Luciano is taking off the streets by a chef in the house of the most powerful man in Venice. There are rumors of a book that not only has a love potion but a potion to make gold. Those who keep the book a secret may have to fight for it with their lives. Luciano's loyalty to his friends and a girl named Francesca will be tested. On his journey to the truth, it will uncover things beyond his wildest dreams.
Ms. Newmark had a fantastic premise in mind. The research she had to do to keep everything accurate astounded me. She lost me in the middle where you saw the end coming. That upset me to no end! I like twists and turns, a surprise a long the way. Even though you may see the inevitable coming, you don't want it given away.
Luciano has a lot of growing up to do. He must realize that there is more to life than what his friends hold dear. But can he accept what is being shown to him?
This book was up and down and while it engrossed me into the spell it cast. It fell short. The characters were wonderful but knowing the ending just ticked me off. If you like history and not minding knowing how the book ends, this is the book for you.
Elle Newmark/ New author/ 384 pages/ Italy/ Secret books/3 out of 5
I found it so entertaining but that one little thing I cannot let go. Maybe I'm weird.
