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Thursday, April 19, 2012

The King's Agent by Donna Russo Morin



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

The Three Reasons Review is a simple way to get your thoughts out there about a book.  The reasons are as follows complete with fancy button:

1.) Reasons you chose this book
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres of all to read. I thought the book sounded interesting and the time period is one that I know very little about!

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book
I had a really hard time getting interested in the story that the author was trying to tell. It had nothing at all to do with her writing style, but instead for me the first half of the book was too heavy and weighed down by so much information that it was difficult to keep my concentration on the novel.  Around halfway through the book the two main characters were really able to get the story going and that is when I found myself enjoying the their interaction and where their adventure would take the reader.

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book or not.....
I am on the fence with this one only because so many of my fellow readers have loved this book, but there have been a few that felt like I did. Some of us really get into all the nitty gritty details of a particular time period, while others just like a story that doesn't need too much background information and is a fast read. I think the author has a great writing style and it is very evident that she does her homework. I would certainly try another book from her in the future even though this one just didn't click for me!


Please make sure you visit the other blog's hosting The King's Agent to read more reviews!




Donna Russo Morin was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1958. Her writing endeavors began at age six and covered such timely topics as The Pink Pussy Cat for President and The   Numbers 2 and 4 are in Love.
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Donna worked in marketing and advertising for large corporations and small non-profit arts organizations. When she had her children, she knew with a certainty that she needed to show them, by example, that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
Donna lives peacefully, close to the beautiful shoreline of Rhode Island that she loves so much, with her two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress.

Disclaimer:Thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

Review Book #12
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
  

15 comments:

  1. I like historical fiction but not sure I have the patience to wait for the story to get going at half way in. The fact that you'd read another of her books has me adding her name to my list of authors to read.

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  2. Hmmmmmm the synopsis sounds really good, but I would probably have a hard time with this one also... I don't need all the details! LOL!

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  3. Don't worry Staci, I had a hard time getting into this one too and as much as I adore historical fiction I felt a bit out of my depth. I'll try another one of Donna's novels, maybe one without the supernatural element!

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  4. I don't read much historical fiction so I think I'll skip this one.

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  5. I'll probably skip this book, but really like the Three Reasons Review format.

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  6. I know what you mean with historical fiction - sometimes you really have to be interested in that period, because it occupies so much of the story!

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  7. Like I told you not every book is for every reader - that's what makes discussing books fun! As you know I reall enjoyed Donna's book and I wish you would have enjoyed it more.

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  8. Hm, I am a bit torn now. And at the same time I am glad that I got a bit more of a negative review too to weigh down all the glowing ones

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  9. Sometimes all that information helps when I don't know the time period, but sometimes it does bog down the story. It does say a lot that you're willing to read more by this author even though this book didn't "wow" you.

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  10. I love historical fiction and will keep this one in mind when I won't mind digging into the details.

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  11. sometimes I like the info--but most of the time I just want to get on with the story.

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  12. Love the cover and the synopsis sounds intriguing though. Sorry you didn't enjoy the whole thing.

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  13. I usually turn and run when I see a long dress on a body with no head, so . . .

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  14. Sorry to hear that this book didn't quite work for you. It has been such a long time since I read any historical fiction...I really enjoy them when I read them so I don't know why that is. I just need to pick one up off of my shelves...and soon!

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  15. I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but when I do I don't like to be weighted down by the details.

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