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gen_g wrote: ↑11 May 2018, 09:48 In fact, I find myself raging for Antonius’s sake when he falls into one of Nichola’s nefarious traps; my heart is torn when Savinus is forced to confront the fact of his failing health; and finally, I am filled with empathy and understanding for Nichola’s actions towards Antonius when details of his childhood and inner thought processes are revealed.

I especially like this portion of your review. Well done! I'm a fan of historical fiction, and your review encourages me to check this one out!

I'm up to love triangle and magic but those were not a bit detailed in the review aside from just mentioning them. I'm a bit confused who among the characters possessed magic. I hate the caste system. Surely there are poor and rich people, but ranking sucks. Thanks for the review though.

The book has an interesting plot. The story of two youngsters who want to get a prestigious position in life, and their jealousy for each other makes it an intriguing story. Thanks for this interesting review.

16th-century Italy would be a thrilling destination. I am open to meeting these interesting characters.

The three social classes are still pretty much the same today in most societies. Sadly, prejudices still abound; when will we see the end of them?

stacie k wrote: ↑12 May 2018, 12:16

gen_g wrote: ↑11 May 2018, 09:48 In fact, I find myself raging for Antonius’s sake when he falls into one of Nichola’s nefarious traps; my heart is torn when Savinus is forced to confront the fact of his failing health; and finally, I am filled with empathy and understanding for Nichola’s actions towards Antonius when details of his childhood and inner thought processes are revealed.

I especially like this portion of your review. Well done! I'm a fan of historical fiction, and your review encourages me to check this one out!

Thank you very much for your kind comments! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. (:

Dolor wrote: ↑12 May 2018, 12:53 I'm up to love triangle and magic but those were not a bit detailed in the review aside from just mentioning them. I'm a bit confused who among the characters possessed magic. I hate the caste system. Surely there are poor and rich people, but ranking sucks. Thanks for the review though.

Ah! Nichola, Antonius and Savinus are the ones who possess a flair for the mystic arts. It is not exactly a caste system, but the lines between the social classes are definitely drawn clearly, which definitely has its drawbacks at times. Thank you for your reply!

Sarah Tariq wrote: ↑12 May 2018, 12:54 The book has an interesting plot. The story of two youngsters who want to get a prestigious position in life, and their jealousy for each other makes it an intriguing story. Thanks for this interesting review.

Thank you for your kind review, I certainly had an enjoyable time reading the novel and hope you do too if you decide to pick it up.

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑12 May 2018, 17:40 16th-century Italy would be a thrilling destination. I am open to meeting these interesting characters.

The three social classes are still pretty much the same today in most societies. Sadly, prejudices still abound; when will we see the end of them?

I agree with you! It is definitely a pity when social class is a reason for conflict. However, it does warm my heart that people who possess greater means sometimes do help others whenever they can—it makes the world a better place! Thank you for your lovely comments!

However, if I had to list something that niggled at me, it would be the love triangle subplot between Giulia, Nichola, and Antonius at the end of the novel, which felt slightly rushed.

Ah, those. I'd be a bit concerned that Giulia wasn't developed enough as a character, based on that.
But I definitely agree that "16th century Italy" is novel enough as a setting that I'd be interested in the book based on that alone.

Irene C wrote: ↑12 May 2018, 22:12

However, if I had to list something that niggled at me, it would be the love triangle subplot between Giulia, Nichola, and Antonius at the end of the novel, which felt slightly rushed.

Ah, those. I'd be a bit concerned that Giulia wasn't developed enough as a character, based on that.
But I definitely agree that "16th century Italy" is novel enough as a setting that I'd be interested in the book based on that alone.

I agree, it would have been infinitely better had Giulia been better developed as a character. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more, if the female character had more purpose than being simply the love interest. However, there were some instances in which Giulia was shown to a be strong character—I just wish there were more of them! Thank you for your thoughful comments.

Ah, tea. My favourite (non alcoholic) drink
Posh boy plays second fiddle to pauper, it’s bound to end in tears. Thank you for the review, I enjoyed reading it.

Helen_Combe wrote: ↑13 May 2018, 16:21 Ah, tea. My favourite (non alcoholic) drink
Posh boy plays second fiddle to pauper, it’s bound to end in tears. Thank you for the review, I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you for your kind comments.

You can't go wrong with bildungsroman mixed with historical. I loved your review. Thank you for writing this.

420waystoreachthesun wrote: ↑14 May 2018, 09:08 You can't go wrong with bildungsroman mixed with historical. I loved your review. Thank you for writing this.

Yes indeed! It is a great coming-of-age novel, and a well done one at that! Thank you for your lovely comments!

Thank you for your insightful and well-written review. I agree that formatting and errors lessen the overall reading experience level as such create distractions and deviation of focus from the flow of the story text.