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devour_the_power's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wwfeldman's review against another edition
3.0
I had not read any of Dave Duncan's work before, but I thoroughly enjoyed these three books. It's obvious he has spent a large amount of time familiarizing himself with the time period these books are set in and I really like his style of writing.
I enjoyed that these weren't the standard fantasy tropes, this was more Sherlock Holmes than Lord of the Rings. It all meshed very well together I thought and I look forward to reading more of Duncan's work.
I enjoyed that these weren't the standard fantasy tropes, this was more Sherlock Holmes than Lord of the Rings. It all meshed very well together I thought and I look forward to reading more of Duncan's work.
rouver's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting piece of historical (slight fantasy) fiction set in Venice around the 1500s. The story follows the adventures of an apprentice...the apprentice to Nostradamus. Oh, not *that* Nostradamus. His nephew. The fantasy bit is due to the fact that demonology, clairvoyance, & astrology are usable to predict the future. A prominent politician is killed while at a book viewing with Nostradamus. It's up to him & his apprentice to find & expose the killer before they themselves are accused of the murder.
I enjoyed it & am looking at reading other pieces by Duncan, including the next in this series.
I enjoyed it & am looking at reading other pieces by Duncan, including the next in this series.
jeregenest's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a genuine historical setting focusing on Renaissance Venice, and it proves my constant assertion that history is always stranger than fiction.
vaderbird's review against another edition
4.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
wmhenrymorris's review against another edition
Amusing. Oddly enough I like the courtesan best (there's a certain mid-20th century charm to the off stage sex scenes and I mean that in a positive way) But in the end even though I like the approach -- a whodunit in a Venice where certain magics are real -- it didn't exactly stick with me. This is more a two and a half stars review.
sammystarbuck's review against another edition
4.0
A fun historical whodunnit, set in renaissance Venice following Alfeo, the apprentice to Nostradamus (Felipe, not his more well-know relative Michel) as he attempts to solve a murder before his master can be accused of committing it.
This one is a lot more historical and a lot less fantasy than Duncan's usual fare, but there are enough references to and manifestations of the occult to satisfy people looking for a little more.
Definitely enjoyable, looking forward to the other two books in the series.
This one is a lot more historical and a lot less fantasy than Duncan's usual fare, but there are enough references to and manifestations of the occult to satisfy people looking for a little more.
Definitely enjoyable, looking forward to the other two books in the series.
samcarlin's review against another edition
5.0
the dry humor and wit of the main character, Alfeo, really made this book worth reading. I enjoyed the historical perspectives and I have a love for Venice in general.
edwindownward's review against another edition
4.0
A strong keep you guessing which way the wind will blow next type of read.