The Mafia, Vesuvius, & a Vespa Ride Through History
Tricia GoyerSome discoveries during book research are expected. You dig, you piece things together, and voilà—you get what you need.
But other discoveries? Well, they hit you like a speeding Vespa on a cobblestone street in Naples.
That’s exactly what happened when Nathan and I were researching for our new novel, Flight of Fate, available now for preorder!
I was already geeking out over the real historical threads we were weaving into the story—like the true tale of the Naples Museum during WWII and the unexpected eruption of Mt. Vesuvius (yep, that volcano… still causing trouble centuries after Pompeii).
But then one simple question changed everything.
The Question That Shifted Our StoryI had been soaking in historical facts during an interview with our now-friend and Italy expert, Raffaele Romano, who runs the amazing Naples Grand Tour. (If you ever want to time-travel to Italy from your couch, seriously—check him out.)
Right as we were wrapping up, I casually asked,
“So, is there anything we didn’t ask about that we should?”
Raffaele paused. Then, with all the weight of a plot twist dropping into your lap, he said:
“You haven’t asked about the Mafia.”
Wait, WHAT?!
The Mafia’s Secret Role in WWIII was knee-deep in researching mystical artifacts, stolen artwork, and volcanic chaos. But the Mafia? That wasn’t even on my radar. And yet… it should have been.
Turns out, while the Allies were battling the Axis in Italy, another force was working behind the scenes. The Sicilian Mafia—previously suppressed under Mussolini’s regime—made a stealthy comeback during the war. And get this: they may have helped the Allies take back Italy.
Yes, the U.S. military reportedly turned to unlikely partners, including Mafia kingpin Charles “Lucky” Luciano, to gather intel and ensure smoother operations on the ground in Sicily.
Meanwhile, in Naples—the very setting of our story—the Mafia was influencing black-market trade, underground power struggles, and even local resistance against the Germans.
And Just Like That, A New Story Was Born
Suddenly, our fictional world cracked wide open. We asked ourselves:
Could the Mafia be heroes in disguise? Villains in plain sight? Or something far more complicated?
Sometimes, the lines between right and wrong blur into indistinct shadows—especially in war.
We’re not just facing a physical struggle against tyranny. It’s a battle for the soul of humanity.
And this war? It’s not just fought with bullets and bombs. It’s also about shadows and deception.
Sound like a good story? We hope so.
Preorder Bonus – A FREE 50-Minute Virtual Tour of Pompeii!To celebrate the release of Flight of Fate, we’ve partnered with our friend Raffaele Romano to give you an amazing gift:
Preorder the book today and receive a FREE 50-minute virtual tour of Pompeii, Italy—led by Raffaele himself from Naples Grand Tour! 
You’ll explore the real streets, ruins, and secrets that inspired our novel—all from the comfort of your couch.
Here’s how to claim your free tour:
Preorder Flight of Fate from your favorite retailer
AmazonBarnes and NoblePre-order here for 20% off!2. Visit this page to register, and provide your email, retailer, and receipt number.
3. You’ll receive updates about the tour over email.
4. Enjoy your Italian adventure!
More info:
The 50-minute virtual tour will happen on May 3, 2025, at 11:00am CTYou will receive a link to join the virtual tour on your computer or phone.Can’t make that time? No worries! A recording will be emailed to you!BONUS: A FREE chapter of Flight of Fate will be available when you confirm your subscription!What Surprises You in History?We LOVE learning weird and wild historical facts—and clearly, we’re not afraid to change an entire book because of one!
Now we want to hear from you:
What’s the most surprising historical fact you’ve ever learned?
Reply, comment, or tag us online—we’d love to geek out with you.
Thanks so much for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’re here for the Mafia secrets, the steampunk drama, the ancient legends, or just a good ol’ escape into history, we’re so glad you’re along for the ride.
Let’s Stay Connected!Follow Nathan:
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Follow Tricia: Instagram | YouTube
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Facebook Author Page
P.S. If you haven’t read Book #1 in the series, Breath of Bones, now is the perfect time to catch up! This powerful story of sacrifice, resistance, and a mystical golem in Nazi-occupied Europe sets the stage for everything that unfolds in Flight of Fate. Grab Breath of Bones today and dive into the adventure from the very beginning.
P.S.S. – New Resources You’ll Love!
Wonders of the Ocean Realm — A faith-filled marine life adventure for kids 8–12 (perfect for your spring science unit!)
