FROM XOXO PUBLISHING!
THE SHADOW OF THIS WORLD
BY
NYA RAWLYNS
HISTORICAL PARANORMAL ROMANCE
SET IN 1515 VENICE
The Blurb:
Venice, a city of art and music and commerce, wealthy, greedy, whose rulers engage in war as simply an extension of commerce by other means. Cosimo DeMedici, capo of an ancient family, of uncommon power, ruler of Florence, maker of kings and popes, with secrets and plans, orchestrating and plotting as the Holy Roman Empire stands poised to change the face of the continent, and even the world.
Three brothers with uncommon gifts, a woman and a cleric, strangers out of time and out of place, haunting a strange shadow world where knowledge is power. Tasked with averting disaster, two operatives seek independently to stay events, to manipulate, control and direct, yet neither truly understands the scope of the looming tragedy, the shifting loyalties and matters of the heart, the acts of desperation that will change history, and the roles each will play.
Venice, a city of beauty whose canals string like pearls through her heart, a city on the edge, poised for a tumultuous plunge into a cavernous maw, indistinct, hazy, falling into …The Shadow of This World
Three brothers with uncommon gifts, a woman and a cleric, strangers out of time and out of place, haunting a strange shadow world where knowledge is power. Tasked with averting disaster, two operatives seek independently to stay events, to manipulate, control and direct, yet neither truly understands the scope of the looming tragedy, the shifting loyalties and matters of the heart, the acts of desperation that will change history, and the roles each will play.
Venice, a city of beauty whose canals string like pearls through her heart, a city on the edge, poised for a tumultuous plunge into a cavernous maw, indistinct, hazy, falling into …The Shadow of This World
Denyse Bridger Reviews The Shadow of This World
As the very gracious acknowledgement states, this amazing tale began as a project at my fan page on Facebook, a way to engage readers and get them participating. Little did any of us know at that time that what was beginning was a journey toward a very epic novel.
The Shadow of this World is written in vivid, sweeping prose that takes the reader on an adventure that bridges two worlds, this one and the shadow, the place that is home to a number of the characters. With roots in the historical splendour of Venice, this novel is historical and pseudo-fantasy at times, but is always compelling and intensely interesting.
The intrigues of the politics, the plotting and counter-plotting, and the complex relationships that bind the people of this world are well-drawn, carefully mapped out, and expertly revealed by the flowing prose of Nya Rawlyns’ pen. The heroes aren’t always who you think they are, and the heroine is anything but typical in her passions and her purpose.
If you are looking for a novel that contains elements of history, fantasy, romance, and adventure, The Shadow of this World will most certainly satisfy your craving nicely. Nya Rawlyns has penned another intelligent and fascinating tale, one that will keep you turning pages and living in her world long after you’ve put the book down. ~ 5 stars!
Excerpt
Antonio stood quietly by the doorway, cataloguing and evaluating each guest, some of whom he did not recognize. His cousins, Guilio and Benedetto, and several of the managers of the various mills from his father's vast holdings in Florence and the nearby Duchy of Modena to the north and the Republic of Siena bordering the southern reaches, made up the bulk of the assemblage. He was uncomfortable that so many of his father's supporters should risk being in one spot without suitable protection, although he discerned the presence of several of the Papàl Guards stationed surreptitiously both inside and at several points behind the domicilio elegante. Protection from invasion by way of the canal seemed well in hand.
"It is good to see you, Brother," a deep voice whispered in his right ear. Antonio nodded his head once, his body vibrating with excitement. This was an unexpected pleasure.
"Nico," Tonio grunted roughly, "what the hell are you doing here? Didn't you get your fill of boot licking at Maximillian's court?"
Nico smiled and moved close to his taller brother. "It's not boots I'm licking these days, big brother. I am after bigger prey than that petty despot."
Antonio swung to embrace Nico, pounding him on the back with so much enthusiasm the smaller man grunted and pulled away.
"It's been too long, Nico. Are you staying with Father? When did you get in? And why…?"
Tonio's questions exploded in a rush of affection. As much as he loved his younger brother, his middle brother, only five years his junior, had earned his undying respect and admiration. Like Stefano, the man was canny in the ways of the court, using the Medicis' gifts, and their own special shared lineage of powers, to ferret out intrigue with such astonishing clarity that their father has assigned him to permanent residence on both the Spanish and the Habsburg courts without the yoke of marriage to constrain his movement and shifting loyalties.
"I'm not staying, Tonio. In fact I must hie to the docks and pick up passage to Castile. I leave soonest." He drew his brother deep into the recesses of an alcove. "There is someone here of interest, Tonio. Be wary, for there is great power, power I do not understand."
Tonio looked sharply at his brother. "Where?"
Nico glanced to the ornately carved banister and the elegant stairway leading to the living quarters of the Courtesan whose house had been conscripted by the Cardinal and his retinue.
"Upstairs, Brother." Tonio tried to brush past his muscular sibling but Nico grabbed his arm and restrained him. "I am not joking, Tonio. Be careful."
"Sono sempre attento, fratello, you can trust me to take care."
"Then I must be off. Give Father my regards. I shall report when I have the details I need."
"Travel safely, Nico."
"Ciao. And Tonio?"
"Now what?"
"If you hurt him again, I will not tolerate it, do you understand?"
Antonio's face flamed with shame. He had hoped his brother would not get wind of his indiscretion but there had never been secrets between them. Their actions, feelings, intentions—all an open book, like a single mind sharing two different bodies.
"I promise on my life, Nico," Tonio murmured as his brother strode through the door. It was a vow he would keep, no matter what the cost.
