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ABOUT THE AUTHORDavid Dupuis has published numerous local, historical non-fiction books, as well as three NHL hockey biographies. His fascination with world history, papal history, prophecy and fiction culminate in this intriguing, genre series. David's three NHL hockey biographies include Sawchuk: The Troubles & Triumphs of the World's Greatest Goalie, Heart of the Blackhawks: The Pierre Pilote Story, and The Red Kelly Story which won the 2016 Ontario Speaker’s Book Award. He lives with his companion Susan, near Toanche, Ontario, Canada. |
Explore the Series...
Book 1
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THE SEVEN KEYS OF HILDEGARD
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Reviews of BOOK 1 "Of Mercy & Of Death"
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The writing is imaginative, effective and clear, the themes well developed. Vivid imagery adds depth to the narrative. The settings are well-described, conveying both time and place. In particular, the descriptions of the Vatican are vivid, with its talk of visions, revelations, popes and secret keepers, as is the arrival of a new Patriarch to Venice. An ambitious, complex and interesting story.
- WHISTLER INDEPENDANT BOOK AWARDS, BC I normally am not a big fan of historical fiction but let me tell you, I didn’t mind it this time! This book was pulling me in. There is this intense sense of urgency the entire time that something bad is coming and they must do everything they can to prepare for it.
The characters are well developed, and the book stays interesting by jumping back and forth from different time periods as well as places around the world. It took a whole new turn on good vs evil and there is so much more to explore as this is only the first book in a series. I will definitely be continuing the series as I finally found a historical fiction that doesn’t bore me to tears. – ERIK McMAMANUS, Breakeven Books Review David Dupuis has gone where few tread in his historical novel series, "The Seven Keys of Hildegard." This series takes the reader into a Catholic world Hildegard would have known well - a world of politics, betrayal, superstition, seduction, prophesy and ritual - a world existing somewhere deep within the "fallen stars" struggling to get back to the Light. His historical novel series is a page-turner and pulls out a piece of Hildegard's charism not well-known. I loved how the author wove together so many historical nuggets into the fictional text. His love for Hildegard and church history shine through. Looking forward to reading Book Two!
- REV. DR. SHANON STERRINGER, Hildegard Haus, Ohio, USA The Seven Keys of Hildegard of Mercy and Death is a captivating novel. David Dupuis intricately weaves historical fact with fiction and introduces the reader to ancient prophecies, popes, bishops and an 11th century nun. This story is filled with suspense, mystery and intrigue. You don’t have to be an historical fiction fan to be completely absorbed in this book. There are plenty of twists and turns that left me wanting for more and as this is Book #1 in a five book series, I am looking forward to reading the next installment. This is a highly recommended and wonderful read.
- A GOODREADS READER, from the United States Well-plotted, well-written book with good characterization, history, and intrigue. I lost sleep for three nights finishing it. Narrative flows smoothly between continents, characters, scenarios, and timelines. I was unaware this title was part of a series until I finished it, and I'm so happy the next book is already published and waiting for me!
- Tammi, A NET GALLEY READER from the United States I felt drawn in by the plot . . . I found the journey, entertaining and kept reading with gusto and sometimes even with bated breath.
- A GOODREADS READER - from France I absolutely loved reading this book! I was drawn in from the start. I found throughout the book, mystery was maintained but there was just enough information given to the reader regarding the 'keys' to make me want to keep reading. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and look forward to the series as a whole!
- A GOODREADS READER, from England Very well written, this book had everything: mystery, suspense and surprise. From the opening page, the ups & downs leave you wanting for more. Can't wait for the next book! It was a great book!
- ALLAN P. Midland, Ontario, Canada I really enjoyed this mystery, I thought it was a unique read and I enjoyed going through trying to solve it. I look forward to more from the author and this series.
- Kay M., A NET GALLEY READER, from USA |
Dupuis pits dark forces against the Nazarene Church in this swiftly paced first installment in The Seven Keys of Hildegard series. Packing the novel with enigmatic figures, Dupuis sets a smooth pace as the Church officials race against time to try to save John from the dark forces. Dupuis skillfully blends religious intrigue, action, and thrills of a chase, his worldbuilding is vivid, and he creates some genuine intrigue in tackling events throughout the early 20th century.
