The King's Agent

by Donna Russo Morin

"Russo Morin skillfully blends historical fiction and fantasy in surprising ways. She draws effortlessly upon influences ranging from Dante to Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the authority of her presentation makes the world she’s created come alive. A wonderfully action-packed ride through the lush landscape of Renaissance Italy." Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

The King’s Agent is based loosely on the life of Battista della Palla-a patriotic plunderer, a religious rogue-of the 16th century, a lifelong friend to the great Michelangelo.

As the cloistered ward of the Marquess of Mantua, Lady Aurelia is a woman with a profound duty, and a longing for adventure. In search of a relic intended for the King of France, Battista and Aurelia cross the breathtaking landscape of Renaissance Italy. Clues hide in great works of art, political forces collide, secret societies and enemies abound, and danger lurks in every challenge, those that mirror the passages of Dante's Divine Comedy. It is an adventurous quest with undercurrents of the supernatural, powers that could change the balance of supremacy throughout Europe.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Italy, Fiction, Fantasy, 16th Century, Adventure

411 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Donna Russo is a bestselling author of historical, biographical, and women's fiction, as well as fantasy. She has made a significant impact in the literary world with her detailed writing and compelling characters. Her notable works include multi-award-winning Vincent’s Women and her internationally bestselling Novels of Newport: Gilded Age series, Gilded Summers and Gilded Dreams. Her historical fantasy, The King’s Agent, earned a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly.

An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com


Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give the author credit for putting a lot of heart, soul and energy into this story. It has a lot of authentic-feeling details, although I had trouble with the initially slow-moving narrative. I really liked the intricate infusion of The Divine Comedy into the story. I would like to rate this higher, but it was just too hard for me to get into the story initially, and I didn't love the conclusion overall.

For that reason, I'd have to rate it 3.25/5.0 stars. It's hard when you don't love something someone has written with love. However, I have the feeling that this book will resonate with some readers.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the March issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.

[Arleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blending fact and fantasy, this fast-paced novel–which can only be described as an articulate historical adventure–Donna Russo Morin brings to life a real historical figure, Battista della Palla. Serving his beloved Florence’s political interests, Battista works as an art dealer for France’s King Francois I. He readily bargains and bribes to collect sought after pieces, but is not above thievery if necessary. The ultimate task the King sets him to—unearthing a secret and powerful triptych—proves to be his greatest conquest yet, and the most dangerous.

With paintings as clues, and the words of Dante as guide, Battista and his band of loyal men find themselves at a villa where the smart and adventurous Lady Aurelia joins in their hunt, becoming an important part of the group and essential to Battista in finding the ultimate relic.

Though the story is set in Florence, Battista and Aurelia travel to other cities in search of clues, and while in Rome visit Battista’s friend and mentor, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti. Descriptions of the city, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican are minutely detailed, including Michelangelo’s own design of the guard’s uniforms.

Though we, the reader, do not know of Lady Aurelia’s true identity until the end of the story, she is nonetheless sympathetically written as a likeable and trustworthy character—but it is a bit maddening to wonder where her true loyalties lie. Battista, on the other hand, is completely fleshed out from the start, and admirable as they come. Along with all of Morin’s other books, this is a fantastically written story with beautiful and eloquent prose—that is was partially inspired by Legends of Zelda is not apparent in the writing to this non-gamer, but others may decipher the links while reading.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The King's Agent to be an exciting and well written story rich with vivid details.
I always love reading a great historical that can transport me to another time and place. Adventure, romance and a beautiful setting all come together wonderfully in The King's Agent.

I have to say the first fifty pages or so were a bit slow for me but after that the book too right off and I didn't want to put it down.
For me this book was reminiscent of Indiana Jones and The Da Vinci Code. There is action, history, danger and mystery within these pages.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence, Michelangelo, art, THAT COVER! What is not to like about this book at first blush? Nothing! And after reading it my initial opinion stands and then some. I don't know about you but I am first attracted to a book's cover and then drawn in by the synopsis; this one had me two for two.

Our hero, Battista was a real person. In this novel he is an "acquirer" for Francois I. Of art. Great art, beautiful art. And with his latest assignment - art that hasn't been seen in a VERY long time. Francois is battling Charles V of Spain and feels that his ownership of a certain piece will ensure his superiority. Francois turns to his man Battista to find the lost art. Battista is most intrigued by the challenge and by the artwork.

Aurelia is a lovely young woman under the care of her ward. She longs for a freedom he will not allow. Suddenly Battista enters her life offering her that freedom but she holds a secret (oh it's a good one!) that can help but it also can hurt. Will they do what is right?

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, enthralling mix of Renaissance art, politics, the supernatural, Dante,suspense, space, romance and yes - my passion, Michelangelo. He makes an appearance and how could I not love a book where he appears. Ms. Morin develops a cast of remarkable characters drawing from both the historical and the fictional to create a world that might have been. They all seem so very REAL. The writing evokes atmosphere so very well at times I almost thought I could smell and taste the food being served. Florence is a city of sights and smells that can almost overwhelm but Ms. Morin tames it without tempering it. This is a book I will keep for another reading as it is full of so much that I love; art, Florence, Michelangelo, love.

