Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose, #1)

Oct 07, 2012 KM added it

Shelves: 2012-debuts, historical, penguin

I had really high hopes for this book; it sounded INCREDIBLE! So when I opened up the front cover of the ARC and saw a letter from the editor talking about how much she loved this MS when she received it, etc. etc., I was really excited. I was thinking, "This is going to be my favorite historical read of the year!" Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I was expecting; even still, it was readable, and I think a lot of other people will enjoy it.

For me, my main complaint lie in the fact that there...more I had really high hopes for this book; it sounded INCREDIBLE! So when I opened up the front cover of the ARC and saw a letter from the editor talking about how much she loved this MS when she received it, etc. etc., I was really excited. I was thinking, "This is going to be my favorite historical read of the year!" Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I was expecting; even still, it was readable, and I think a lot of other people will enjoy it.

For me, my main complaint lie in the fact that there just wasn't anything fresh or special about it. The bit about her being engaged but not interested in the fiance, meeting the mysterious other boy who's an artist, the murderer who only targets young women - it all felt like it's been done a lot. I kept wanting Cass to do something I didn't expect, but she was just predictable. It was easy for the author to make her not like the fiance, it was easy for the murderer to target "fallen" women, and it was easy to have Cass like Falco's wild side. I don't know, I just wanted something new and exciting.

I also didn't care for Falco at all. He's a terrible influence on Cass! Forget his morals. Whatever. He peer pressures her CONSTANTLY. I wanted her to stand up to him and be like, "No, I'm NOT going to do that. You can tease me about being a 'bird in a gilded cage' all day, but I'm not going with you." But she doesn't. She caves to him every time. This progressed the story, but I thought maybe Fiona Paul could have written it differently? I don't know. I just thought Cass was a bit of a pushover when it came to Falco, who was supposed to be this seductive bad boy but who really just sorta irked me. And she kept talking about his hair, how it curved around his face and stuff, and all I could think of was like a bob...which would be super unfortunate.

The mystery wasn't very mysterious. I knew who the murderer was before halfway through. I feel like if your book is going to revolve around a mystery, then it better be good! I certainly could never write a mystery, so Fiona Paul did a lot better than I could have. But I guess I wanted it to be more twisty and more confusing, and less about Cass realizing just what sex is and insinuating that Falco might be into necrophilia.

And while I'm on the subject of sex, can I just say something? There were some really erotic moments in this book that I thought were a little inappropriate for YA. Cass and Falco go visit basically the red light district of Venice, and there are lots of descriptions of prostitutes, in a bit of detail. It would be totally fine for adult, but I kept wondering if it would be too much for a 15 year old. Especially when it was ALMOST glorified. Cass sees these girls as more free than she is, like their promiscuity has somehow liberated them.

Don't even get me started on how wrong that is. I have too much of a background working with people who have been caught in the sex slave trade and prostitution for me to NOT get angry about this. So I'm just going to stop here about that. But I also didn't like that the author used sexual language when she talked about Falco and the dead bodies - it was almost like he was a necrophiliac, when he wasn't. I don't know - the whole sex thing in this book was just really weird for me.

But with these flaws, the book is still enjoyable. I really liked all the historical details. The setting is rich. I liked that the fiance wasn't a terrible person, despite Cass's prejudices against him. I also really liked the decisions that Cass made at the end of the book - very mature! I was pleasantly surprised.

I also think that other people won't have the same problems that I did with it. Maybe I've just read too many historical novels and I'm jaded or something. I really wish I had enjoyed the story better, as the setting is wonderful and there was a lot of potential - I mean, the Renaissance, a serial killer, rich girl meets starving artist! It could have been awesome; but it was just okay for me.(less)

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Oct 24, 2012 Monica :) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Pre-reading:
All the way onto October? Really!? *sigh* I guess I'll have to wait . . .

Cover
Oh my God. That cover is absolutely gorgeous. Now, I don't know about you but I would buy this book just for the cover itself!

After reading:
*stares at last page*
*closes book slowly*
*throws book across room*
WHAT WAS THAT!? So many questions.
He did ..but she ..and her ..
*has meltdown*

Proper review
To see the review in its full awesomeness ...
http://coveranalysis.blogspot.com/201...

"Beauty, love, romance, and...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Mitch rated it 1 of 5 stars

Why do I feel like I've just read the Twilight of young adult historical fiction? I am not kidding, the only thing Fiona Paul manages to do right is adapt every single conceivable cliche from every second rate paranormal romance I've ever been suckered into reading into this thing nominally set in medieval Venice. If you're looking for an independent minded but ultimately hapless heroine, a ridiculous love at first sight love interest, shallow, predictable drama between the two, and a plot that...more Why do I feel like I've just read the Twilight of young adult historical fiction? I am not kidding, the only thing Fiona Paul manages to do right is adapt every single conceivable cliche from every second rate paranormal romance I've ever been suckered into reading into this thing nominally set in medieval Venice. If you're looking for an independent minded but ultimately hapless heroine, a ridiculous love at first sight love interest, shallow, predictable drama between the two, and a plot that ultimately goes nowhere despite the promise of a murderer on the loose, yeah, just save yourself the trouble and imagine that last paranormal you read now takes place in Venice a couple hundred years ago. Done.

Oh, how I wish I could’ve done that. But before I go on, doesn’t the summary give the impression that Venom is going to be a murder mystery? With historical elements? I mean, “stumbles upon a murdered woman,” “dangerous world of courtesans,” “secret society,” that’s all murder mystery stuff, right? RIGHT? Instead, I had to suffer through chapters consisting basically of Cass serendipitously bumping into random artist Falco on the streets of Venice, then again at that graveyard across from her villa that she just happens to be wandering through in the middle of the night. Seriously, can we please stop with the random chance meeting of the mysterious hot guy who the heroine instantly notices but thinks will never meet again until he somehow shows up the next day and plays a huge role in the plot cliche? Especially since how it happens in EVERY. DAMN. BOOK. completely defies the laws of probability? Can we just focus on solving the murder? And not spend the entire time going googly over each other while the murderer is trying to, I don’t know, murder you? Is that too much to ask for?

Those first few chapters were like a huge warning sign, but like any intrepid reader I decided to continue because, how much worse can it get? Oh, it gets worse. Cause Venom of course jumps right on the adults are useless bandwagon, so even though someone is actively trying to kill this girl, she decides to hide this from everyone except Falco. Even though she thinks he might be the murderer. Umm, WHAT? This is explained with your standard ‘I don’t want to get into trouble for wandering around a graveyard and discovering a dead body’ excuse, which I’m sure will work quite well after you’ve been stabbed to death by that murderer who knows all about you discovering the dead body and is currently busy sending you death threats. Yes, yes, I know the modus operandi of these kinds of books is to get the girl and the hot guy together investigating the murders by themselves so they can have hot scenes together, but the sheer stupidity of how Paul sets this up is just mind boggling. I’m sure discovering more dead bodies is no problem at all for these people.

