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Seeds of Truer Natures
In 15th-century Florence, two vampires plot against Lorenzo de’ Medici in this prequel novella to the forthcoming Prima Materia series.
A year ago Adrian and Magnus walked out of the dungeons of their king, Gabriel, but his renewed favor is tenuous. Now they have an opportunity to make amends for good: to steal a book Gabriel desires from Lorenzo de’ Medici, the most powerful man in Florence, on the condition that they do so without being detected.
To secure their prize, they decide to talk their way into Lorenzo’s home—save that Adrian and Magnus are not men, but what later centuries will call vampires. Unable to walk in sunlight without burning, fearing discovery by the Florentines, they find themselves relying on an unlikely intercessor: a young monk named Girolamo Savonarola, already famous for his visions.
Soon, however, Adrian and Magnus realize that nothing about their task is what they expected, and their success could have catastrophic repercussions. To survive Gabriel’s dark agenda, they will have to confront their shared past—or risk sacrificing their future.
A year ago Adrian and Magnus walked out of the dungeons of their king, Gabriel, but his renewed favor is tenuous. Now they have an opportunity to make amends for good: to steal a book Gabriel desires from Lorenzo de’ Medici, the most powerful man in Florence, on the condition that they do so without being detected.
To secure their prize, they decide to talk their way into Lorenzo’s home—save that Adrian and Magnus are not men, but what later centuries will call vampires. Unable to walk in sunlight without burning, fearing discovery by the Florentines, they find themselves relying on an unlikely intercessor: a young monk named Girolamo Savonarola, already famous for his visions.
Soon, however, Adrian and Magnus realize that nothing about their task is what they expected, and their success could have catastrophic repercussions. To survive Gabriel’s dark agenda, they will have to confront their shared past—or risk sacrificing their future.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 20, 2024
Vampires, alchemists, faith, lore - it's got it all!
Seeds of Truer Natures is a historical fantasy set in the late 15th century Italy. Two vampires recently released from the dungeon of their king are tasked with stealing a book from Lorenzo de' Medici. This is a prequel novella to Johnson's planned Prima Materia series. More info can be found at the author's website.
“But our pasts are always present.”
The characters, Adrian and Magnus, are interesting, and the story explores their lives, struggles, and reasons for doing things. I enjoyed how their lives and relationships have been connected over many centuries. Their personalities were influenced by being immortal and living through different historical times. Johnson writes about their challenges with who they are, what's right and wrong, and the consequence of being vampires. The characters felt very human despite their supernatural origins. I loved these two with the trust and family they've found within each other.
The novella keeps you interested in plot and detailed settings, well-balanced pacing, and fascinating lore. It's a great story for people who like fantasy stories set in history with a bit of the supernatural. I'm a huge fan of religion and faith in stories, so I was entirely satisfied. Though it's short, Johnson packs a lot of meaning and feelings into the story.
Seeds of Truer Natures is a historical fantasy set in the late 15th century Italy. Two vampires recently released from the dungeon of their king are tasked with stealing a book from Lorenzo de' Medici. This is a prequel novella to Johnson's planned Prima Materia series. More info can be found at the author's website.
“But our pasts are always present.”
The characters, Adrian and Magnus, are interesting, and the story explores their lives, struggles, and reasons for doing things. I enjoyed how their lives and relationships have been connected over many centuries. Their personalities were influenced by being immortal and living through different historical times. Johnson writes about their challenges with who they are, what's right and wrong, and the consequence of being vampires. The characters felt very human despite their supernatural origins. I loved these two with the trust and family they've found within each other.
The novella keeps you interested in plot and detailed settings, well-balanced pacing, and fascinating lore. It's a great story for people who like fantasy stories set in history with a bit of the supernatural. I'm a huge fan of religion and faith in stories, so I was entirely satisfied. Though it's short, Johnson packs a lot of meaning and feelings into the story.
December 21, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Seeds of Truer Natures was a great start to a new series. As to what that series will be called? Well, that I don't know. All I know is that this is a prequel to an upcoming book, Prima Materia. After quickly devouring this, I'm very excited for the next one.
In this, you will meet Adrian and Magnus. We don't know much about them in the beginning but that quickly changes. They were great together. Mostly because of the banter and sass going on between them. As for everything else? I'm excited to learn more about.
Even though it's a quick novella, Johnson did a fantastic job with the world building and introducing us to everyone. Then on top of that we get a freaking book heist. So, yes, it's safe to assume that I enjoyed every second of this book. I wished it was longer just so I could continue enjoying the adventure.
