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Night Flyer #2
Secrets of Milan
Some secrets are meant to stay hidden.
While Florentina as the Night Flyer searches for a mysterious underworld organization that has attempted to murder the woman she loves, Maddie struggles to deal with the danger Florentina is courting. Her brother, Alessandro, has become the most prominent merchant of Milan, but the Night Flyer uncovers a secret so shocking it could destroy them all.
Secrets of Milan is the second book in Edale Lane’s Night Flyer Trilogy, a tale of power, passion, and payback in Renaissance Italy. If you like drama and suspense, rich historical background, three-dimensional characters, and a romance that deepens into true love, then you’ll want to continue the Night Flyer saga. Order your copy today!
While Florentina as the Night Flyer searches for a mysterious underworld organization that has attempted to murder the woman she loves, Maddie struggles to deal with the danger Florentina is courting. Her brother, Alessandro, has become the most prominent merchant of Milan, but the Night Flyer uncovers a secret so shocking it could destroy them all.
Secrets of Milan is the second book in Edale Lane’s Night Flyer Trilogy, a tale of power, passion, and payback in Renaissance Italy. If you like drama and suspense, rich historical background, three-dimensional characters, and a romance that deepens into true love, then you’ll want to continue the Night Flyer saga. Order your copy today!
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
19 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Edale Lane
47 books213 followersEdale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 27, 2020
Clandestine groups and mystery surround the events of book 2. Who is trying to kill beloved Maddie and frame the heroic Night Flyer?
Fiore and Maddie's relationship deepens.
Fiore and Maddie's relationship deepens.
August 6, 2020
Three stars for the Secrets of Milan, and an extra star for the short story at the end! More Mr. X and Jewel please and thank you, Edale Lane!
Oh and in regarts to Secrets of Milan, I thought Fiore's investigating skills along with Maddie's help, was top notch. She's so blase about getting hurt it's amusing to me. I look forward to seeing how their story plays out in the third installment of The Night Flyer trilogy.
Oh and in regarts to Secrets of Milan, I thought Fiore's investigating skills along with Maddie's help, was top notch. She's so blase about getting hurt it's amusing to me. I look forward to seeing how their story plays out in the third installment of The Night Flyer trilogy.
December 10, 2021
Another interesting and enjoyable read, I especially liked the many historical references. There were a couple of minor irritations, it was a bit disjointed at times and the fights, particularly those involving the ‘Spaniard’, weren’t always believable. I assume the author was trying to make them more exciting, but it didn’t work for me. However the rest of the book was great.
August 14, 2020
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
Secrets of Milan starts with Fiore and Maddie in a relationship crisis, with Maddie holding herself separate. This confused me for a short while because I’d thought their crisis over, but when Maddie quickly reveals the cause, it’s something new. Her concerns about Fiore putting herself in harm’s way when Maddie already grieved for her spouse are compelling and not the kind of fears easy to resolve.
We might learn why Maddie has withdrawn early, but this forms the bridging conflict, giving the pieces of the next mystery time to gather. Yes, we knew of the secret society by the end of the first book, but Maddie might not be the only target, nor does Fiore’s investigation go unnoticed.
The pursuit of the secret society consumes the entire book, offering a central plot which affects many aspects, including their relationship. I found it infected my own perspective, making me expect clues everywhere, much like Fiore does. I consider that a sign of how the text absorbed me.
However, this difficult search is not the only plot thread running. There’s a lot to keep the reader interested beyond tracking down the society by translating the ravings of a madman. Fiore’s position as tutor, Maddie’s work on the charity house, and even a bit of blackmail, exist within a rich tapestry. The series’ world has both social and economic aspects built on the firm grounding of known history.
This book goes further into the merchant guilds and the rules governing the different classes and genders. While accepted within their household, society frowns on the love between Maddie and Fiore both for their same gender and their difference in economic standing, adding another layer. Nor is this the only story occurring hidden from public view. Where Fiore had a singular focus in the first book, the Night Flyer cannot keep a simplistic view of her world forever.
