What do you think?
Rate this book
The Painter's Muse
In this tale of forbidden love and artistry, a young painter must confront the shadows of the past and control the power of the da Vinci masks to forge his destiny.
Lorenzo Scaasi, a talented artist torn between duty and desire, discovers a mysterious box in his family’s atelier—a mask once owned by Leonardo da Vinci, granting extraordinary abilities.
His new-found talent gets him a commission by the wealthy Marco Contarini, who hires Lorenzo as a painter in his Palazzo. There he encounters the captivating Artemisia Contarini, trapped in an unhappy marriage.
As secrets unravel within the Palazzo Contarini, Lorenzo must navigate a web of mystery and desire. But what price does one pay for the gifts of da Vinci’s talents?
Lorenzo Scaasi, a talented artist torn between duty and desire, discovers a mysterious box in his family’s atelier—a mask once owned by Leonardo da Vinci, granting extraordinary abilities.
His new-found talent gets him a commission by the wealthy Marco Contarini, who hires Lorenzo as a painter in his Palazzo. There he encounters the captivating Artemisia Contarini, trapped in an unhappy marriage.
As secrets unravel within the Palazzo Contarini, Lorenzo must navigate a web of mystery and desire. But what price does one pay for the gifts of da Vinci’s talents?
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2024
3 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Emmelie Arents
11 books90 followersIedereen in haar naaste (en verre) omgeving kent Emmelie als het muzikale meisje met het boek in haar hand.
Sinds haar prille jeugd is de echte wereld ondergeschikt aan wat haar fantasie haar te bieden heeft. Ze brengt graag tijd alleen door, denkend aan de dingen die nog ongeschreven in haar hoofd schuilen.
Schrijven doet ze het liefst thuis, op een rustig plekje en in gezelschap van haar kat Toulouse. Je vindt haar daar ook achter de piano, of met een boek in de hand.
Ze houdt van Midden-Aarde, chocolade, de geur van boeken, oude dingen, het geluid van regen, bibliotheken, notitieboeken en katten.
Naast schrijven maakt Emmelie ook lid uit van de band Solitude Within en werkt ze part-time in Brussel.
Sinds haar prille jeugd is de echte wereld ondergeschikt aan wat haar fantasie haar te bieden heeft. Ze brengt graag tijd alleen door, denkend aan de dingen die nog ongeschreven in haar hoofd schuilen.
Schrijven doet ze het liefst thuis, op een rustig plekje en in gezelschap van haar kat Toulouse. Je vindt haar daar ook achter de piano, of met een boek in de hand.
Ze houdt van Midden-Aarde, chocolade, de geur van boeken, oude dingen, het geluid van regen, bibliotheken, notitieboeken en katten.
Naast schrijven maakt Emmelie ook lid uit van de band Solitude Within en werkt ze part-time in Brussel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 3, 2026
Such an intriguing story!
September 30, 2024
4,5 ⭐️
Thanks to Hamley I had the opportunity to read this as an arc and i loved it so much. It was such an intriguing story set in Venice, Italy where Lorenzo gets the chance to work for Marco Contarini as a painter in his Palazzo. I honestly LOVED the chemistry between Lorenzo & Artemisia even though they pretend not liking each other. It’s the first the book from Emmelie I've read and I couldn’t put this one down and needed to know how it was going to end. I also have another book from her, can’t wait to read that one as well. <333
Thanks to Hamley I had the opportunity to read this as an arc and i loved it so much. It was such an intriguing story set in Venice, Italy where Lorenzo gets the chance to work for Marco Contarini as a painter in his Palazzo. I honestly LOVED the chemistry between Lorenzo & Artemisia even though they pretend not liking each other. It’s the first the book from Emmelie I've read and I couldn’t put this one down and needed to know how it was going to end. I also have another book from her, can’t wait to read that one as well. <333
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
𝐇𝐞𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐥
In The Painter’s Muse maken we kennis met Lorenzo Scaasi, een getalenteerde artiest die graag wil doorbreken. Wanneer hij in het atelier van zijn vader een masker vindt dat nog eigendom is geweest van Leonardo da Vinci, krijgen zijn vaardigheden ineens een enorme boost.
