Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Featured, Historical | 10 Comments
Venom by Fiona Paul
Venom by Fiona Paul
Publisher: Philomel
Release date: October 30, 2012
Pages: 432
Summary: Cass’ closest friend has just died. While visiting her tomb, Cass notices that her friend’s body has been replaced by another—a dark-haired girl with an X slashed across her chest. As she flees the scene, Cass stumbles into Falco, an artist who is also curious about the murder. Cass and Falco grow close as they try to unravel the mystery together, but Cass can’t let herself get too attached—after all, she’s engaged to be married.
My thoughts: Venom has everything I want in a historical novel: a gutsy heroine, a decadent setting, and a fiery romance that almost transcends the time period. Venom also brings mystery to the table, but it’s not as edgy as I would have expected. Rather, the mystery develops slowly in the background, allowing the reader to focus on the setting and romance instead. I would have loved to see the mystery brought to the forefront of the novel, but Venom still satisfied me because of all of its other wonderful parts.
After reading Venom, I am even more inspired to somehow make my way to Italy. Fiona Paul nearly transports you there with her writing; I could picture the canals and gondolas while reading! Venice provides an excellent backdrop to Fiona Paul’s story, and I loved that she sprinkled bits of Italian throughout her writing (I’ll admit to asking my roommate what certain words meant, because I was so curious!).
The main focus of Venom, as I said earlier, is the romance. I wasn’t instantly smitten with Falco, since he seemed a little sketchy, but I eventually grew to love his passion and sense of humor. I liked that Fiona Paul didn’t present Falco as a 100% good person—the uncertainty that came with him made reading all the more fun. I loved all the scenes that Cass and Falco shared, because they were the ones in which Cass’ personality comes through the strongest. Cass seems fairly passive throughout most of the novel, but Falco helps bring out her more memorable qualities.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction—and especially if you’re a fan of romances set in exotic locations—pick up a copy of Venom! Fiona Paul’s debut definitely deserves its label of “breathless read”.
4/5 stars
For those who like: historical fiction, mystery, romance
Comment question: Would you travel to historical Italy if you could?
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one! The setting sounds absolutely fabulous, I love that it enhanced the story! The mystery sounds great, too, even if the romance plays a bigger part. I would love to travel to Italy if I could! That would be fabulous. Brilliant review, Lauren! :)
I’d love to travel to historical Italy! Between the artists and musicians and writers who defined the Renaissance, I think it was an exciting time to be alive. I also really love all the Italian legends and beautiful towns like Venice and Rome. I think even in present day Italy you can still feel all that history (from what I see in documentaries and all – I haven’t had the chance to visit myself either;)
I have to admit that a romance-driven novel isn’t my cup of tea, but I’m glad you were still able to enjoy the mystery behind this novel despite that. I want to visit Italy someday myself and I love how atmospheric this book sounds, so I’ll have to check it out myself for sure! Wonderful review, Lauren!(:
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings recently posted..Review: Night Beach by Kirsty Eagar
This is the second awesome review of this book I see today and I had no interest before but now I really want to read it! I love the Italy setting I really enjoy being brought into a foreign country when an author can really make them vivid. Wonderful review, Lauren!
This book sounds really good. I hadn’t really seen any reviews of it so I didn’t know what to think. I think I need to get this book after reading your review though. :)
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I look forward to reading this. Thanks for the review.
I am super excited to read this book mainly due to the Renaissance Italy setting (how can that not be awesome?). And I am so glad that apparently Fiona Paul does a really good job at recreating this time period because I would definitely travel there if I had the means to! I am, however, a little bothered that apparently romance is the main focus of the book. I didn’t quite expect that from the summary. Maybe I’ll wait and read a few more positive reviews before I decide on this one.
Amanda @ Late Nights with Good Books recently posted..Recommend A… Book That Kept Me Up All Night
Hah. “A little sketchy.” I love it.
Thanks for your thoughtful and balanced review :)
Thank you for your review. I probably wouldn’t have given VENOM more than a passing look before.
I have enjoyed historical romances since I was a teenager. Venom sounds like the perfect combination that contains an exotic setting, romance, and mystery. Many components that I enjoy in reading. If I had the opportunity, I would love to travel to historic Italy! I would love to see all of the beautiful art, go for a ride in a gondola, meet the people, learn about the customs and try the different cheese’s, bread, and pasta’s. I hope that sometime in my lifetime, I will be luck enough to travel. That in fact is one thing that I love about books-they can take you to any time period, and any place in the world. I have traveled a lot. Just mainly through the books that I read.