In the end, I'm very excited for the next book.
Seeds of Truer Natures was a great start to a new series. As to what that series will be called? Well, that I don't know. All I know is that this is a prequel to an upcoming book, Prima Materia. After quickly devouring this, I'm very excited for the next one.
In this, you will meet Adrian and Magnus. We don't know much about them in the beginning but that quickly changes. They were great together. Mostly because of the banter and sass going on between them. As for everything else? I'm excited to learn more about.
Even though it's a quick novella, Johnson did a fantastic job with the world building and introducing us to everyone. Then on top of that we get a freaking book heist. So, yes, it's safe to assume that I enjoyed every second of this book. I wished it was longer just so I could continue enjoying the adventure.
In the end, I'm very excited for the next book.
November 12, 2021
“Cosimo also believed that what a man does value is the key to his character- the seed of his truer nature.”
This beautifully written novella is the beginning of an exciting journey. Two slightly debauched vampires, Adrian & Magnus are sent to Florence, Italy by their king Gabriel, to steal a book from “Il Magnifico” Lorenzo de’ Medici! With the unexpected help of the infamous monk Girolamo Savonarola they hatch a plan for their heist, although nothing is as it seems… I thoroughly enjoyed these complex characters and stunning imagery. Very intrigued to find out about their past with Gabriel, and what happens next!
Thank you to L.S. Johnson, Traversing Z Press publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This beautifully written novella is the beginning of an exciting journey. Two slightly debauched vampires, Adrian & Magnus are sent to Florence, Italy by their king Gabriel, to steal a book from “Il Magnifico” Lorenzo de’ Medici! With the unexpected help of the infamous monk Girolamo Savonarola they hatch a plan for their heist, although nothing is as it seems… I thoroughly enjoyed these complex characters and stunning imagery. Very intrigued to find out about their past with Gabriel, and what happens next!
Thank you to L.S. Johnson, Traversing Z Press publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2021
Wow. WOW. I loved every bit of this. Johnson's writing is absolutely beautiful and I was completely immersed in this world. I fell right into the time period with the amazing descriptions and language. The world building is unique and complex without being overwhelming. I was initially intimidated, seeing the glossary in the back with various Latin words... but I truly had no issues getting into the flow of the book.
I very quickly grew fond of Adrian and Magnus. I really enjoyed their banter, Adrian's sass made me laugh out loud a few times!
I am very anxiously awaiting the novel coming out next year, I cannot wait to spend more time with these charaters!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review!
I very quickly grew fond of Adrian and Magnus. I really enjoyed their banter, Adrian's sass made me laugh out loud a few times!
I am very anxiously awaiting the novel coming out next year, I cannot wait to spend more time with these charaters!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 29, 2021
I’ve been thinking about this book all day, trying to form my thoughts. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped…the cover is stunning and the description gave me all the right feels. Vampires and the Médicis? Sign me up! First, let me give the positives: the book is rich in language and world-building. The author gives beautiful descriptions of the settings and actions of the characters. The plot is well-developed. However, I had three major issues with it: 1) it’s set in 15th century Italy, mostly Florence, but the dialogue is very modern (i.e. characters calling each other “asshole”, and generally sounding too flippant/casual for the era. This is a significant disconnect from the beautiful, authentic, and well-researched prose. 2) It’s about two vampires, Adrian and Magnus, but you could easily remove the minimal references to their vampirism and relabel them as mercenaries of some sort, and the story wouldn’t change at all. The synopsis mentions them being harmed by sunlight, but this is never emphasized, not do they seem to suffer much from lack of feeding or temptation from constantly being surrounded by humans. 3) There’s an introduction of a fictional language and vampire terminology, which is difficult for readers despite there being a glossary in the back. The author has created a special vampire world with its own terminology, but it is very obscure to the reader, which I don’t think serves the story well — especially considering this is a novella and a prequel to a planned series. I had a hard time sorting out the terminology and would frequently consult the glossary, which took me out of the story along with the modern dialogue. I understand authors wanting to add a layer of authenticity and do something different with a revenant story, but truthfully, sometimes it’s best to just call them vampires and not force the reader out of the story. It was an enjoyable read, but I don’t see myself seeking out the rest of the series, unfortunately. I had high hopes.
April 28, 2022
These vampires in Florence made me think of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Count de Saint-Germaine, who also matched wits with the Medicis. Unlike the historical immortal Saint-Germain, L.S. Johnson's vampires have a fascinating mythology that requires me to dive into the book(s?) that will follow. I am well and truly hooked.
