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halynah's review against another edition
5.0
AMAZING, GRIPPING, UNUSUAL! Though at first the pacing was a little bit too slow, but if you show patience - you'll be generously rewarded with exciting twists and turns of the plot, tender romance, two wonderful young men and an excellently created atmosphere of Venice, mystery and suspense. I can't wait the sequel and highly recommend this book to everybody, who enjoy a quality read.
seshoptaw's review against another edition
3.75
EDIT 1/12/20
3.75*
Secret Societies
Murder
Mystery
Romance
Suspense, intrigue, and adventure
This book started checking off a lot of things I really enjoy and it was so much fun to be transported to Venice, Italy around the time of the Renaissance.
The pages were filled with macabre references and with this, the setting, and the murders, the author created an atmosphere that was tangible – the tension in the air was transported all the way back to my safe living-room, far away from Venice. And goodness, the descriptions of Venice! Beautiful, intriguing, and slightly dangerous, it created such an allure that I was ready to buy a plane ticket and see it for myself. It was absolutely wonderful.
I also really enjoyed the plot. It was a little reaching at times, but overall, I loved all of the places it took our heroine to (from strange workshops full of dead bodies to whore houses to forbidden artist studios, each place was an exciting adventure). The author created a rich world that made my imagination run wild.
Additionally, I enjoyed the love interest as well. It’s a story that has been told a million times (noblewoman falls in love with a commoner) but I really liked Falco. I loved the mystery that surrounded him, I loved how much he pushed Cass to grow and develop as a character throughout this novel, and I loved that he fell hard for her too. There was just something about it that captured me. He oozes charm and has a crooked smile, what’s not to love?
The Society of the Eternal Rose (i.e. the secret society) was not very fleshed out. With 2 more books in the series though, I can’t wait to see what’s revealed about this order.
I will admit that Cass’ attitude toward her societal norms seemed a bit disjointed at times. She seemed to want to shed the yoke of a young (and engaged) woman of nobility. Understandable. But there are bounds within that that I believe even our wild and reckless Cass would’ve followed. The story makes you believe that Cass’ freedom means more to her than the loss of her reputation and standing in society, her virtue, and her financial stability. She’s ready, at times, to throw them all away on a whim, even, for example, stating on more than one occasion that she’d rather be homeless and live on the streets than be trapped in her “cage.”
Unfortunately, I don’t find this very believable or realistic for a girl in her position. She has so much to lose and the consequences of even stepping a toe out of line could be monumental. Although this perhaps shouldn’t stop the adventure she goes on completely, Cass would know the rules and the cost of breaking them more than what was portrayed here. A lady of her standing would not be so quick to toss it all away.
Cass’ attitude toward societal norms was not the only flaw in her character. From the beginning, she seems very self-absorbed. At her friend’s funeral, for example, she’s incredibly distracted and bored with the sermon, even leaving the church before the service is over. Later on, at another friend’s wedding, Cass doesn’t even stay to watch her friend’s wedding vows being said, even though throughout the book, Cass has acted as a Maid of Honor (of sorts) to the friend. She never acted like a good friend who really cared about the people around her and she just didn’t win any points here.
Additionally, Cass came across as rather fickle toward the end of the book. Falco and her seem to be star-crossed lovers, doomed to be separated due to their societal standings. Then we have Luca, whom Cass has been engaged to for years. She has found him dull, boring, and predictable and yet, the second he shows up (several years after they have last seen each other), she begins to notice how handsome he’s become. She’s giving him a chance without things being totally resolved with Falco. The book ended in a way that this didn’t cause any issues but I can see it becoming a problem in subsequent books.
I would recommend this novel and look forward to the next!
1/30/13
This book takes place in Italy many many years ago. It is full of suspense and intrigue as well as conflicting upper-class/lower-class relationships. It has murder, romance, dead bodies, threats, adventure and so much more! It frequently had me on the edge of my seat and it leaves me craving book 2. I can't wait for the second one to come out!
3.75*
Secret Societies
Murder
Mystery
Romance
Suspense, intrigue, and adventure
This book started checking off a lot of things I really enjoy and it was so much fun to be transported to Venice, Italy around the time of the Renaissance.
