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The Medusa Amulet
In this new spine-tingling thriller by Robert Masello, the critically acclaimed and bestselling author of Blood and Ice, a brilliant but skeptical young scholar named David Franco embarks on a quest to recover a legendary a beautifully carved amulet that was created by Benvenuto Cellini, the master artisan of Renaissance Italy.
What begins as a simple investigation quickly spirals into a twisting, turning tale of suspense and intrigue, a race against time that carries Franco across continents and centuries in a desperate search for this ultimate treasure—and a work of unimaginable power . . . and menace.
Aided only by a beautiful young Florentine with a conspirator’s mind and dark secrets, Franco is soon caught up in a life-and-death struggle from which there is no escape. Relentlessly pursued by deadly assassins and demons of his own, in the end he must confront—and defeat—an evil greater than anything conjured in his worst nightmares.
Packed with breathtaking invention and breakneck adventure, The Medusa Amulet is a harrowing ride from the streets of Chicago to the châteaux of France, from the ramparts of the French Revolution to the palazzos of Rome, a story where historical fact meets with fascinating conjecture . . . and the impossible becomes terrifyingly real. Like a masterpiece from the hand of Cellini himself, The Medusa Amulet is a unique and powerful work, as inviting as it is forbidding, as ingenious as it is bold.
What begins as a simple investigation quickly spirals into a twisting, turning tale of suspense and intrigue, a race against time that carries Franco across continents and centuries in a desperate search for this ultimate treasure—and a work of unimaginable power . . . and menace.
Aided only by a beautiful young Florentine with a conspirator’s mind and dark secrets, Franco is soon caught up in a life-and-death struggle from which there is no escape. Relentlessly pursued by deadly assassins and demons of his own, in the end he must confront—and defeat—an evil greater than anything conjured in his worst nightmares.
Packed with breathtaking invention and breakneck adventure, The Medusa Amulet is a harrowing ride from the streets of Chicago to the châteaux of France, from the ramparts of the French Revolution to the palazzos of Rome, a story where historical fact meets with fascinating conjecture . . . and the impossible becomes terrifyingly real. Like a masterpiece from the hand of Cellini himself, The Medusa Amulet is a unique and powerful work, as inviting as it is forbidding, as ingenious as it is bold.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2011
316 people are currently reading
2181 people want to read
About the author
Robert Masello
34 books614 followers Robert Masello is an award-winning journalist, TV writer, and the bestselling author of many novels and nonfiction books. In addition to his most recent book, THE HAUNTING OF H.G. WELLS, he has written the #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller, THE EINSTEIN PROPHECY, and many other popular thrillers, including THE JEKYLL REVELATION, THE NIGHT CROSSING, BLOOD AND ICE, THE MEDUSA AMULET, and THE ROMANOV CROSS.
He is also the author of two popular studies of the Occult -- FALLEN ANGELS AND SPIRITS OF THE DARK and RAISING HELL: A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS.
His books on writing include WRITER TELLS ALL, A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS, and the classroom staple, ROBERT'S RULES OF WRITING.
His TV credits include such popular shows as "Charmed," "Sliders," Early Edition," and "Poltergeist: the Legacy."
A native of Evanston, Illinois, he studied writing at Princeton University under the noted authors Robert Stone and Geoffrey Wolff, and served for six years as the Visiting Lecturer in Literature at Claremont McKenna College.
He now lives and works in Santa Monica, CA.
He is also the author of two popular studies of the Occult -- FALLEN ANGELS AND SPIRITS OF THE DARK and RAISING HELL: A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS.
His books on writing include WRITER TELLS ALL, A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS, and the classroom staple, ROBERT'S RULES OF WRITING.
His TV credits include such popular shows as "Charmed," "Sliders," Early Edition," and "Poltergeist: the Legacy."
A native of Evanston, Illinois, he studied writing at Princeton University under the noted authors Robert Stone and Geoffrey Wolff, and served for six years as the Visiting Lecturer in Literature at Claremont McKenna College.
He now lives and works in Santa Monica, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
February 3, 2020
This is a fun, exciting books for fans of the genre. The question is how to describe the genre. I could say it's Dan Brown without the eugenics and Catholic bashing. Actually I will say that, so moving on.
This is a fun, twisty, turny read about a scholar from Chicago who gets lured into a quest to find a mysterious hand mirror, lost to the ages that appears to have Magikial( sic) powers. It is the story of a Renaissance artist, his muse and the Medicis. You will be observing many notable moments from the past 5 centuries. You will be chasing around Europe, there will be Nazis.
And amid the chaos you will find yourself wondering:
"Who wants to live forever? Who wants to live forever? There's no chance for us. It's all decided for us. This world has only one sweet moment set aside for us. Who wants to live forever? Who wants to live forever? Who dares to love forever? When love must die? But touch my tears with your lips, Touch my world with your fingertips, And we can have forever." - Queen, Highlander.
This is a fun, twisty, turny read about a scholar from Chicago who gets lured into a quest to find a mysterious hand mirror, lost to the ages that appears to have Magikial( sic) powers. It is the story of a Renaissance artist, his muse and the Medicis. You will be observing many notable moments from the past 5 centuries. You will be chasing around Europe, there will be Nazis.
And amid the chaos you will find yourself wondering:
"Who wants to live forever? Who wants to live forever? There's no chance for us. It's all decided for us. This world has only one sweet moment set aside for us. Who wants to live forever? Who wants to live forever? Who dares to love forever? When love must die? But touch my tears with your lips, Touch my world with your fingertips, And we can have forever." - Queen, Highlander.
September 12, 2017
I was not sure I was going to make it through this one, but by about the 7th chapter it really hit its stride and then it was off to the races. It slips back and forth between the past and present. A very prominent jeweler who made jewelry for kings and queens created a very special amulet for himself that he used in his secret connections to the occult. It could supposedly give everlasting life if used correctly. When a present day archeologists is approached by a beautiful woman who will pay him one million dollars and the promise to save his sister who is dying from cancer, he cannot refuse. A story that was a little slow in the beginning turned out to be a suspenseful expedition with a wee bit of unexpected romance thrown in.
