I recently read the book 'The Magicians of Venice' by author Alyssa Palombo and I was completely captivated by the magical world she created in the beautiful city of Venice.

The story follows the lives of the Barozzi family, who have been the guardians of an ancient book of …more spells for generations. The book holds powerful magic that can only be unlocked by a chosen few, and it is up to the Barozzi family to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.

The book begins with the death of the family matriarch, who passes the responsibility of guarding the book onto her granddaughter, Elena. Elena is a strong and determined character, who is forced to navigate the dangerous world of magic and politics in Venice as she tries to unravel the secrets of the book. Along the way, she meets a charming and mysterious magician named Luca, who becomes her ally and confidante.

What I loved most about this book is the vivid and detailed descriptions of Venice. Palombo's writing truly transports you to the city and makes you feel like you are walking the streets along with the characters. The magic in this book is also beautifully woven into the historical setting, making it feel like a natural part of the world.

One of the strengths of this book is the character development. Each character has their own unique personalities and motivations, making them complex and multi-dimensional. Elena's growth as a character throughout the book was especially well-written and satisfying to read.

The plot of the book is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The mix of magic, history, and mystery had me completely engrossed in the story, and I found myself unable to put the book down.

Overall, 'The Magicians of Venice' is a captivating read that combines magic, history, and romance in a beautiful and unique way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and historical fiction, as well as those who are looking for a compelling and well-written story. I can't wait to see what Alyssa Palombo writes next! (less)