Giselle's Reviews > Venom

An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.

Cass is an orphan, engaged to a boy she barely knows, she must marry him for her future. Yet her freedom is within her grasp and she wants out of the restraints. When she meets a new boy named Falco, and their chemistry seems to ignite at their first encounter, she realizes there’s more to the mysterious and attractive boy than he seems.

I was so excited when razOrbill sent out this invitation for the blog tour. I signed up as soon as I could. The ARC arrived so quickly, and I thought I had loads of time to read it. Nope. Didn’t happen. For the first time I couldn’t make the deadline and I felt terrible. But luckily I couldn’t stop reading Venom. It sucks you right into Cass’ world set in renaissance Venice, Italy. (Yes the city that floats on water with the canals and gorgeous palazzos)

The vivid descriptions of the scenery remind me of the depth of J.K. Rowling‘s writing. Detailed to the point of having the scene fill out right before your very eyes. I LOVE Fiona Paul’s writing. She is a star at weaving the characters together in one chapter, and then grabbing your attention in the next. It was such a joy to read. The Renaissance Era was clearly researched and developed very well. The pacing is slow. It’s super slow, it dragged on. I felt it could have been shortened. Maybe I’ll read the final copy to see if there are any changes! I wouldn’t mind re-reading this one.

Cass is a character you want to root for. She’s a socialite, yet has the decency to talk to her fellow hand maidens, cooks, and gardeners. Her wealthy upbringing doesn’t damage her personality at all, it makes her more humble and aware of what she has. Then there’s Falco..WOW. That is pretty much how I can sum up his character. (Can I just say I picture him to be a younger Matt Bomer?)

Overall, a novel worth buying and sitting on your bookshelf because not only is it it beautiful on the inside, it’s just as gorgeous on the outside. Full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, murder, ROMANCE, chemistry, and characters that make you fall in love with…Fiona Paul, I heart you. MUST GET THE NEXT BOOK!