Title: Venom
Author: Fiona
Paul
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date:
10.30.2012
Pages: 432
Genre: Paranormal,
Historical
Series: Yes (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1)
Source: ARC
from BEA
Rating: B+
Summary (from Goodreads):
Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with
elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she
has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death,
Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and
labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.
When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?
When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?
Review:
Delicious,
decadent, and alluring, Venom is a
thrilling, sweeping novel that takes you deep into the heart of Venice. Fiona
Paul’s debut is a pulse-pounding success with mysterious characters and
settings that entice and enthrall.
Cass
is a complex character. She has the spirit of a twenty-first century girl while
living in the constraints of the Renaissance time. Her role was defined by her
station, her arranged marriage, and her family. I loved that Cass didn’t simply
rebel against her title and the life that had predetermined for her. Yes, she
disliked it and went against the social norms, but she also felt fear and guilt
when she did it. She second guessed herself frequently, and that helped ground
her character to me.
Falco
was a bit more of a hard sell for me. There was something about him I could
never fully trust and therefore never really accept. That made his romance with
Cass a little hard to take. Falco seemed a little too slick and confidant, and
while I understand the need for secrecy now, I couldn’t help but feel a little
put off by him.
It
took me a bit longer to read Venom
than I would have liked, but I likened it to eating a triple-layer,
death-by-chocolate cake. It’s too rich to down in one sitting. I had to let
things digest and settle before going back for more. Paul does a spectacular
job setting the scene and making me feel like I was walking along the roads of
Venice from the smells to the feel of the cobblestone beneath my feet. Reading Venom is an experience, not just a ride.
I can’t wait to see where Paul takes this story next.
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
So you're not supposed to inhale triple-layer death-by-chocolate cake in 2 forkfuls? And then chase it with a cappucino and a giant cupcake? This is what I've been doing wrong :)
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays. Thanks for the review :)
*resists urge to post a second comment correcting spelling of cappuccino* *fails*
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that this is such a good read. I have 35 people ahead of me on the hold list at the library but it it's as good as it sounds it'll be worth the wait. Great review as always!
ReplyDelete-Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
I have been eying this book for a little while now. Thanks for your review! :)
ReplyDeleteOooo I like the triple layer chocolate cake analogy Hannah! And now I want cake. Damn you. I'm curious to see what I'll think of Falco - I think some of his secrecy might be a bit off putting for me as well, but overall this sounds like a really great read. Plus, Venice. LOVE that this book is set there!
ReplyDelete