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A review by itslorei
The Assassin of Venice: A Novel by Alyssa Palombo
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A thrilling, delicious, and intriguing historical novel with a mixed touch of politics, burning intimacy, and blades and poisons.
I already had a feeling that I'm gonna enjoy this novel, and I did, which was gratifying for my part.
The writing is delicate in woving its storyline chapter by chapter. It didn't also miss making the characters even more compelling and striking, especially Valentina.
Valentina's character is seductive in the most part of the story. She utilised her talents and abilities in satisfying levels, leaving the readers impressed, me specifically.
Malaesta, character, I admit was an enigma. I really expected that much of him, considering how he's characterized and shown in chapters with Valentina. I could say the same with the Ten. I just hope that the story did show more of the Ten than presenting them by telling in the story.
The same goes for Bastiano. Although I find him interesting at the beginning, I couldn't quite root for him for another reason rather than being a lover and the beloved of Valentina. He lacks the presence in the story. The story didn't really delve that much on him despite the potential of his character in the storyline.
The story also made me feel nostalgic, which made me look back to the series The Borgias and The Medici. I could quite feel the same tone and atmosphere of it here in the novel.
The conclusion was— I would say it was quite not I was expecting? I was expecting more from it, more of schemes and actions, perhaps.
Overall, this was still satisfying read. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you, netgalley and the publisher, for the arc opportunity ♡
I already had a feeling that I'm gonna enjoy this novel, and I did, which was gratifying for my part.
The writing is delicate in woving its storyline chapter by chapter. It didn't also miss making the characters even more compelling and striking, especially Valentina.
Valentina's character is seductive in the most part of the story. She utilised her talents and abilities in satisfying levels, leaving the readers impressed, me specifically.
Malaesta, character, I admit was an enigma. I really expected that much of him, considering how he's characterized and shown in chapters with Valentina. I could say the same with the Ten. I just hope that the story did show more of the Ten than presenting them by telling in the story.
The same goes for Bastiano. Although I find him interesting at the beginning, I couldn't quite root for him for another reason rather than being a lover and the beloved of Valentina. He lacks the presence in the story. The story didn't really delve that much on him despite the potential of his character in the storyline.
The story also made me feel nostalgic, which made me look back to the series The Borgias and The Medici. I could quite feel the same tone and atmosphere of it here in the novel.
The conclusion was— I would say it was quite not I was expecting? I was expecting more from it, more of schemes and actions, perhaps.
Overall, this was still satisfying read. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you, netgalley and the publisher, for the arc opportunity ♡