The Shadow (Florentine #2)- A Review

Good evening, all! Happy Monday! Thank goodness it's almost over. It's been a long day on my end and all I have wanted to do since I woke up this morning, was to relax and review a book for every single one of you. Thankfully, my night has begun to wind down so I can do just that.... so, hooray! It's about time, because I am absolutely chomping at the bit to get this latest read out to everyone! Sylvain Reynard has released his newest book, so needless to say, I've been fingerling since my copy of The Shadow arrived in the mail the other day. Instead of going crazy with being formal and doing any sort of editing, Im' going to just jump in and gush over these pages. I've been awake since 6am, so just bear with me. Shall we?

Are any of us really shocked that Reynard has come up with another dazzling installment to his series? I'm definitely not! The Shadow is book two (technically three) in his Florentine series. You can read my earlier review of his novella, The Prince, and book one, The Raven, here.
 

I know I talk about this author and his books to death, but they're stunning (honestly, I can't praise any of these stories enough)! I first encountered Reynard's work when I discovered his Gabriel series. I read that trilogy two or three years ago and have yet to meet a love story I adored more. I give them a re-read as often as I can, and it's just and gorgeous a story the fourth time as it was the first. The Florentine series is a spinoff and continuation of his original trilogy, only Sylvain takes it to another level. Not a surprise, but it's just as enchanting as all the other prior installments. To start at the beginning, check out books one through three of the Gabriel series. You can read my review here.

As the girl who can swear she has not met a vampire novel she's actually liked to date (I honestly don't even read them... Twilight scarred me enough), I can honestly say, this series is the exception and you must give it a go! I know these stories began as Twilight fan fiction, so even approaching the Gabriel series, I was hesitant, but it really morphed into its own tale. The Florentine series delves into the shadows that lurk the streets of Florence at night, but unlike most vampire stories, these beings are not only ancient, but also magical and majestic. 

Combining romance, thrill, mystery, fantasy, history, culture, and danger that spans across the globe and centuries as well, The Shadow is a roller coaster of a ride and fantastic continuation of The Raven, and our newest swoony book boyfriend, William York. 

Raven and William are learning the ropes of their alluring feelings to one another, but with her being a human, and him being something other worldly, they face their fair share of challenges. 

Not only are they approaching the unknowns of their relationship with caution, but trouble seems to be lurking around every corner trying to tear them apart. The police are investigating Raven for the theft of priceless Dante pieces that have gone missing from the Ufizzi, William must face a traitor among his own kind which could mean the end of his people, Raven's abusive step father is back in the picture, and an order of Jesuit priests (known as The Curia) are trying to steal Raven from William and separate the lovers for good. 

Speaking of Dante, our beloved professor from the Gabriel series, Mr. Emerson, and his beloved Julianne make return cameos. Although they weren't as prominent as they were in book one (there's no such thing as "too much" when it comes to the professor, so on this front, I was a bit gloomy), I still adored getting more time with the Emersons and their growing family, even if it was just a sliver of an update. 

William York may be the epitome of darkness, but Raven sees his internal light, and so do I. I can't help but take his side and hope everything turns out for the best for these two! 

PS- the bonus bit with Gabriel & Julia in the end had me fangirling like no other! At first, I wasn't sure what to make of it, but letting it fester in my brain a bit after I had shut the book and gone to bed had me thinking my darling professor just got a million times hotter (which I didn't know was possible)! 

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

The Prince and The Raven - A Florentine Series Review

Good afternoon! Today, I'm going to discuss Sylvain Reynard's newest Florentine series. Last week, I posted my review of all three novels in the Gabriel trilogy. They're important because the latest tales re-visit some of our favorite characters, but also take a turn for something a bit more sinister. Before tackling these, make sure you have read the original series. You'll appreciate the story of William and Raven even more.

Before diving into The Raven, which will be the first of another set of three books, Mr. Reynard gives us a teaser with his novella (available in ebook format), The Prince.

Another side of Florence is revealed in The Prince. An installment full of darkness and mystery, this read does not disappoint! I loved the underground society of Italy while also getting new glimpses of two of my favorite characters, Gabriel and Julianne. Needless to say, this peek into the shadows wandering the streets builds incredible anticipation for The Raven, even if  it made me nervous for the fates of all the players involved!

My Final Rating: four out of five stars

As the setting unfolds in The Raven, we find the Emersons back in their favorite city, and dark figures are spying from the rooftops. Gabriel's precious collection of Botticelli illustrations have gone missing from the Ufizzi gallery, and the professor is in a panic. Unbeknownst to his whole family, they're being hunted by the original owner of the renowned pieces. Their lives are in danger, and you have to wonder if they will be saved. 

We're also introduced to Raven, a girl I could relate to.. almost too much. She restores art at the Uffizi, and finds happiness in her simple life in Florence. However, there is a sense of loneliness, solitude, and invisibility when she is among the gorgeous and elite on the streets. Much the same as Julia, she preaches and practices kindness. Raven has been through her own personal Hell growing up, but it hasn't ruined her. She finds a voice for the homeless, the innocent, and those in need of mercy. This speaks volumes when she crosses paths unexpectedly with William York.

Personally, I'm not one for vampire novels, or books dealing with supernatural beings in general, but Sylvain's approach made it a different experience for me. I love everything he writes, so I gave it a go regardless of the content, because I knew he'd make it wonderful.

William is an "old one", and with his age, comes a more than a chunk of history. This is what I love most about Mr. Reynard's novels.. the time he takes to research and swirl culture into the text. This attention to detail makes it so much more than a mysterious romance. It takes you away to the streets of Italy without having to leave your own bed.

When Raven finds herself mere minutes from death, William steps in and saves her life. It's strange enough to find a vampire who rescues a human, but to have him offer his protection to her afterwards in order to keep her from future danger, just puts him at the top of the "swoon" chart. Their interactions, and her connection to the Emersons, eventually lead to something more. Raven finds she's nothing extraordinary, but she doesn't realize that she made William capable of love. For a man who has been around for centuries, has seen more than his fair share, and doesn't have human feelings, this girl is a game-changer. I can't wait to see what happens next with these two running Florence's underground.

As usual, Sylvain takes a love story, and turns it into pure magic. His words are lyrical and read like a gorgeous poem. By incorporating the details of fine Italian art, language, music, architecture, history, culture, etc, he elevates the initial story to another world. His ability to immerse you completely is a talent I wish I could possess. Until next time!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy - A Series Review

Hey all and Happy Mother’s Day to all the mama’s out there! Today, I'm thrilled because I’ll be reaching into my archives for a review of one of my favorite trilogies I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading! The Gabriel Series by Sylvain Reynard, is a fantastic story of love, intellect, literature, history, music, and the romance of the Italian culture. Right now, I’m reading a spin off of this series called The Raven. When I finish and review that novel (which is the start of the author’s Florentine series), I want to have my thoughts posted about where my love for these characters began. Make sense? Lovely, so on we go! 

Now, when I originally picked up these books, I had heard that the story of Gabriel Emerson and Julianne Mitchell began  much as the Fifty series; online as Twilight fan fiction. As someone who read (and watched) the Twilight saga and wasn’t particularly impressed or a fan, I tried not to let that sway me. I had browsed enough reviews to know that it had developed into its own tale so I wanted to dive in with blinders on and just focus on the material in front of me. Needless to say, I was ecstatic that I made that decision. As I write this, I realize I’ve since re-read the series another three times since my initial encounter with the professor and his beloved, and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of visiting them. Here’s why. 