The only negative I can find with this book is that -- because every character is male -- I occasionally got lost in which "he" was doing what to which "him." That might not trouble another reader.
Mostly, though, reading about the art and architecture of Renaissance Florence makes me long to travel. I wonder what it would be like to read this book in a penzione near the Duomo.
The only negative I can find with this book is that -- because every character is male -- I occasionally got lost in which "he" was doing what to which "him." That might not trouble another reader.
Mostly, though, reading about the art and architecture of Renaissance Florence makes me long to travel. I wonder what it would be like to read this book in a penzione near the Duomo.
November 2, 2021
Vampires planning and executing a book heist in Medici Florence? Yes, please. An evocative historical fantasy with horror elements, Seeds of Truer Natures is a rollicking good time, equal parts Interview with a Vampire and Jo Walton’s Lent. Johnson’s characters, historical and fictional alike, are a joy to get to know, and watching her charming vampire anti-heroes brush up against historical figures like Savonarola and Lorenzo de’ Medici is a delight. The Italian Renaissance setting is beautifully rendered, transporting the reader to the late fifteenth century in all its decadent glory and stark inequality. I look forward to reading the series for which this novella is prequel!
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December 15, 2021It's odd, I enjoyed this but not sure I liked it? I'll need to sit on it and see if I'll even do a rating or a full review. If the synopsis grabs you, by all means give it a spin, but for me, at this point, I'm fairly neutral over all and that seldom, if ever happens.
November 3, 2021
I read this novella early after subscribing to Johnson's Prima Materia site.
And if you like vampires, fantastic setting and worldbuilding, default pan sexuality in well drawn characters and rich historical atmosphere, then you should definitely subscribe too. It's like Anne Rice but better.
This prequel novella takes place a few centuries before Prima Materia, and I can't wait to see how it links up. Johnson has created a vital, immersive world complete with vampire language and origin myths, customs and classes. This is a sort of tasting room of what is to come and it functions brilliantly as a complete story in its own right. Two vampires set out to steal a book from a well connected Italian family. And it's not just any book...
Johnson's evocative writing matches the beautiful and harsh reality of the vampire 'sub world' perfectly. The historical detail is excellent and for those (like me) with a love of language, linguistics, folklore and alchemy, there are extra rewards. Don't want to spoil the plot but this passion project should have every vampire enthusiast full of excitement. There hasn't been such an interesting and fresh take on the genre in decades.
Highly recommend.
And if you like vampires, fantastic setting and worldbuilding, default pan sexuality in well drawn characters and rich historical atmosphere, then you should definitely subscribe too. It's like Anne Rice but better.
This prequel novella takes place a few centuries before Prima Materia, and I can't wait to see how it links up. Johnson has created a vital, immersive world complete with vampire language and origin myths, customs and classes. This is a sort of tasting room of what is to come and it functions brilliantly as a complete story in its own right. Two vampires set out to steal a book from a well connected Italian family. And it's not just any book...
Johnson's evocative writing matches the beautiful and harsh reality of the vampire 'sub world' perfectly. The historical detail is excellent and for those (like me) with a love of language, linguistics, folklore and alchemy, there are extra rewards. Don't want to spoil the plot but this passion project should have every vampire enthusiast full of excitement. There hasn't been such an interesting and fresh take on the genre in decades.
Highly recommend.
November 16, 2021
Oh this was such a fantastic novella!!
We follow Adrian and Magnus, a couple of vampires that are on their way to steal a book from Lorenzo di Medici. Chaos naturally ensues.
This is a novella, but somehow it felt like a full-lenght novel. The amount of worldbuilding and characterization is impressive, and I really liked the hints at something more, that I expect will be explored more in future books. My favourite part was was the relationship between Adrian and Magnus - its so delicate, tender and complex, and filled with the homoeroticism that we all love in our vampire stories.
This is apparently the first in a series of books set in this fascinating world, and I'm dying to read more! This is exactly the type of vampire series I've been waiting for it seems like.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc!
We follow Adrian and Magnus, a couple of vampires that are on their way to steal a book from Lorenzo di Medici. Chaos naturally ensues.
This is a novella, but somehow it felt like a full-lenght novel. The amount of worldbuilding and characterization is impressive, and I really liked the hints at something more, that I expect will be explored more in future books. My favourite part was was the relationship between Adrian and Magnus - its so delicate, tender and complex, and filled with the homoeroticism that we all love in our vampire stories.
