Review: redolent with the intrigue and characters who are very modern feeling despite their antiquated beliefs
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2013
This is the second title I have read from this author, and I have finally been able to determine why her books work so well for me: craft.  Patzer has taken countless hours in research to develop a solid grounding in the time and the people who inhabited it so many years ago. This research then does three flips and a twist, and she is able to put pen to page and craft characters that breathe their essence of time, place and emotion into the story.  It is a richly abundant characterization that allows the common elements in each human, despite their time or circumstance to speak to the reader at a subconscious level to create an enjoyable reading experience.This story is set in Tuscany in the 13th century - a time rife with superstition and fear, communal intrigue, family secrets and rough living.  In an agrarian society, lives are far too busy with the tasks required for survival, family, crops, harvest and a certain version of fitting in is paramount.  Women were little more than pawns in the grand scheme, marriages were based on strategic alliances, and to be different is to come against the society and the church: one must conform or become an outcast.Following the stories of several different characters, Patzer has successfully created a way to show viewpoints and superstitions, the underlying feuds and interplay between the characters as their choices show how they have progressed, or not, throughout the book.  There are betrayals and loves, vengeance and secrets: an entire saga is contained within the pages.  Not all of the stories are wrapped up neatly, leaving an opening for a follow-up, but the reader can imbue their own sense of `who needs more justice meted out' after turning that final page.If you want a book that will transport you back nearly 1000 years in time, that is redolent with the intrigue and characters who are very modern feeling despite their antiquated beliefs, this most certainly is the book for you.I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for my Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed.  I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.