The pages were filled with macabre references and with this, the setting, and the murders, the author created an atmosphere that was tangible – the tension in the air was transported all the way back to my safe living-room, far away from Venice. And goodness, the descriptions of Venice! Beautiful, intriguing, and slightly dangerous, it created such an allure that I was ready to buy a plane ticket and see it for myself. It was absolutely wonderful.
I also really enjoyed the plot. It was a little reaching at times, but overall, I loved all of the places it took our heroine to (from strange workshops full of dead bodies to whore houses to forbidden artist studios, each place was an exciting adventure). The author created a rich world that made my imagination run wild.
Additionally, I enjoyed the love interest as well. It’s a story that has been told a million times (noblewoman falls in love with a commoner) but I really liked Falco. I loved the mystery that surrounded him, I loved how much he pushed Cass to grow and develop as a character throughout this novel, and I loved that he fell hard for her too. There was just something about it that captured me. He oozes charm and has a crooked smile, what’s not to love?
The Society of the Eternal Rose (i.e. the secret society) was not very fleshed out. With 2 more books in the series though, I can’t wait to see what’s revealed about this order.
I will admit that Cass’ attitude toward her societal norms seemed a bit disjointed at times. She seemed to want to shed the yoke of a young (and engaged) woman of nobility. Understandable. But there are bounds within that that I believe even our wild and reckless Cass would’ve followed. The story makes you believe that Cass’ freedom means more to her than the loss of her reputation and standing in society, her virtue, and her financial stability. She’s ready, at times, to throw them all away on a whim, even, for example, stating on more than one occasion that she’d rather be homeless and live on the streets than be trapped in her “cage.”
Unfortunately, I don’t find this very believable or realistic for a girl in her position. She has so much to lose and the consequences of even stepping a toe out of line could be monumental. Although this perhaps shouldn’t stop the adventure she goes on completely, Cass would know the rules and the cost of breaking them more than what was portrayed here. A lady of her standing would not be so quick to toss it all away.
Cass’ attitude toward societal norms was not the only flaw in her character. From the beginning, she seems very self-absorbed. At her friend’s funeral, for example, she’s incredibly distracted and bored with the sermon, even leaving the church before the service is over. Later on, at another friend’s wedding, Cass doesn’t even stay to watch her friend’s wedding vows being said, even though throughout the book, Cass has acted as a Maid of Honor (of sorts) to the friend. She never acted like a good friend who really cared about the people around her and she just didn’t win any points here.
Additionally, Cass came across as rather fickle toward the end of the book. Falco and her seem to be star-crossed lovers, doomed to be separated due to their societal standings. Then we have Luca, whom Cass has been engaged to for years. She has found him dull, boring, and predictable and yet, the second he shows up (several years after they have last seen each other), she begins to notice how handsome he’s become. She’s giving him a chance without things being totally resolved with Falco. The book ended in a way that this didn’t cause any issues but I can see it becoming a problem in subsequent books.
I would recommend this novel and look forward to the next!
1/30/13
This book takes place in Italy many many years ago. It is full of suspense and intrigue as well as conflicting upper-class/lower-class relationships. It has murder, romance, dead bodies, threats, adventure and so much more! It frequently had me on the edge of my seat and it leaves me craving book 2. I can't wait for the second one to come out!
kikithebaker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Okay...I know people will call me crazy but I ABSOLUTELY loved this book so much. It is one of my all time most favorite books out there. I think I've re-read this book about 15 times now. Without trying to spoil anything for readers I just have to say that I love how it's like Nancy Drew but with vampires and a huge splash of love. I thought the book was exciting and adventurous when you would go along this journey with Cassandra to investigate and it becomes so intense.
alanaleigh's review against another edition
3.0
Not a real review, I just need to make these notes: 5/5 stars for setting - superbly evocative of the time and place with an exquisite understanding of the twists and turns of Venice. This makes the book a positive experience for me despite being disappointed otherwise. 2/5 for the heroine - I rarely get as hung up on "in this time period, a teenage girl would never behave like this" as I did here. Additionally, she made one good decision during the entire book and that's at the very end, so she recouped points there. 2/5 for the guys - I actively loathed one of the love interests and only had mildly positive feelings for the other... not a great thing for a book so heavily invested in sensuality and romance. 2/5 for the mystery - there are attempts at diverting your attention but I figured out what was going on very early in the book.
reneeyik's review against another edition
5.0
I really really loved this book. Maybe it's because I haven't been reading a lot recently due to school work and other distractions, but I thought that this was really different from the typical YA fiction.