The narrative is laced with enough twists and shocks that keep the reader invested until the last page. The cat and mouse hunt between the keepers of the Watch and the Church officials make the pages fly by. The conclusion is both uplifting and satisfying, hinting at a larger adventure to come in the next installment. This engrossing blend of religious intrigue and action will appeal to lovers of conspiracy thrillers. - THE PRAIRIE BOOK REVIEW "Of Mercy & Of Death" had me googling various events in Catholic history. I was familiar with some of the prophecies... but, the nun's prophecies... YIPES! I'd never heard of Hildegard until I read the story. What a fantastic tale! I truly sped through the book quickly! I deliberately slowed myself down so that I could truly savor the delightful story of intrigue and ancient prophecies.
I cannot wait to read the second book. Found out that it is actually already available on Amazon. Sooooooooooo... I WANT IT!!! I actually know that I'll want to read all five books once they're finished. I hope that the author has the following books available to read super soon!?! I'm like a little kid when I'm ready for the next book in a series!! And, this one!! Daaaaaaaaaaang!! It's superbly written. And, it will seriously have you freaking out wondering if it was divine inspiration that made you pick up this book to begin with. I personally... kind of think that it is! REALLY! Loved the story! - Cherei M., A NET GALLEY READER, from the United States This is an interesting and riveting book. I kept turning pages to learn more, to uncover more secrets. I loved it. I don't want to spoil your pleasure of discovering this story, so I won't give you much plot details but my, this is one of those books that stays with you forever. I'm definitely going to re-read in the future!
- A GOODREADS READER, from the United States I absolutely loved reading this book! I was drawn in from the start. I found throughout the book, mystery was maintained but there was just enough information given to the reader regarding the 'keys' to make me want to keep reading. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and look forward to the series as a whole!
- A GOODREADS READER, from the United States Gripping historical fiction, adventure and mystery. Great story.
- A GOODREADS READER, from Slovenia I'm not Catholic, nor religious but let me tell you, I could not put this book down! I must be spiritual because it had me totally engrossed, a real page turner. Then to find that it's half true and happening in our times. Wow! I didn't expect that. An amazing story. Can't wait for book 2 and the rest of the series to find out how the church, and the world fares. The author has a gift and weaves a great story. Definitely onto something and big!
- ROBERT T. from Toronto, Ontario, Canada A very good read in the DaVinci Code genre. A mystery in the world of Catholicism. Loved identifying with Pope Pius. People the world over fascinated with the events of Fatima. I found the writing was excellent and kept my interest from page 1. Would appeal to anyone who likes a good mystery with a Canadian connection.
– AMAZON.CA READER, from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada One of the best novels I’ve ever read! I couldn't put this book down. The use of historical facts combined with the intriguing fictional storyline keeps the reader wanting more! It reads like a combination of Thorn Birds and the DaVinci Code. I cannot wait for Book 2!
- SANDRA N. from Kitchener, Ont. I couldn't put this book down. it's a classic "good vs evil" story that combines fact, fiction, religion, history and suspense that kept me reading faster just to get to the next page. David's ability to take the reader from the past to the future and back and forth from one continent to another is literary magic and his knowledge of religious history is amazing. I can't wait for book 2 of this thrilling saga.
- DON M. from Midland, Ontario, Canada |
Book 2
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THE SEVEN KEYS OF HILDEGARD
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Reviews of BOOK 2 "Of Love & Of Betrayal"
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Like I have said many times before, historical fiction has never really been my thing. But David's first book actually intrigued me and gave me a little bit of a liking for the genre. So now in his second book, I can say that the little bit of love is still there as I enjoyed this one too. I think I liked this one because you already knew a lot of the characters because one of my issues with the first one was that there were a lot of characters to keep track of and it was a bit hard for me to keep up but now that they have been fostered into my mind, this book went a lot smoother. I can also see how the author wanted to build anticipation for that big ending.
Some of the relationships were very heartwarming and had me invested. These books deal with family a lot and I do like that about them. Having a caring and supportive family is really nice to see in a book. I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series when they come out. - ERIK McMANUS, Breakeven Book Reviews I read the first two volumes and thoroughly enjoyed the exciting adventure of the classic, dualistic battle between good and evil in the context of this apocalyptic peeling away of the layers of history. I loved the way the author presented his characters in a narrative reflection on the developments and issues faced by the Church in the modern world. He highlights very clearly the Church’s holiness and the hellish temptations that face so many in the Church.
