
Of Mercy & Of Death
The Seven Keys of Hildegard Book 1
by David Dupuis
Pub Date 11 Oct 2019
![]() |
Talking about this book? Be sure to tag it using #OfMercyOfDeath #NetGalley |
Description
In 1167, a German nun has a troubling vision, prophesizing the end times. In 1917, Mary appears to three children in Fatima, Portugal, revealing mysterious secrets. In 1936, a young man is inexplicably hurled to his death off the side of a mountain in Italy, and the newborn he unknowingly leaves behind is spirited away to America by his terrified mother. But why?
Tackling events throughout the early 20th century, The Seven Keys of Hildegard: Of Mercy & Of Death will challenge the very truth of what the church and the world knows. Through two world wars, and from the Vatican in Rome, Italy, to New York City and small town Canada, two knowing popes, an unsuspecting archbishop and a monsignor become entangled in Hildegard’s ancient web of prophecies. And one thing is certain—Armageddon is nigh.
In 1167, a German nun has a troubling vision, prophesizing the end times. In 1917, Mary appears to three children in Fatima, Portugal, revealing mysterious secrets. In 1936, a young man is...
Description
In 1167, a German nun has a troubling vision, prophesizing the end times. In 1917, Mary appears to three children in Fatima, Portugal, revealing mysterious secrets. In 1936, a young man is inexplicably hurled to his death off the side of a mountain in Italy, and the newborn he unknowingly leaves behind is spirited away to America by his terrified mother. But why?
Tackling events throughout the early 20th century, The Seven Keys of Hildegard: Of Mercy & Of Death will challenge the very truth of what the church and the world knows. Through two world wars, and from the Vatican in Rome, Italy, to New York City and small town Canada, two knowing popes, an unsuspecting archbishop and a monsignor become entangled in Hildegard’s ancient web of prophecies. And one thing is certain—Armageddon is nigh.
Advance Praise
"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
This is a page-turner! 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
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. Kitchener, Ont.
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. Toronto, Ont. Canada
"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...
Advance Praise
"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
This is a page-turner! 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
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. Kitchener, Ont.
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. Toronto, Ont. Canada
Available Editions
EDITION | |
ISBN | 9781525554899 |
PRICE | US$6.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB) |
Send To Kindle (MOBI) |
Download (EPUB) |
Featured Reviews

My Recommendation
|
|
Never-ending battle between good and evil, God and the Devil. Who guards seven keys? And what the church has to do with it? Gripping historical fiction, adventure and mistery. Great story. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
My thanks to NetGalley, David Dupuis and Freisen Press for an ARC in exchange for a book review. 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. Five stars. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
First thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. A very intriguing story with plenty of twists and turns. The story flows easily and effectively and will keep you in suspense. There are other books in this series and I look forward to reading them as well. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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 Hildegarde 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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Of Mercy and of Death by David Dupuis, is the first book in the Seven Keys of Hildegard series and I was bowled over by this book. Back in the 12th century a German nun named Hildegard had a vision of the end times. In 1917 three children in Fatima, Portugal had a vision of Mary, the holy mother and in 1936 a young man is hurled to his death from a mountainside in Italy. Through the historic events of the 20th century we follow the path of Hildegard's prophecies towards Armageddon...which is very, very close! This is a well plotted, well written thriller which is perfect for Christians and non-Christians alike. I found the book totally gripping and can't wait to read book two, Of Love and Betrayal which is also available now. If you love mysteries and secrets I guarantee that you will love this novel, I recommend it extremely highly! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Interesting read, looking forward to the next book to be honest. I was engrossed in this book. I have recommended it to several members of my parish and also have recommended it as a purchase for the school library. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
As a Theology student who studied Hildegard during their undergrad, this is a book that I was quick to request on NetGalley as I was interested to see what Dupuis did with the character. I really enjoyed this book and the mystery that was woven throughout the story. After seeing other comments, I can see that there are more books in the series so I will be looking into those soon! |
My Recommendation
|
Additional Information
Available Editions
EDITION | |
ISBN | 9781525554899 |
PRICE | US$6.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB) |
Send To Kindle (MOBI) |
Download (EPUB) |
Featured Reviews

My Recommendation
|
|
Never-ending battle between good and evil, God and the Devil. Who guards seven keys? And what the church has to do with it? Gripping historical fiction, adventure and mistery. Great story. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
My thanks to NetGalley, David Dupuis and Freisen Press for an ARC in exchange for a book review. 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. Five stars. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
First thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. A very intriguing story with plenty of twists and turns. The story flows easily and effectively and will keep you in suspense. There are other books in this series and I look forward to reading them as well. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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 Hildegarde 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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Of Mercy and of Death by David Dupuis, is the first book in the Seven Keys of Hildegard series and I was bowled over by this book. Back in the 12th century a German nun named Hildegard had a vision of the end times. In 1917 three children in Fatima, Portugal had a vision of Mary, the holy mother and in 1936 a young man is hurled to his death from a mountainside in Italy. Through the historic events of the 20th century we follow the path of Hildegard's prophecies towards Armageddon...which is very, very close! This is a well plotted, well written thriller which is perfect for Christians and non-Christians alike. I found the book totally gripping and can't wait to read book two, Of Love and Betrayal which is also available now. If you love mysteries and secrets I guarantee that you will love this novel, I recommend it extremely highly! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Interesting read, looking forward to the next book to be honest. I was engrossed in this book. I have recommended it to several members of my parish and also have recommended it as a purchase for the school library. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
As a Theology student who studied Hildegard during their undergrad, this is a book that I was quick to request on NetGalley as I was interested to see what Dupuis did with the character. I really enjoyed this book and the mystery that was woven throughout the story. After seeing other comments, I can see that there are more books in the series so I will be looking into those soon! |
My Recommendation
|