Ms. Morin is expert at drawing out a mystery and keeping the reader turning the pages for wont of knowing what will happen next. She develops her characters slowly, chapter by chapter until you are about ready to scream - then another piece is revealed. I love a book that evokes that kind of emotion. Aurelia is a fantastic character.

So do yourself a favor and join The King's Agent as he searches for his sculpture. You will have a heck of a good time. And learn a little something along the way.

[Copperfield Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Donna Russo Morin, and I’ve already downloaded her other books onto my kindle and I can’t wait to read them. Morin has everything I love about historical fiction in this book, from enriching descriptions about what life was life in 16th century Europe to romance to adventure and real life characters. I felt like I was drawn into the time period, and it’s a meaty story, long enough to give a lot of details to keep you enraptured and yet the plot never dragged and often turned in directions I didn’t expect. I liked that there was the male and female perspective in this book, something I find lacking in a lot of stories where you often only get the female point of view. There’s adventure as Battista pursues his mission, and I loved the love story between Battista and Aurelia because it’s touching. We know early on that there’s something odd about Aurelia, and in the end we discover what her secret is. The King’s Agent is a great combination of historical fiction and fantasy, and I enjoyed learning about real life characters like Michelangelo and Dante as well. As someone who loves art and took a lot of art history classes in college, I loved the focus on the artwork. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a lushly written piece of historical fiction set in the early Renaissance.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The King’s Agent is a historical fiction set in Renaissance Italy with a fantastic twist. The tale is filled with suspense, secret societies, hidden artifacts, romance and political intrigue. Based loosely on the life of Battista della Palla a patriotic plunder and friend to Michelangelo in the sixteenth century this tale captivated me.

The tale begins when we meet Lady Aurelia, the ward of the Marquess of Mantua. Her life is completely sheltered, guarded, and boring. She longs for adventure, to see sculptures, paintings, cities and landscapes. When Battista della Palla, a handsome thief from Florence breaks into her home she sees an opportunity for adventure. The tale that unfolds reminded me of the movie National Treasure and Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code. As Battista and Aurelia search for a hidden artifact to save Battista’s beloved Florence and aid King Francois of France they encounter secret societies, enemies, allies and an attraction to one another.

The character’s in Morin’s novel are well fleshed out and complex. Each chapter reveals more about them. I liked Aurelia and found her to be curious, brave and bright. There is an air of mystery about her, and she does some things that make you wonder whose side she is on. This added a thread of suspense throughout the novel. Battista is handsome, smart and has a fierce loyalty to the king of France. He loves Florence and is good to the men he employees. I enjoyed the way they interacted with one another. We meet Michelangelo and it was one of my favorite scenes. The author portrayed him in such an interesting light. We go inside the Vatican and hear conversations and thoughts of the current church, and its political views. Characters we meet along the way add to the adventure, from the voyeuristic couple with their wild dinner parties; to the mysterious woman Aurelia secretly meets. The relationship between Battista and Aurelia developed slowly and I enjoyed watching this tender romance unfold.

It is quite apparent that Morin did a lot of research for this novel. I loved the blending of historical fiction and fantasy. I was so impressed with how she wove The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri into the tale, allowing it to reveal clues on their quest. The quest itself was riveting, and action packed as they met danger and death at every corner. I like puzzles, conspiracy theories, secret societies and hidden relics with power and this novel delivers it all. The pace of this tale is slow at times; in part because of the details and world-building. I found myself on Goggle looking up; paintings, people and landmarks in Florence. I also dug up my copy of the Divine Comedy and re-read passages. The attention to detail, the unveiling of the countryside and the challenges within the quest make it well worth the time. I enjoyed the changing perspectives and the way Battista and Aurelia worked together to solve each piece of the quest. The ending reveals Aurelia secrets and wrapped things up nicely. The back of the book contains some interesting information from the author and in itself is worth a read. I found her reasons for the use of certain numbers touching. It is important to note that fans of The Legend of Zelda will see its influences within the quest. Sweet :)

I want to thank the author for sending me a finished copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not know a lot about the Italian Renaissance so I was very eager to read this book. I can say I was not disappointed although it took me a bit to get past the names and places mentioned in this time period of 1500's Italy but that did not deter me at all. Based on real life art collector/thief Battista della Paglia, this novel tells the story of the search for a relic wanted by François, the King of France.

The clues to this relic are to be found in a tryptich and while Battista is on the search for the first piece of the puzzle he finds himself in a tight situation and Aurelia, the ward of the Marquess of Mantua manages to rescue Battista. Aurelia wants nothing more than to escape her sequestered life and have a bit of fun and adventure, so she takes Battista back to his home in Florence.

Aurelia joins Battista and his friends in the search for this relic and using their knowledge of the art of the time and the three canticles of Dante’s Divine Comedy…Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise, Battista and Aurelia find themselves on an adventurous and perilous journey that takes them to Palazzo Prato, Grotte di Pastena and Castello della Dragonara.

The King's Agent is a wonderful historical fiction novel that blends history, art, a bit of the supernatural, love and a passion for beauty. Impeccable research went into the writing of this book and the way it is written pulls you right into the adventure with Battista and Aurelia. The descriptions of the beauty of Rome and in particular the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo himself gives Aurelia a tour, I could almost see the masterpiece painted there. If you love historical fiction like I do then this is the book for you. I give it 5 stars!!