One thread that could easily have become a distraction focuses on Benetto, the villain of the first book, and I worried he would return to that status. Instead, his path is much more complicated. Fiore gave him a second chance, but it’s not in his nature to see ruin as hope. I appreciated the depth in this thread and how Benetto had to struggle. The continuing shadow of the Night Flyer and his daughter’s unwavering love for Alessandro’s son, Antonio, kept this piece connected to the whole.
Antonio’s life as a soldier is laid out for the reader in all its contradictions. We rejoin him as part of the eager standard bearers struggling to train their first command. War is a lot of waiting and lack of conflict. This does not last long, though, and their introduction to the realities of war is daunting. The thread kept him in mind despite the distance and allowed us to see both sides of the second love story between him and Benetto’s daughter.
As with the first book, I enjoyed the interactions with the kids and experiencing Fiore’s teaching style. We are as much her pupils as the children whether for points of science or history. The book is still a little heavier on the description than I prefer, but whenever it dipped into these areas, I was enthralled. A good example of this is the technical description of how a harpsichord functions as a mechanized combination of string and percussion. Nor did I skim over the visits to places I have never seen with my own eyes, taking in the detail as though I were there with them.
There’s much more I would like to mention but can’t for fear of spoiling something. For a middle book, this is all but a standalone novel. The main crisis reaches a satisfying, and surprising, conclusion while still leaving more for the series to explore. The love story between Fiore and Maddie continues to develop with intimate but not detailed scenes. This book is an honest sequel to the first, extending what happened there in interesting and unexpected ways. I’d guessed some pieces but not the whole, making me a part of the journey rather than an observer.
P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the blog tour company Other Worlds Inc in return for an honest review.
Secrets of Milan starts with Fiore and Maddie in a relationship crisis, with Maddie holding herself separate. This confused me for a short while because I’d thought their crisis over, but when Maddie quickly reveals the cause, it’s something new. Her concerns about Fiore putting herself in harm’s way when Maddie already grieved for her spouse are compelling and not the kind of fears easy to resolve.
We might learn why Maddie has withdrawn early, but this forms the bridging conflict, giving the pieces of the next mystery time to gather. Yes, we knew of the secret society by the end of the first book, but Maddie might not be the only target, nor does Fiore’s investigation go unnoticed.
The pursuit of the secret society consumes the entire book, offering a central plot which affects many aspects, including their relationship. I found it infected my own perspective, making me expect clues everywhere, much like Fiore does. I consider that a sign of how the text absorbed me.
However, this difficult search is not the only plot thread running. There’s a lot to keep the reader interested beyond tracking down the society by translating the ravings of a madman. Fiore’s position as tutor, Maddie’s work on the charity house, and even a bit of blackmail, exist within a rich tapestry. The series’ world has both social and economic aspects built on the firm grounding of known history.
This book goes further into the merchant guilds and the rules governing the different classes and genders. While accepted within their household, society frowns on the love between Maddie and Fiore both for their same gender and their difference in economic standing, adding another layer. Nor is this the only story occurring hidden from public view. Where Fiore had a singular focus in the first book, the Night Flyer cannot keep a simplistic view of her world forever.
One thread that could easily have become a distraction focuses on Benetto, the villain of the first book, and I worried he would return to that status. Instead, his path is much more complicated. Fiore gave him a second chance, but it’s not in his nature to see ruin as hope. I appreciated the depth in this thread and how Benetto had to struggle. The continuing shadow of the Night Flyer and his daughter’s unwavering love for Alessandro’s son, Antonio, kept this piece connected to the whole.
Antonio’s life as a soldier is laid out for the reader in all its contradictions. We rejoin him as part of the eager standard bearers struggling to train their first command. War is a lot of waiting and lack of conflict. This does not last long, though, and their introduction to the realities of war is daunting. The thread kept him in mind despite the distance and allowed us to see both sides of the second love story between him and Benetto’s daughter.
As with the first book, I enjoyed the interactions with the kids and experiencing Fiore’s teaching style. We are as much her pupils as the children whether for points of science or history. The book is still a little heavier on the description than I prefer, but whenever it dipped into these areas, I was enthralled. A good example of this is the technical description of how a harpsichord functions as a mechanized combination of string and percussion. Nor did I skim over the visits to places I have never seen with my own eyes, taking in the detail as though I were there with them.
