“The Reincarnationist” by M.J. Rose
Oct 1 - Nov 2, 2007
We’re thrilled to be touring The Reincarnationist, M.J. Rose’s ninth novel, in which she delves into religious myth and past lives. Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly has to say in its starred review:
Rose delves into religious myth and past-life discovery in her well-paced ninth novel. In present-day Rome, a terrorist bomb explosion triggers flashbacks of pre-Christian Italy in photographer Josh Ryder. Josh experiences the memories as Julius, a pagan priest defending the sacrosanct monuments of his gods and the life of his vestal virgin lover against the emperor-mandated onslaught of Christianity in A.D. 391. Six months later, Josh has teamed with the Phoenix Foundation, an institute specializing in past-life memories in children, to explore a newly excavated tomb that may contain pagan memory stones that incite past-life regressions and will, by proving the existence of reincarnation, challenge the church. The stakes rise after it becomes clear that dangerous outside forces also want the stones. In a series of memory lurches, the narratives of Josh and Julius slowly wind together to reveal a Da Vinci Code–esque tale of intrigue that’s more believably plotted and better meets its ambitions than Dan Brown’s ubiquitous book.
Want to hear more? Read M.J. Rose’s backstory for The Reincarnationist, and check in throughout the month of October as we hear reviews and even a few “past life memories” from no fewer than 50 bloggers.
Baggage says “The Reincarnationist is the type of story that you won’t be able to put down. It is sexy, suspenseful, historical, and will keep you wondering ‘Who did it?’ and also whether it is possible that this is not the first time we are walking on this Earth.”
Home Mom says “Have you ever wondered if you lived in a past life? … I know the feeling of seeing your past life, I get glimpses of myself in a long dress living on a farm. Yes, I do believe in it, which is what pulled me in even more with the book.”
Writing in the Mountains says “The concept of the memory stones was quite intriguing. If they had actually existed, that would be phenomenal. What a great idea!”
One Hand Typing says “The Reincarnationist managed to reel me in and keep me sneaking pages all day.”
Life as Lou says “This was one of the best thrillers I have read this year. Truly unpredictable, the book weaves in and around several time periods and characters, leaving the reader to wonder how it can all connect in the end. The book was seductive, fast paced, detail oriented & intelligently written, and absolute recipe for success.“
Zen Mother says “Is the killer someone from the past who wants to reclaim their memories or is it someone that seeks to keep the truth about reincarnation a secret so that the very foundation of Christianity is not torn apart? This thriller takes us on wild and suspenseful ride.”
Domestic Diva says “It definitely gives you a new outlook on life and the way that you see things. This book makes you think.”
Dirty Little Secret says “I’m going to recommend this book to my book club, and not simply because most of them are history dorks like I am. The Reincarnationist never failed to hold my interest. The plot was complex and crossed genres with ease.”
Her Able Hands says “I blazed through The Reincarnationist in a burning ring of cornea fire late at night with the reading lamp holding me steady in its warm glow. It took me three nights and cost me a bit of productivity on the job because my eyeballs were scratched and night-burnt and I couldn’t stop thinking about my own brushes with the possibility of reincarnation.”
After the Bubbly says “The action takes place in ancient and modern day Rome, as well as early 1900’s and modern day New York City. The author does a pretty good job acclimating the reader to the setting quickly, which is important with characters hopping around in time and space.”
A Mama’s Rant says “All in all The Reincarnationist was interesting and a somewhat entertaining read.”
Margalit Reviews says “M.J. Rose weaves a complicated story in The Reincarnationist, unraveling a mystery across millennia and multiple lives.”
Having Enough says “M.J. Rose combines her own experience and research with reincarnation, some in-depth historical research, and her obvious flair for sizzling, lusty plotlines to create a 400-plus-page book that I gobbled up in three days. I appreciated the authenticity in the experiences of the characters, and I found myself wishing I could see people’s auras through my camera lens the way main character Josh Ryder could. Is there more to our souls’ journeys that we could understand now? I like that this book made me wonder.”
As Yet Untitled says “My favorite sections of the book, by far, were those that took place in ancient Rome. The writing in these sections is lush with description and with an effortless prose that belies the tremendous amount of research Rose must have done to create this world. The Roman characters are engaging, and I found myself not only caught up in their stories, but sighing when pulled back to the modern-day narrative — much as the protagonist himself does. I could have happily stayed in the Roman narrative forever, wandering around with Rose as the story unfolds.”
Three Kid Circus says “M.J. Rose packs a wallop with this book - there are multiple entangled story-lines, seemingly disconnected characters who are brought together by chance and circumstance, and plenty of pulse-pounding excitement. While books of this nature require a certain suspension of disbelief, Rose peppers her book with quotes from famous thinkers, artists and authors that support the idea of reincarnation, and lend a believability to the proceedings.”
A Life Less Ordinary says “It’s an interesting premise and a great read. I blew through it no time — for me the mark of a great story. I got completely caught up in the mystery. I wanted to know more. The transitions between past lives and present ones were clear and not confusing, and Rose ties up all the ends nicely.”
Brain Soup says “One particular idea that I found intriguing was that children in some other countries are believed when they have “memories” of past lives, but here in the You Ess Of Aaay, we treat the kids as though they’re pretending or playing with imaginary friends. Maybe they are…but…what if?”
Gaijin Mama says “Earlier reviews have compared this book to The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Da Vinci Code. Although certain themes, such as that of love across dimensions, are superficially similar, The Reincarnationist is a thing unto itself.”
Mom and More says “The plot and premise of this novel are extremely compelling. Throughout the read, I found myself putting together pieces of the puzzle and thoroughly engrossed in the historical meanderings of our setting.”