[Elysium · Rating 3 out of 5]

Battista della Palla is an art collector, or a thief, for the king of France. His job is to collect valuable paintings and sculptures for the king. He is in a mission to find a mysterious sculpture which is believed to have special powers when he meets mysterious woman named Aurelia. Aurelia has been living as a ward of Marquess of Mantua and her life has been very sheltered but she is a woman with secrets.

Before I started this book I thought this would be straight-forward historical fiction and not so much a mystery book with the quest of finding the sculpture. I haven’t read much about Italy and I enjoyed learning more about the country. The book is a take of Dante’s Inferno and video game The Legend of Zelda and I’m not familiar with either of them and I felt like I was missing way too much stuff. Battista and Aurelia travels through "Hell", "Purgatory" and "Heaven" finding clues within paintings and from Dante’s work. The stuff with Hell, Purgatory and Heaven went little too much religious side that I lost interest and I’m not good with this mystery thing anyway.

I loved seeing the relationship growing between Battista and Aurelia. Aurelia had been living very sheltered life and hadn’t know freedom and she grows so much with Battista’s crew and seeing the world. I also liked Battista’s crew and their friendship between them.

While the book was bit hard to get into at first, I still enjoyed it. I just wish I was more familiar with Dante so I could have understood more. But this made me even more curious about the author’s previous book To Serve a King which I’ve wanted to read.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What starts out as a seemingly standard historical fiction novel quickly turns into more of an adventure novel in a historical setting. This was a new sort of twist in the HF genre and certainly for Morin’s novels in general – and it was an amazingly fun ride! Our hero and heroine set out on an epic adventure to find a relic of some extraordinary power for the king of France. To ultimately get to this relic they will have to face tests of strength, speed, power, stamina, emotions and many more challenges along the way.

The author points out that two of the inspirations behind this novel are Dante’s The Divine Comedy, which is explicitly known while reading, and the video game series, Zelda. If you are not a video game aficionado you will not recognize any references to the video game, so don’t be concerned that it will cause to you miss out on something or won’t be to your interest. But, for those of us, me included, who are quite familiar with the game series you will notice that the format of the plot very much feels like a video game. There were times while I was reading where I remember thinking, “I remember doing that!” It was quite the multilayered experience and I can certainly understand why this was an inspiration. If you are not familiar with this video game series, I would compare the plot in some ways with The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown in the regard that you are looking for clues that are hidden in plain sight which will lead you to the next item of importance. In regard to The Divine Comedy I do not have much experience, except knowing the general concept of his work, but the novel actually helped me to have a new experience with the work. I have a lifetime goal to eventually read Dante’s work.

There is a requirement at some points where you have to suspend reality in this novel. This is especially true for those of us who read a lot of historical fiction when it tends to follow a set sort of path anchored in historical detail. The novel is certainly historical fiction, as the events that take place are set within the historical events, people, and setting, however there are some elements that sort of defy the historical formula. Again, a good thing, but just a heads up.

Morin chooses to set this novel in various prominent cities in Italy – Florence, Mantua, Rome – however for some reason I expected it to be set in France. I guess with the back cover text referring to King Francois I of France and not specifically stating Italy I got that stuck in my head. That being said, I loved the world created by the author. Everything stood out in vivid detail – and this is especially true of the artworks, which play a prominent role in this novel. If the art was not given a depth of definition I do not think the plot would have come off as well.

Another great outing from Donna Russo Morin – I can’t wait to read more of her work.

This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.

[Jenny Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

The King's Agent is an ambitious story, combining elements of theology, literature, thematic art, secret societies, and even ancient aliens, to form this swashbuckling adventure, and the adventure starts on page one. As Battista and Aurelia work together to find a mysterious sculpture that the King of France thinks will give him the power to defeat his enemy, Spain, once and for all, they stumble on to a road map of instructions hidden in Dante's Divine Comedy and in the works of Renaissance painters. But they've also stumbled on to an ancient secret, one that is guarded with deadly intent. From booby-trapped passages underneath wicked castles to caves hidden high in the mountains, their quest takes them to Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, and to a new level of awareness of the world they thought they knew.

Having devoured and adored Donna Russo Morin's previous release, To Serve A King, I have to say I was a bit let down by this one. I found the language to be really flowery and the plot was over-dramatic for my tastes. Some of the situations Battista and Aurelia found themselves in were really over the top and I just couldn't suspend disbelief enough to fully enjoy the ride. I thought the whole thing kind of read like a farce, with not enough groundwork laid to make the transition from fact to fantasy. I almost felt like Battista was stage-acting through most of the story, and I kept thinking, this would probably make a great play, but as a novel, its substance fell short for me.

But I am drawn to anything set in Italy, and that aspect of the novel was wonderful. Italy springs to glorious life in Donna Russo Morin's hands. As our protagonists travel from castle to castle, or town to town, the Italian countryside serves as a beautiful backdrop. Her depiction of the city of Florence is a treat for the senses, full of food and fashion, women and wine, art and architecture, and colorful people with colorful language. And, once again, this author managed to pull off a twist I didn't see coming, and though the ending wasn't exactly what I had hoped for, I liked that it wasn't predictable and it was very poignant. Overall I did like it, but it's not going to be my favorite of her novels. If you're in the mood for something fantastical and Italian, you may really enjoy The King's Agent.

[Marg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Battista is a man who loves a challenges. He plans each of his thefts in meticulous detail, not afraid to take the chances he needs to take in order to met his goal, but also not prepared to put his men, and his own life at any greater risk than he needs to. His interest is piqud when he receives a cryptic clue which he assumes is a message from his patron, the French King Francois

To read more:

http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.co...

[Messypromax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nhóm người DISC: Khám phá 4 tuýp người DISC và cách ứng dụng trong cuộc sống - Tracuuthansohoc.com

Mỗi người đều có phong cách giao tiếp, làm việc và phản ứng với môi trường khác nhau. Điều này khiến chúng ta đôi khi gặp khó khăn trong việc hiểu và làm việc hiệu quả với người khác. Đó là lý do vì sao mô hình nhóm người DISC ra đời, giúp phân loại con người thành bốn nhóm tính cách chính: D (Dominance – Thống lĩnh), I (Influence – Ảnh hưởng), S (Steadiness – Kiên định) và C (Compliance – Tuân thủ).

Hiểu về tuýp người DISC không chỉ giúp bạn khám phá bản thân mà còn hỗ trợ trong công việc, giao tiếp và quản lý đội nhóm hiệu quả hơn. Để xác định nhóm tính cách của mình, bạn có thể thực hiện disc test, qua đó nhận diện rõ hơn phong cách làm việc, giao tiếp và phát triển nghề nghiệp. Trong bài viết này, chúng ta sẽ tìm hiểu chi tiết về bốn nhóm người DISC, đặc điểm tính cách của từng nhóm và cách áp dụng mô hình này vào cuộc sống.

Nhóm người DISC là gì?

Nhóm người DISC là mô hình phân loại tính cách được phát triển dựa trên hành vi con người. DISC là gì? Đây là một phương pháp đánh giá phân loại con người thành bốn nhóm tính cách chính, mỗi nhóm phản ánh một phong cách làm việc và giao tiếp khác nhau:

+ D – Dominance (Thống lĩnh): Người mạnh mẽ, quyết đoán, thích kiểm soát và chấp nhận rủi ro.

+ I – Influence (Ảnh hưởng): Người hòa đồng, lạc quan, có khả năng thuyết phục và tạo động lực cho người khác.

+ S – Steadiness (Kiên định): Người điềm tĩnh, ổn định, kiên nhẫn và giỏi làm việc nhóm.

+ C – Compliance (Tuân thủ): Người kỷ luật, logic, chính xác và thích làm việc theo quy trình.

Mỗi tuýp người DISC đều có điểm mạnh và điểm yếu riêng, và việc hiểu rõ mô hình này giúp bạn tận dụng tối đa lợi thế của mình đồng thời cải thiện những khía cạnh còn hạn chế.

Chi tiết về từng nhóm người DISC

Nhóm D – Dominance (Thống lĩnh)

Đặc điểm tính cách

+  Quyết đoán, mạnh mẽ, thích kiểm soát và dẫn dắt.

+  Luôn đặt mục tiêu cao và không ngại đối mặt với thử thách.

+  Tư duy chiến lược, có khả năng ra quyết định nhanh chóng.

+  Đôi khi có thể hơi cứng nhắc và ít quan tâm đến cảm xúc của người khác.

Điểm mạnh

+  Khả năng lãnh đạo xuất sắc.

+  Dám đương đầu với thử thách và chấp nhận rủi ro.

+  Là người truyền cảm hứng và thúc đẩy đội nhóm.

Điểm yếu

+  Có thể quá áp đặt và kiểm soát người khác.

+  Ít kiên nhẫn với những người làm việc chậm hơn.

+  Đôi khi không để ý đến cảm xúc của đồng đội.

Công việc phù hợp

+  CEO, nhà quản lý, giám đốc điều hành.

+  Kinh doanh, đầu tư, chính trị gia.

+  Quản lý dự án, chuyên gia chiến lược.

Nhóm I – Influence (Ảnh hưởng)

Đặc điểm tính cách

+  Hòa đồng, lạc quan, thích giao tiếp và tạo động lực.

+  Sáng tạo, linh hoạt, luôn mang lại nguồn năng lượng tích cực.

+  Giỏi thuyết phục và xây dựng mối quan hệ.

+  Có thể thiếu tổ chức và dễ bị phân tán tư tưởng.

Điểm mạnh

+  Kỹ năng giao tiếp và thuyết phục tuyệt vời.

+  Khả năng sáng tạo và thích ứng cao.

+  Làm việc tốt trong môi trường năng động, có nhiều sự kiện xã hội.

Điểm yếu

+  Dễ bị mất tập trung, không thích công việc mang tính lặp lại.

+  Đôi khi không thực tế và thiếu kiên trì trong việc theo đuổi mục tiêu dài hạn.

Công việc phù hợp

+  Marketing, truyền thông, quan hệ công chúng.

+  MC, diễn giả, huấn luyện viên.

+  Nhân viên kinh doanh, tư vấn khách hàng.

Nhóm S – Steadiness (Kiên định)

Đặc điểm tính cách

+  Điềm tĩnh, kiên nhẫn, đáng tin cậy và trung thành.

+  Luôn tìm kiếm sự hòa hợp trong các mối quan hệ.

+  Giỏi làm việc nhóm và sẵn sàng hỗ trợ người khác.

+  Không thích sự thay đổi đột ngột, đôi khi thiếu quyết đoán.

Điểm mạnh

+  Rất giỏi trong việc lắng nghe và hỗ trợ đồng đội.

+  Có sự kiên nhẫn và ổn định cao trong công việc.

+  Được đồng nghiệp tin tưởng vì sự tận tâm và trung thành.

Điểm yếu

+  Ngại thay đổi và thiếu sự quyết đoán trong tình huống căng thẳng.

+  Đôi khi quá nhạy cảm và dễ bị ảnh hưởng bởi cảm xúc của người khác.

Công việc phù hợp

+  Giáo viên, y tá, bác sĩ, nhà tâm lý học.

+  Nhân viên chăm sóc khách hàng, hành chính nhân sự.

+  Công tác xã hội, hỗ trợ cộng đồng.

Nhóm C – Compliance (Tuân thủ)

Đặc điểm tính cách

+  Cẩn thận, logic, luôn tuân thủ quy tắc.

+  Có tư duy phân tích và chú trọng vào chi tiết.

+  Làm việc theo quy trình và không thích rủi ro.

+  Đôi khi có thể quá cầu toàn và khắt khe với bản thân và người khác.

Điểm mạnh

+  Rất giỏi trong việc phân tích, kiểm tra chi tiết.

+  Có tư duy logic và tổ chức công việc tốt.

+  Làm việc hiệu quả trong môi trường có quy trình rõ ràng.

Điểm yếu

+  Đôi khi quá cứng nhắc, không linh hoạt.

+  Chậm thích nghi với sự thay đổi.

+  Thiếu khả năng giao tiếp và kết nối với người khác.

Công việc phù hợp

+  Kế toán, kiểm toán, phân tích tài chính.

+  Kỹ sư, lập trình viên, chuyên viên nghiên cứu.

+  Luật sư, quản lý chất lượng.

Cách ứng dụng nhóm người DISC vào cuộc sống

Sau khi hiểu về tuýp người DISC, bạn có thể áp dụng vào nhiều lĩnh vực trong cuộc sống:

+ Trong giao tiếp: Biết cách điều chỉnh cách nói chuyện phù hợp với từng nhóm người. Ví dụ, khi giao tiếp với nhóm D, hãy đi thẳng vào vấn đề; còn với nhóm I, hãy tạo không khí vui vẻ, thân thiện.

+ Trong công việc: Chọn nghề nghiệp phù hợp với tính cách để phát huy thế mạnh, dựa trên các nhóm tính cách DISC.

+ Trong quản lý đội nhóm: Hiểu tính cách từng thành viên để giao việc hiệu quả, tạo ra đội nhóm cân bằng.

+ Trong phát triển bản thân: Biết được điểm yếu để cải thiện và phát huy tối đa điểm mạnh của mình.

Kết luận

Mô hình nhóm người DISC là công cụ mạnh mẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ bản thân và người khác, từ đó nâng cao hiệu suất công việc, cải thiện kỹ năng giao tiếp và xây dựng mối quan hệ tốt hơn. Bằng cách áp dụng DISC vào cuộc sống, bạn có thể tận dụng điểm mạnh và hạn chế điểm yếu để đạt được thành công.

Bạn muốn tìm hiểu sâu hơn về thần số học và khám phá tiềm năng của bản thân? Hãy truy cập ngay Tracuuthansohoc.com để nhận được những phân tích chi tiết và chính xác nhất!

[William Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The King's Agent by Donna Russo Morin is a historical mystery full of adventure, intrigue, a little romance, and my personal favorite - lots of information on art. This novel is a different type of historical in that there is even a fantasy element to it and I found that quite interesting. The novel started out slowly for me but I see now that it was setting the stage for all the excitement to come. Round about seventy or so pages in I was completely hooked on the story and through every adventure I raced through the pages.

The author brings a real historical figure to life in Battista della Palla who is essentially a thief. He lives to serve the King of France as his art dealer and if can't procure what the King wants by legal methods, well then he resorts to the illegal ones. It is on one such adventure while he is attempting to steal a piece of art from the Marquess of Mantua that he makes an error in judgment and almost gets caught. The only reason that he doesn't get caught is because the Lady Aurelia saves his butt. The thing is though she has her own motivation for helping him.

Lady Aurelia is the ward of the Marquess of Mantua who protects and shelters her from any harm. She is tired of being unable to have any freedom at all and in truth she craves adventure. When she happens upon Battista and gets him out of the house she realizes that with him she could get a taste of the adventure she wants. She convinces him that she knows a great deal about art and can help in getting this all powerful piece that the King wants and that is when the partnership is formed.