I didn't hate her despite some of her decisions and that is actually a first for me because I have some odd thing where I usually don't like the main characters much. Or at least, she didn't irritate me.
Romance was definitely there, yes, but it wasn't straight up in my face, if you know what I mean. I didn't feel like every page was her moaning about her love and how much she wanted to see him and all that stuff that most of the girls spend their time thinking about in YA books.
And the mystery of everything? Beautiful. Set in Venice too? Fantastic.
Seeing as how this is the first book of Fiona Paul I can definitely say that I will continue to read more of her books if they are as great as this one.
I didn't hate her despite some of her decisions and that is actually a first for me because I have some odd thing where I usually don't like the main characters much. Or at least, she didn't irritate me.
Romance was definitely there, yes, but it wasn't straight up in my face, if you know what I mean. I didn't feel like every page was her moaning about her love and how much she wanted to see him and all that stuff that most of the girls spend their time thinking about in YA books.
And the mystery of everything? Beautiful. Set in Venice too? Fantastic.
Seeing as how this is the first book of Fiona Paul I can definitely say that I will continue to read more of her books if they are as great as this one.
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted at Hooked on Books
This book has everything! Stolen corpses, gondolas prostitutes, sexy artists, smouldering love scenes, murder, mayhem and so much more.
Fiona Paul immediately sets an exciting tone for Venom through the setting alone. Beautifully described and richly imagined, you know from the first few pages that you are in for a treat. Set in Renaissance Venice, it already marks itself as a unique and almost magical read. The outfits, the canal, the masquerades, it so easy to get swept up in it all. It almost feels as if you're diving into a fantasy novel, everything is so lush and enchanting. And possibly best of all, this was such a unique time and place to set this story. It seems like every YA historical novel I read is set in England or maybe France, in Tudor or Victorian times. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just nice to get a change of scenery.
Cass, the heroine of our story, is pretty capable as heroines go. Running through graveyards at night, pretending to be a courtesan to dig up information, breaking into the house of a potential murder. All to find out what happened to the body of her best friend/stop a killer. It's a lot braver than I could probably manage to be. That being said the idea of a poor rich girl, wanting something different with her life, is a little bit tired, but it worked within the structure of this story.
It helps of course that she is aided by, a young, devil may care artist, who pushes her to be more than the just the girl society expects her to be. From the very first moment Falco stepped onto the page I knew I was going to like him. He had attitude and charisma, but he was more than that. He was an artist, a hard worker, interested in science and knowledge. He may have looked and talked like a bad boy, but underneath there was a layered and interesting character.
All of these fantastic elements were blended together in a fabulous, well crafted mystery that kept me guessing right up until the last moment. I was constantly changing my theories and predictions and I was genuinely shocked by the ending. And speaking of the ending, I was pretty pleased by how it all wrapped up. I hate when books end on a cliff hanger, but Fiona Paul seemed to tie up enough of the major plot points that I felt like this story was ending, but she also left a lot of clues and suggestions that made me eager to continue on with the series and see what Cass gets up to next.
Venom actually made my heart race. This is one of Penguin's "Breathless Reads" this year and it's easy to see why. Not only did it take my breath away, it kept me up all night, pulse racing, wondering where the story would go next.
Recommendation: A book that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, romance, action/adventure tales... The list goes on and on. Basically if you like your books filled with mystery, intrigue, mayhem and swoon worthy scenes this one is for you!
This book has everything! Stolen corpses, gondolas prostitutes, sexy artists, smouldering love scenes, murder, mayhem and so much more.
Fiona Paul immediately sets an exciting tone for Venom through the setting alone. Beautifully described and richly imagined, you know from the first few pages that you are in for a treat. Set in Renaissance Venice, it already marks itself as a unique and almost magical read. The outfits, the canal, the masquerades, it so easy to get swept up in it all. It almost feels as if you're diving into a fantasy novel, everything is so lush and enchanting. And possibly best of all, this was such a unique time and place to set this story. It seems like every YA historical novel I read is set in England or maybe France, in Tudor or Victorian times. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just nice to get a change of scenery.
Cass, the heroine of our story, is pretty capable as heroines go. Running through graveyards at night, pretending to be a courtesan to dig up information, breaking into the house of a potential murder. All to find out what happened to the body of her best friend/stop a killer. It's a lot braver than I could probably manage to be. That being said the idea of a poor rich girl, wanting something different with her life, is a little bit tired, but it worked within the structure of this story.
It helps of course that she is aided by, a young, devil may care artist, who pushes her to be more than the just the girl society expects her to be. From the very first moment Falco stepped onto the page I knew I was going to like him. He had attitude and charisma, but he was more than that. He was an artist, a hard worker, interested in science and knowledge. He may have looked and talked like a bad boy, but underneath there was a layered and interesting character.
All of these fantastic elements were blended together in a fabulous, well crafted mystery that kept me guessing right up until the last moment. I was constantly changing my theories and predictions and I was genuinely shocked by the ending. And speaking of the ending, I was pretty pleased by how it all wrapped up. I hate when books end on a cliff hanger, but Fiona Paul seemed to tie up enough of the major plot points that I felt like this story was ending, but she also left a lot of clues and suggestions that made me eager to continue on with the series and see what Cass gets up to next.
Venom actually made my heart race. This is one of Penguin's "Breathless Reads" this year and it's easy to see why. Not only did it take my breath away, it kept me up all night, pulse racing, wondering where the story would go next.
Recommendation: A book that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, romance, action/adventure tales... The list goes on and on. Basically if you like your books filled with mystery, intrigue, mayhem and swoon worthy scenes this one is for you!
postitsandpens's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars.
First of all, I want to make sure I mention just how gorgeous this book is. Aside from the fantastic cover, the pages are done with that sort of "rough edge" quality (I'm sure this has a fancy name, but I don't know it), and all of them have a really pretty pattern printed on them where they meet the spine. Each chapter also has a black lead-in page with a quote from a thoroughly creepy book. The entire presentation of this book is simply amazing; you can tell that a lot of thought went in to its design and layout.
Moving on to the review of this gorgeous book's content, I've mentioned in some of my previous reviews that I am a giant sucker for well done historicals. For me, the main draw of Venom - despite the wide variety of mixed ratings I've seen for it - was the promise of one girl's atmospheric adventures in Renaissance Venice. And, honestly, the atmosphere is where this novel really and truly excels; I adored reading about Cass' gondola trips, her nighttime strolls in the cemetery bordering her aunt's crumbling palazzo, the journeys through Venice's streets. The description and prose used to describe the setting was first-rate, and had me eagerly devouring everything. The book gets a definite two thumbs up from me in that regard.
What failed in comparison, was our main character herself. Cass is a girl of wealth and status, who very much doesn't fit in with the rest of Venice's rich female population. She loves writing, enjoys her studies, and is resentful that she's been betrothed to former neighbor boy Luca. Now, honestly, this would be fine, but there were times when I literally wanted to reach through the pages and shake her because she was frustrating me so much. She's engaged to another, and yet spends several weeks running around every single night with a penniless artist named Falco, who - of course - she ends up falling in love with. She also loves to run headfirst into danger, causing the same facepalm from me that those stupid girls in horror films get from the audience; I was constantly shaking my head in disbelief. I also wanted to shake her when she refused to read Luca's letter, and then, when she finally does get around to it, never actually reads it - or the second one - all the way through! She also has a complete disregard for her aunt or those who care about her, simply wanting what she wants when she wants it, consequences be damned. And her childish behavior toward Luca just made me roll my eyes. I seriously wanted to slap her. Having such a frustrating main character accounts for much of the "lost" rating points; it's hard to give a book four or five stars when your main narrator is so infuriating.
That being said, there was something very compelling about this book and the story it tells. I was fully engrossed in the plot, wanting to know what was going on with the dead girls, how Falco may or may not have been involved, and how everything was going to come together. Just like Cassandra, I was constantly guessing as to who the person responsible was (although I give myself props for making the correct guess in who would wind up being the killer, although was completely and utterly wrong about the motivations). For me, personally, the mystery was well done and constructed in a way that definitely keeps you guessing.
While having a main character that definitely grates, I still found Venom to be thoroughly engaging. I also like the way the book ended, and am hoping it will mean that Cass is a more mature, less obnoxious main character in the sequel, Belladonna, which releases later this year. Fans of well-done historical details will love the setting, and those who are looking for a bit of a forbidden romance will find plenty to swoon over with Cass and Falco. If the book intrigues you at all, do give it a read; I was very pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed it.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
First of all, I want to make sure I mention just how gorgeous this book is. Aside from the fantastic cover, the pages are done with that sort of "rough edge" quality (I'm sure this has a fancy name, but I don't know it), and all of them have a really pretty pattern printed on them where they meet the spine. Each chapter also has a black lead-in page with a quote from a thoroughly creepy book. The entire presentation of this book is simply amazing; you can tell that a lot of thought went in to its design and layout.
Moving on to the review of this gorgeous book's content, I've mentioned in some of my previous reviews that I am a giant sucker for well done historicals. For me, the main draw of Venom - despite the wide variety of mixed ratings I've seen for it - was the promise of one girl's atmospheric adventures in Renaissance Venice. And, honestly, the atmosphere is where this novel really and truly excels; I adored reading about Cass' gondola trips, her nighttime strolls in the cemetery bordering her aunt's crumbling palazzo, the journeys through Venice's streets. The description and prose used to describe the setting was first-rate, and had me eagerly devouring everything. The book gets a definite two thumbs up from me in that regard.
What failed in comparison, was our main character herself. Cass is a girl of wealth and status, who very much doesn't fit in with the rest of Venice's rich female population. She loves writing, enjoys her studies, and is resentful that she's been betrothed to former neighbor boy Luca. Now, honestly, this would be fine, but there were times when I literally wanted to reach through the pages and shake her because she was frustrating me so much. She's engaged to another, and yet spends several weeks running around every single night with a penniless artist named Falco, who - of course - she ends up falling in love with. She also loves to run headfirst into danger, causing the same facepalm from me that those stupid girls in horror films get from the audience; I was constantly shaking my head in disbelief. I also wanted to shake her when she refused to read Luca's letter, and then, when she finally does get around to it, never actually reads it - or the second one - all the way through! She also has a complete disregard for her aunt or those who care about her, simply wanting what she wants when she wants it, consequences be damned. And her childish behavior toward Luca just made me roll my eyes. I seriously wanted to slap her. Having such a frustrating main character accounts for much of the "lost" rating points; it's hard to give a book four or five stars when your main narrator is so infuriating.
That being said, there was something very compelling about this book and the story it tells. I was fully engrossed in the plot, wanting to know what was going on with the dead girls, how Falco may or may not have been involved, and how everything was going to come together. Just like Cassandra, I was constantly guessing as to who the person responsible was (although I give myself props for making the correct guess in who would wind up being the killer, although was completely and utterly wrong about the motivations). For me, personally, the mystery was well done and constructed in a way that definitely keeps you guessing.
While having a main character that definitely grates, I still found Venom to be thoroughly engaging. I also like the way the book ended, and am hoping it will mean that Cass is a more mature, less obnoxious main character in the sequel, Belladonna, which releases later this year. Fans of well-done historical details will love the setting, and those who are looking for a bit of a forbidden romance will find plenty to swoon over with Cass and Falco. If the book intrigues you at all, do give it a read; I was very pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed it.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
berkekilic's review against another edition
4.0
Yorumun orijinali Kitap Hayvanı'nın Günlüğü'nde.
Tamam, itiraf ediyorum; ilk başta bu kitabı fantastik sanmıştım. Bu yüzden kitabın son 100 sayfasına kadar oradan buradan bir hayalet çıksın ya da biri paranormal bir şey yapsın diye bekledim. (Hep senin yüzünden Goodreads!) Neyse ki bu beklentim kitabı gölgelemeye yetmedi. Karanlık Sular, son sayfasına kadar kendini okutmayı başarabildi.
Karanlık Sular, Rönesans döneminde, dünyanın en çekici şehirlerinden Venedik'te geçiyor. Baş karakterimiz Cassandra Caravello iyi bir soydan geliyor. Anne ve babası vefat etmiş, bu yüzden teyzesi Agnese ile beraber eski malikânelerinde yaşıyor. Kitabın başında Cass, en yakın arkadaşlarından Liviana'nın cenazesinde çıkıyor karşımıza. Cenazede hem anne ve babasının ölümünü hatırlayan hem de Liviana için üzülen Cass, biraz olsun rahatlamak için dışarı çıkıyor. Ve herhalde o dönemde yaşayan her kadının rüyalarını süsleyen ressam gençlerden birkaçıyla karşı karşıya geliyor. Ressamlardan bir tanesi -kahverengi saçlı, mavi gözlü, çarpık gülüşlü olanı- Cass'e çarparak kızı yere deviriyor.
Cass'in hayatı asıl cenazenin olduğu günün gecesinde değişmeye başlıyor. Agnese teyzesinin evinde odasına çekilmişken, yakındaki mezarlıktan gelen tuhaf sesler yüzünden huzursuz oluyor. Liviana'nın de gömüldüğü mezarlık orası; bu yüzden Cass içgüdülerine uyup mezarlığa gidiyor. İlk önce arkadaşının mezarında göğsünde kanlı bir X işareti olan başka bir kadının yattığını görüyor. Ardından da cenazeden sonra çarpıştığı ressam çocukla karşılaşıyor. Yani Falco'yla.
Kitap boyunca X işaretli kadın cinayetlerine yenileri ekleniyor. Cass ve Falco ise bu cinayetlerin faillerini tek başlarına araştırmaya çalışıyorlar. Tabii bu araştırmalar sırasında başlarının belaya girmemesi imkansız. Ayrıca Cass için bir tehlike daha var ki, adı Falco. Fransa'da okuyan çocukluk arkadaşı Luca'yla nişanlı olan Cass Falco'yla zaman geçirdikçe kesinlikle statüleri uyuşmayan bu serseri kılıklı ressama tutuluyor.
Karanlık Sular, gizemlerle dolu bir kitap. Ama bunun yanında Rönesans döneminde geçmesi kitaba ayrı bir hava katmış. Büyük bir tarihi roman fanı değilimdir, ama okudum mu da beni içine çeksin, o dönemle ilgili bir şeyler öğretsin isterim. Karanlık Sular öyle çok şey öğretmedi o dönem İtalya'sı hakkında. Yine de ufak detaylar yok değildi. Hem İtalyanca kelimeler de mevcut kitapta. Şiddetle öğrenmek istediğim dili az da olsa okumak bana içten içe mutluluk verdi açıkçası.
Ayrıca her bölümün başında bir alıntısına yer verilen Sonsuz Gül Kitabı var ki o kitabın ne olduğunu daha doğrusu aynı adlı tarikatın varlığını kitabın sonlarına doğru öğreniyoruz. Ancak bu bilgi o kadar merak verici olmasına rağmen ikinci kitaba saklanmış olmalı ki yetersiz kalıyor. Bu yüzden serinin ikinci kitabı Belladonna'nın çıkmasını beklemeye başladım bile.
Katil, adaylarımdan biri çıkmasına rağmen Karanlık Sular son derece eğlenceli bir okuma sağladı bana. Kitabın çevirisi ve baskısı mükemmele yakın. Kapak görseline ise hayran olmamak elde değil.
Kısacası, Karanlık Sular, farklı mekânları, eğlenceli karakterleri, başarılı kurgusuyla sevdiğim kitaplar arasına girdi. Söylemeden geçmeyeyim; kitabı bitirdiğinizde Venedik'e gitmek için bahaneler uydurmaya başlayacaksınız.
Tamam, itiraf ediyorum; ilk başta bu kitabı fantastik sanmıştım. Bu yüzden kitabın son 100 sayfasına kadar oradan buradan bir hayalet çıksın ya da biri paranormal bir şey yapsın diye bekledim. (Hep senin yüzünden Goodreads!) Neyse ki bu beklentim kitabı gölgelemeye yetmedi. Karanlık Sular, son sayfasına kadar kendini okutmayı başarabildi.
Karanlık Sular, Rönesans döneminde, dünyanın en çekici şehirlerinden Venedik'te geçiyor. Baş karakterimiz Cassandra Caravello iyi bir soydan geliyor. Anne ve babası vefat etmiş, bu yüzden teyzesi Agnese ile beraber eski malikânelerinde yaşıyor. Kitabın başında Cass, en yakın arkadaşlarından Liviana'nın cenazesinde çıkıyor karşımıza. Cenazede hem anne ve babasının ölümünü hatırlayan hem de Liviana için üzülen Cass, biraz olsun rahatlamak için dışarı çıkıyor. Ve herhalde o dönemde yaşayan her kadının rüyalarını süsleyen ressam gençlerden birkaçıyla karşı karşıya geliyor. Ressamlardan bir tanesi -kahverengi saçlı, mavi gözlü, çarpık gülüşlü olanı- Cass'e çarparak kızı yere deviriyor.
Cass'in hayatı asıl cenazenin olduğu günün gecesinde değişmeye başlıyor. Agnese teyzesinin evinde odasına çekilmişken, yakındaki mezarlıktan gelen tuhaf sesler yüzünden huzursuz oluyor. Liviana'nın de gömüldüğü mezarlık orası; bu yüzden Cass içgüdülerine uyup mezarlığa gidiyor. İlk önce arkadaşının mezarında göğsünde kanlı bir X işareti olan başka bir kadının yattığını görüyor. Ardından da cenazeden sonra çarpıştığı ressam çocukla karşılaşıyor. Yani Falco'yla.
Kitap boyunca X işaretli kadın cinayetlerine yenileri ekleniyor. Cass ve Falco ise bu cinayetlerin faillerini tek başlarına araştırmaya çalışıyorlar. Tabii bu araştırmalar sırasında başlarının belaya girmemesi imkansız. Ayrıca Cass için bir tehlike daha var ki, adı Falco. Fransa'da okuyan çocukluk arkadaşı Luca'yla nişanlı olan Cass Falco'yla zaman geçirdikçe kesinlikle statüleri uyuşmayan bu serseri kılıklı ressama tutuluyor.
Karanlık Sular, gizemlerle dolu bir kitap. Ama bunun yanında Rönesans döneminde geçmesi kitaba ayrı bir hava katmış. Büyük bir tarihi roman fanı değilimdir, ama okudum mu da beni içine çeksin, o dönemle ilgili bir şeyler öğretsin isterim. Karanlık Sular öyle çok şey öğretmedi o dönem İtalya'sı hakkında. Yine de ufak detaylar yok değildi. Hem İtalyanca kelimeler de mevcut kitapta. Şiddetle öğrenmek istediğim dili az da olsa okumak bana içten içe mutluluk verdi açıkçası.
Ayrıca her bölümün başında bir alıntısına yer verilen Sonsuz Gül Kitabı var ki o kitabın ne olduğunu daha doğrusu aynı adlı tarikatın varlığını kitabın sonlarına doğru öğreniyoruz. Ancak bu bilgi o kadar merak verici olmasına rağmen ikinci kitaba saklanmış olmalı ki yetersiz kalıyor. Bu yüzden serinin ikinci kitabı Belladonna'nın çıkmasını beklemeye başladım bile.
Katil, adaylarımdan biri çıkmasına rağmen Karanlık Sular son derece eğlenceli bir okuma sağladı bana. Kitabın çevirisi ve baskısı mükemmele yakın. Kapak görseline ise hayran olmamak elde değil.
