of the Black Plague. The nurse who stole the manuscript in "In the Shadow of Lions" is sent back to Sicily by the Scribe to experience the Black Plague and God's love and wonderous creations. We see how the Church has become the only method anyone is allowed to use to talk to God and helps to shut out those women who are gifted by God in healing knowledge. Although the horrors of the plague are described in graphic detail we encounter a world that is populated by angels and demons walking amidst the population unseen except by a few. These angels are the old fashioned angels, large and strong and strange looking capable of fighting a good fight for a human covered by the Blood of Jesus, not sissy looking babies. It was rather refreshing in that manner. I did find the greusome descriptions of the effects of the plague rather unsettling but obviously well researched. The story moved along quickly and the characters were developed in such a way as to make me care about their thoughts and actions. I didn't think it was as good as "In the Shadow of Lions" but still found it an interesting read.

[Jane Maritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting mix of current and historical fiction, taking Mariskka back in time to explore past events. And it is a bit of an unusual genre for me, as it explores the spiritual underworld, going behind the scenes to present the unseen battle between good and evil; angels and demons; at war for our very lives...

I found this to be an entertaining read, though initially I was uncomfortable with the way the supernatural was presented. It might be sad to say that I'm much more comfortable with seeing people in shades of gray rather than black and white; good and evil; saved or not saved.

Of course, the historical events were intriguing to me - Sicily in the 1300s during the Black Death.

I appreciated the very human element of the characters and the symbolism found throughout the book. And while this might not be my first pick of genres in the future, I enjoyed the opportunity to explore it through this review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Ginger Garrett definitely has a brilliant way of transporting the reader into the pages of the book. Her character development & beautiful descriptive settings leave you wanting to read page after page without putting it down. A definite eye-opener in regards to the black plague. Its origins may be fanciful in the book but the speed of the spread paints a sobering picture. I love the message that we are only safe in the arms of Jesus & His angels. I will be interested to read more in Garrett's 'Chronicles of the Scribe' series.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written piece connecting the sins of this century with those of the Black Plague of the Dark Ages. With a whisp of Christian fantasy, a healthy dose of history and characters I cheered for or wanted to strangle - In the Arms of Immortals took me on a ride I won't soon forget! I'm adding Ginger Garrett to my "must read author" list!

[Dina Sleiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bizarre but beautiful medieval thriller about the black death. Imagine Frank Peretti meets C.S. Lewis meets time travel. Now toss in some amazing poetic language. It left me slightly confused, but gave me so much to think about. Inspiring and well-worth reading.

[Unicorn-san]

I tried my best to like it by reading it to the end. The historical parts were just fine. I think it was changing of 3 character points of view that I didn't warm to the book. Maybe other books in the series are better...

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the second in a series. I LOVED the first book, but this one was very confusing. I had a hard time getting into it and it took me forever to finish. In the end it was a good story, but took too long to get there.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed the plot and characters in the story. It was a sequel to "Shadows of Lions" but had a different plot, but it was still just as good. I was hooked from page one.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has to be the worst book I ever finished reading. I kept reading because I could not believe it would not get better. Do not waste your money on this one.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have given this 2.5 if that was possible because there was improvement over the first novel in the series. The series concept is an interesting, it just isn't well-executed.

[adaynasmile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Thalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

novel of drearyness rather. the story is odd, with little historical flavour beyond names and articles of clothing. and then there's that anti catholic thing again. i give up