This is apparently the first in a series of books set in this fascinating world, and I'm dying to read more! This is exactly the type of vampire series I've been waiting for it seems like.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc!
November 21, 2021
This was out side of my normal reading, but I glad that I decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed this tale of two vampires Adrian and Magnus. The world building was satisfyingly poetic, and I loved the historical figures and places weaved in seamlessly. Understanding that this is a prequel novella there is a lot left to be explained and I can’t wait to read the next book and dive deeper into this world.
November 6, 2021
I loved this story. Well set and written, although with a few passages that confuse the reader, for example, why did Gabriel punish Adrian and Magnus in Gotland and what was the punishment, so that they feared him so much. Did Gabriel bury them? Or did he torture them nonstop, relying on his regenerative power? I am looking forward to the publication of the next book!
December 22, 2021
I'm always fascinated by books set in Renaissance Florence and I loved this novella that should be the start of a new series.
Great world building, entertaining and fast paced, a cast of interesting characters.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great world building, entertaining and fast paced, a cast of interesting characters.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 13, 2022
If the elevator pitch of "Two vampires on a road trip to steal a book from Lorenzo de Medici" makes you want to run out and buy this, by all means do. It's well-written, engaging, and the 15th century Florentine setting feels lush but not overly info-dumped.
It's very much a prequel, and it's going to leave you wanting more, but I'm quite excited to see what comes next.
It's very much a prequel, and it's going to leave you wanting more, but I'm quite excited to see what comes next.
December 26, 2021
This is my favorite of the series so far. Magnus and Adrian have great chemistry, and their trek through Florence is exciting. L.S. Johnson makes the past come alive in an atmospheric, beautifully written novella.
August 20, 2024
"Seeds of Truer Natures" by L.S. Johnson is a historical fantasy novella set in 15th-century Florence. It follows two vampires, Adrian and Magnus, who are tasked with stealing a book from Lorenzo de' Medici. This mission is complicated by their vampiric nature and reliance on the monk Girolamo Savonarola. This prequel sets the stage for the series with an engaging plot. I’m definitely interested in more character development and learning more about the vampires background.
June 13, 2023
A novella prequel with vampires and a power struggle I haven't read before, I like it.
This is a teaser or advertisement for an upcoming series, and a GREAT marketing tactic. Do you want to see how interested you are before you start a new series? Here you go, a quick read to see if you want more.
Two vampires are challenged to steal a book from the most powerful man in the Renaissance, and they have to fight their own demons to do it. The two once-men are friends and apparently lovers, and they both have to deal with their stress/anger/fears as they move through churches and mansions to find a book they don't even know the name of.
The plot is fast, the action quick, the focus of the story on the people and their relationship to each other. This makes sense for a prequel, but I hope that stays the focus in the upcoming series.
Recommended.
**I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a teaser or advertisement for an upcoming series, and a GREAT marketing tactic. Do you want to see how interested you are before you start a new series? Here you go, a quick read to see if you want more.
Two vampires are challenged to steal a book from the most powerful man in the Renaissance, and they have to fight their own demons to do it. The two once-men are friends and apparently lovers, and they both have to deal with their stress/anger/fears as they move through churches and mansions to find a book they don't even know the name of.
The plot is fast, the action quick, the focus of the story on the people and their relationship to each other. This makes sense for a prequel, but I hope that stays the focus in the upcoming series.
Recommended.
**I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
thanks to the folks at SFWA for providing this ebook via netgalley
***
2023 reread update:
i guess i have to read the webseries now bc that was so much better than i remember
original review
"Two men, such as you described: unusual in their habits and imbalanced in their humors, seeking a book... At best they are possessed; at worst they are demons in disguise"
Yes.
That's it.
This was very good. Very very good.
It has a strangely delicate relationship between the two main characters with a cool historical set for a heist plan to retrieve a book that prophetizes the end of the world spiced up with religious imagery and the classic homoerotism of the vampirism.
Absolutely entertaining and easy to read.
Highly recommended if you like Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.
***
2023 reread update:
i guess i have to read the webseries now bc that was so much better than i remember
original review
"Two men, such as you described: unusual in their habits and imbalanced in their humors, seeking a book... At best they are possessed; at worst they are demons in disguise"
Yes.
That's it.
This was very good. Very very good.
It has a strangely delicate relationship between the two main characters with a cool historical set for a heist plan to retrieve a book that prophetizes the end of the world spiced up with religious imagery and the classic homoerotism of the vampirism.
Absolutely entertaining and easy to read.
Highly recommended if you like Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews