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A review by ellelainey
Fiorenzo by Sebastian Nothwell
5.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Fiorenzo, by Sebastian Nothwell
★★★★★
3rd person, dual POV
Genre: MM, Romance, Historical, Alternative World, Courtesan/Brothel,
Triggers: BDSM (dom/sub, crop, bondage), references to sexual assault (off-page), allusions to past childhood sexual assault, mutilation, references to death of family member, past illness from plague/pandemic, gore, medical scenes, scenes of surgery, prejudice against left-handedness, poison, scenes of swordplay and dueling
~
Fiorenzo is an epic adventure in an alternative historical world where a Duke is charmed by a young courtesan with a strong spirit. The world-building was incredible, from the realistic portrayals of historical Italian life, to the additions of alternative-world elements, such as the Duke's being descended from dragons, the evolution of unique anatomy, and the fact there are women as Dukes and Princes.
Our two main characters are enchanting and each have a dark past and past betrayals to overcome.
A duel has left Enzo with facial scars and a fierce reputation as the Dueling Duke of Drakehaven. He uses a bauta mask when out in public to hide the scars on his face.
Fiore is a courtesan from the Kingfisher, working as a freelance agent of sorts. His life has been a long streak of bad luck – an orphan sent to the conservatorio because of his singing voice, trained to become an opera singer until a trauma made him run away. After some years, he became Fiore a courtesan and has been one ever since.
Together, they make an intriguing couple. Enzo, who has forsaken all hope of affection or compassion unless he's hidden behind a mask, and Fiore who is a free spirit with a jaded outlook on life. They come together purely by accident, but choose to remain together. The tenderness, heat and deep emotional affection displayed between them is profound and beautifully woven into every passage.
While the book has a slightly lyrical, literary style it works perfectly for the historical background and the nature of the characters. There are some amusing uses of metaphor, such as the constant use of sword and nautical themes in intimate situations. The writing is steeped in detail, both ancient and artistic, that it's impossible not to be instantly drawn into the world Nothwell is weaving, from the language use to the architecture and how the words paint a picture of time and location so clearly.
The story starts beautifully slow with Enzo and Fiore meeting, progressing through their tentative relationship at a pace that fits the budding romance and gives us time to see the bond growing between them. Then, at around the halfway mark, I think I held me breath for an entire 10%, because things suddenly took a turn that left no doubt that everything was about to change. Yet, the chemistry between Fiore and Enzo never wavered, becoming stronger for the adversity they faced. Regardless of who was at risk, the other was there to comfort, protect and care for them.
I loved how tentative Fiore was to believe and trust in Enzo, despite his flirtations and obvious affection. It spoke of how deeply he'd been betrayed and hurt in the past, making it hard for him to trust anyone and how aware he is of his own position in society. Alternatively, Enzo has the luxury of not caring about his position and exceeding people's expectations of him to do whatever he wishes. Even when Fiore is injured, Enzo does everything in his power to keep him safe and well, using all that position and authority that he never cared for, to make sure Fiore is safe.
Having undergone surgery without anaesthesia myself, I felt Fiore's pain. Though he was clearly terrified – having a fear of chiurgeons/surgeons – Enzo never judged him for that, instead respecting his choices and never telling him to feel any different or forcing him to face his fears. He takes care of Fiore with such tenderness that it made me want to cry, especially when Fiore was mentally and emotionally scraped raw.
When it comes to secondary characters, I loved Fiore's artist friend Artemesia, the loyal hound Vittorio, and Enzo's sister Giovanna and her family. I wasn't fond of Lucrezia, and I don't think I was supposed to be, but I would have liked to see a little more of his mother at the end.
~
Any issues?
I wouldn't call them issues, but there were a few things I noticed. For an ARC, there were very few editing issues, though I did notice some. One thing that jarred me a little – probably my Britishness getting in the way – was the constant use of the word “cunt”. It's just not a word I can read comfortably. The first few pages mention money, in terms of zecchini, and throughout there are clothing terms or historical elements that I felt a little lost navigating. I had to use Google and my dictionary a lot.
Mostly, my issues were plot gaps. I wanted to know what became of Orazio, but that was never explained. If that's to come in a following book, I'd read it, no doubt. But I did want even a sliver of a hint as to his fate. I also feel like that missing period of Fiore's life, between leaving the conservatorio and taking up residence at the Kingfisher could have used a little more explanation as it was entirely glossed over, though I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that meant he'd been on the streets, in a far less pleasant version of courtesan life.
However...in the long run, I couldn't bring myself to give this book anything less than the 5 stars it deserves, and I'll be adding it to my bookshelf to sit alongside Oak King Holly King.
~
OVERALL
Fiorenzo is an incredibly emotive, captivating story of two people who should never have found themselves together but who fit so perfectly that there's no denying what a perfect match they make. No matter the trials or troubles they face, they've faced them together and lead the reader on an enchanting journey through danger, ecstasy and pain to come out the other side stronger and more in love than ever. Nothwell has already secured a place on my physical bookshelf with his last book, but this book shows me I need to make more space because I can see many more of his books gracing my shelf into the future.
~
Favourite Quote
“what would you do with me when I'm old and flabby and wrinkled?”
Enzo smiled. “With any luck, I shall likewise become old and flabby and wrinked by then, and we would make a well-matched set.”
Another wistful smile graced Fiore's perfect lips. “Perhaps.””