May 20, 2011
First, I won this as a First-Reads giveaway and appreciated the opportunity to get an early look! Reading makes up about 90% of my job, but every script or novel I pick up is still exciting; books that arrive in the mail at random are an extra delight.
There is a tremendous idea in this book, and the core of the story itself is clever and interesting. Truly, an excellent beginning.
That said, the writing leaves something to be desired. So much of the book is dependent the reader investing in the main characters, but we are unfortunately often kept at arm's length from them. So much is told rather than shown, and often at the wrong time, that it's difficult to believe in the characters as fully fleshed out people. The chapters set in the past avoid the pitfall rather better than do those in the present day, and those are certainly the most interesting sections of the book.
The mystery itself also has a few problems, not the least of which being that it is not particularly mysterious.
All that said, there are occasional phrases and even chapters that make me think this writer is capable of producing better work. I would recommend that anyone curious about the story read this book, with the understanding that it will not be perfectly executed. I do also look forward to future books from the author, if only to see if he can, in fact, live up to potential in the strongest pieces of this book.
There is a tremendous idea in this book, and the core of the story itself is clever and interesting. Truly, an excellent beginning.
That said, the writing leaves something to be desired. So much of the book is dependent the reader investing in the main characters, but we are unfortunately often kept at arm's length from them. So much is told rather than shown, and often at the wrong time, that it's difficult to believe in the characters as fully fleshed out people. The chapters set in the past avoid the pitfall rather better than do those in the present day, and those are certainly the most interesting sections of the book.
The mystery itself also has a few problems, not the least of which being that it is not particularly mysterious.
All that said, there are occasional phrases and even chapters that make me think this writer is capable of producing better work. I would recommend that anyone curious about the story read this book, with the understanding that it will not be perfectly executed. I do also look forward to future books from the author, if only to see if he can, in fact, live up to potential in the strongest pieces of this book.
October 18, 2018
I found it overall to be interesting reading...history, adventure, mysticism...even a little romance... but sometimes it was a real challenge as it went on and on. If it hadn't been that I was reading it as a group read I honestly may have skipped parts of it. It will be essential that the reader be able to suspend their disbelief as well as historical reality.
November 16, 2018
Literally Hitler.
July 27, 2011
Diciamo 2,5, dato che la trama nella seconda parte diventa meno melensa e un po' piu' accattivante. Ma e' inaccettabile che qualsiasi libro, di qualsiasi genere, tratti cosi' alla leggera l'uso delle citazioni di una lingua straniera, probabilmente con l'idea che tanto nessuno si rendera' conto che quelle citazioni non hanno alcun senso o sono completamente sgrammaticate.
July 27, 2024
Firstly, fuck cancer.
This was a fascinating blend of The Mummy and Indian Jones with a sprinkling of Egyptian and Greek Mythology.
It was action-packed and mind-bending. It was entertaining from the beginning to end. However, there was so much going on it went off the rails a couple of times. As a result, the conclusion felt clunky but I'm a sucker for a hard-earned happy ending.
This was a fascinating blend of The Mummy and Indian Jones with a sprinkling of Egyptian and Greek Mythology.
It was action-packed and mind-bending. It was entertaining from the beginning to end. However, there was so much going on it went off the rails a couple of times. As a result, the conclusion felt clunky but I'm a sucker for a hard-earned happy ending.
September 2, 2024
5 True Rating
It played out like an action movie as I read it. With a better plot and better timeline than other “altered history” novels I’ve read, I was happy with the length (~500 pages) because it allowed for the backstory, the flashbacks, and the drama of a fully-formed novel worthy of all 5 stars.
It played out like an action movie as I read it. With a better plot and better timeline than other “altered history” novels I’ve read, I was happy with the length (~500 pages) because it allowed for the backstory, the flashbacks, and the drama of a fully-formed novel worthy of all 5 stars.
May 21, 2021
Entertaining flight of fancy - riveting adventure.
March 1, 2017
It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but by Chapter 7 I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was fully immersed in this adventure.
Robert Masello did his research quite well and while reading this book, I couldn’t help but feel as if I’m reading a Dan Brown novel. It had all the elements and intrigue of a Dan Brown novel. My favorite was the chapters on the characters in the past. I was particularly impressed by his rendering of Marie Antoinette’s execution.
There are a few good twists in here, but most I’ve spotted before they were revealed, especially the one leading up to the final chapters. As much as I enjoyed this book, I still feel that Masello’s The Romanov Cross was a much better read.
Robert Masello did his research quite well and while reading this book, I couldn’t help but feel as if I’m reading a Dan Brown novel. It had all the elements and intrigue of a Dan Brown novel. My favorite was the chapters on the characters in the past. I was particularly impressed by his rendering of Marie Antoinette’s execution.
There are a few good twists in here, but most I’ve spotted before they were revealed, especially the one leading up to the final chapters. As much as I enjoyed this book, I still feel that Masello’s The Romanov Cross was a much better read.
May 6, 2011
I won this first-reads copy so a big thanks to Goodreads for that!
I took a while to read this book because there was so much information to absorb and I didn't want to miss out on anything, hence my review being so late.
To start, I will say that I loved the history in this book. The historical references to Rome and Florance simply fascinated me as does anything pertaining to Italy. The fact that there was a medieval, renaissance undercurrent kept me reading! I also liked the settings in France and those having to do with WW2. I have to say, I enjoyed the flashbacks best if I'm being honest. Part of it is because I love history and the book settings were great, and the other part was because I felt a little more invested in Benvenuto Cellini and Caterina but that could just be personal preference. David I thought was a fun character as well and his determination and persistence is to be noted! The romance was a bit rushed IMO, but these days that's the norm, not to mention he didn't have years to fall in love due to the fast pace setting of the book, so that wasn't really an issue for me.
