Medici ~ Ascendancy (Masters of Florence)
Florence, 1429. Giovanni de Medici is dying. His sons Cosimo and Lorenzo gather with the rest of the family at his bedside. The fate and fortune of the De Medici family rest now on their shoulders. There is a question mark over their father’s death, and they have many rivals and enemies who would seek to take advantage of his demise. So begins a tale of murder, deadly politics, alliances and war as Dukes of Florence, Pontiffs of Rome and leaders of the Renaissance struggle for greater power, influence or greater wealth.
This is intended as the first in a series charting the rise and rule of the Medici family. With a strong plot and characterisation, the author, aided by an excellent translation, brings alive a tumultuous period of Italian history: the life, times and culture of Florence is vibrant, exciting – and quite deadly. Already published in twenty countries, the author will be adding a new tranche of readers. I for one am looking forward to the next instalment. Recommended.