Then, there’s the fact that the murder storyline isn’t even well thought out. It’s more like filler that takes a backseat to the shallow romance that dominates the plot of this book. Why is the first murder victim dumped where she is? It seemed so important, but nope, it’s just written that way so Cass can be drawn into the investigation in the most shocking way possible. Disappointing. And the red herrings pointing to Falco? Beyond obvious. The ultimate identity of the murderer? Horribly developed. I think Cass spends more time obsessing over Falco, and then ending up in a love triangle with her fiance to boot, than actually actively trying to figure out who the murderer is. I mean, if you’re gonna go out, by yourself or actually with one guy, and actually try to solve this thing, at least try to solve this thing. That means spending more than three or four scenes on your investigation and not bumbling around with obvious red herrings until the murderer drops into your lap when he tries to kill you. Ugh.

Hate to say it, but the teaser fooled me, Venom is not a well written historical fiction. In fact, it’s incompetent by almost every measure. Oh, and what secret society?(less)

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Dec 28, 2012 Meghann (reading impulsively) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, unfinished-series, 2012, book-boyfriends, 2012-favorites

This looks like SO much fun! I can't wait to get my hands on this little gem.

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Jan 07, 2013 Caitlin rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: eagerly-waiting-release

I was honestly super excited for this book thanks to the Renaissance Venice setting. I mean, masquerades! Courtesans! Crazy maze like canals and streets and just--Venice was a happenin' place back then and now, let me tell you. But even with a mundane plot, with a mundane, over used romantic trope(I CAN'T TELL YOU BC I NEED TO PROTECT U), love interest--everything--I still would have let it get off with 2.5 stars, even a three. The prose is nice. THe plot, oversimple maybe, but sustainable. The...more I was honestly super excited for this book thanks to the Renaissance Venice setting. I mean, masquerades! Courtesans! Crazy maze like canals and streets and just--Venice was a happenin' place back then and now, let me tell you. But even with a mundane plot, with a mundane, over used romantic trope(I CAN'T TELL YOU BC I NEED TO PROTECT U), love interest--everything--I still would have let it get off with 2.5 stars, even a three. The prose is nice. THe plot, oversimple maybe, but sustainable. The dialogue and characters said and did just enough to keep the pace going. But the thing that ruined this book entirely--lowered to one sad little star--is something impossible to ignore and shrug off: Cass. The God damn leading female figure.

To keep it short, I'll just get straight to the point: Cass is boring, bland and overall puddy. THe entire book she complains about being "a caged bird" and wanting to break free but guess waht SHE NEVER DOES. She goes from one handler to the next And if you think her "breaking free" is her sneaking around then guess again because guess who provokes her to leave in the first place? Falco (who is your typical love interest--sexual harassment and "do you know what you just said" and all). My favorite part is her constant paranoia for some murderer coming after her, and yet she pretty much wanders every other chapter alone (while jumping at every shadow).

She doesn't develop. In fact she devolves practically. You'd think she's just be like "NOPE. NOT TAKING THIS SHIT" but instead she remains fickle and acts out of character so many times that eventually I realized that she has no character. She's purely a device and how am I suppose to care for a literary device rather than a person? Even if she was your typical boring heroine, she's still would be a whole person. Instead, she's just a cursor leading us to each plot point giving us information and thoughts that we already know (because she said it over and over).

Nothing makes me more angry is reading a character who feels so fake and maneuvered by the author. Man, I really REALLY wanted to enjoy this. I tried, but eventually I knew nothing would improve. (less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Whitney (Vivid Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

"How terrible it must be to be a member of the noble class. So many rules. Such restraint. You must feel like a caged bird, battering its wings against the sides of its golden prison."

I had a feeling I would really love this book, but then again I was a little doubtful because it was Historical fiction. However within forty pages I got use to the Historical elements and was really getting
into it. Then by eighty pages I couldn't stop reading Venom.

Fiona Paul's writing is gorgeous. At the beginn...more "How terrible it must be to be a member of the noble class. So many rules. Such restraint. You must feel like a caged bird, battering its wings against the sides of its golden prison."

I had a feeling I would really love this book, but then again I was a little doubtful because it was Historical fiction. However within forty pages I got use to the Historical elements and was really getting
into it. Then by eighty pages I couldn't stop reading Venom.

Fiona Paul's writing is gorgeous. At the beginning it was detailed to the point where you can imagine the scene, but not overly descriptive where you feel like it drags. Even reading her description of it raining, I felt was sightly. But towards the end the story did drag on a bit, but not for long. Maybe the last fifty pages.

As for the characters, Cassandra Caravello, I don't know if she had a death wish or was one brave character. She would take walks at night in the cemetery, where she always feels she's being watched. Yet she still goes out at night alone. But that's where she runs into, literally, Falco. Nice, sexy, mysterious artist. The romance was a big part of the book, it was nice reading about them together, as a team looking for the murderer. I even liked the secondary characters.

"Your beauty lights up the dark. I could paint an entire chapel just for you. Maybe I will someday."

The mystery in Venom was okay. I didn't figure out who was the killer until the end and even then I'm not sure if it was he/she was the right killer or there was another one. Maybe he/she wasn't working alone? I don't know. The ending left me with more questions then I had through out the entire book. I guess I'll find out more in the second book.

Overall Venom was an enjoyably read, with appealing characters, great romance, wonderful writing, and a nice mystery. Historical fiction is probably one of my least favorite genre. However I'm thinking I should give this genre another chance because I really loved this book!

For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Vivid Reads.(less)

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May 27, 2012 Mrs. S rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books, read-in-2012

Awww, YA boys. I never fall for the one I'm supposed to. In Venom, Fiona Paul has created a great example of the kind of artsy, edgy "bad boy" that I just know the entire internets will soon be swooning over. Falco is great, and I'm definitely intrigued by him. But you'll be reading all about him in a million reviews soon enough. I want to talk about Luca.

From the minute I learned that our heroine, Cass, was betrothed to a guy she had known in childhood but who she dismissed as "boring", I knew...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Stargirl (Shoujo and YA Banter/Vocaloid Fanatic) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult, romance-with-a-little-paranormal, fantasy

Okay, the first thing I have to comment on is the awesome cover. Forgetting that this reminds me of The Shades of Gray Triology (just look at the expression she's making. It's like she's inviting you to bed!) I loved the cover. It was, mainly the reason why I picked up the book. Yes, I'm a person who will read a book just because the cover looks cool. Don't judge me.

This book, for a lot of people (myself included), started off with a lot of promise. I'm a historical romance fan. I love learning...more Okay, the first thing I have to comment on is the awesome cover. Forgetting that this reminds me of The Shades of Gray Triology (just look at the expression she's making. It's like she's inviting you to bed!) I loved the cover. It was, mainly the reason why I picked up the book. Yes, I'm a person who will read a book just because the cover looks cool. Don't judge me.

This book, for a lot of people (myself included), started off with a lot of promise. I'm a historical romance fan. I love learning about other cultures, and it's an added bonus if it takes place in the 1800's (for some reason I just love this time period, don't ask me why). So,our MC, Cass, is a young and bethrothed (keep this in your head that this woman is bethrothed it will come in handy later on in the review), and a woman of high class in the 1800's in Italy. She discovers a dead body has replaced her friend's, who was just buried that day, with a bloody X carved across her chest.

I was totally loving this book for the first few...I don't know exactly where to put it....I loved that it was in Italy, and I really liked how Paul described the setting and surroundings of Venice. The point where I stopped and thought oh here we go again, (as I'm sure you've noticed in my status updates, or if you haven't here they are again), was when Falco showed- er- shoved his way into the book.

He's a cocky, egotistical, somewhat charming, playboy/artist. He slams into Cass, and tells her to watch where she's going. That's when the book lost it's promise. Now, remember when I told you all that Cass was engaged? Yes, now let's talk about that. Cass, I understand her position, but I'm on both sides of the fence here. On one hand, I see how being of high class with restrictions and having to be engaged to someone you don't even really like, can be annoying.

On the other hand, girl! You're not a commoner, and you have tons of servants who will do anything they ask of you! You have expensive gowns, to put it simply, you are rich. If it was me? I'd be taking advantage of that! The main problem I have with Cass and the book was what I will be talking about for the remainder of the review.

THE ROMANCE!!! From the first minute Cass meets Falco, all she can think about are his blue eyes and how his muscles ripple under his t-shirt. That's nice and all dear, but did you forget you witnessed a murder? The rest of the book goes something like this. -ahem-

Cass: Falco! He's got such blue eyes! They're dark in the darkness, smoldering even! I shouldn't feel this way about him...but his eyes! So blue! And the way he makes me feel! He makes my body react in such a way my fiance, Luca never could! I'm not supposed to be focusing on this! That's right! The murder! I'll go with Falco and investigate the dark streets of Venice with a man I've known for a week, and put my future in jeporady! Oh why did Falco and I kiss?! It's giving me such conflicting feelings! This, ladies and gentalmen, becomes the cycle of romance in the book.

Falco: A lot of cheesy and charm going on. Kisses Cass AFTER she finds out he has a faince. My main problem with Falco, is that he's just a....dick. Honestly. He's charming, sure, but even after he knows of the fact that she's engaged, he still tries to be with her! I don't give a fuck (sorry explict language here) if he likes her! Dude! The woman is ENGAGED! To someone else! And even if she weren't, the social classes alone would put them both in jeporady.

So, that's my problem. What started out as a promising book, turned into a (yes I'm going to make this comparison. As many others have had. Now I'm beginning to see why)-Twilight. A character, who seems at the beginning to have strong morals and values, gets put under the spell of looks and charm, and fucks up her future. As I said, I do understand Cass's positon. She doesn't really love, or even like, Luca, he's been away at France for three years. No woman, I'm sure, regardless of the time period, unless you are really devoted, would wait for a man that long. Even so....couldn't you of just written to him, telling him that there was someone else? Why did you have to still kiss Falco, and why didn't you realize he was playing you like a harp?! He kisses you after he finds out you have a fiance, and thinks, you still have a chance together! I know I keep restating this fact, but the girl is engaged Falco. But Cass, thinking they have a chance, still tries to be with him.

This makes for a wishy washy character. There's this one point in the book, where they make out in a gondala. Cass then gets her brain gears a workin, and realizes Falco is just doing this FOR FUN, yet she still later forgives him, thinking that he really loves her, and that she's just being stupid. No, wake up, he's using you! God, I wish these characters could hear me. Then maybe they wouldn't make such impulsive choices. It's as if Cass's common sense went out the window, and was buried in the cemetary, along with the bodies.

So, as a reviewer, should you all read this book? If you don't mind Twilight vibes/ esque romance, go ahead. I love the design that's put in between each page, and the Eternal Rose quotes (forgot to mention these two things. The ER sayings were very creepy), but if you're looking for a historical romance that has good development, and not just a cycle of I love him but it's wrong kind of romance, look elsewhere. I did enjoy the setting, and time era, and it did keep me engaged, but I started skimming, because the plot was becoming predictable. It could of been so much better, a potential letdown. Such a shame, how YA seems to give us such great premises, only to be fucked over by characters. 2.5/3 stars. (less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone sick of Bellarific protagonists

This review is from my blog, Studies in Storytelling. To view the complete version, please visit http://studiesinstorytelling.blogspot... .

What I Learned About Storytelling Reading Venom by Fiona Paul

I'm forcing myself to write this review despite the impulse to look up anything else Fiona Paul has written. I wasn't planning to read Venom until October, but I took a peek at the first page and then I couldn't stop.

Cass's childhood friend has passed away. Grieving and restless, she visits her frie...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Chloé天赋 Ƨнα∂σωнʋитɛяǤιяℓ ♉ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The romance and the adventure in this book is so intense and amazing to read. Well written book, especially the detail gone into the place this book is based in 'Venice.' Fiona Paul did a wonderful job at the whole murder mystery, making us believe that all these people we're possibly involved when the murderer was staring straight at me. I was a bit "yeah-okay" towards the ending with the true identity of the murderer. I kind of thought that there would be a bigger mystery which will follow ont...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Lauren rated it 3 of 5 stars

Much as I really wanted to love this book, I didn't. But the problems I had with it are, I think, simply a matter of preference and not to do with the writing or the storytelling itself, so I can fully understand why so many others adore this book.

First, the things I liked. The setting was gorgeous. Fiona Paul painted a beautiful picture of Venice that transported me to a city of artists and canals and gondoliers and crumbling old mansions. The city itself seemed to be a character in the story,...more Much as I really wanted to love this book, I didn't. But the problems I had with it are, I think, simply a matter of preference and not to do with the writing or the storytelling itself, so I can fully understand why so many others adore this book.

First, the things I liked. The setting was gorgeous. Fiona Paul painted a beautiful picture of Venice that transported me to a city of artists and canals and gondoliers and crumbling old mansions. The city itself seemed to be a character in the story, and I would love to read more books set here. The prose was lovely and engaging, and flowed nicely through the narrative.

The mystery was handled well, and while I was able to correctly predict the identity of the killer, I actually had several different theories throughout the book, so she kept me guessing. The murders and the clues were sufficiently creepy, and parts of the investigation were chilling, which is exactly the feel I want from a murder mystery. However, the book was not all darkness and death, and there were many parts that were light and romantic, and helped balance the mood of the story.