There’s much more I would like to mention but can’t for fear of spoiling something. For a middle book, this is all but a standalone novel. The main crisis reaches a satisfying, and surprising, conclusion while still leaving more for the series to explore. The love story between Fiore and Maddie continues to develop with intimate but not detailed scenes. This book is an honest sequel to the first, extending what happened there in interesting and unexpected ways. I’d guessed some pieces but not the whole, making me a part of the journey rather than an observer.
P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the blog tour company Other Worlds Inc in return for an honest review.
May 24, 2020
If anything, this second volume of the trilogy is an improvement on the first (cf. *Merchants of Milan*). The novel is very well paced, and the author maintains the suspense admirably. Her descriptive passages hold the reader’s interests, while her dialogues move the action forward without monopolizing it.
As reviewers have already noted, the series involves a Renaissance heroine (and student of Leonardo da Vinci) who can fly, the household in which she serves, her lesbian passions, and – as we learn in this second book – not one but two mysterious organizations. Lane develops all of these elements skillfully and effectively.
I am also delighted to be able to recommend *Secrets of Milan* (to at least some extent) as a stand-alone volume. Although I am certainly anxious to read (and review) the last work of the trilogy, I find the “story arc” here is indeed complete; the conflict with one antagonist is thoroughly resolved, and while the action must clearly continue, we await the next installment without a disturbing “cliff-hanger.”
I remain frustrated that GoodReads restricts us to whole numbers, since I would once again offer a 4.5 rating were that option available. [Having "rounded down" to a 4 last time, I have "rounded up" to 5 here!] The writing is strong, the action is compelling (notwithstanding some of the improbable features I discussed in my review of *Merchants of Milan*), the characters are well developed and believable . . . and the talented author – masterful story-teller though she may be -- can still use an editor.
Notwithstanding this criticism, I anxiously await the final novel in the series.
As reviewers have already noted, the series involves a Renaissance heroine (and student of Leonardo da Vinci) who can fly, the household in which she serves, her lesbian passions, and – as we learn in this second book – not one but two mysterious organizations. Lane develops all of these elements skillfully and effectively.
I am also delighted to be able to recommend *Secrets of Milan* (to at least some extent) as a stand-alone volume. Although I am certainly anxious to read (and review) the last work of the trilogy, I find the “story arc” here is indeed complete; the conflict with one antagonist is thoroughly resolved, and while the action must clearly continue, we await the next installment without a disturbing “cliff-hanger.”
I remain frustrated that GoodReads restricts us to whole numbers, since I would once again offer a 4.5 rating were that option available. [Having "rounded down" to a 4 last time, I have "rounded up" to 5 here!] The writing is strong, the action is compelling (notwithstanding some of the improbable features I discussed in my review of *Merchants of Milan*), the characters are well developed and believable . . . and the talented author – masterful story-teller though she may be -- can still use an editor.
Notwithstanding this criticism, I anxiously await the final novel in the series.
January 1, 2021
The compelling sequel to Merchants of Milan is exactly what I was hoping for after the exciting start of The Night Flyer trilogy. Secrets of Milan is a profound and intriguing story. Everything is unsettled and there is no clear path for the characters to take.
Book two is full of suspense. The general feel is one of mystery and intrigue. Secrets and cloak and dagger tactics run rampant and it is up to Florentina to solve the mystery of the secret society plaguing Europe before its too late.
The pacing is a bit slower than in book one but that perfectly matches the tone and atmosphere of book two, less overall action but equal if not greater intensity. The Night Flyer even has to face off against a new and skilled adversary.
Lane continues to weave historical tidbits and facts smoothly and entertainingly into the story. Lane has a gift sparking historical curiosity into her stories.
Florentina and Madelena’s relationship starts in a tenuous place after the events of book one and I loved the continuous growth and development of their love throughout the story. They’re both genuine and selfless and I love their whole relationship so much.