You, Me, and a Baby says “I was really excited to receive this book to review–historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. The book started off a little slow, but after the first few chapters, the overall pace of the story really picked up and then it was all I could do to stop myself from staying up all night to read. Regardless of whether you believe that reincarnation is real, this book is entertaining, addictive, and even makes you think. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.”
Tastes Like Crazy says “Surprisingly, Rose transitions between times effortlessly; M. J. Rose seems to have a firm grasp on how to lead her readers on what ends up being a complex journey.I found myself looking forward to Josh “becoming†Julius and Julius’s interactions with Sabina.”
Charlottesville Words says “I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened my review copy of The Reincarnationist, the latest novel from M. J. Rose. The book is beautifully packaged, with a rich-looking dustjacket. Is it shallow to make a point of that? I don’t think so. In discussions about e-books, I’m constantly hearing that people are attached to books as physical objects. The jacket, binding, paper weight, and jacket copy all play into my experience of a book. I’m one of those nerds who even reads the font description in the back. The Reincarnationist is a nice-looking book, better than you might expect from the thriller genre.
Postcards From the Mothership says “Regardless, it’s one of the better books I’ve read this year, an exciting story full of page-turning suspense. There are sinister forces at play, a likeable hero, more than a hint of romance, and a handful of mysteries to be solved. What more could you ask of a book?”
Letters to My Daughters says “If you like books like the Da Vinci Code then this is a must-read for you. It mixes modern day moments with flashbacks to ancient Rome.”
The Hidden Side of a Leaf says “I found this book very well-researched. The speculative aspect of a story based on a character’s memories of a past life is nicely balanced with historical details of life in Rome and of pre-Christian pagan beliefs and practices.”
All Rileyed Up says “As far as airplane reading goes, this book lives up: a compelling weave of plotlines, action, adventure, and characters to create drama and excitement for me while I’m sitting in between two strangers in my cozy Southwest Airlines seat, chugging Ginger Ale and eating cracker sticks and cheese dip.”
Magpie Girl says “Managing her large cast, M.J. Rose is a deft story teller and keeps us up to speed on all that is happening. Ms. Rose is no fool – the novel’s ending will make you long for a follow-up, say, maybe a nice little trilogy?”
Mehitabel’s Musings says “What do you look for in a thriller? Is it a clever, original premise? Something that makes you think, along with the suspense and chills and quick action? Characters who are believable, who come across the page and into your mind and heart the way real people do? Well, if that’s what you’re looking for, look no further! The Reincarnationist features smart, likable protagonists, an exciting hunt for legendary artifacts, as well as a fast-moving and original plot.”
Quest to Write says “The book was well written, and it did have a unique story line. The changes between present and past were beautifully flawless. Her writing is strong in both dialogue and narrative, and her descriptions are excellent.”
Life With Heathens says “The intricate and classy dust jacket alone is reason enough to pick up the book and I have no doubt that it will do quite well on the seller’s lists.”
Mamma Loves says “I really was sucked in from the first page and read the entire last half of the book in one sitting. Rose did a terrific job of using reincarnation as a hook to unfold the mystery that never felt forced. And while I won’t ruin the ending, you must send me a note once you’re finished with it because I want to discuss it.”
Corblue’s Closet says “From the moment I turned the first page I was hooked. The author, M.J. Rose, has spun an interesting tale which keeps the reader turning pages without realizing how far they have gone. I would tell myself that I would put the book down at page 150 then find myself on page 163. It was impossible to set The Reincarnationist down.”
Major Bedhead says “The story is woven together well. There are a few predictable moments, but for the most part, the suspense is there and the book is a page-turner.”
Monkeygirl says “I ended up enjoying the book. It is a good adventure, somewhat reminiscent of things like The DaVinci Code.”
The Smartmouth Mombie says “I liked how M.J. Rose spins the idea of reincarnation, not suggesting that people are doomed to relive their mistakes, but that the mistakes of the past can inform the present. Of course, people may keep making the mistakes until they learn better, but it doesn’t have to happen that way.”
The Zen of Motherhood says “Reading The Reincarnationist is an almost sensual experience. Rose has a gift for creating atmospheres so thick you can drown in them. Throw in some history, mystery, and suspense, and you’ve got escapism at its blissful best. The Reincarnationist is a truly entertaining read.”
Jenn’s Journal says “Awesome. That pretty much sums up The Reincarnationist for me. I started this book Sunday night before I went to bed and finished it Tuesday morning. It’s 451 pages, so that’s saying a lot even though I’m usually a fast reader. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book by M.J. Rose, but it won’t be the last.”
Life is a Banquet says “What makes this book so stellar isn’t just the puzzle(s) at its core, but rather the deep point of view and fast paced plotting that Rose employs masterfully. The subtle differences between Josh/Julius are captured with little gestures and phrasing rather than clunky exposition.”
Bleeding Espresso says “As the title of the book suggests, the main theme of this fast-paced thriller is reincarnation, and anyone who is even remotely interested in or curious about this subject (as I am) will enjoy this read. Rose’s exceptional research taught me a lot about the concept and its history, and she kept me guessing on the plot until the final page was turned and even thereafter. I really can’t ask for more in a book.”
Mothering Many says “The writing is masterful, and Rose moves the story along at a satisfactory pace. Not so fast that important details are lost, and never slow enough for boredom and complacency to set in. The ending is quite surprising, and this novel met my one test for ‘great’. The day after I finished reading it, it was still on my mind, and I was drawing conclusions from it, still fitting the pieces together in my mind. I read maybe one book a year that sticks with me that way.”
