The author has settled into her story with this book and it shows. It has an effortless transition in the story (Rodrigo Borgia is Pope and one year has passed). The previous story is concisely told in order to bring readers back into the plot progression. The tension builds as Francesca searches for the religious fanatic determined to bring down the house of Borgia (and burn her as a witch). Detailed descriptions of the city of Rome help to flesh out the plot and readers learn more about the characters in her life. A refreshing change from the usual historical stories available in the market. And a flawed heroine who faces her life and her internal demons as best she can... The second book although carefully researched and true to the period felt more like a romance novel than the first book, "Poison". While I enjoyed it I felt the pace was slower, but there was more character development occurring. If you like period novels about the Renaissance, this book is great. Having lived in Rome for a while I felt Poole's descriptions of locations were accurate and painted a detailed picture.
What's not to like, Italy, poison, betrayal, and illicit affairs all set in the Renaissance!
—nanna
Good continuation to Poison but not as good. I will keep reading the series.
—Jazz
Not as good as the first in the series. Plot moves very slowly.
—daf