Much like Dante’s levels of Hell, there’s levels and layers to the overall story. First,  you’ll begin by entering Gabriel’s Inferno. What is there to say about Professor Gabriel Emerson? Maybe it's the Dante Specialist thing of his that does it for me.  Or maybe it’s his love of three-piece suits, luxury cars, Mozart, and an over-priced fountain pen? Everything about him had me practically panting and wishing I was a student in his seminar, even if he was terrifying. Despite the fact he has an exterior that’s rock solid, he’s pretentious, rude, arrogant, and seemingly intolerable, Julianne Mitchell, one of his students, sees through all that and knows he’s capable of kindness. She’s a reserved girl, trying to find her footing in her Master’s program and become an expert in her field of interest. She and Gabriel do not seem to get on, but she knows more than he thinks she does about the kind of man he is, and eventually, shit hits the fan. When they keep having encounters both on and off campus, something clicks for both of them and there’s no turning back. That’s where the love story really begins. 

There was something about the set up of this book that sucked me in completely. The University of Toronto and the study of The Divine Comedy on both a Master and Doctorate levlel, brought about a new world for me. The way these two live made me feel extremely un-civilized (and I feel like I grew up experiencing my fair share when it came to the worlds of academia and culture). I adored how everything around each character seemed to fit their own personal styles. From the setting of their apartments, the nods to great literature, trips to Florence and Oxford, the soothing strains of  Requiem, and a few murmurs of devotion in Italian gave their tale a true sensual ambiance that took me away from reality entirely. Gabriel seems like he stepped out of another era and it made me weak-in-the-knees. The way he worships his Beatrice and how he proclaims his undying love had me wishing I could steal him for myself. What a fantastic specimen of a man. Julianne is one lucky lady. 

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

Gabriel’s Rapture brings you to the next segment in the Julianne and Gabriel relationship. As I stated previously, aside from making me feel severely un-educated and un-cultured just as book one did, I LOVED this installment. My heart was in my throat for a good chunk of the story. Things don’t progress as swimmingly as they seem to for most couples, and I was not expecting the turn their adventure took, but by the end, I was enchanted! Professor Emerson may have his nose in the air a portion of the time, but geez, does he make it sexy while he does it. I also admire Julia more and more as their story progresses. Like Gabriel, she has her own past and her own demons. She not only learns to face them head on, but she defeats them with kindness and a tender heart. Some reviews I read did not care for her because they saw her as weak. I have to disagree. Just because a female is not in-your-face and aggressive or ballsy when discovering herself or handling a man, does NOT make her a weak person. I wish I was able to control my own emotions and attitude with the grace that Julianne displays. I need to take a few pages out of her book about being a good person. She tames Gabriel in that sense and she makes readers see it in themselves too. Despite any mistakes you have made along the road in life, you are worthy of happiness and you are worthy of goodness and love. Julianne is by far an under-rated heroine and should be praised for the saint-like message she portrays. 

My Final Rating: five out of five stars

 Thank you, thank you, thank you, for writing a book featuring the couple AFTER marriage. So many series I’ve read prior to meeting this couple end with a marriage and make a sequel which tells book one all over again, but in the other partner's perspectives. I’m eternally grateful that Gabriel’s Redemption didn’t go that route. 

To say I love Gabriel and Julianne is a complete and total understatement! They've grown so much throughout their journey together and I’m extremely proud of them. No one is perfect, but I’m thrilled they continue to work out their flaws and imperfections so that they are able to move forward together and have the happy life I know they both deserve and want more than anything in the world. This series was so much more than a love story. Personally, it opened doors. I’ve become determined to return to university for further degrees, travel the world, learn Italian, study cultures, really lose myself in literature, and hold out hope for romance… or a professor of my very own one day. 

I love visiting this sweet little family repeatedly because I know I'll miss them after some time spent away with other characters! I’m ecstatic that Sylvain Reynard has chosen to incorporate the Emersons into his latest work, so I can’t wait to see what else he comes up with for my favorite duo! In the mean time, do yourselves a favor and begin your own journey with Gabriel and his beloved Julianne. I can NOT praise this trilogy enough! Their story is magical, lyrical, and completely enchanting. You’ll never want your time with them to end! That’s all for now, Ciao! 

My final review: 5 out of 5 stars

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