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Reading age
13-18
Genre
Historical fiction
Publisher
Feiwel & Friends
Publication date
August 6, 2024
The tale of a daring heist unfolds.
In 1517, Pope Leo X of the Medici family returned to Florence, Italy, to host a banquet where the wealthy purchased indulgences. However, the people of Florence were unhappy as they saw it as a plan for the Medicis to regain control of the city. Around the same time, a 17-year-old girl named Rosa Cellini arrived in the town with a plan to execute the robbery of the century by stealing from the Medicis. She gathered a team of her friends, Sarra, Khalid, Agata de Rossi, and Giacomo, to carry out the heist. Will the group succeed in its mission, or will their emotions get in the way?
The book’s setting is Renaissance Italy, a period of outstanding artistic and cultural achievements. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story, which transported me back to a place filled with intrigue, beauty, and danger. The author has done an excellent job of bringing to life the people and places of the period with rich and detailed descriptions that make you feel like you are there.
The characters in the book are complex and well-developed, each with unique motivations and personalities. Pope Leo X, for instance, is portrayed as a charismatic man with a temper that can be provoked if pushed too far. Rosa, the crafty and intelligent young lady, is a force to be reckoned with, while Sarra is the group’s inventive genius. On the other hand, Khalid may seem cold on the outside, but deep down, he cares deeply for his friends. Agata de Rossi may have had little chance to shine, but her contributions to the story are nonetheless valuable. And Giacomo, with his quirky and likable personality, quickly became my favorite character.
The book is a delightful blend of history and fiction, perfect for any history buff or anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging story. Its captivating plot, well-drawn characters, and vivid descriptions will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
My rating
