The Nostradamus Prophecy
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Book Description
A rich, dramatic adventure set in the tumultuous years of the late sixteenth century in France - a time of assassinations, poisons, seers and the sword.
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When Nostradamus proclaims to the French court his prophecy of a great massacre, the young King Charles only laughs. His mother, Catherine de' Medici, pays more heed - she believes that Nostradamus can truly see the future.
But the great soothsayer's prophecies are not only for those who rule; he also has a message for Melisande, the minstrel's daughter, who he believes is linked with him by Fate. And as the Angel of Death approaches, Nostradamus entrusts to her safekeeping some very special parchments - parchments that the rulers of France would do anything to see...
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Background: It's 1566 - a time of religious unrest and intolerance across Europe. In France, Lutheran and Calvinist (Protestant) ideas have been infiltrating across from Germany since the Reformation, threatening the traditional Catholic faith. By 1566 France has entered a period now known as 'The French Wars of Religion'. French Huguenots (Protestants) are destroying religious icons and images across Catholic churches, and are in turn being persecuted for their beliefs. The young King Charles IX is on the throne, having not long ended his mother's (the domineering Catherine de Medici's) regency by declaring his legal majority in 1563 at the age of thirteen. Charles IX however remains under the influence of his mother throughout his short rule, until his death in 1574. Nostradamus (or Michel de Nostradame) is a famous seer and at the age of 62 in 1566, quite elderly by the standards of sixteenth-century-France. He is also favoured, and therefore his prophecies are taken seriously, by the king's mother, Catherine de Medici.
Set against this background of religious unrest and political manoeuvres at court is the story of Melisande, her sister Chantelle, and her father - talented court minstrels who are currently performing at the court of Catherine de Medici and the King. Nostradamus, also making an appearance at court, prophesies a most vile massacre on the streets of Paris. But that is not all, he sees something in young Melisande too and he sees a great difficulty ahead of her. Melisande's story is not all of tragedy; as her purpose becomes clear and her path is set before her she also finds a little romance which helps her with the fulfilment of her destiny.
This is a really gripping novel. You can't help but care about Melisande - she seems like a girl you couldn't help but like if you met her now - so it's easy to fall into her world in sixteenth-century France. The story picks up in pace as it goes along and by the time you're half way though you'll find it hard to put it down until you've found out what happens at the end. A really good intertwining of historical fact and fiction creates a dramatic and authentic tale. Highly recommended. Suitable for older children, young adults and adults.
Set against this background of religious unrest and political manoeuvres at court is the story of Melisande, her sister Chantelle, and her father - talented court minstrels who are currently performing at the court of Catherine de Medici and the King. Nostradamus, also making an appearance at court, prophesies a most vile massacre on the streets of Paris. But that is not all, he sees something in young Melisande too and he sees a great difficulty ahead of her. Melisande's story is not all of tragedy; as her purpose becomes clear and her path is set before her she also finds a little romance which helps her with the fulfilment of her destiny.
This is a really gripping novel. You can't help but care about Melisande - she seems like a girl you couldn't help but like if you met her now - so it's easy to fall into her world in sixteenth-century France. The story picks up in pace as it goes along and by the time you're half way though you'll find it hard to put it down until you've found out what happens at the end. A really good intertwining of historical fact and fiction creates a dramatic and authentic tale. Highly recommended. Suitable for older children, young adults and adults.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
*hugs book* I could read that again right now. Meliasand'es narration, from the fateful night when she and her sister danced before King Charles of France, to the end when her life, although happy, is forever marred by tragedy, kept me reading from cover to cover.
A story loosely based on historical events, I actually knew a little about the background of 16th century France. I enjoyed learning more about the rising tension between the Huguenots, Catholics and Protestants. It was a horrific time for Melisande to get by in. After several serious incidents which separated her from her family, she tries to make it alone. Fortunately, she gets taken in by Nostradamus, who'd created a prophecy for her in the beginning of the novel.
I have to say, the beginning had me labelling him as a madman. He's certainly portrayed as such. However, he had a gentle heart, for his wife loved him dearly and took care of his children while he was ill. Melisande came to him after fleeing the royal court, disguised as a boy so as not to arouse suspicion. Just before reaching his house she came under the notice of a distinguished noble, which was why Nostradamus' wife ordered to her be a girl again, but to forsake her mandolin that she revered and played beautifully. It was hard, but Melisande had no choice.
Her strength to carry on living, despite what she'd seen, saw her become an apprentice to Nostradamus' apothecary, Giorgio. During this time she was hunted not only by the distinguished noble, but also by the royal court. I can say she avoids death, but she gets betrayed, sees more death, and, thankfully, experiences love from her past that she didn't expect to see again.
Suspense and intrigue is placed in careful layers. There are clear points in Melisande's narrative where, as a reader, I knew the peace wouldn't last. Hints are dropped subtly with regard to the surprise twist near the end. I guessed correctly for one incident, but failed miserably at another, which proves how good a novelist Theresa is.
This isn't an overly violent book, there are scenes of violence, fighting and the like. There are a handful of incidents not suitable for younger readers, but they aren't graphic, merely suggestive.
This tale of familial love, friendship and betrayal has won a place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. I haven't said too much about the story, because I don't want to give anything away here. The main events had my gasping and smiling as I read it.
A story loosely based on historical events, I actually knew a little about the background of 16th century France. I enjoyed learning more about the rising tension between the Huguenots, Catholics and Protestants. It was a horrific time for Melisande to get by in. After several serious incidents which separated her from her family, she tries to make it alone. Fortunately, she gets taken in by Nostradamus, who'd created a prophecy for her in the beginning of the novel.
I have to say, the beginning had me labelling him as a madman. He's certainly portrayed as such. However, he had a gentle heart, for his wife loved him dearly and took care of his children while he was ill. Melisande came to him after fleeing the royal court, disguised as a boy so as not to arouse suspicion. Just before reaching his house she came under the notice of a distinguished noble, which was why Nostradamus' wife ordered to her be a girl again, but to forsake her mandolin that she revered and played beautifully. It was hard, but Melisande had no choice.
Her strength to carry on living, despite what she'd seen, saw her become an apprentice to Nostradamus' apothecary, Giorgio. During this time she was hunted not only by the distinguished noble, but also by the royal court. I can say she avoids death, but she gets betrayed, sees more death, and, thankfully, experiences love from her past that she didn't expect to see again.
Suspense and intrigue is placed in careful layers. There are clear points in Melisande's narrative where, as a reader, I knew the peace wouldn't last. Hints are dropped subtly with regard to the surprise twist near the end. I guessed correctly for one incident, but failed miserably at another, which proves how good a novelist Theresa is.
This isn't an overly violent book, there are scenes of violence, fighting and the like. There are a handful of incidents not suitable for younger readers, but they aren't graphic, merely suggestive.
This tale of familial love, friendship and betrayal has won a place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. I haven't said too much about the story, because I don't want to give anything away here. The main events had my gasping and smiling as I read it.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
When Nostradamus, wild-eyed and trembling, proclaims to the French Court his prophecy of a great massacre, the young King Charles only laughs. His mother, Catherine de Medici, pays more heed to the soothsayer's words - she believes he can truely see the future.
But Nostradamus's prophecies are not only for those who rule; he also has a message for Melisande, the minstrel's daughter. For he is certain that Fate links him and Melisande together. And as the Angel of Death approaches, the soothsayer gives into her safekeeping some very special parchments - parchments that the titled heads of France would do anything to see.
But Nostradamus's prophecies are not only for those who rule; he also has a message for Melisande, the minstrel's daughter. For he is certain that Fate links him and Melisande together. And as the Angel of Death approaches, the soothsayer gives into her safekeeping some very special parchments - parchments that the titled heads of France would do anything to see.
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