I found the whole concept of the amulet to be a neat idea but I could've done with a bit less of the whole dark arts concept. I liked the mystical powers but I feel odd about objects in books holding dark almost evil powers as well. Also, the whole part with Hitler being alive was kind of strange for me. I think that entire part involving Hitler could've been cut from the book and the story still would've been great!
Overall, it was definitely a fast-paced, captivating read! It's been said in other reviews, but fans of the Da Vinci Code will love this one as well and I'd definitely like to see this on film one day! Though this book took me longer to read than the YA books I'm fond of these days, it was worth taking my time with and I thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of having an advance copy, so thanks again to Goodreads for my first ever advance novel!
I took a while to read this book because there was so much information to absorb and I didn't want to miss out on anything, hence my review being so late.
To start, I will say that I loved the history in this book. The historical references to Rome and Florance simply fascinated me as does anything pertaining to Italy. The fact that there was a medieval, renaissance undercurrent kept me reading! I also liked the settings in France and those having to do with WW2. I have to say, I enjoyed the flashbacks best if I'm being honest. Part of it is because I love history and the book settings were great, and the other part was because I felt a little more invested in Benvenuto Cellini and Caterina but that could just be personal preference. David I thought was a fun character as well and his determination and persistence is to be noted! The romance was a bit rushed IMO, but these days that's the norm, not to mention he didn't have years to fall in love due to the fast pace setting of the book, so that wasn't really an issue for me.
I found the whole concept of the amulet to be a neat idea but I could've done with a bit less of the whole dark arts concept. I liked the mystical powers but I feel odd about objects in books holding dark almost evil powers as well. Also, the whole part with Hitler being alive was kind of strange for me. I think that entire part involving Hitler could've been cut from the book and the story still would've been great!
Overall, it was definitely a fast-paced, captivating read! It's been said in other reviews, but fans of the Da Vinci Code will love this one as well and I'd definitely like to see this on film one day! Though this book took me longer to read than the YA books I'm fond of these days, it was worth taking my time with and I thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of having an advance copy, so thanks again to Goodreads for my first ever advance novel!
November 17, 2011
I savored this book, with all of its historic and artistic references. I was exposed to fictitious facts that caused me to go back and research some historical figures and works of art. I like a work that makes me seek more knowledge.
The slow development of the story was very good for me. I dislike having too many elements and characters introduced all at once. By the time I reached the final part of the narrative, the resolution of the story fairly flew along with me hanging on in the tailwind!
I love the character of Olivia Levi, who I saw as a descendant of Primo Levi. Characters drawn well enough to make me believe in their reality are a pleasure to read. She's smart and her feisty stubbornness and ability to think well under pressure make her an extremely memorable female character, so unlike the typical airheads or arm candy that populate much of modern fiction, leaving me feeling disappointed and despairing.
The descriptions and interpretations of the Perseus did wonders for my spirit, and I'm glad the immortals were not vampires!
Masello's ability to convey emotion, historic setting, and a sense of urgency with brevity is refreshing. After reading his description of Marie Antoinette heading (no pun intended) toward the guillotine, the feeling of compassion he felt for her was palpable. The entire work shows much love and admiration for Cellini, as well. After reading chapter 28, I read the acknowledgments and learned of his use of Fraser's work in shaping his tale of the French Revolution.
I am compelled to read Robert's Rules of Writing along with Cellini's autobiography, already downloaded to my Kindle. This was a wonderful adventure with a happy ending that was satisfying on all fronts.
The slow development of the story was very good for me. I dislike having too many elements and characters introduced all at once. By the time I reached the final part of the narrative, the resolution of the story fairly flew along with me hanging on in the tailwind!
I love the character of Olivia Levi, who I saw as a descendant of Primo Levi. Characters drawn well enough to make me believe in their reality are a pleasure to read. She's smart and her feisty stubbornness and ability to think well under pressure make her an extremely memorable female character, so unlike the typical airheads or arm candy that populate much of modern fiction, leaving me feeling disappointed and despairing.
The descriptions and interpretations of the Perseus did wonders for my spirit, and I'm glad the immortals were not vampires!
Masello's ability to convey emotion, historic setting, and a sense of urgency with brevity is refreshing. After reading his description of Marie Antoinette heading (no pun intended) toward the guillotine, the feeling of compassion he felt for her was palpable. The entire work shows much love and admiration for Cellini, as well. After reading chapter 28, I read the acknowledgments and learned of his use of Fraser's work in shaping his tale of the French Revolution.
I am compelled to read Robert's Rules of Writing along with Cellini's autobiography, already downloaded to my Kindle. This was a wonderful adventure with a happy ending that was satisfying on all fronts.
May 5, 2011
I Love Kirkus Reviews. They're generally the bad guy of the review world so if they like something, odds are it'll be good. They loved this and I only thought it was okay.
A librarian at the prestigious Newberry Library in Chicago is asked by a wealthy patron to locate an item created by an idol of his, Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian Renaissance artist and sculpter. In return, she will pay his expenses to Italy and assist him in prolonging his sick (with cancer) sister's life.
Here begins his whirlwind journey around Europe. He (of course) meets a woman who agrees to accompany him on his travels. And amazingly enough, is on a mission of her own, not so different from his.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the book, especially that of Cellini. I also enjoyed the supernatural and mythological parts, as well. What I didn't love, though, is the mixture of the two. When parts of history, so familiar, are given a "twist," so bizarre, I have a hard time getting on board.
A librarian at the prestigious Newberry Library in Chicago is asked by a wealthy patron to locate an item created by an idol of his, Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian Renaissance artist and sculpter. In return, she will pay his expenses to Italy and assist him in prolonging his sick (with cancer) sister's life.
Here begins his whirlwind journey around Europe. He (of course) meets a woman who agrees to accompany him on his travels. And amazingly enough, is on a mission of her own, not so different from his.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the book, especially that of Cellini. I also enjoyed the supernatural and mythological parts, as well. What I didn't love, though, is the mixture of the two. When parts of history, so familiar, are given a "twist," so bizarre, I have a hard time getting on board.