Unfortunately, there were some things I didn't like as well. The first was Falco, the love interest. I just didn't see what was so appealing from him, aside from his physical attractiveness. It's just not enough for me, and while I'm not opposed to a heroine falling for a scoundrel, I have a hard time with her falling for a guy who isn't honest with her. And Falco carries a lot of deception with him, making it hard for me to root for a romance between the two of them. Actually, I kept waiting for Cass to see the light and dump him for someone who treated her better.

Then there's Cass. While I liked her okay as a person, I couldn't help but be irritated with her preoccupation with her love life when her best friend's body goes missing, other women are dying, and she suspects she may be next. Especially since she kept worrying that Falco may be connected with the murders. I know teenage hormones are a force to be reckoned with, but I kept wanting to take her by the shoulders and shout at her to get her priorities in order. I just don't understand the desire to be in a relationship with a guy who's not trustworthy and may or may not be a killer, or placing that relationship above your own safety and the safety of others. But maybe I'm just jaded.

I also had a slight problem with the fact that the killer monologues for a good long while at the end, something I never really find believable. It could possibly be explained by the fact that the killer is obviously mentally unstable, and perhaps it is part of his psychosis that he needs his victims to understand why he's killing them, but it still felt a bit forced to me. Either way, that's such a pervasive issue in storytelling that I'll let it slide. If I had loved the characters instead of being annoyed with them, it may not have bothered me at all. As it was, by the end, I was feeling a bit snarky, so it stuck out.

Overall, I think Venom is a beautifully told story in a unique setting that I would have loved if not for my inability to connect with the characters. But plenty of others love these characters, so you'll really need to judge for yourself.(less)

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Feb 02, 2013 Aneeqah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-or-sci-fi, mystery, paranormal, 2012-debut-author, read-in-2012, books-i-own

First and foremost, I think it’s important to establish one thing: I am not a historical fiction person. Honestly, it’s not a genre I pick up a lot. I just avoid it. However, when I won a copy of Venom from Monica, and after all the fangirling she did of the book, I knew that I had to pick it up. And surprisingly, I liked it, although it did have its faults.

Another surprise for me, when the best thing about this book for me was the setting. I am mainly a plot person, as I appreciate the plot of...more First and foremost, I think it’s important to establish one thing: I am not a historical fiction person. Honestly, it’s not a genre I pick up a lot. I just avoid it. However, when I won a copy of Venom from Monica, and after all the fangirling she did of the book, I knew that I had to pick it up. And surprisingly, I liked it, although it did have its faults.

Another surprise for me, when the best thing about this book for me was the setting. I am mainly a plot person, as I appreciate the plot of a book typically more than I would appreciate the setting. But set in a historical Venice, I was enchanted by the setting in this book. The description was flawlessly intertwined with the other aspects of the book, and I actually felt as if I was there. Normally, that doesn’t really happen for me, but I could feel myself walking down that creepy ally, or seeing the glittering river in the night. It was enchanting to be so immersed in the setting.

Of course, being so immersed in the setting, I was as equally riveted to the plot as well. The mystery made for great pacing, which kept me flipping the pages. This 400 page book flew by, since I was always trying to guess who did it, and to find out who was the next target. The mystery is something I actually didn’t see coming, and I loved the red herrings that were thrown in here as well.

However, I felt as if the plot and mystery were put on hold at times for the romance. Maybe this is just because I’m not the biggest romance fan out there, but I definitely didn’t like this. Sometimes during the book, I felt as if everything was just kind of put off for the romance to happen. And then the suspense and mystery would return. This inconsistency started to irk me at times. I understand that this was marketed with a big focus on romance, but I don’t think that means that the plot can just be put on hold for the romance.

I also wasn’t very fond of the beginning of Venom. I can’t go into details, since I don’t want to spoil anything, but I thought it was a bit excessive and I just didn’t like it in general. I understand what the author was trying to go for in several of the scenes… but I thought it was a bit uncalled for.

Overall, Venom is a book that I surprised myself by enjoying. While I didn’t fall in love with it, because of the romance and beginning, I liked it. I’d only recommend this one to some though, mainly for people who are looking for a good historical book with a focus on romance. I’m definitely curious to see what happens next, and will probably be picking up the sequel if my library has it.(less)

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Jul 01, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, young-adult, thriller, mystery, favorites, 2012-favorites

Venom was a lovely surprise. I picked it up because I needed something other than a dystopia, and I was very pleased with it from page one to the end. Wonderfully sensuous, mysterious, and thrilling, Venom is a great start to a new YA historical series.

Venom is the story of Cassandra Caravello. She is a wealthy daughter of Venice, long betrothed to her childhood friend Luca, and bored with her life. One night after her friend's funeral she is wandering in the cemetery next to her Aunt's villa an...more Venom was a lovely surprise. I picked it up because I needed something other than a dystopia, and I was very pleased with it from page one to the end. Wonderfully sensuous, mysterious, and thrilling, Venom is a great start to a new YA historical series.

Venom is the story of Cassandra Caravello. She is a wealthy daughter of Venice, long betrothed to her childhood friend Luca, and bored with her life. One night after her friend's funeral she is wandering in the cemetery next to her Aunt's villa and she discovers two shocking and life-changing things: first, that her friend's body is no longer in its tomb and has been replaced with another dead girl, murdered and mutilated; and second, Falco, a young artist that capture's Cassandra's heart. Whisked into the dark underbelly of Venice by her fascination with Falco and her need to unravel the mystery of the dead girl, Cass embarks on a journey of discovery: about love, murder, and what she really wants out of life.

Cassandra herself is what made this book shine. Though she is from 1600s Italy, her internal struggles and questions are that of any modern day girl: who do I fall in love with? what do I want my life to be after I leave my family's care? what do I value most and who will I trust? Cass's adventures in Venice lead her into falling down churches, strange scientist's laboratories (with dissected bodies and all), brothels, and masquerade balls, but at the heart of all this intrigue and excitement runs the biggest question of Cass's life: who will I choose to love? Every action and decision she makes comes down to this simple question, and it's not just about romantic love. She struggles with love for her family and her friends as well. At seventeen she doesn't know what she wants her life to be yet, but Falco is certainly going to help her discover some of this. And maybe even Luca, the lost friend and fiance, too.

The setting of Venice was lush and well-wrought. The historical details were accurate, even down to the bizarre shoes that Cass and her friends wear. This book was full of gondolas, canals, fancy dresses, courtesans, masked balls, and everything that we love and secretly thrill for about Venice even today. Fiona has captured the magic and the menace of Renaissance Venice perfectly.

And the romance of course was perfect. Cass falls in love for the first time with the dashing and mysterious artist Falco. He is everything she's never had in life: adventure and freedom. But with these two things come consequences, and the young lovers soon must face the reality of a secret tryst between a peasant and a lady. But then Luca enters the scene, much more handsome and grown-up than the last time Cass saw him, and everything falls apart. She knows that she loves Falco, but that question emerges again: who will she choose to love? It's not an easy question to answer, and Cass spends the rest of the novel fighting to find an answer (and fighting to find a murderer as well).

Venom was a beautifully written novel, and a joy to read. I sincerely look forward to the second installment of the Secrets of the Eternal Rose series.(less)

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Oct 06, 2012 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, historical-fiction, owned, physical-book, romance, won, young-adult

Check out more of my reviews at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

Wow! I was not expecting that at all! Fiona Paul has outdone herself in Venom. From the gripping intrigues to the danger-ridden canals of Venice, Venom will grab you and yank your stays tight.

Venom opens with an introduction to Cass, our leading protagonist. We're introduced to this high society that Cass lives in, similar to that of a caste system that they did have in the Renaissance era. While Cass had that prim and proper...more Check out more of my reviews at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

Wow! I was not expecting that at all! Fiona Paul has outdone herself in Venom. From the gripping intrigues to the danger-ridden canals of Venice, Venom will grab you and yank your stays tight.

Venom opens with an introduction to Cass, our leading protagonist. We're introduced to this high society that Cass lives in, similar to that of a caste system that they did have in the Renaissance era. While Cass had that prim and proper classy girl, she also had a rebellious streak that is introduced when she first meets Falco, our main love interest. I, for one, immediately fell in love with Falco's character. Venom spends a lot of time developing Falco and Cass's relationship in the romance aspect of the plot, and to say that I fell head-over-heels for Falco was an understatement. He was compassionate, mysterious, handsome, and your classic Renaissance artist.

The mystery of Venom was so intriguing and mesmerizing that it captured you from Page One and kept you engaged all the way through. The web of deceit, the unpredictability of where the clues would take Cass and Falco next, and which girl would be taken next. Venom's entire plot revolves around Cass and Falco endeavoring to uncover who has started to kill young girls around Venice, and why they're targeting Cass. The mystery of Venom really completes the book; it doesn't make it stuffy and really unbearable with talk of clothes and husbands, but it adds a really creepy lining to the whole thing.

Renaissance Italy is maybe one of my favorite historical settings. It's official. Actually, Venom and My Super Sixteenth Centuries are the only two historical fictions I have read recently, and both take place in Renaissance Italy, so in the end, it's kind of self-explanatory. However, in Venom, I felt like I had been transported and the entire story played in my head like a black-and-white old, filmy movie. The canals of Venice really jumped off the page along with the dark alleyways and lush, extravagant dresses.

Enchanting, dark, romantic, and mesmerizing, Venom has it all: the story, the historical standpoint, and the lush and rich mystery. Fans of a fantastic historical romance with a little extra danger than you would expect will love this novel.

(less)

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Nov 10, 2012 Tzippy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult, setting-italy, too-weird-for-words, mystery, unlikeable-main-character, love-interest-is-a-jerk, series, first-in-series, how-is-that-okay, reviewed, everyone-is-jerkish, really-wanted-to-love-this

Is it possible for a book to be underwhelming and horrifying at the same time?

Like many others, I was seriously anticipating Venom. YA murder mystery set in Venice during the Renaissance? How could that not be awesome?

I guess maybe if the main character is a privileged rich girl with a loving family whose biggest problem is that her life is too boring (and she complains about it. All. The. Time). And if her love interest, Falco, is every girl's fantasy: you know, the kind of guy who dresses her...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Natalia Belikov rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, young-adult, arc, received-won

Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads

3.5 stars

I have never read a book set in Venice before and I am glad Miss Fiona Paul's debut novel Venom is the one to show me this marvelous place, which in addition comes with the great bonus of an intriguing, and even creepy plot.

The book's setting is breathtaking and I wasn't expecting any less of Renascence Venice! I feel that the author did a great job illustrating the city's imagery and building up the atmosphere of the 17th century. Even though...more Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads

3.5 stars

I have never read a book set in Venice before and I am glad Miss Fiona Paul's debut novel Venom is the one to show me this marvelous place, which in addition comes with the great bonus of an intriguing, and even creepy plot.

The book's setting is breathtaking and I wasn't expecting any less of Renascence Venice! I feel that the author did a great job illustrating the city's imagery and building up the atmosphere of the 17th century. Even though I have never been to this magical city, I was able to feel, see and smell every little detail Miss Paul mentioned. And now, more than ever, I want to visit Venice!

Cassandra (Cass) was a great protagonist. She is daring and brave (I would never step into a cemetery at night, not even for a hot dude). Falco, the talented artist with whom Cass falls in love with, is a fun character but unfortunately, he failed to impressed me as a love interest. But thankfully he is not the only man in Cass' love life. In fact, Cass also has Luca, who is her official bethroned and who has been away studying in France. Luca is a character I was very intrigued in during the whole book. Sadly, he only shows up almost at the end of the story (and I was waiting for him since the beginning). Yet, I felt greatly satisfied with his performance and I really hope I'll get more of him on the sequel.

At the beginning of each chapter there is a black page that provides an excerpt of "The Book of the Eternal Rose" that gives readers an idea of what all the mystery could be about. However, Cass has no idea about this book which clearly relates to all the mystery going on on this novel. She only hears about this book once, when her gorgeous bethroned Luca vaguely mentioned it to her. Yet, she never gets into the details of it. Readers clearly have more information than the protagonist has about this topic, but still nothing is fully revealed in the story. Miss Paul is clearly keeping the concept of The Eternal Rose as a mystery to be revealed in the next books to come. (which I wish I had now!)

While most of the story is about Cass and Falco's relationship, there is also a good amount of the plot that focuses on the murder and found corpses mystery. In addition, I have to mention that the unfolding of this mystery is very surprising and I never saw it coming! Miss Paul really kept me on my toes by the end of this book!

Venom is an enjoyable, intriguing and visually attractive debut novel that comes with a very welcomed over dose of romance and sexyness! Fans of romance, breathtaking settings and creepy mystery will certainly love this one!(less)

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Feb 13, 2013 Chyna added it · review of another edition

Sorry for any typos

When I saw the last copy of Venom in my local bookstore, I hesitated a bit on grabbing my own copy since the price kinda turned me off, but then when I opened the book. WOAH! The book is beautiful!!!! Every page has some kind of lacy/sassy look and there were also gorgeous and dark poems in the story. I was so glad I bought the hardcover! EEEPP! Plus I also got a free "BREATHLESS BOOKMARK"

This was my first read about mystery and suspense. Fiona Paul did very much what I though...more Sorry for any typos

When I saw the last copy of Venom in my local bookstore, I hesitated a bit on grabbing my own copy since the price kinda turned me off, but then when I opened the book. WOAH! The book is beautiful!!!! Every page has some kind of lacy/sassy look and there were also gorgeous and dark poems in the story. I was so glad I bought the hardcover! EEEPP! Plus I also got a free "BREATHLESS BOOKMARK"

This was my first read about mystery and suspense. Fiona Paul did very much what I thought she would do to her readers. Her writing and words will leave you breathless and begging for more. Not only was it bone-chilling but it also made me feel tingly. I felt cold and warm while flipping the pages. The genre of the story did make a great impact to me. Fiona was able to describe and define the status of the rich and poor plus the setting was eloquent.

The plot was polished well, I was in "detective" mode. Seriously. Fiona kept my forehead wrinkled the whole time. Not in a bad way, but in a good way. I was really thinking and scrunching up my ideas and thoughts as I read through the story. I couldn't give a proper answer. Fiona is clever, I'll give her that.

The unique characters in the story did their responsibilities and that was to impress yours truly. ;) All of them performed beautifully. Some of the characters were a bit mysterious and odd. I did have some problems connecting with all of the characters and one of them was the love interest. For me I would have loved the story more if Fiona had written more about Falco, but she focused more on the suspense and mystery of the story. I really felt my spine tingle and skin pop. *Looks back*

The plot of the story was about Cass's friend who recently died. Her friend was buried in a tomb, but the case is that the body is gone. She finds herself looking at a different body, an unknown woman who has an X mark on her soulless body. Plus...she meets a dark artist who tells her nothing more than "I'll help you", but she finds her heart chasing after this mysterious artist. She's about to end up losing her own life for this mystery and suspenseful drama.

Falco is the dark artist in the story, he has an unknown background from the beggining, so I found myself losing interest on him. He wasn't at all as interesting as Cass had thought. I didn't swoon or cry for more of Falco-scenes, but I just said "Meh" No special spark or connection flamed. :P

On the other hand

I loved every bit about Cass. She was loyal to her friends and brave. She questioned everything, but that just gained her more knowledge and awareness to her own social status. She was treated like a princess all her life, but that never stopped her from who she was changing into. She had ambition and modesty. A humble rich girl who ended up falling into a pit. :( I was gripping the edges of the story, Cass really made me want to become a detective someday. :D I love her! But not Falco....

To sum it all up I'm giving Venom 4 out of 5 stars. (less)

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Dec 02, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-michelle

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Renaissance Venice explores young love and a mystery that takes place in the darkest corners of the graveyards.

Opening Sentence: “Man falls down before the Angel of Death like a beast before the slaughterer.”

The Review:

I was on a renaissance kick recently, so I was happily surprised when I received a copy of Fiona Paul’s Venom. The first thing that I saw was the pretty cover. The mask, alluring eyes, and pretty typeface (font) made me want t...more

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May 05, 2013 Megan (The Book Babe) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-on-my-site

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.

Ca...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Amina rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought that Venom was an interesting book that kept me invested enough to finish it, but it was slow-going and just too long. Venom is about Cass, an upper-class young woman who is betrothed and has been raised to be "proper", who finds another lady's dead body in the place of her best friend's. That same night as she runs out of the graveyard, she stumbles across Falco, whom she'd literally run into at the funeral. Together, they investigate the mystery of the dead courtesan's body, and wher...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

Let’s give a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen, for what seems to be the end. The end of what, do you ask? The end, kind sirs and misses, of my reading slump! For the past few reviews, I’ve been steadily getting more and more bitter at the books I keep picking up to read. Out of all the wonderful books in the world, why do I keep picking up the ones I’ll dislike? Three days ago I was getting my hair done when I found a book on my kindle that I had downloaded a while ago and started to read...more Let’s give a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen, for what seems to be the end. The end of what, do you ask? The end, kind sirs and misses, of my reading slump! For the past few reviews, I’ve been steadily getting more and more bitter at the books I keep picking up to read. Out of all the wonderful books in the world, why do I keep picking up the ones I’ll dislike? Three days ago I was getting my hair done when I found a book on my kindle that I had downloaded a while ago and started to read it. Within seconds, I put it down and shook my head. Five pages in and I was horrified by the fact that this book actually managed to get published, when so many other fantastic novels are being rejected! I spoke to Daniela, asking for advice and recommendations, and it was then that I remembered I still had my signed copy of Venom lying around. I dug it up and began reading.

Wow. It was a wonderful book. I mean, I had my issues with Cassandra, her narrow mindedness frustrated me at times, although that was not a fault of the author, I understood that this was how her character had to be due to the time period. I did love how strong and independent Cass is. You can see her growth throughout the novel, from repressed yet rebellious girl to a woman who is coming into herself, and realizing that growing up isn’t about knowing exactly what you want, it’s about accepting yourself and not compromising who you are at the pleasure of others. She goes from headstrong to strong, a fully fleshed character. Her love interests, Falco and her fiancé Luca are intriguing. I loved Falco and he is definitely “my type” however, I don’t think we get to see enough of Luca to really make an informed opinion. Last time she really saw him was 3 years before the novel takes place, and they’ve both grown up and changed a lot. I just wish she’d been given the chance to truly get to know BOTH Luca and Falco. Maybe that would have helped her figure out what she wanted/needed.

Given that I’m posting this review so late at night (I overestimated my ability to procrastinate for a project that’s due tomorrow), it’s not going to be as long as my usual reviews, however I honestly believe that this book doesn’t need more of a critique. It was a brilliant idea that was wonderfully executed and the characters were entirely believable, with their flaws and admirable qualities. I’m grateful to Fiona Paul for writing this totally awesome book that got me out of the reading slump I was in, and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Review originally posted on: http://thecozyarmchair.blogspot.com/2...(less)

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Feb 28, 2013 Elisa Johnston rated it 4 of 5 stars

At a Glance:
Usually I like historical fiction, and even more so when set in Europe. These novels just seem romantic by nature and Venom was no exception. Add to that the plot of the story- a girl tracking a murderer in Venice! I picked it up to read because it was dripping with mystic.

Action:
I wouldn’t say there is a lot of action in the book; it is more like a thriller where you are always waiting for something to happen. Venom was undeniably a mystery novel. I was actually expecting a lot mor...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Megan Chance rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is actually more of a 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 for me. I enjoyed the setting, which is Renaissance Venice--what a refreshing change!--and the author did a good job of illustrating the culture and mores of the Venetians at the time. She also did a very good job of describing Venice. The main protagonist, Cass, was not a typical whiny heroine, but an active, intelligent girl who takes risks she shouldn't, and who fights against the gilded cage girls of her noble station are born to without being a...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Whatchyareading added it

Shelves: caitlin, historical, series, young-adult, debut-author

I put off writing this review for awhile because I wanted to feel differently about the book that I actually did.

