The Seer and the Scribe: Spear of Destiny

The Seer and the Scribe is an enchanting medieval 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 well done and provide visual context. The footnotes at the bottom of the pages also are helpful by providing extra meaning to the rituals of the monastery.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, 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.

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.

I read the seer and the scribe and was enthralled with it's accuracy and attention to detail. it's a good read.