Battista by all accounts is a man who commands attention. His home is open to the men who work with him and because he is a good man his men are fiercely loyal to him. Aurelia proves on a few occasions that she is indeed knowledgeable and has good ideas but still he is nervous about her. There is something different about her but he can't put his finger on it. Time and time again he is amazed by the things she tells him that she's never experienced like simply taking a walk on a street or sitting in a restaurant. He is very much intrigued by her.

The piece that the King wants requires that three separate pieces be found. Battista and Aurelia set off on hair raising adventures to get these pieces. Along the way they discover each other but they also lose a lot as well. Ultimately in the end Battista finds himself in a position that he never could have imagined and Aurelia must, at all costs, remain loyal to her people above all else.

This is a fun story because of the adventure element. I've heard it compared to Indiana Jones and I guess I'd have to agree with that. As for me I knew something was up with Aurelia but I was surprised by what eventually came to be. I loved all the references to art and artists. At one point Battista and Aurelia visit Michelangelo and he takes them on a tour of Rome that is fascinating for the reader. The King's Agent is a great read for the historical fan who likes elements of fantasy and mystery with plenty of historical facts as well. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more of Donna Russo Morin's work!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book directly from Donna Russo Morin, a wonderful lady, at the RT Booklovers Convention Book Fair. Thanks so much for signing it for me!
I absolutely loved this book! The setting, Renaissance Florence, was described beautifully and I completely fell in love with the characters. Battista isn't a normal art collector; yes, he steals for his patron, the King of France, to support the rebellion against the Medici family that has taken over Italy. He is skillful at his trade and is selfless in his duty to Florence. Aurelia is a beautiful woman who helps Battista out of a jam and then helps him along in his quest. She is very mysterious; for most of the book you don't really know who she is and what part she has to play. In the end she reveals herself to Battista and tells him who she is and what her purpose is. That's really this big mystery in the story, who is Aurelia? There is such a great chemistry between all the characters, you feel like you are part of the circle of trusted friends.
I fell in love with Ms Morin's writing style and her descriptions. She also had some quite profound things to say. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"We are all born with sin staining our souls. It is how we live that we wash ourselves of it." -Barnabeo

"The darkest days of death do not occur as the loved one is laid in the ground, but rise up as life continues, their absence keen amidst the forever-changed normality."

"Life's true beauty is often concealed where the eye cannot see it. It may be found only if one is open to it." -Aurelia

"Among the wise nothing more elevates the soul or raises it to adoration than the difficulty of attaining the perfection - with sculpture - which approaches God and unties itself to Him." -Michelangelo

"People have a wonderful capacity to forget the pain and remember only the pleasure." (Aurelia) "And yet we must learn from our pain while we forget it." (Michelangelo)

The spirit of Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel: "Need," [Michelangelo] answered simply, a powerful, potent whisper. "Man's need, of God, of salvation. It terrifies us and yet we pray for it with every morsel of our being."

Battista: "...he knew the strength of women, one indeterminate by any physical appraisal; theirs came of the spirit and far outshone that of most men."

"But his life, all human life, is made rich by art, and yours is the greatest of our age. Civilizations are remembered not for the mundane, but for the breathtaking." Aurelia to Michelangelo

[Staci · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Three Reasons Review is a simple way to get your thoughts out there about a book. The reasons are as follows complete with fancy button:


1.) Reasons you chose this book
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres of all to read. I thought the book sounded interesting and the time period is one that I know very little about!

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book
I had a really hard time getting interested in the story that the author was trying to tell. It had nothing at all to do with her writing style, but instead for me the first half of the book was too heavy and weighed down by so much information that it was difficult to keep my concentration on the novel. Around halfway through the book the two main characters were really able to get the story going and that is when I found myself enjoying the their interaction and where their adventure would take the reader.

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book or not.....
I am on the fence with this one only because so many of my fellow readers have loved this book, but there have been a few that felt like I did. Some of us really get into all the nitty gritty details of a particular time period, while others just like a story that doesn't need too much background information and is a fast read. I think the author has a great writing style and it is very evident that she does her homework. I would certainly try another book from her in the future even though this one just didn't click for me!


Review Book #12
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

[Olgalijo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really admire anybody who has the will and the imagination to put a book together, so I'm usually pretty generous in my reviews, but this time I really can't. So during the first third of the book, which is set in early 16th century Italy, this art dealer/thief hero starts the quest for a relic. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But, in early 16th century our hero has an art library. The library is big enough to keep him and his 4 or 5 partners in crime busy looking for clues in the books for days! In the 16th Century!!
Even more. The books have reproductions of paintings, reproductions accurate enough for our hero to find the next clue on one of those reproductions! In the 16th century!
AND the reproductions of the art works have captions, captions that identify each work of art and the exact location of the piece at that moment! in the 16th Century!
Our band of heros also possess, each one of them, a portable copy of the Divine Commedy, that they tote around in their escapades! Yes, you guesses it! In the 16th Century!
I don't mean to say that I'm a scholar of renaissance Italy, and maybe (a very dubious maybe)some of these facts were actually possible, but hey, people with brains will definitely question them.
I also don't get the need that some authors have to insert snippets in other languages to add color. It does not make the narrative, descriptions ar anything more credible; on the contrary, Italian characters would not go back and forth between Italian and English, hint, hint, wink, wink. But, if you're going to use snippets of a foreign language, please do it right. Some of your readers may actually know that language and get really annoyed if you butcher it (16th century or not).
I could go on, but I think that you catch my drift....