First off, I will say that I loved the setting of this book. Every time I read it I felt like I was pulled into the Prague of days gone by and that I could just step outside my bedroom and onto a gondola. I really liked the feel of the book. It was dark and creepy and when Cass was searching around a graveyard in the middle of the night I was doubly happy to pull my blanket up around...more I put off writing this review for awhile because I wanted to feel differently about the book that I actually did.

First off, I will say that I loved the setting of this book. Every time I read it I felt like I was pulled into the Prague of days gone by and that I could just step outside my bedroom and onto a gondola. I really liked the feel of the book. It was dark and creepy and when Cass was searching around a graveyard in the middle of the night I was doubly happy to pull my blanket up around my shoulders.

And that building with the weird experiments? bleh. *shudder*

Other than that I was a little disappointed with most of the book.

Though this may be because I had clear idea of what I wanted the book to be going into it and then it wasn’t that at all. Like…AT ALL. So that may have clouded my enjoyment of the book quite a bit.

My biggest problem with this book is that we learned absolutely nothing about the Secrets of the Eternal Rose. I mean we know the Eternal Rose is some sort of (presumably secret) society but that’s it. The snippets we got from the Book of the Eternal Rose made me think they would play a much bigger role and that Cass was going to be recruited in and what not. But they never even came up.

Also, I didn’t like Falco, the main love interest in this book. But really enjoy the little we got to see of Cass’ fiance. Falco just struck me as a liar throughout the entire thing. And like he was always trying to pressure Cass into more than she wanted to do. I don’t know. He just bothered me a lot.

And, this might be getting a little nit-picky here but every now and then some modern words and turn of phrases would show up (I specifically remember “okay” and “on a date”) and that just pulled me right out of the story. Though, it should be noted that I read an ARC and it’s possible that this has been addressed in the final copy.

I’m honestly unsure if I will continue reading this series. I liked parts of the story and sometimes I really liked Cass. But overall I wasn’t in love with any of the characters or the plot.

This book was reviewed at WhatchYAreading.net on October 29, 2012.(less)

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Dec 19, 2012 Rachael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cassandra Caravello leads a charmed life as a member of one of Renaissance Venice’s elite families, but lately, she’s felt more like a bird in a cage than a glamorous girl in the prime of her life. With one of her closest friends recently deceased after succumbing to illness and the other about to be married, Cass feels like she has no one to talk to. It seems almost a blessing when Cass stumbles upon a mystery in the cemetery near her home: the body of her friend Liviana has been replaced with...more Cassandra Caravello leads a charmed life as a member of one of Renaissance Venice’s elite families, but lately, she’s felt more like a bird in a cage than a glamorous girl in the prime of her life. With one of her closest friends recently deceased after succumbing to illness and the other about to be married, Cass feels like she has no one to talk to. It seems almost a blessing when Cass stumbles upon a mystery in the cemetery near her home: the body of her friend Liviana has been replaced with that of another woman—probably a courtesan and most likely murdered. Determined to figure out what’s really going on, Cass teams up with Falco, a mysterious and attractive young artist with dubious intentions. But the deeper they delve into this mystery, the clearer it becomes that something sinister is haunting the city of Venice, and that no one is in more danger than Cass—with her life and her heart.

Venom certainly has all the trappings of a spectacular, swoon-worthy historical book, especially with the gilt charm and romance of Venice. And I have to say that I was quite swept away to another place and time with Paul’s exquisite attention to historical detail, which really brought the Renaissance to life. This gorgeous setting only enriches the other elements of the story, particularly the plot, which is quite well balanced between a murder mystery and Cass’s more personal problems, such as her struggle between her loyalty to her fiancé and her intense attraction to Falco. What I would have liked to see more of, however, was Cass herself; this might seem a little confusing, since the story is told from her point of view, but what I am specifically referring to are her emotions. I certainly got the sense that Cass was undergoing an emotional struggle, particularly in relation to Falco, but I wanted to know more of how she felt about things in her life in relation to herself, not others. Her character needed a lot more emotional development in order for me to truly care about her struggles and to make her ultimate decision regarding her fiancé and Falco meaningful, instead of rather anticlimactic. Despite this, I still found Venom an enjoyable read that wonderfully capture the glamour and grit of historical Venice.

Venom will be enjoyed by readers who also liked Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury, A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, and Sovay by Celia Rees.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Dec 17, 2012 Zuleeza rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: dnf, historical-fiction, series-i-given-up

**This review contains mild spoilers. Continue at your own risk.

Had to stop at 40% into the book.

No, no, no, no, NO, NO, NO, NO!

Another interesting premise down the drain...

A historical fiction YA book set in Venice during Renaissance era? C-c-combo breaker! Sadly, the execution was done at a very sub-par level.

Okay, I believe in common sense. With that in mind, there are so many things that I found as ridiculous and non-sensible about this book. I disapprove this book until I would go to the ex...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Shelf Talkers Anonymous rated it 4 of 5 stars

Venom was a lovely surprise. I picked it up because I needed something other than a dystopia, and I was very pleased with it from page one to the end. Wonderfully sensuous, mysterious, and thrilling, Venom is a great start to a new YA historical series.

Venom is the story of Cassandra Caravello. She is a wealthy daughter of Venice, long betrothed to her childhood friend Luca, and bored with her life. One night after her friend's funeral she is wandering in the cemetery next to her Aunt's villa an...more Venom was a lovely surprise. I picked it up because I needed something other than a dystopia, and I was very pleased with it from page one to the end. Wonderfully sensuous, mysterious, and thrilling, Venom is a great start to a new YA historical series.

Venom is the story of Cassandra Caravello. She is a wealthy daughter of Venice, long betrothed to her childhood friend Luca, and bored with her life. One night after her friend's funeral she is wandering in the cemetery next to her Aunt's villa and she discovers two shocking and life-changing things: first, that her friend's body is no longer in its tomb and has been replaced with another dead girl, murdered and mutilated; and second, Falco, a young artist that capture's Cassandra's heart. Whisked into the dark underbelly of Venice by her fascination with Falco and her need to unravel the mystery of the dead girl, Cass embarks on a journey of discovery: about love, murder, and what she really wants out of life.

Cassandra herself is what made this book shine. Though she is from 1600s Italy, her internal struggles and questions are that of any modern day girl: who do I fall in love with? what do I want my life to be after I leave my family's care? what do I value most and who will I trust? Cass's adventures in Venice lead her into falling down churches, strange scientist's laboratories (with dissected bodies and all), brothels, and masquerade balls, but at the heart of all this intrigue and excitement runs the biggest question of Cass's life: who will I choose to love? Every action and decision she makes comes down to this simple question, and it's not just about romantic love. She struggles with love for her family and her friends as well. At seventeen she doesn't know what she wants her life to be yet, but Falco is certainly going to help her discover some of this. And maybe even Luca, the lost friend and fiance, too.