Kısacası, Karanlık Sular, farklı mekânları, eğlenceli karakterleri, başarılı kurgusuyla sevdiğim kitaplar arasına girdi. Söylemeden geçmeyeyim; kitabı bitirdiğinizde Venedik'e gitmek için bahaneler uydurmaya başlayacaksınız.
aneeqah's review against another edition
4.0
First and foremost, I think it’s important to establish one thing: I am not a historical fiction person. Honestly, it’s not a genre I pick up a lot. I just avoid it. However, when I won a copy of Venom from Monica, and after all the fangirling she did of the book, I knew that I had to pick it up. And surprisingly, I liked it, although it did have its faults.
Another surprise for me, when the best thing about this book for me was the setting. I am mainly a plot person, as I appreciate the plot of a book typically more than I would appreciate the setting. But set in a historical Venice, I was enchanted by the setting in this book. The description was flawlessly intertwined with the other aspects of the book, and I actually felt as if I was there. Normally, that doesn’t really happen for me, but I could feel myself walking down that creepy ally, or seeing the glittering river in the night. It was enchanting to be so immersed in the setting.
Of course, being so immersed in the setting, I was as equally riveted to the plot as well. The mystery made for great pacing, which kept me flipping the pages. This 400 page book flew by, since I was always trying to guess who did it, and to find out who was the next target. The mystery is something I actually didn’t see coming, and I loved the red herrings that were thrown in here as well.
However, I felt as if the plot and mystery were put on hold at times for the romance. Maybe this is just because I’m not the biggest romance fan out there, but I definitely didn’t like this. Sometimes during the book, I felt as if everything was just kind of put off for the romance to happen. And then the suspense and mystery would return. This inconsistency started to irk me at times. I understand that this was marketed with a big focus on romance, but I don’t think that means that the plot can just be put on hold for the romance.
I also wasn’t very fond of the beginning of Venom. I can’t go into details, since I don’t want to spoil anything, but I thought it was a bit excessive and I just didn’t like it in general. I understand what the author was trying to go for in several of the scenes… but I thought it was a bit uncalled for.
Overall, Venom is a book that I surprised myself by enjoying. While I didn’t fall in love with it, because of the romance and beginning, I liked it. I’d only recommend this one to some though, mainly for people who are looking for a good historical book with a focus on romance. I’m definitely curious to see what happens next, and will probably be picking up the sequel if my library has it.
Another surprise for me, when the best thing about this book for me was the setting. I am mainly a plot person, as I appreciate the plot of a book typically more than I would appreciate the setting. But set in a historical Venice, I was enchanted by the setting in this book. The description was flawlessly intertwined with the other aspects of the book, and I actually felt as if I was there. Normally, that doesn’t really happen for me, but I could feel myself walking down that creepy ally, or seeing the glittering river in the night. It was enchanting to be so immersed in the setting.
Of course, being so immersed in the setting, I was as equally riveted to the plot as well. The mystery made for great pacing, which kept me flipping the pages. This 400 page book flew by, since I was always trying to guess who did it, and to find out who was the next target. The mystery is something I actually didn’t see coming, and I loved the red herrings that were thrown in here as well.
However, I felt as if the plot and mystery were put on hold at times for the romance. Maybe this is just because I’m not the biggest romance fan out there, but I definitely didn’t like this. Sometimes during the book, I felt as if everything was just kind of put off for the romance to happen. And then the suspense and mystery would return. This inconsistency started to irk me at times. I understand that this was marketed with a big focus on romance, but I don’t think that means that the plot can just be put on hold for the romance.
I also wasn’t very fond of the beginning of Venom. I can’t go into details, since I don’t want to spoil anything, but I thought it was a bit excessive and I just didn’t like it in general. I understand what the author was trying to go for in several of the scenes… but I thought it was a bit uncalled for.
Overall, Venom is a book that I surprised myself by enjoying. While I didn’t fall in love with it, because of the romance and beginning, I liked it. I’d only recommend this one to some though, mainly for people who are looking for a good historical book with a focus on romance. I’m definitely curious to see what happens next, and will probably be picking up the sequel if my library has it.