The King's Agent ~ Donna Russo Morin

Prior to 2013 I could have counted the number of books I've read set in, or partly set in Florence using my thumbs. Already this year, I've had to use both, plus a finger! By definition, this would also suggest that I'm not particularly versed about the Renaissance. Turns out I know a bit more about that than I'd thought. I will admit here that I am woefully ignorant of art, and with the exception of the controversy created a few years back about the Da Vinci's The Last Supper, I had not realised how significance between art and religion or faith.



Forence's artistic world is in the cross-hairs as France and Spain tussle for power and control of the papacy. Art collector, Battista della Palla, who has thrown his lot in support of François, is challenged to find a talisman that would ensure the French monarch's supremacy. Aurelia, an aristocrat who had never mingled with the public escapes her shackled life and finds herself embroiled in Battista's procurement scheme.

In a thriller-esque way, the members of Battista's group and Aurelia go through steps to locate a piece of artwork from clues found on other pieces and Dante's Divine Comedy. As one would expect, there is tension, romance, deception, distrust, friendship, camaraderie and a secret society so well hidden, few have heard of it.

As this is not set in an impossibly short twenty-four hour period, the author has time to really explore the legends, the geography and the characters, which makes the book a delight to read. While I really enjoyed the book I found Battista's reaction to Aurelia's disclosure to be out of character, given his feelings on prior betrayals and deceptions. While I accept his understanding of the circumstances, I wasn't convinced that he could just accept it. There is an imbalance in the book, in that Aurelia gets everything and he, ultimately, nothing. I didn't buy it in terms of the plot. However, if I were to alter my thinking about what type of book this is, and consider it an adventurous romance, rather than an historical thriller, then I can see why it works. I'm not really sure how the author defines her novel.

Overall I think that the mystery and connections between Dante's work and those of artists during his time or shortly thereafter is well rounded and plausible. Setting it during the latter part of the Renaissance, provides an interesting twist as there are no modern gadgets, or ease of communication to help along the way. Everything is based on wits, what one's own surroundings and by listening to those who know.

My reservations about the ending notwithstanding, I'll likely read another of Donna Russo Morin's books. ETA: I was asked by the author to provide and honest review in exchange for a copy of the book. While I still await the book that I suspect has been lost in transit, I have procured another copy and given an honest review nonetheless.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.