Review + Giveaway: Venom by Fiona Paul

Venom
by Fiona Paul

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.
When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

"How terrible it must be to be a member of the noble class. So many rules. Such restraint. You must feel like a caged bird, battering its wings against the sides of its golden prison."

I had a feeling I would really love this book, but then again I was a little doubtful because it was Historical fiction. However within forty pages I got use to the Historical elements and was really getting into it. Then by eighty pages I couldn't stop reading Venom.

Fiona Paul's writing is gorgeous. At the beginning it was detailed to the point where you can imagine the scene, but not overly descriptive where you feel like it drags. Even reading her description of it raining, I felt was sightly. But towards the end of the story it did drag on a bit, but not for long. Maybe the last fifty pages.

As for the characters, Cassandra Caravello, I don't know if she had a death wish or was one brave character. She would take walks at night in the cemetery, where she always feels she's being watched. Yet she still goes out at night alone. But that's where she runs into, literally, Falco. Nice, sexy, mysterious artist. The romance was a big part of the book, it was nice reading about them together, as a team looking for the murderer. I even liked the secondary characters.

"Your beauty lights up the dark. I could paint an entire chapel just for you. Maybe I will someday."

The mystery in Venom was okay. I didn't figure out who was the killer until the end and even then I'm not sure if it was he/she was the right killer or there was another one. Maybe he/she wasn't working alone? I don't know. The ending left me with more questions then I had through out the entire book. I guess I'll find out more in the second book.

Overall Venom was an enjoyable read, with appealing characters, great romance, wonderful writing, and a nice mystery. Historical fiction is probably one of my least favorite genre. However I'm thinking I should give this genre another chance because I really loved this book!

Rating 4/5 

Since I really liked this book I am going to be giving away one finished copy to one winner. INTERNATIONAL as long as the Book Depository ships to you.

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