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled when contacted by the author and asked to review this book. In no way does this influence my opinion of The King's Agent. I knew nothing of what this book was about, but judging from the cover I was expecting something other than what I received, and I mean that in a good way.

As posted at http://www.justonemorechapter.com/201...

This book is a wonderful mix of mystery, history, romance and a tad of supernatural elements plus lots of adventure. I was captivated with this story right from the first chapter. Told from the point of view of Battista, commissioned by the King of France to 'acquire' an old relic, he leads a search that reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark and I could even picture him looking like Harrison Ford. He character was realistic and believable, picture rugged but with feelings and compassion.

Lady Aurelia was a mystery right from the start and it was interesting to see her story develop, who she was and the role that she played.

I have never read Dante's Divine Comedy and I know nothing about Michelangelo (other than hearing about some of his works, I know time to get my head out of the sand on this one). This is the part of reading historical fiction that I really like, it opens my eyes to the past in a fun and educational way.

Definitely an author that I will be reading more of.

****1/2

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 2 out of 5]

What went wrong? Well in a way that is easy to explain; frankly I was bored. I wanted to skim, I wanted to get it over with. I just could not connect. I did like one part of the book though..after page 300 it grew interested and there was a new mystery that caught my attention. But even if that was good in the end I just did not get one thing, which I can't tell you about.

The book was a bit heavy and it's not straight up historical fiction. It has a bit of "paranormal" in it that shows up later. Not much but there is something and truth be told as I was bored in the beginning I did not get the whole thing in the end. There is an adventure, a mystery, a hidden painting, war between France and Spain, worries in the city states of Italy, a woman that wants more from life and an art thief that is real pretty. That sums it up.

Sure it's well written but this time it was not the book for me. I wanted to like it, it had promise, but the beginning was so heavy and I just never connected (well ok at page 300 but if I did not have to review this one I would have given up before that).

It was a good story, but for me, it was a boring story.

[Alexander Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King’s Agent by Donna Russo Morin is an absolute gem of a historical novel that totally captivated me from start to finish! It’s one of those books that takes you by the hand and pulls you into a richly detailed world, full of intrigue, danger, romance, and complex characters. This book is not just a historical fiction—it’s a journey through history, and I can’t even express how emotionally invested I became in the story.

The plot centers on the fascinating life of Alessandra, a woman who is entrusted with a dangerous and high-stakes mission in Renaissance Italy. She’s tasked with working as an agent for the King of France, where she finds herself navigating the political landscape of a time rife with betrayal, espionage, and shifting allegiances. What I loved about Alessandra was how incredibly strong, smart, and resourceful she is. She’s a woman ahead of her time, forced to navigate a male-dominated world while using her skills, wit, and bravery to complete her mission. The way the author builds her character is just phenomenal. Alessandra is no damsel in distress. She’s a fighter, and she doesn’t let anyone—male or female—tell her what she can or can’t do. That strong, independent heroine is exactly what I love to see in historical fiction.

Donna Russo Morin’s writing style is absolutely stunning. The way she brings the historical setting to life is like nothing I’ve ever read. You can practically smell the streets of Florence, feel the tension in the courts, and taste the power struggles. Her descriptions are so vivid and immersive—it’s as if you’re right there in the heart of the Renaissance. I could almost hear the clinking of armor, the rustling of silk gowns, and the murmur of conspirators in the shadows. It’s one of those books where every page is filled with so much atmosphere and detail that you can’t help but get lost in it. But what makes Morin’s writing even more impressive is how she balances the lush descriptions with a fast-paced plot. You never feel bogged down by the details, because she always moves the story forward with a sense of urgency.

The world-building in The King’s Agent is also outstanding. Renaissance Italy is such a fascinating period to explore, and Morin does an incredible job of weaving in historical events, customs, and cultural elements that make the story feel both authentic and emotionally gripping. I particularly enjoyed how she seamlessly integrated real historical figures with her fictional characters, creating a sense of believability that makes it hard to distinguish where history ends and fiction begins. I felt like I was learning about history while simultaneously getting swept up in the drama of Alessandra’s life. It’s a perfect blend of education and entertainment.

What really struck me about this book, though, was the emotional depth it carries. Yes, there’s adventure, political scheming, and romance, but it’s the emotional connections that make the story resonate. There’s a love story at the heart of The King’s Agent, but it’s not your typical “love at first sight” trope. It’s a slow-burn romance that develops alongside Alessandra’s personal growth. It’s complicated, messy, and real, just like life. The way Morin portrays the emotional struggles and moral dilemmas of her characters made me truly care about them. There are moments of joy, heartbreak, and tension that had me on the edge of my seat, emotionally invested in every decision the characters made. The way the author navigates these complex emotional landscapes—especially in such a fraught, dangerous time—adds an extra layer of depth to the book that I didn’t expect, but absolutely loved.