November 24, 2016
Very entertaining adventure story blending alternative history, art and a bit of romance ... gets off to an unsettling start.
January 20, 2017
Very good. Really liked the twists. Can't wait for the movie.
August 17, 2020
Tra un libro sul femminismo e la Divina Commedia, quando un giorno ho dimenticato a casa entrambi, ho deciso di non perdere i preziosi minuti sugli autobus e ho iniziato questo 333: la formula segreta di Dante.
Dopo il primo capitolo mi sono accorta che il 333 non viene mai citato, non esiste nessuna formula segreta e Dante non c'entra quasi niente con il libro.
Dopo un altro poco, ho anche scoperto che l'autore si chiama Robert Masello, e non Roberto Masello come ha inspiegabilmente deciso di chiamarlo la Newton Compton, e quindi ho iniziato a chiedermi che cazzo di libro avessi in mano. Ma faceva comunque parte degli unread books, ed era nello specifico un libro che avevo acquistato almeno tre anni fa presa dal misterioso amore che quell'estate ho provato nei confronti della Newton, quindi ho deciso di continuarlo per il bene della mia lista.
Inizialmente, pensavo che fosse un classico romanzo alla Dan Brown: un artista italiano (in questo caso, Benvenuto Cellini), condito di complottismo, occultismo e società segrete, su cui viene costruito un thriller/giallo/non-so in cui un tizio americano (di Chicago, in questo caso) deve scoprire una roba in una corsa contro il tempo in una città italiana, di solito aiutato da una bella ragazza inutile. Un libretto di intrattenimento, insomma, che ti leggi in qualche giorno - come si può testare dalle mie date di inizio e fine - e che ti aiuta a finire la challenge di Goodreads. Niente di male, insomma: senza infamia e senza lode. Anche se non me ne frega nulla di occultismo e cose varie, mi stava anche prendendo, e avrei potuto pure dargli tre o quattro stelle.
Il problema però è che pian piano il libro si scopre per quello che è realmente. E mi dispiace, caro Robert, ma non c'è una cosa che vada bene.
Prima di elencare i difetti del libro, due parole di trama: Benvenuto Cellini ha costruito uno specchio con la Medusa che, invece di pietrificare, rende immortali; e ha anche una ghirlanda che rende invisibili, oggetto che potremmo chiamare il manda-avanti-trama. Di conseguenza, Cellini è ancora vivo, da tipo cinquecento anni; anche la sua amante, Caterina, ci si è specchiata, e i due sono separati perché in tutti questi anni a nessuno dei due è venuto in mente che l'altro esisteva. Solo che la vita immortale, ormai lo sappiamo da tutti i libri sui vampiri esistenti, è una palla, e quindi Caterina vuole smetterla; di conseguenza assolda un tipo chiamato David Franco per recuperare lo specchio (che nel frattempo è andato perduto) promettendogli che così riuscirà a salvare la sorella dal cancro. David segue le tracce dello specchio in Italia e in Francia, si fa una che si chiama Olivia, ritrova Cellini e infine recupera il manufatto dalla mano di un improbabile Hitler (che era pure lui vivo). Quindi torna in fretta a Chicago e salva Sarah dal cancro facendola specchiare, prima di rompere lo specchio; così Caterina e Cellini, ritrovatisi, vivono felici e contenti una vita mortale, e così anche David, Sarah e Olivia.
Oh, scusate, volevo dire due parole e invece vi ho raccontato tutto.
Non è che ho tralasciato qualche dettaglio: c'è proprio tutto il libro. Tutta la trama del libro è qui dentro, in queste poche righe, e più lo leggi e più ti rendi conto che non c'è più di questo.
Probabilmente il tutto si poteva raccontare, con la dovuta dovizia di particolari, nel giro di duecento pagine neanche; ma l'autore, pur di allungare il brodo e raggiungere quelle che qui vedo essere circa 500 pagine (io ho il libro in ebook), escogita veramente tutti gli stratagemmi del mondo: inizia a far narrare i capitoli che si riferiscono a un personaggio dal punto di vista di un altro, di solito comparsa, di solito inutile, che di solito non si vede più (a volte muore alla fine del capitolo); ti riempie di flashback storici sulla vita infinita di Benvenuto Cellini, e su una serie di personaggi che nella trama sono pseudoinutili (il conte di Cagliostro, Maria Antonietta, Himmler); e ti racconta un sacco di capitoli dal punto di vista di vari altri personaggi contemporanei alla storia.
Nell'inutilità, tra gli altri spicca un tale Escher, un tizio che li insegue per tutto il libro e che dovrebbe essere una superspia fortissima; ma in realtà è una pippa colossale, che si fa abbindolare da Olivia e che muore come un pirla: praticamente il sito in manutenzione di un museo intralcia di più i nostri protagonisti di lui, e non sto scherzando.
In più, abbiamo capitoli di dieci pagine o più che ci servono solo per fare una scoperta (una breve deduzione, tipo: "ah, okay, quindi Cellini è ancora vivo", oppure "ah, quella lì è Caterina", oppure "ah, bene, se tagli la testa a uno che si è specchiato nella Medusa, la persona non muore e tu devi bruciarla"), e tra l'altro spesso ne veniamo a conoscenza prima del protagonista, con il risultato che quando poi lui effettivamente le scopre, queste scoperte vengono presentate come se fossero dei colpi di scena, quando noi in realtà le sappiamo già.
Il risultato è quello di un libro veramente vuoto. Quelle poche volte in cui l'autore poteva veramente far rischiare il protagonista (per esempio quando una guardia svizzera addestrata gli spara con una pistola, a lui che è un postdoc di storia dell'arte), questo inizia a diventare un supereroe e schiva i colpi dei proiettili, e com'è, come non è, non viene mi pare neanche mai ferito - o comunque, mai rallentato.
Tra l'altro, fatemi segnalare una nota di trash assoluto.
Allora, nei ringraziamenti si legge che l'autore ha deciso di scrivere questo libro perché era rimasto affascinato da tale Benvenuto Cellini, di cui vengono tessute le lodi manco fosse uno dei più grandi artisti italiani. Non sono abbastanza esperta d'arte, ma sebbene sicuramente sia stato un grande artista, forse c'è di meglio rispetto a Cellini (Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dante, Raffaello, Giotto, Canova... tanto è vero che la Newton ha messo uno di loro in copertina); comunque okay, posso anche accettarlo.
Il mio problema è che il nemico principale di Cellini è nientepopodimeno che Hitler in persona. E ora, io non so: già metti come cattivo uno dei personaggi storici più crudeli, efferati e pazzi della storia, un dittatore che ha ucciso quindici milioni di persone nei campi di concentramento; in più, condisci il tutto di occultismo, fai capire che questo qui ha dei poteri enormi, "ha il Diavolo dentro", è una bestia, un nemico potentissimo e difficilissimo da uccidere... e poi è uno che si prende le pilloline prima di dormire e viene ucciso in due pagine da David, in una scena che si conclude in uno sputo?
Cioè, hai costruito un libro sul cazzo di Cellini, e a Hitler neanche due pagine?
Tra l'altro, nel libro vengono recuperati gli appunti che Hitler aveva lasciato in giro per casa, e si scopre che Hitler ha acquisito la vita immortale per costruire un museo sul Terzo Reich. Capito, ragazzi? Se Hitler fosse ancora vivo, costruirebbe un museo! Non che cercherebbe di riprendersi la Germania in tutti i modi, continuerebbe lo sterminio di tutti gli ebrei... no. Un museo.
E dopo questa vagonata di trash colante, potrei anche finire qui la recensione, perché il resto che non ho detto - personaggi caratterizzati in modo tale che alla fine non ti affezioni a nessuno e ti sembra tutto inutile, colpi di scena prevedibili, storie che proseguono per duecento anni per necessità di trama, oggetti magici provenienti da Paraculandia, capitoli e capitoli persi perché l'autore voleva dire la sua sulla Rivoluzione Francese e su quanto era bella Maria Antonietta, storia di Cellini raccontata nel dettaglio e quella di Caterina completamente ignorata, personaggio femminile inutile che capita lì per caso, per caso si unisce alla ricerca e per caso ne esce, un sacco di poteri occulti trattati come se fossero veri - tutto il resto, dicevo, impallidisce di fronte al museo postumo di Hitler.
Due stelle tirate, e solo perché - mannaggia a lui - è riuscito a intrattenermi.
Dopo il primo capitolo mi sono accorta che il 333 non viene mai citato, non esiste nessuna formula segreta e Dante non c'entra quasi niente con il libro.
Dopo un altro poco, ho anche scoperto che l'autore si chiama Robert Masello, e non Roberto Masello come ha inspiegabilmente deciso di chiamarlo la Newton Compton, e quindi ho iniziato a chiedermi che cazzo di libro avessi in mano. Ma faceva comunque parte degli unread books, ed era nello specifico un libro che avevo acquistato almeno tre anni fa presa dal misterioso amore che quell'estate ho provato nei confronti della Newton, quindi ho deciso di continuarlo per il bene della mia lista.
Inizialmente, pensavo che fosse un classico romanzo alla Dan Brown: un artista italiano (in questo caso, Benvenuto Cellini), condito di complottismo, occultismo e società segrete, su cui viene costruito un thriller/giallo/non-so in cui un tizio americano (di Chicago, in questo caso) deve scoprire una roba in una corsa contro il tempo in una città italiana, di solito aiutato da una bella ragazza inutile. Un libretto di intrattenimento, insomma, che ti leggi in qualche giorno - come si può testare dalle mie date di inizio e fine - e che ti aiuta a finire la challenge di Goodreads. Niente di male, insomma: senza infamia e senza lode. Anche se non me ne frega nulla di occultismo e cose varie, mi stava anche prendendo, e avrei potuto pure dargli tre o quattro stelle.
Il problema però è che pian piano il libro si scopre per quello che è realmente. E mi dispiace, caro Robert, ma non c'è una cosa che vada bene.
Prima di elencare i difetti del libro, due parole di trama: Benvenuto Cellini ha costruito uno specchio con la Medusa che, invece di pietrificare, rende immortali; e ha anche una ghirlanda che rende invisibili, oggetto che potremmo chiamare il manda-avanti-trama. Di conseguenza, Cellini è ancora vivo, da tipo cinquecento anni; anche la sua amante, Caterina, ci si è specchiata, e i due sono separati perché in tutti questi anni a nessuno dei due è venuto in mente che l'altro esisteva. Solo che la vita immortale, ormai lo sappiamo da tutti i libri sui vampiri esistenti, è una palla, e quindi Caterina vuole smetterla; di conseguenza assolda un tipo chiamato David Franco per recuperare lo specchio (che nel frattempo è andato perduto) promettendogli che così riuscirà a salvare la sorella dal cancro. David segue le tracce dello specchio in Italia e in Francia, si fa una che si chiama Olivia, ritrova Cellini e infine recupera il manufatto dalla mano di un improbabile Hitler (che era pure lui vivo). Quindi torna in fretta a Chicago e salva Sarah dal cancro facendola specchiare, prima di rompere lo specchio; così Caterina e Cellini, ritrovatisi, vivono felici e contenti una vita mortale, e così anche David, Sarah e Olivia.
Oh, scusate, volevo dire due parole e invece vi ho raccontato tutto.
Non è che ho tralasciato qualche dettaglio: c'è proprio tutto il libro. Tutta la trama del libro è qui dentro, in queste poche righe, e più lo leggi e più ti rendi conto che non c'è più di questo.