The stakes are higher, the paths ahead less clear, and there may be more at stake than any of them realize. Secrets of Milan exceeded my expectations and continued to develop the characters and story elegantly. I love the Night Flyer Trilogy so much and can’t wait for the thrilling conclusion.
Book two is full of suspense. The general feel is one of mystery and intrigue. Secrets and cloak and dagger tactics run rampant and it is up to Florentina to solve the mystery of the secret society plaguing Europe before its too late.
The pacing is a bit slower than in book one but that perfectly matches the tone and atmosphere of book two, less overall action but equal if not greater intensity. The Night Flyer even has to face off against a new and skilled adversary.
Lane continues to weave historical tidbits and facts smoothly and entertainingly into the story. Lane has a gift sparking historical curiosity into her stories.
Florentina and Madelena’s relationship starts in a tenuous place after the events of book one and I loved the continuous growth and development of their love throughout the story. They’re both genuine and selfless and I love their whole relationship so much.
The stakes are higher, the paths ahead less clear, and there may be more at stake than any of them realize. Secrets of Milan exceeded my expectations and continued to develop the characters and story elegantly. I love the Night Flyer Trilogy so much and can’t wait for the thrilling conclusion.
June 29, 2022
Fun
This was another mostly fun read. Although I did think it dragged a little in places, such as the infodumpy tour of Rome. It felt like the middle of a series, which is not a terrible thing, but it was not as exciting as the first book. I'm hoping it will pick up again in book 3.
This was another mostly fun read. Although I did think it dragged a little in places, such as the infodumpy tour of Rome. It felt like the middle of a series, which is not a terrible thing, but it was not as exciting as the first book. I'm hoping it will pick up again in book 3.
November 4, 2021
Packed with action and suspense.
This second volume of the Night Flyer trilogy begins immediately after the first volume and ramps up the intrigue and danger right away. Take a breath at the beginning, because there's no time to take one later. Lovers Madelene and Florentina race to find a killer before he can get to Madelene, while the Night Flyer, framed for a crime, must expose the real anarchist or face arrest and injustice. Except for a contrived and unnecessary early rift between the lovers, the story is flawless and fast paced.
Structurally, the book would have benefitted from closer technical editing. There are a couple of typos, some truly baffling malapropisms where the word used bears no resemblance to any word that would be appropriate in the instance (one of them isn't even a real word), and an ebook construction error that has a drop cap on the dateline, rather than the first paragraph. These are minor distractions in an overall compelling narrative.
This second volume of the Night Flyer trilogy begins immediately after the first volume and ramps up the intrigue and danger right away. Take a breath at the beginning, because there's no time to take one later. Lovers Madelene and Florentina race to find a killer before he can get to Madelene, while the Night Flyer, framed for a crime, must expose the real anarchist or face arrest and injustice. Except for a contrived and unnecessary early rift between the lovers, the story is flawless and fast paced.
Structurally, the book would have benefitted from closer technical editing. There are a couple of typos, some truly baffling malapropisms where the word used bears no resemblance to any word that would be appropriate in the instance (one of them isn't even a real word), and an ebook construction error that has a drop cap on the dateline, rather than the first paragraph. These are minor distractions in an overall compelling narrative.
May 30, 2020
Wow, what an exciting conclusion to the novel! I have to admit that since being home all day every day for weeks, it’s been hard to read, but I managed to finished this book more quickly than the others I’ve been reading. There are some interesting twists to the plot. For myself, I was fascinated by the science and history that Florentina teaches the children. There is action, intrigue and romance. I enjoyed the family dynamics, especially when Portia speaks with Magdalena about her love life. That was so tender and heartwarming.
I can not wait for the next book. I assume there will be one, because while one mystery was solved, another emerged.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I can not wait for the next book. I assume there will be one, because while one mystery was solved, another emerged.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
July 20, 2023
Foi uma sequência interessante. No começo estava com medo de se tornar repetitiva, mas não. Depois que o rolê delas se resolveu, não voltou mais.
E o novo mistério desse segundo livro me pegou bastante. Não esperava aquela descoberta final e quero ler o próximo logo
E o novo mistério desse segundo livro me pegou bastante. Não esperava aquela descoberta final e quero ler o próximo logo
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews