Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose)

Serial Killers aren't a new phenomenon, they are just more commonly talked about. So, is it hard to imagine the dark dealings that may be going on in the shadows of a city like Venice? In Fiona Paul's new series, The Secrets of the Eternal Rose, she explores the mystery of murders only a young girl is willing to investigate.Cass lives the life of any other Venetian girl of means: she waits to be married off so she can become a proper wife. The only problem is her fiance, Luca, is a terrible bore. When her friend succumbs to an illness and dies, Cass has a hard time dealing with the loss, especially after having lost both her parents. At night she slips out of her house to visit her parents' graves, and when she does so to visit her friend, she finds the body has been replaced by another body- one that certainly doesn't belong there and certainly did not meet a peaceful end. With a giant X carved into her chest, the girl clearly met an ugly ending. Terrified, Cass leaves the crypt and bumps into a man named Falco. She should be scared of any guy wandering the graveyard at night, but there is something about Falco she finds intriguing. When he agrees to help her investigate the girl in the crypt, Cass finds herself with a new partner in crime.Together, Cass and Falco delve into the seediest areas of Venice, places Falco is clearly comfortable with but that Cass has never experienced. Throughout their investigation, Cass finds herself drawn to him in ways a proper engaged girl shouldn't be thinking about a man who isn't her betrothed. Of course, she isn't exactly proper as she escapes into the night in her nightgown with a strange man to hunt down a murderer. Cass's connection with Falco makes her forget just how dangerous what they are doing truly is, but the shadows of Venice can only stay hidden for so long.I had actually started this book a while ago and put it down only a few pages into it because I just wasn't in the mood for historical fiction, and I am really glad I did, because when I finally did read it, I really enjoyed it. Good historical fiction doesn't get bogged down with too many specifics of the time period, but rather allows them to come out naturally through the progression of a really good plot. That was how this story was. It had a great pace, a solid story, and it really kept me intrigued right to the last page. In fact, I really loved how the whole setting developed around the plot.Sometimes I was a little annoyed with Cass, especially with her volleying feelings about Falco and Luca. There were times when it felt like her feelings went from one guy to the other six times before the end of a page. It was so frustrating! But in the end, I was surprised but not displeased with where the story left her between the two men. It left me wanting to come back for more and check out the next book in the series. The story deals with some ugly parts of the time period (prostitution, lack of police protection, murder, indentured servants, etc.) and might be better for older readers. But if you have a younger student who is a strong reader and enjoys historical fiction, this is for you!

This book has been on my radar for quite some time because Antony John, the author of Five Flavors of Dumb and the soon to be released Elemental, has lauded this one up and down heartily. And if he is backing it, I'm in!Venom by Fiona Paul centers on Cassandra, an upper class teenager, who is already set to marry Luce, another noble. She lives in Venice, which is richly described (and if anyone doesn't want to visit this place after reading this book is definitely deranged), and falls for an artist, Falco, whom she meets in a graveyard of all places. We, as readers, are swept from one gorgeous location to the next, as we creep around in the dark, and take multiple gondola rides, trying to figure out who is murdering beautiful young women in Venice and the secrets we know most other characters are hiding.I really enjoyed reading this book. One of the greatest strengths of this novel, which I already alluded to, is the setting. I'll tell you upfront, I am not a setting girl, but I desperately want to put Venice way higher on my MUST VISIT list just after reading this book. I felt like I was seeing all of the beautiful buildings, visiting all the gorgeous landscapes. The atmosphere was so deftly painted that I felt like I was there. I also loved all the great twists at the end, and I'm always a huge fan of murder mysteries.Surprisingly, the biggest strength in this novel to me (the setting) also presented somewhat of an issue-- because the setting was so dramatic and amazing, it almost overshadows the characters. I liked Cass for the most part, and was definitely interested in Luce and the mysterious Falco, but there's much more growth and development I'd like to see in those characters. I know that may be planned for the next few books, but Cass to me (although she does some maturing at the very end), is still somewhat of a naive, spoiled royal, and I want to see more of her coming into her own. Again, this may be just me being impatient for the next novel :-)Fiona Paul is a talented new writer who has just appeared on the YA scene. I'll be definitely watching out for this sequel!

Due to copy and paste, formatting has been lost.I have to say, Venom really surprised me. I mean, I love historical and strong lead characters, but for some reason I had convinced myself that this wasn't for me. But then Inky from Book Haven Extraordinaire kept telling me that it was amazing. She finally convinced me, and here we are! *applause for Inky*I was hooked from the very first page! There was intrigue and romance, a mystery-- all wrapped up and served to me with a pretty little bow.Cass was a really good main character. She was headstrong and fierce, with a thirst for knowledge and freedom that so many characters just don't have-- and I personally love it, because I have that too. It gives her a certain depth, on the grounds that I can relate to her. She was also really brave and impetuous, kind of flighty, but overall a great character.But Falco really takes the cake for me-- that is one beautifully delicious boy. An artist. In the beginning, he may have been a little rough-talking, but he got over that right quick. My only real issue with him is something that I won't (can't, spoilers) explain in this review. Basically, the boy makes some bad choices. But I'm over it.Although Cass and Falco really made this for me, I also really enjoyed the mystery. It was so creepy, and it kept me turning pages like a maniac. I skipped back and forth about who it could be, until the very last reveal. By then there was no hiding the guy.All in all, Venom was a great read. I liked the mystery, and I can't wait to read more about Cass and Falco.

I found this a bit hard going to start with, but I liked the characters and the lovely Venetian setting and am glad I persevered.

Very intriguing story, keeps you hooked all the way through!

A very nice read. Good storytelling, especially on those days when u want to escape a busy day. A good buy.

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!