Probabilmente il tutto si poteva raccontare, con la dovuta dovizia di particolari, nel giro di duecento pagine neanche; ma l'autore, pur di allungare il brodo e raggiungere quelle che qui vedo essere circa 500 pagine (io ho il libro in ebook), escogita veramente tutti gli stratagemmi del mondo: inizia a far narrare i capitoli che si riferiscono a un personaggio dal punto di vista di un altro, di solito comparsa, di solito inutile, che di solito non si vede più (a volte muore alla fine del capitolo); ti riempie di flashback storici sulla vita infinita di Benvenuto Cellini, e su una serie di personaggi che nella trama sono pseudoinutili (il conte di Cagliostro, Maria Antonietta, Himmler); e ti racconta un sacco di capitoli dal punto di vista di vari altri personaggi contemporanei alla storia.
Nell'inutilità, tra gli altri spicca un tale Escher, un tizio che li insegue per tutto il libro e che dovrebbe essere una superspia fortissima; ma in realtà è una pippa colossale, che si fa abbindolare da Olivia e che muore come un pirla: praticamente il sito in manutenzione di un museo intralcia di più i nostri protagonisti di lui, e non sto scherzando.
In più, abbiamo capitoli di dieci pagine o più che ci servono solo per fare una scoperta (una breve deduzione, tipo: "ah, okay, quindi Cellini è ancora vivo", oppure "ah, quella lì è Caterina", oppure "ah, bene, se tagli la testa a uno che si è specchiato nella Medusa, la persona non muore e tu devi bruciarla"), e tra l'altro spesso ne veniamo a conoscenza prima del protagonista, con il risultato che quando poi lui effettivamente le scopre, queste scoperte vengono presentate come se fossero dei colpi di scena, quando noi in realtà le sappiamo già.
Il risultato è quello di un libro veramente vuoto. Quelle poche volte in cui l'autore poteva veramente far rischiare il protagonista (per esempio quando una guardia svizzera addestrata gli spara con una pistola, a lui che è un postdoc di storia dell'arte), questo inizia a diventare un supereroe e schiva i colpi dei proiettili, e com'è, come non è, non viene mi pare neanche mai ferito - o comunque, mai rallentato.
Tra l'altro, fatemi segnalare una nota di trash assoluto.
Allora, nei ringraziamenti si legge che l'autore ha deciso di scrivere questo libro perché era rimasto affascinato da tale Benvenuto Cellini, di cui vengono tessute le lodi manco fosse uno dei più grandi artisti italiani. Non sono abbastanza esperta d'arte, ma sebbene sicuramente sia stato un grande artista, forse c'è di meglio rispetto a Cellini (Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dante, Raffaello, Giotto, Canova... tanto è vero che la Newton ha messo uno di loro in copertina); comunque okay, posso anche accettarlo.
Il mio problema è che il nemico principale di Cellini è nientepopodimeno che Hitler in persona. E ora, io non so: già metti come cattivo uno dei personaggi storici più crudeli, efferati e pazzi della storia, un dittatore che ha ucciso quindici milioni di persone nei campi di concentramento; in più, condisci il tutto di occultismo, fai capire che questo qui ha dei poteri enormi, "ha il Diavolo dentro", è una bestia, un nemico potentissimo e difficilissimo da uccidere... e poi è uno che si prende le pilloline prima di dormire e viene ucciso in due pagine da David, in una scena che si conclude in uno sputo?
Cioè, hai costruito un libro sul cazzo di Cellini, e a Hitler neanche due pagine?
Tra l'altro, nel libro vengono recuperati gli appunti che Hitler aveva lasciato in giro per casa, e si scopre che Hitler ha acquisito la vita immortale per costruire un museo sul Terzo Reich. Capito, ragazzi? Se Hitler fosse ancora vivo, costruirebbe un museo! Non che cercherebbe di riprendersi la Germania in tutti i modi, continuerebbe lo sterminio di tutti gli ebrei... no. Un museo.
E dopo questa vagonata di trash colante, potrei anche finire qui la recensione, perché il resto che non ho detto - personaggi caratterizzati in modo tale che alla fine non ti affezioni a nessuno e ti sembra tutto inutile, colpi di scena prevedibili, storie che proseguono per duecento anni per necessità di trama, oggetti magici provenienti da Paraculandia, capitoli e capitoli persi perché l'autore voleva dire la sua sulla Rivoluzione Francese e su quanto era bella Maria Antonietta, storia di Cellini raccontata nel dettaglio e quella di Caterina completamente ignorata, personaggio femminile inutile che capita lì per caso, per caso si unisce alla ricerca e per caso ne esce, un sacco di poteri occulti trattati come se fossero veri - tutto il resto, dicevo, impallidisce di fronte al museo postumo di Hitler.
Due stelle tirate, e solo perché - mannaggia a lui - è riuscito a intrattenermi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2017
The Colosseum, the fountain, the wine, the food, the drink, the passion...there's something about Italy and Rome that you can't help but love. It was actually by coincidence that I had this book in my 'to-read' list as I went for a weekend break to Rome, but it added so, so much to the reading experience as some of the book is based around the area.
This piece of work stands up there as an example of how to write an engaging, well-researched and yet easy to read novel. I'm use to reading slightly more complicated prose, so if anything it was nice to reset the mind and relax a little more as the story in-between the pages unfolded.
It's kind of two stories in one. The main narrative involves a geeky librarian who is recruited to find a seemingly mythical artifact by a mysterious multi-millionairess. While the other half is in the past and follows the (mis)adventures of Italian artist, Cellini. The two stories eventually cross, I love the 'alternative history' sub-genre and there was certainly a lot of that here.
There's also a lot of the supernatural involved, which for me - as a reader - is great. Although, I can appreciate that this may not be great for some - you really have to suspend belief at times, if - as a reader - you have that ability (as I do) then great..but if not, just be a bit wary as you delve into this one.
In terms of style it really reminded me (as others have said) of Dan Brown, but that's not to say that Masello doesn't have his own characteristics as a writer. Clearly a very well-read guy, with a love for France and Italy which really shines through.
