"On the Shining Isle Tir na mBan of the Otherworld, Maeve is sired by the God Manannan Mac Lir and mothered by eight warrior witches. The women raise her with love and affection until the wise ancient one Cailleach insists the girl’s destiny is in the mortal realm. Reluctantly the despondent octet sends their beloved ward to attend the Druid College on Mona. There she hopes to meet the Mysterious one who haunts her dreams.

Instead she meets Esus of Jerusalem, who becomes her best friend and rival as they argue over everything and anything. However, it is her power that stuns the Druid faculty and her peers as Maeve is able to heal the dying by placing her heated hands on them. No one quite has her skills, which seems to be a cross between witchcraft and druidism. Maeve begins to believe that she and Esus are offspring of the Gods and soon feels they belong together amidst the mortals. He disagrees, but this is only the beginning of their relationship at a time when Lovernius the Druid is fasinated by both of them.

MAGDALEN RISING is a stupendous prequel to the insightful THE PASSION OF MARY MAGDALEN. Readers will appreciate the young Maeve and equally youthful Esus as they constantly debate. The story line provides insight into Ancient Celtic mythology and makes an obvious connection to the early days of both protagonists in their pre Christianity days. Readers will enjoy the delightful discussions between them as night and day while wondering what Lovernius plans for the pair even as the Romans are coming. This is a superior Christian historical tale."
www.midwestbookreview.com

"Elizabeth Cunningham knows how to tell a heck of a story, especially with the fascination of the early feminism-meets-patriarchy twist."
Blog Critics
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/04/16/033244.php

"This book is especially charming and fascinating as readers get a glimpse of the author’s interpretation of a teenage Jesus and his growing relationship with Mary Magdalen."
Romance Readers Connection http://theromancereadersconnection.com/reviews2/cunninghamelizabeth1407.html

"If you enjoy stories that take you back to earlier times and strange places and cultures, this one has enough packed into it to keep you entertained for hours."
BookViews.com
http://bookviews.com/

"A master storyteller and beyond, Elizabeth Cunningham's Maeve Chronicles is a series highly recommended..."
Romance Reader at the Heart http://romancereaderatheart.com/pubsandpromos/2007/apr07/MR_EC.html

"Elizabeth Cunningham is a grand storyteller who fascinates and haunts the reader..."
Crystal Reviews
http://www.crystalreviews.com/authors/c/cunningham.htm

"...you simply cannot put the book down."
Facing North
http://facingnorth.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=601&Itemid=34

"It is certain to have you turning the pages."
Roundtable Reveiws
http://roundtablereviews.com/cunninghamelizabeth042307.htm

"For those who have fallen in love with the fiery Celtic companion of Jesus from The Passion, Magdalen Rising will be a gossipy delight in discovering the origins of their beloved heroine. For those new to her saga, it will set a perfect stage for the second novel. Either way, readers are in for a ride." Pagan Godspell
http://gospelpagan.wordpress.com/2007/04/02/review-magdalen-rising/#more-142

"Funny, sexy, tragic and joyous..." New Book Reviews. Org http://newbookreviews.org/Book_Reviews/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=99&zenid=2a073e0232698a6bb5675ece9bd1f7ea