I lived in Rome during Paul VI’s funeral, John Paul I’s election and month-long pontificate, and was in St. Peter's Square for the announcement of John Paul II's election and the first few years of his pontificate. These books brought back many memories and clearly highlighted so many key concerns faced by our world and the Church. I wait eagerly for coming volumes. I would love some day to see this story on the big screen! - Fr. PETE MIHALIC, Fairport Harbor, Ohio. USA I enjoyed how many local connections there were in this book. As someone who lives in the same town as the author I was so excited to see those local connections. David makes the religious histories easy to read and understand. I could not put this down and in fact read it in 3 weeks which only leaves you wanting more. I can't wait until the third book.
- JOHN Z. Penetanguishene, Ont. Okay, David. M. Dupuis, you've officially hooked me. Somehow, The Seven Keys of Hildegard: Of Love and of Betrayal took me on a journey of self-discovery. I would rate this series of books up there with the DaVinci Code. Definitely one for the ages! I'm bracing myself for all the twists and turns I'm sure we are in store for in Book 3.
- SUZANNE D. Tiny, Ont. A hybrid of ‘Pillars of The Earth’ and 'The Thornbirds.' A fascinating historical timeline told through the filter of Good vs Evil. This book reveals the blemishes and the warts of the Vatican yet allows the reader to root for the hero who has a predestined future within it.
- ROGER D. Mexico |
Captivating book of historical fiction and suspense. Second one in a series. Again, a great and quick read. Thank you for writing these.
- DENIS D. Windsor, Ont. Gripping, meticulously researched, and full of surprises, Dupuis’s second installment in The Seven Keys of Hildegard series reveals the anarchy that lurks in shadows as the ancient keys inevitably turns. It is 1958, and the new pope, John XXIII, is determined to make the Church relevant in the rapidly changing and increasingly treacherous world of 1960s and 70s. His progressing reforms are not sitting well with a few fundamentalists and the dangerous enemies. Meanwhile, the ancient key has turned with the birth of the next Holy One. But with the members of Dark Watch lurking in shadows, keeping Enoch safe becomes a priority for the Church officials.
Dupuis’s prose is crisp, and the provocative historical revelations keep readers enthralled. John XXIII’s complex character—calm and tough but also sentimental and a great visionary—is a triumph. It’s through his story that Dupuis examines the orthodox religious practices and the prevalent corruption, revealing the evil hidden under the slick facade of corrupted church officials. Meanwhile, lurking at the novel's center like an ominous curse are the members of the Dark Watch who intend to realize their sinister goal at any cost. The cat and mouse game between the Dark Watch and the church officials keeps the tension high. The final plot twist, while predictable, is thoroughly satisfying, and the way Dupuis resolves it will keep readers wait anxiously for the third installment. At once intriguing and vividly detailed, this is a conspiracy thriller done right. - THE PRAIRIE BOOK REVIEW Of Love & Of Betrayal (The Seven Keys of Hildegard Book 2) is the second book in the Seven Keys of Hildegard series by David Dupuis. If you love historical mysteries based upon real events and real people... especially as they're leading to the ultimate fight between God and the anti-Christ.
I love how the story weaves fact and fiction together! The story is so well written that the reader will find themselves googling various Popes and prophecies of the prophets. What is so freaky... these are very real prophecies that have been handed down for centuries. I cannot wait to read the third book in the series! I do believe that the author is also being driven by divine inspiration. - Cherei M., GOODREADS READER, from the United States Waited for this second book of the 5 novel series, and ordered it right away! OMG!! It just gets better and better!! The use of historical facts to create this suspense filled storyline, had me on the edge of my seat!! Like the first book, I couldn't put this second novel down!
- SANDRA N. Kitchener, Ont. WOW! This story has everything. It has suspense, intrigue, love, evil, the battle between good and bad, fact, fiction, history, prophecy and it never stops moving. From Rome to rural Canada to New York to Africa and across multiple centuries and into the future. What an amazing story.
- DON M. Midland, Ont. |
