Content levels
Trigger warnings
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
After playing an intimate role in the mystery of the Resurrection, what is left for Maeve, the Celtic Mary Magdalen? Never a follower, will she emerge as a leader of the early church? Will she retire quietly to mother a sacred bloodline? Will she set sail for France to proselytize and go spelunking? The answer: all and none of the above. No sooner does Maeve open her mouth to preach the gospel her way than a fierce debate begins about what to do with the child she is carrying. Maeve has her own ideas about where best to raise the savior's scion. When she returns to Temple Magdalen, the holy whorehouse she founded, a custody battle of biblical proportions ensues. Maeve, her infant daughter Sara, and Jesus' mother flee to the remote Taurus Mountains where they live in hiding among the Galatians until a mysterious man is dumped on their doorstep more dead than alive. When Maeve discovers the identity of the man she has healed, she is appalled and determined to keep her family's secret. But Maeve has reckoned without the will of her brilliant, angry adolescent daughter who resolves to find out the truth about her father--for herself.
Bright Dark Madonna: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
Adult fantasy retelling of Mary Magdalene with mature themes including sexual content, religious reinterpretation, custody battles, and adult situations. Contains frank treatment of sacred prostitution and challenges to traditional Christian narratives.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, steamy sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include on-page sex, religious trauma, and custody battle (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers interested in feminist retellings of biblical stories will appreciate this bold reimagining of Mary Magdalene's journey.