“even with the mark on, Enzo had felt more seen by Fiore than he had by anyone since he'd first donned it.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Fiorenzo, by Sebastian Nothwell
★★★★★
3rd person, dual POV
Genre: MM, Romance, Historical, Alternative World, Courtesan/Brothel,
Triggers: BDSM (dom/sub, crop, bondage), references to sexual assault (off-page), allusions to past childhood sexual assault, mutilation, references to death of family member, past illness from plague/pandemic, gore, medical scenes, scenes of surgery, prejudice against left-handedness, poison, scenes of swordplay and dueling
~
Fiorenzo is an epic adventure in an alternative historical world where a Duke is charmed by a young courtesan with a strong spirit. The world-building was incredible, from the realistic portrayals of historical Italian life, to the additions of alternative-world elements, such as the Duke's being descended from dragons, the evolution of unique anatomy, and the fact there are women as Dukes and Princes.
Our two main characters are enchanting and each have a dark past and past betrayals to overcome.
A duel has left Enzo with facial scars and a fierce reputation as the Dueling Duke of Drakehaven. He uses a bauta mask when out in public to hide the scars on his face.
Fiore is a courtesan from the Kingfisher, working as a freelance agent of sorts. His life has been a long streak of bad luck – an orphan sent to the conservatorio because of his singing voice, trained to become an opera singer until a trauma made him run away. After some years, he became Fiore a courtesan and has been one ever since.
Together, they make an intriguing couple. Enzo, who has forsaken all hope of affection or compassion unless he's hidden behind a mask, and Fiore who is a free spirit with a jaded outlook on life. They come together purely by accident, but choose to remain together. The tenderness, heat and deep emotional affection displayed between them is profound and beautifully woven into every passage.
While the book has a slightly lyrical, literary style it works perfectly for the historical background and the nature of the characters. There are some amusing uses of metaphor, such as the constant use of sword and nautical themes in intimate situations. The writing is steeped in detail, both ancient and artistic, that it's impossible not to be instantly drawn into the world Nothwell is weaving, from the language use to the architecture and how the words paint a picture of time and location so clearly.
The story starts beautifully slow with Enzo and Fiore meeting, progressing through their tentative relationship at a pace that fits the budding romance and gives us time to see the bond growing between them. Then, at around the halfway mark, I think I held me breath for an entire 10%, because things suddenly took a turn that left no doubt that everything was about to change. Yet, the chemistry between Fiore and Enzo never wavered, becoming stronger for the adversity they faced. Regardless of who was at risk, the other was there to comfort, protect and care for them.
I loved how tentative Fiore was to believe and trust in Enzo, despite his flirtations and obvious affection. It spoke of how deeply he'd been betrayed and hurt in the past, making it hard for him to trust anyone and how aware he is of his own position in society. Alternatively, Enzo has the luxury of not caring about his position and exceeding people's expectations of him to do whatever he wishes. Even when Fiore is injured, Enzo does everything in his power to keep him safe and well, using all that position and authority that he never cared for, to make sure Fiore is safe.
Having undergone surgery without anaesthesia myself, I felt Fiore's pain. Though he was clearly terrified – having a fear of chiurgeons/surgeons – Enzo never judged him for that, instead respecting his choices and never telling him to feel any different or forcing him to face his fears. He takes care of Fiore with such tenderness that it made me want to cry, especially when Fiore was mentally and emotionally scraped raw.
When it comes to secondary characters, I loved Fiore's artist friend Artemesia, the loyal hound Vittorio, and Enzo's sister Giovanna and her family. I wasn't fond of Lucrezia, and I don't think I was supposed to be, but I would have liked to see a little more of his mother at the end.
~
Any issues?
I wouldn't call them issues, but there were a few things I noticed. For an ARC, there were very few editing issues, though I did notice some. One thing that jarred me a little – probably my Britishness getting in the way – was the constant use of the word “cunt”. It's just not a word I can read comfortably. The first few pages mention money, in terms of zecchini, and throughout there are clothing terms or historical elements that I felt a little lost navigating. I had to use Google and my dictionary a lot.
Mostly, my issues were plot gaps. I wanted to know what became of Orazio, but that was never explained. If that's to come in a following book, I'd read it, no doubt. But I did want even a sliver of a hint as to his fate. I also feel like that missing period of Fiore's life, between leaving the conservatorio and taking up residence at the Kingfisher could have used a little more explanation as it was entirely glossed over, though I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that meant he'd been on the streets, in a far less pleasant version of courtesan life.
However...in the long run, I couldn't bring myself to give this book anything less than the 5 stars it deserves, and I'll be adding it to my bookshelf to sit alongside Oak King Holly King.
~
OVERALL
Fiorenzo is an incredibly emotive, captivating story of two people who should never have found themselves together but who fit so perfectly that there's no denying what a perfect match they make. No matter the trials or troubles they face, they've faced them together and lead the reader on an enchanting journey through danger, ecstasy and pain to come out the other side stronger and more in love than ever. Nothwell has already secured a place on my physical bookshelf with his last book, but this book shows me I need to make more space because I can see many more of his books gracing my shelf into the future.
~
Favourite Quote
“what would you do with me when I'm old and flabby and wrinkled?”
Enzo smiled. “With any luck, I shall likewise become old and flabby and wrinked by then, and we would make a well-matched set.”
Another wistful smile graced Fiore's perfect lips. “Perhaps.””
“even with the mark on, Enzo had felt more seen by Fiore than he had by anyone since he'd first donned it.”