The setting of Venice was lush and well-wrought. The historical details were accurate, even down to the bizarre shoes that Cass and her friends wear. This book was full of gondolas, canals, fancy dresses, courtesans, masked balls, and everything that we love and secretly thrill for about Venice even today. Fiona has captured the magic and the menace of Renaissance Venice perfectly.

And the romance of course was perfect. Cass falls in love for the first time with the dashing and mysterious artist Falco. He is everything she's never had in life: adventure and freedom. But with these two things come consequences, and the young lovers soon must face the reality of a secret tryst between a peasant and a lady. But then Luca enters the scene, much more handsome and grown-up than the last time Cass saw him, and everything falls apart. She knows that she loves Falco, but that question emerges again: who will she choose to love? It's not an easy question to answer, and Cass spends the rest of the novel fighting to find an answer (and fighting to find a murderer as well).

Venom was a beautifully written novel, and a joy to read. I sincerely look forward to the second installment of the Secrets of the Eternal Rose series.(less)

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Nov 17, 2012 Tsana Dolichva rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Venom is Fiona Paul's debut novel. It's historical YA and, in a slight departure from my usual reading, does not contain any fantasy of SF elements. It's set in historical Venice and does involve a bit of a murder mystery, so I (correctly) presumed that it would not be entirely outside my usual reading comfort zone. A copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes by Harper Collins AU via NetGalley.

Cass — Cassandra — is a Venetian noble young woman who lives with her aging aunt and has...more Venom is Fiona Paul's debut novel. It's historical YA and, in a slight departure from my usual reading, does not contain any fantasy of SF elements. It's set in historical Venice and does involve a bit of a murder mystery, so I (correctly) presumed that it would not be entirely outside my usual reading comfort zone. A copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes by Harper Collins AU via NetGalley.

Cass — Cassandra — is a Venetian noble young woman who lives with her aging aunt and has been betrothed for many years to a boy she finds a bit dull. The story opens with her friend's funeral and gets interesting when, that evening, Cass discovers her friend's body in her family tomb has been replaced by another, obviously murdered, girl. In the course of making this discovery, she meets the mysterious and somewhat alluring Falco, a painter. Together they set out to try and learn who committed the murder and why. A quest that becomes somewhat more urgent when they discover a second body. And of course, betrothed Cass falls for the roguish Falco, even though he drags her through dangerous and eye-opening situations.

The opening of Venom annoyed me a little bit. It seemed that Cass fell into the cliché of feeling trapped in a noblewoman's life and detesting sewing because it was an easy thing to complain about. I thought she ignored her fiancé's existence too readily and, from comments that her other friend made, running off with Falco on a spur of the moment seemed somewhat out of character. She also complained about corsets a lot — and they do make a good metaphor for her supposed gilded cage — but in the end her corset proved to be rather useful. And the fact that she managed to sneak away several times without too much trouble does somewhat belie the caged part.

By the end, however, Cass was annoying me less. I felt that she ultimately made some sensible choices, even if she had to make some careless and selfish ones along the way. I also appreciated that her lesson learned was a bit subtle and didn't attempt to bludgeon the reader over the head.

The other thing that bothered me was some of the modern American phrases that snuck in to the writing. The setting was pretty genuinely Venetian but there were some phrases which struck me as too modern — in the colloquial sense, rather than explicitly anachronistic — and clashed with the Italian words and phrases also thrown in.

Ultimately, I would recommend Venom to fans of YA or historical fiction. It's the first in a series, but it's quite self-contained. The only loose threads at the end are minor and I don't have much idea which direction a sequel might take. I will be interested to see where it does go.

3.5 / 5 stars

You can read more of my reviews on my blog, Tsana's Reads.(less)

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Nov 02, 2012 Liviania rated it 4 of 5 stars

VENOM endeared itself to me immediately. The plot is set into motion when Cassandra Caravello's best friend dies. She goes to her mausoleum and finds that her body is gone, replaced by that of a murdered prostitute. In the graveyard, she also runs into a boy named Falco, who perhaps helps her escape the murderer.

Oh, but back the immediate endearment. Cass's dead friend is Liviana, which is one of the names I based my pseudonym on. How could I not love this book? It's set in Venice, which is one...more VENOM endeared itself to me immediately. The plot is set into motion when Cassandra Caravello's best friend dies. She goes to her mausoleum and finds that her body is gone, replaced by that of a murdered prostitute. In the graveyard, she also runs into a boy named Falco, who perhaps helps her escape the murderer.

Oh, but back the immediate endearment. Cass's dead friend is Liviana, which is one of the names I based my pseudonym on. How could I not love this book? It's set in Venice, which is one of real cities that makes a great fictional setting. Clandestine meetings on boats are clearly better than clandestine meeting in dirty alleys that probably stink of human waste. And Fiona Paul pays attention to her setting. Cass, living in Renaissance Italy, isn't as free as many heroines. She must maintain her reputation and marry the fiance her late parents chose for her. Her romance with Falco and desire to find the murderer lead her to risk ending up on the streets. The stakes are high for Cass even if the murderer doesn't catch on to her investigation.

I'm most amazed that Paul managed to make me like Falco. Let's face it, Cass met him in a graveyard shortly after finding a recently dumped body. That's suspicious. I was suspicious of him, and thankfully Cass was too. As Cass came to believe his explanation for his presence, I came to believe he was at least not a killer. (Hey, he was still clearly up to something.)

The only real weakness I can think of in VENOM is that there isn't much about the Eternal Rose society. The series name is "Secrets of the Eternal Rose," but there aren't many secrets on display in VENOM. The society doesn't even come into play until very late in the novel. But I can deal with the fact that VENOM is just setting up the main plot for the trilogy since the mystery plot is very involving.

Cass doesn't forget that she's in danger, or that other women are in danger. She keeps her focus on finding clues. And she is useful to the investigation - she finds out information that the more street-savvy Falco fails to obtain. Although there were romantic interludes, they didn't overwhelm the mystery. Cass doesn't spend two hundred pages mooning over Falco and her fiance while forgetting that there's a serial killer on the loose. (Not that she uses the term serial killer due to the setting.)

VENOM is lush and absorbing. It certainly kept me distracted while I read it. I expected it to take a couple of days since it was slightly thick and I was very busy, but I devoured VENOM in a single sitting. I would read more historical fiction if it were all like this. (less)

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Sep 16, 2012 Kacey rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was an ARC I picked up, so I will try to keep this review honest while avoiding spoilers as much as possible.

This book disappointed me, which is a shame because I love Italy and the author did a good job of setting up atmosphere. The actual mystery was the only thing keeping me reading because I was tiring of the romance. There were so many "don't do it" moments, and Cass herself keeps telling herself she shouldn't be doing something. Yet she does it anyway. That got to be very frustrating...more

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Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1)

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