Sometimes the story was a little predictable, and this jarred me a bit - as I mentioned earlier I do like a little more substance and sometimes this was sacrificed to keep things moving at a good pace, I understand why this was done though and will satisfy the majority of readers.
I won't spoil it but the ending was a little...hmmm...convenient, and felt slightly forced.
3/4 of the way through I was going to give this three stars, but once I'd finished and closed the pages I realised just how much I enjoyed it. And as fiction is mostly all about fun, I've upped my mark to 4 stars and I'll be reading another book by the author soon.
This piece of work stands up there as an example of how to write an engaging, well-researched and yet easy to read novel. I'm use to reading slightly more complicated prose, so if anything it was nice to reset the mind and relax a little more as the story in-between the pages unfolded.
It's kind of two stories in one. The main narrative involves a geeky librarian who is recruited to find a seemingly mythical artifact by a mysterious multi-millionairess. While the other half is in the past and follows the (mis)adventures of Italian artist, Cellini. The two stories eventually cross, I love the 'alternative history' sub-genre and there was certainly a lot of that here.
There's also a lot of the supernatural involved, which for me - as a reader - is great. Although, I can appreciate that this may not be great for some - you really have to suspend belief at times, if - as a reader - you have that ability (as I do) then great..but if not, just be a bit wary as you delve into this one.
In terms of style it really reminded me (as others have said) of Dan Brown, but that's not to say that Masello doesn't have his own characteristics as a writer. Clearly a very well-read guy, with a love for France and Italy which really shines through.
Sometimes the story was a little predictable, and this jarred me a bit - as I mentioned earlier I do like a little more substance and sometimes this was sacrificed to keep things moving at a good pace, I understand why this was done though and will satisfy the majority of readers.
I won't spoil it but the ending was a little...hmmm...convenient, and felt slightly forced.
3/4 of the way through I was going to give this three stars, but once I'd finished and closed the pages I realised just how much I enjoyed it. And as fiction is mostly all about fun, I've upped my mark to 4 stars and I'll be reading another book by the author soon.
October 25, 2016
The Medusa Amulet was created by Benvenuto Cellini, a Florentine artist of some renown in the 1500's. In this book, David Franco, a young curator at a Chicago Museum, is engaged by a rich donor to find it. The amulet has the ability, under the right conditions, to make a person immortal. The donor promises David $1,000,000 and that his cancer-striken sister will live a long life if he finds and secures the amulet for him.
The book bounces between the current day and the past. In the past, Cellini's lover "breaks" into the case Cellini has created to hold the amulet, without knowing its power. Thereafter Cellini keeps the amulet on a chain around his neck, although he loses it a couple of times. In one "historical" scene, Cellini (now known as the Baron) is at the guillotine when Marie Antoinette loses her head. In another, he is in a room with Himmler and Hitler. When David encounters him, Cellini is living in a townhouse in Paris, without the amulet.
As an audio for listening to while walking, cooking, cleaning, etc, this one is decent. It's quite far-fetched and the current day story about David and his family is quite weak. There are some Indiana Jones moments. It's about a 2.5 star read and I'm feeling generous today, so I rounded up.
The book bounces between the current day and the past. In the past, Cellini's lover "breaks" into the case Cellini has created to hold the amulet, without knowing its power. Thereafter Cellini keeps the amulet on a chain around his neck, although he loses it a couple of times. In one "historical" scene, Cellini (now known as the Baron) is at the guillotine when Marie Antoinette loses her head. In another, he is in a room with Himmler and Hitler. When David encounters him, Cellini is living in a townhouse in Paris, without the amulet.
As an audio for listening to while walking, cooking, cleaning, etc, this one is decent. It's quite far-fetched and the current day story about David and his family is quite weak. There are some Indiana Jones moments. It's about a 2.5 star read and I'm feeling generous today, so I rounded up.
November 28, 2017
Twisty adventure thriller concerning a carved amulet of Medusa on a silver mirror that contains a powerful magic. Two storylines, one following the creator-artist Cellini and his lover Caterina through centuries, and a contemporary story featuring a librarian and a tour guide on the quest to find the artifact, move at a fast pace with suspense that never lets up. Everyone, it seems, wants the mirror, which through time falls into the hands of such disparate characters as Catherine de Medici, Marie Antoinette, and Hitler, and wreaks havoc everywhere. What is its power? Why does everyone want it so badly? And who has it? A nonstop adventure loaded with violence and intrigue that kept me turning the pages.
November 5, 2021
Un mattone infinito. Io i libri li divoro, ma questo nn mi ha preso dall’inizio e di conseguenza l’ho preso e mollato per settimane. Devo anche ammettere che io nn sono una grandissima appassionata del genere, quindi faccio anche fatica a interessarmi di un libro così.
Il concetto della trama è intrigante ed e quello che mi ha attratto, ma mi aspettavo di più o per lo meno qualche colpo di scena da renderlo più interessante. Gli unici capitoli che ho letto volentieri erano quelli “storici” perché almeno rompevano l’insipida trama “contemporanea”.
Personalmente, l’ho trovato tradotto davvero male.. il che non ha aiutato per niente la lettura.
Il concetto della trama è intrigante ed e quello che mi ha attratto, ma mi aspettavo di più o per lo meno qualche colpo di scena da renderlo più interessante. Gli unici capitoli che ho letto volentieri erano quelli “storici” perché almeno rompevano l’insipida trama “contemporanea”.
Personalmente, l’ho trovato tradotto davvero male.. il che non ha aiutato per niente la lettura.
October 21, 2023
4 ½ ⭐️, rounded up
Robert Masello has once again written a story unlike anything I’ve ever read. His prose is lovely and the story is well-developed. It is part historical fiction, part adventure-thriller, with wisps of fantasy thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed following David and Olivia as they raced against time and unknown enemies to recover the mysterious ancient Medusa amulet. Their story was intertwined with an ancient story through the centuries and it was really intriguing to watch the modern day and ancient stories get more tangled.
This is my second book by the author and it’s safe to say I’ll be reading more of his work.
Robert Masello has once again written a story unlike anything I’ve ever read. His prose is lovely and the story is well-developed. It is part historical fiction, part adventure-thriller, with wisps of fantasy thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed following David and Olivia as they raced against time and unknown enemies to recover the mysterious ancient Medusa amulet. Their story was intertwined with an ancient story through the centuries and it was really intriguing to watch the modern day and ancient stories get more tangled.
This is my second book by the author and it’s safe to say I’ll be reading more of his work.
October 15, 2017
From the title and description, I did not pick up on the fantasy/sci-fi aspect to this book. At first, I would have thought it was going to be a Robert Langdon look-alike. It's not. It is interesting though, and I did look up a few things that came up as I went along. For instance, I did not really know who Marie Tussaud was.
The narrator was good and I could hear him at all times. He was another good choice for this story.
If you were looking strictly for historical fiction, don't go here. If you like a little sci-fi mixed with history, it's a decent read/listen.
The narrator was good and I could hear him at all times. He was another good choice for this story.
If you were looking strictly for historical fiction, don't go here. If you like a little sci-fi mixed with history, it's a decent read/listen.
March 2, 2020
Having only read that Romanov Cross, I am still getting used to his style of writing and the genre of what he writes. At first the storyline got a little confusing going back-and-forth between time periods, because I wasn’t sure where we were going in this wonderfully written saga. The scenes were eloquently described with so much detail you could swear you were actually there. At what I thought started out to be a little slow built up so much that I could hardly get to the end of the book quick enough as the story finally came together. It was very, very good read. Just stick with it!
October 16, 2020
Masello meets the over-rated Dan Brown and loses badly and that’s quite an achievement. Benvenuto Cellini manages to discover immortality and spends the whole book flitting through historical episodes to ensure his love is also immortal. Even Hitler gets a chance. Add a “brilliant young academic” trying to save his sister from cancer, jumping into love and bed and you get..... a pot-boiler bought at an airport. Now I guess the challenge is to try to finish The Medici mirror and see which was worse
March 10, 2021
Not my favorite Masello, but still pretty good, and highly entertaining. It was over-the-top and sometimes a bit silly, with moments of sheer horror and an ultimately uplifting ending. And Hitler. That was the part that had me going "really? Really?!" But yes, really.
There's Cellini and his contemporaries, there's Marie Antoinette, there's repeated reference to Dante, there's the Third Reich, and there's one desperate guy who would do just about anything to save his dying sister. It's an interesting premise, well executed, if a little bloated, but the ending is where it really shines. It could have gone in a completely different direction, choosing a grim, mean-spirited twist, but no, it went for a genuinely happy (and deeply satisfying) ending. 4 stars for that alone!
There's Cellini and his contemporaries, there's Marie Antoinette, there's repeated reference to Dante, there's the Third Reich, and there's one desperate guy who would do just about anything to save his dying sister. It's an interesting premise, well executed, if a little bloated, but the ending is where it really shines. It could have gone in a completely different direction, choosing a grim, mean-spirited twist, but no, it went for a genuinely happy (and deeply satisfying) ending. 4 stars for that alone!
November 18, 2021
Intriguing enjoyable adventure despite the extra violent bits. Story keeps moving. Amazing locations. Not dumbed down.
Breath of fresh air to read something with hardly any crude vocab.
Did get annoying when those with smarts and powers didn't seem to want or think to use them to help the situation or humanity. In fact, one supposed 'hero' didn't feel like one at the end. Just a whinger who wasted myriad opportunities to do good, so it became difficult to care about this character. Ah, well.
This was our first Robert Masello and we're looking forward to reading another.
Breath of fresh air to read something with hardly any crude vocab.
Did get annoying when those with smarts and powers didn't seem to want or think to use them to help the situation or humanity. In fact, one supposed 'hero' didn't feel like one at the end. Just a whinger who wasted myriad opportunities to do good, so it became difficult to care about this character. Ah, well.
This was our first Robert Masello and we're looking forward to reading another.
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this one as it is a nice blend of historical fiction and suspense/thriller. A women hires a scholar to locate an amulet that was designed by a master artisan of Renaissance Italy. We learn the women is hoping that she can break the curse of immortality with the amulet. The story follows the scholar's attempts to locate the amulet, the artisan and his muse over the centuries, along with another character who is trying to thwart anyone from finding the amulet. This other character was quite a nice and surprising twist in the storyline.
February 4, 2017
An Excellent Novel
The pace of the story telling and development of the characters made me feel as if all was believable. I usually prefer science fiction to fantasy however if the storyline is smooth and believable, characters are well developed and likeable, and the author does his homework and teaches me things I never would have researched on my own, as Masello has done here than I'm a happy camper.
The pace of the story telling and development of the characters made me feel as if all was believable. I usually prefer science fiction to fantasy however if the storyline is smooth and believable, characters are well developed and likeable, and the author does his homework and teaches me things I never would have researched on my own, as Masello has done here than I'm a happy camper.
November 11, 2017
Left me wanting more..
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed and the storyline intriguing! The writing was excellent and although I found myself using my dictionary frequently, it was refreshing to read such an exciting e-book from an obviously intelligent writer.
I am definitely going to read more of his books!
And, I would like to see more of Olivia and David,their characters would make a great series of historical adventure novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed and the storyline intriguing! The writing was excellent and although I found myself using my dictionary frequently, it was refreshing to read such an exciting e-book from an obviously intelligent writer.
I am definitely going to read more of his books!
And, I would like to see more of Olivia and David,their characters would make a great series of historical adventure novels.
July 27, 2018
This 'Da Vinci Code' clone is completely preposterous (how many books include Marie Antoinette and Adolf Hitler as principal characters?) but, if you buy into its ludicrous premise, it chugs right along, delivering the expected amount of action. Of course, apart from the historical figures, the main players--art historian David Franco and his lover/assistant Olivia--are as one-dimensional as they come, but this thriller is too steeped in history to be considered mindless.
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