Alessandra herself is such a dynamic character. She’s fierce and independent, but also vulnerable and conflicted. Throughout the story, she grapples with loyalty, duty, and the price of her ambitions, and I found myself deeply moved by her internal struggle. She’s a woman caught between worlds—one of power and manipulation, and another of love and personal integrity. Watching her navigate this was incredibly emotional. As she faces increasingly dangerous choices, you can’t help but root for her, even when her decisions lead her into tricky or heartbreaking situations. She’s incredibly relatable in her imperfections, and her journey made me think about how much of our identity is shaped by our actions and the paths we choose.

And let's not forget the secondary characters—they’re wonderfully fleshed out too! The supporting cast is well-developed, and each one plays an important role in shaping Alessandra’s journey. The relationships she forms throughout the novel, whether friendly or adversarial, help to develop her character and further the plot in meaningful ways. They’re never one-dimensional, and Morin’s ability to create complex, multi-faceted characters really shines here.

One of the biggest takeaways for me from The King’s Agent is just how much I appreciate the author’s ability to combine historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. History books can tell you about the politics of the Renaissance, but it takes a book like this to really feel that history. Morin’s writing gives you the experience of living in a time where every choice felt like it had life-altering consequences, where love and loyalty were constantly tested, and where danger lurked around every corner. She makes you care deeply about the characters and the world they inhabit, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages, desperate to know what would happen next.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, especially novels set in the Renaissance period, The King’s Agent is an absolute must-read. It’s thrilling, emotional, and masterfully written. Donna Russo Morin brings the past to life in a way that is as beautiful as it is thrilling, and I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll fall in love with the world, the characters, and the story—and I guarantee you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve finished the last page.

So go ahead, grab a copy, and get ready to be swept away. This book is a journey you don’t want to miss!

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

No, I'm sorry. I mean, I *finished* it. I didn't throw it against the wall. But only because I spent cash money on it. If it had been from the library...well, I wouldn't have thrown it against the wall, because... library. But I wouldn't have finished it.

This book was utterly ridiculous, and I love video games as much as the next person, but when I'm reading a book and I can barely keep my mind on it because all I'm thinking is, "Wow, this is JUST LIKE a video game," then it's too much.

I have a lot of other complaints, a lot, but I haven't figured out how to hide partial spoilers, so I guess I'll just leave it.

P.S. to the editors: have someone better check this book before it goes to print...I'm pretty sure that "repelling" was used instead of "rappelling" as well as "projectiles" in the place of "projections."

[Kyrsta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dante's Divine Comedy holds the key to the quest to one of the greatest and most powerful works of art - and it is this piece that Battista della Palla is commissioned by the King of France to acquire, any means necessary. To succeed he must break into palazzos, run through secret doors and passages, and decipher clues that are found in famous works of art. Along his way he meets Lady Aurelia, an intelligent and feisty woman who longs for freedom, adventure and love. This is a brilliant combination of adventure, romance, art, history and mystery. A great read for all!

Please visit my blog for my full review:
http://bookchateau.blogspot.ca/2012/0...

[Emily Christ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Donna Russo Morin's books I've read, but it will NOT be the last. I love historical fiction. I also love fantasy. This is the first novel I've read that seamlessly melds very well-researched, richly crafted historical fiction with a new take on fantasy that kept me turning the pages well into the night. Aurelia is a highly intelligent, courageous -- almost fearless -- heroine with a big secret. Battista (an historical figure brought to larger-than-life in this novel) is worthy of her and so ... yummy ... "The King's Agent" is highly recommended!

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the whole historical fiction aspect of this book. I enjoyed reading about the different art and the adventures of the main characters as they searched for clues to find the paintings, but the fantasy parts of this book really didn't do much for me. The author should have just kept it a straight historical fiction novel. Also, I don't recall the description on the back cover saying anything about this book being a fantasy novel.

[Esmeralda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing read! For anyone looking for something different and like historical ficiton. The author describe the art pieces masterfully, I could picture they clearly. The characters are likeable and rememberable. The beinning is a bit slow but that is my only complaint.
Thank you for the free copy really enjoyed it.

[Natalie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. Ms. Morin does indeed bring the times of Michelangelo alive and the adventures are worth the trip! If you crave a little history mixed in with your fiction, I highly recommend this romp. When you get to the end, read about her inspiration for writing this book . . . you might be surprised!

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The King's Agent" is a historical fiction novel by Donna Russo Morin. It takes place in Renaissance Italy and follows the story of Battista della Palla, a young woman who becomes a spy for King Francis I of France. Battista navigates a treacherous world of politics and intrigue as she carries out her mission. It's a thrilling tale filled with suspense and adventure! 📚🔍😊

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most definitely Ms Russo Morin's best book to date. An amazingly complex and fascinating tale with a little bit of everything...adventure, fascinating history, renaissance art, Dante, and so much more.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not just another romance. Battista and Aurelia fall in love while trying to navigate the 3 stages of Dante's Inferno to claim artwork for the king of France. Some historical liberties have been taken in this book, but others sound quite convincing.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this divine novel. Terrific detail to the era - costume, terrain, persona, etc. Great character development - and a surprise or two! I felt drawn to the period, throughly enjoyed every page (I quickly flipped).

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply my most favorite historical fiction book ever.

Incredible power of language, convincing characters, exciting plot and an unspeakably beautiful linguistic expression. I will never get tired of this book.