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