Publication Date: 1st March 2012
Pages: 438
Book Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Synopsis: The King’s Agent is based loosely on the life of Battista
della Palla-a patriotic plunderer, a religious rogue-of the 16th century, a
lifelong friend to the great Michelangelo.
As the
cloistered ward of the Marquess of Mantua, Lady Aurelia is a woman with a
profound duty, and a longing for adventure. In search of a relic intended for
the King of France, Battista and Aurelia cross the breathtaking landscape of
Renaissance Italy. Clues hide in great works of art, political forces collide,
secret societies and enemies abound, and danger lurks in every challenge, those
that mirror the passages of Dante's Divine Comedy. It is an adventurous quest
with undercurrents of the supernatural, powers that could change the balance of
supremacy throughout Europe.
I'm probably not in
the majority when I say I found the first half of The King's Agent hard going.
Not a story to be read in fits and starts, it's one that benefits from a large
chunk of reading time being devoted to the experience.
Battista &
Aurelia are characters you cannot help but love. Battista della Palla is a historical figure, (one I wasn't familiar with) commissioned to gather
art treasures for Francois I of France. Battista is strong, selfless and fiercely loyal, quite the lovable rogue. A
man who inspires loyalty in others and his band of men are a treat to read of.
A veil of mystery surrounds Aurelia, it's clear she has untold secrets,
it's clear that something's amiss but I couldn't put my finger on what that
something was.
The fate of Florence rests with
Battista & Aurelia's quest to find an ancient relic, their dangerous
journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise echoes Dante's Divine
Comedy but reminded me of a 16th century Indiana Jones
adventure. While I'm not completely ignorant of Dante's allegorical
journey, I can't say I'm well versed in Italian literature so I did feel a little out
of my depth.
The King's Agent is rich in detail; food, wine, architecture, art. Ms Morin's flamboyant descriptions, research and attention to detail give a wonderful sense of time and place. So, whilst I had difficulty getting into The King's Agent, I loved being immersed in the culture of Renaissance Italy and I adored the guided tour of Rome and time spent with Battista's good friend, Michelangelo ... yep THE Michelangelo.
Not an easy read for me but enjoyable nonetheless and I applaud Ms Morin's creativity combining history and fantasy.
Donna Russo Morin's website
Tour Schedule: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Twitter Event Hashtag:
#KingsAgentVirtualBookTour
I like historical fiction very much so this is up my street. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it Mystica,
DeleteI appreciate your honest review as I struggle with historical fiction... and it's nice to have reviews on what people think about certain titles... thanks and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie, this probably isn't the easiest read if you struggle with historical fiction. I love hf but I did find it hard going at times but I know quite a few of the bloggers I trust loved this one to bits :)
DeleteI think that after the last book I read this one would suit me too :)
ReplyDeleteB I'm looking forward to trying Ms Morin's other works
DeleteGreat review, I'm looking forward to reading this one.
ReplyDelete-Kimberly @ Turning The Pages
I'll keep an eye out for your review Kimberly :)
DeleteAfter reading your review I feel much better about my own reaction to this book!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading your review Staci, I'm guessing we had similar feelings??
DeleteI agree with you about the Indiana Jones feel - it was fun to read though.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it Daphne :)
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