Friday, October 26, 2012

BLOG TOUR: Venom by Fiona Paul (Review)

Genre:Young Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance
Publication.Date  September 30th 2012
Pages:432
Published By:  Philomel | 
WebsiteFiona Paul | 

Venom on Goodreads
My review copy:Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Where to get:



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?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

(Goodreads)



Quoted from an ARC. All the quotes will be checked against a final finished copy. 
“I know you want this as much as I do," he said. "You aren't going to report me. And even if you did, I'm inclined to think a night with you might well be worth imprisonment.”
“Falco's eyes widened in fake shock. "Well, then perhaps I should ask for a tour of the house." He grinned, clearly relishing Cass's embarrassment. "Can we start with your bedroom?” 
“Come on," Falco said. "I'll see you safely home to your fancy sheets. I'd say you need your beauty sleep, but it looks like you've been getting plenty.”
“If I had your body, I'd stare at it for hours. Days, maybe.”



Sometimes Cass wished she could throw herself into the lagoon, feel the cool water on her skin as she swam away to freedom. But she couldn't swim. She was weighed down, drowning; her whole life was pulling her under.

     Set in Renaissance Venice, Venom is a fabulous YA historical fiction and one that I instantly fell in love with. Blending together romance, mystery, family drama and lush historical setting, Fiona Paul weaves a compelling and highly addictive plot line full of thrilling events and dangerous encounters. Featuring mutilated corpses, secret societies, a mysterious (and seductive) artist and a steaming romance that is just as exciting as it is forbidden, Venom is a phenomenal beginning to a new and gorgeously imagined YA series

     What an absolutely fantastic read! I devoured it in just one day! Venom is full of delicious kisses and steamy love scenes. The chemistry is almost unbearable (in a good way!). Paul's descriptions are amazingly detailed and they're sure to make you blush. If you're a kissing enthusiast you will love this book! And the best part is, even though the characters are almost instantly attracted to each other (whether they admit it or not), the romance builds up at a very good, not-too-fast pace. Spiced up with danger and mystery, it's one of the most swoon-worthy books I've read this year. Hot!

     Venom's heroine is strong and that's a quality I always appreciate in characters. Engaged to Luca de Perega (an arranged marriage that has nothing to do with love and affection), she's a high-society girl who always has to look and behave flawlessly. Don't let that fool you though, Cass is the exact opposite of a pampered girl. She's down-to-earth, clever, modest, impetuous and very curious. Having lost both of her parents at a young age, she's emotionally mature, but also a little bit insecure and yearning for love. Personally, I thought she was a great character - easy to like and sympathize with, relatable, authentic. She isn't a flawless person, but one that learns and grows a lot as the story progresses

     Falco, oh Falco! What a gorgeous, swoon-worthy hero he is! Handsome, mysterious, funny, witty and just a tiny bit cocky, he's as charming as Casanova and as romantic as Romeo. He's bold, brave and quite unpredictable. Girls beware, this guy will steal your heart! 

     I loved everything about this book. The historical setting was vivid, beautiful and mesmerizing (and obviously well researched). The characters didn't feel like characters at all, they felt real and convincing. The plot line was surprisingly unique, often scary and scandalous, full of romantic tension, fast-paced and dream-like. Paul's attention to details - from the 16th century Venetian gowns, corsets, braided hair, gorgeous jewellery and expensive fabrics to vibrant social life, customs and masquerade balls - was simply stunning. I loved every single page of this book and would recommend it to everyone. It's a must read not only for fans of historical fiction and suspenseful mysteries, but for anyone who appreciates skilful world building and excellent prose.




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About the Author
Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.
She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing

22 comments:

Fiona Paul said...

Thanks for featuring VENOM :)

Michelle @ In Libris Veritas said...

This one sounds awesome. I've seen a lot of great feedback for Venom so I can't wait to be able to read it eventually. Great review Evie

Jaime Lester said...

I have heard numerous times that Venom is a must-read. I have been hesitant because I don't always love historical fiction. It has to be more than that for me to love it. Venom sounds like it has so much more than historic's. So I am going to read this one by golly! Thanks so much for yet another review!

Dorine White said...

Great cover art. I'd pick that up from a shelf.

gracelo said...

I don't read too many historical fiction, but from what I can tell from your review, it doesn't have supernatural elements in there. Sometimes, a girl just has to read something non-paranormal, y'know? Can't wait to pick this up!

Reading Wolf said...

Adding it to my wishlist. Your review has peaked my interest. I love historical fiction and haven't read a really good one in a while. It might be the kind of book I need to get over all these books I have DNFed.

Unknown said...

I've been eyeing this book for quite sometime now. Can't wait to read it!

Biondy said...

sounds a book I'll enjoy.

Amy said...

This sounds fantastic!! I have been wanting to read it and after your review I am totally pining for it!

Tiffany Holme said...

However shall I review this book when you just said it 10x better than I could! It was an awesome read and so much to enjoy... Especially Falco *sigh* Awesome review!

tthepageturner said...

Steamy love scenes and a good mystery? Ugh, you have me sold. Lol! Glad to hear that the mc is strong, it's a quality I always appreciate too.

Fab review, Evie! <3
PS. Why is it that your blog has been on my blog roll for ages and I only just realised today that I'm not following you?! *facepalm* That mistake has been corrected! ^^

Sierra Abrams said...

Seriously - I CAN'T EVEN WAIT FOR THIS!!!! The romance, of course, is my number 1 reason why - and on top of that, the MC, the setting, the story line - WOW! It all sounds so amazing I can't wait to see for myself! :D <3

Great review, Evie! :D Best review of this book I've seen so far! :)

Christine said...

I don't usually read historical fiction, but I keep hearing such amazing things about this book. It looks and sounds nothing short of amazing, so I think I have to give it a read. Thanks for the great review! :)

Obsession with Books said...

A great review Evie!

I am not a historical fiction fan at all but you make me want to read this one.

The cover is also really beautiful.

Nereyda @Nick and Nereydas Infinite Booklist said...

I am so freaking excited to read this one. Pre-ordered it a while ago. Great review!

roro said...

jelly evie. u always read gr8 books first ^^ . awesome review. wishing to win cash soon

Chrystal said...

WOW amazing review. I just received this book in the mail this week and after reading your review I think I need to read this ASAP!

Candace said...

Gorgeous review! I completely agree, this was a fabulous read! Loved the setting and the romance was perfect!

Cass said...

This is one of those titles that I've been waiting for for ages! I'm surprised I don't have a copy of it yet, though I think I've got it on Netgalley! Glad you LOVED this one. :D

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I have had Venom on my to-read for a while but I still haven't read it. Great review! Can't wait to read it!

Martina said...

Seems great!! Now I'm adding it to my wishlist. Wanna read it. And Venice... hmm... the setting itself is already promising great story.

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