La Città Degli Assassini. Il Sangue Del Doge (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
The characters and fantasy historical setting are very interesting, descriptive and solid.However, the extreme violence and brutal acts of misogyny, though true to the period, are not for the faint of heart and quite disturbing. Also, women are categorized and labeled as seductive, sweet virgins or seductive, wicked scheming whores, victims or opportunists. The men appear to have more variation and complexity, but the women are limited and objectified. There fresh originality of the vampire legend is engrossing. I honestly could not finish reading this book and have not intention of continuing this series despite the fact the author writes very well and does excellent research. I am certain this is a popular work but it was not for me. I confess that The Fallen Blade is one of those books that left me rather conflicted. Atilo Il Mauros is head of the Assassini, the private enforcers of Venice's ruling family during the 15th century. While attempting to rescue the Duke's kidnapped cousin, he comes across Tycho, a young man with preternatural strength and inhuman powers. Where Tycho goes, bloodshed and death follow. But to the head of the deadly Assassini, this isn't necessarily a bad thing.Grimwood excels at taking Venice and making it his own, seamlessly weaving the historical city with the supernatural aspects of his tale. His depiction of magic and the supernatural blends effortlessly into the greater political and social intrigues of the book, and comes across as a natural part of the setting.Character development, however, is uneven. The two most interesting characters are Atilo and Tycho, and you will want to continue reading if for no other reason than to see what happens to them. But many of the other characters are either one dimensional or outright grating on the nerves. Giulietta has a nuisance of a personality, and one that leads the reader to hoping for her demise just so she will stop sullying the scene with her annoying demeanor. Alonzo is a Medici knock-off who apparently never realized that The Prince was a political satire and not an actual handbook.But where I become conflicted is in the presentation of the plot. Grimwood does a superb job of crafting some of the most intense and exciting scenes I've read in recent fantasy works. But what he often lacks is subtlety. The political machinations at play throughout the book have all the subtlety of an angry bull. Much of the plotting is almost comical in its overtness, almost as if it is suppose to be a parody of 15th century Venetian politics. In the end, as a reader I decided to simply enjoy the ride and just follow the action, but some readers may be disappointed that the scheming lacks the clever insinuation one would expect considering the source material.Reviewer Note: Publisher provided a review copy of the book.
What do You think about La Città Degli Assassini. Il Sangue Del Doge (2013)?
I won't be reading this trilogy this book goes to the donate pile
—dclxviblandy
Venice, 1400's, Vampires, werewolfs and who know what else ....
—Yasmin
Pretty good. Think I like this better than his sci-fi stuff.
—Jimmy