Door een toevallige ontmoeting en zijn nieuwe talenten, wordt hij aangesteld als schilder bij Marco Contarini. Daar ontmoet hij Artemisia Contarini, de vrouw van zijn opdrachtgever. Zij lijkt vast te zitten in een ongelukkig huwelijk en al snel vinden de twee elkaar.
Niets is echter wat het lijkt in de Palazzo Contarini. Lorenzo raakt verstrikt in een web van mysterie en verlangen. Is er een toekomst met Artemisia? Wat met (het atelier van zijn) vader? Wat houdt Marco achter? En wat met het mysterieuze masker van da Vinci?
𝐃𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐱
The Painter’s Muse heeft eigenlijk een beetje van alles. En hoewel dat soms serieus kan tegenvallen, zorgt Emmelie voor een perfecte mix van verschillende thema’s, tropes en whatnots. Je duikt meteen in de wereld van Lorenzo en komt al snel terecht in een mysterieuze setting waar ook de nodige drama aan te pas komt. Na de ontmoeting met Artemisia worden ook elementen van romantiek en verlangen toegevoegd. Voor wie houdt van spicy scenes: ze zijn niet erg uitgebreid in het boek maar ik vind ze op een geweldige manier geschreven waardoor ik er enorm van kon genieten!
De mix is echter nog niet compleet! Ook verraad en geheimen nemen een belangrijke positie in in dit verhaal. En om dit allemaal in een Italiaans jasje te krijgen, is natuurlijk een leuke bonus. Je merkt duidelijk dat de schrijfster zelf een grote fan is van kunst en de Italiaanse cultuur. Emmelie zorgt er met haar woorden voor dat je je zelf helemaal in het Italië van de 17e eeuw waant.
𝐉𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝?
Ik heb toch altijd wat schrik als een Nederlandse of Vlaamse auteur een boek in het Engels uitbrengt. Voor Emmelie is dat dan nog eens haar eerste boek in een andere taal. Stel je dan ook mijn absolute verbazing voor toen ik begon te lezen en niet eens doorhad dat dit boek door een niet-Engelstalige auteur was geschreven. Echt een dikke pluim voor Emmelie! The Painter’s Muse is zó goed geschreven, ik ben nog altijd onder de indruk. En het leest dan ook nog eens super vlot. Dit is eigenlijk het perfecte boek voor een bingeread: iets meer dan 300 pagina’s, toegankelijk geschreven, geen al te lange hoofdstukken en een verhaal dat ervoor zorgt dat je ook gewoon wíl doorlezen.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐞
Ik denk dat je uit mijn recensie wel kan afleiden dat ik laaiend enthousiast ben over The Painter’s Muse. Dit boek was een ongelooflijk genot om te lezen. Goed uitgewerkte personages, een intrigerend verhaal en een mooie setting; wat heb je nog meer nodig?! Ik hoop heel erg dat Emmelie in het Engels blijft publiceren naast haar Nederlandse boeken want ze heeft er duidelijk aanleg voor
𝐇𝐞𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐥
In The Painter’s Muse maken we kennis met Lorenzo Scaasi, een getalenteerde artiest die graag wil doorbreken. Wanneer hij in het atelier van zijn vader een masker vindt dat nog eigendom is geweest van Leonardo da Vinci, krijgen zijn vaardigheden ineens een enorme boost.
Door een toevallige ontmoeting en zijn nieuwe talenten, wordt hij aangesteld als schilder bij Marco Contarini. Daar ontmoet hij Artemisia Contarini, de vrouw van zijn opdrachtgever. Zij lijkt vast te zitten in een ongelukkig huwelijk en al snel vinden de twee elkaar.
Niets is echter wat het lijkt in de Palazzo Contarini. Lorenzo raakt verstrikt in een web van mysterie en verlangen. Is er een toekomst met Artemisia? Wat met (het atelier van zijn) vader? Wat houdt Marco achter? En wat met het mysterieuze masker van da Vinci?
𝐃𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐱
The Painter’s Muse heeft eigenlijk een beetje van alles. En hoewel dat soms serieus kan tegenvallen, zorgt Emmelie voor een perfecte mix van verschillende thema’s, tropes en whatnots. Je duikt meteen in de wereld van Lorenzo en komt al snel terecht in een mysterieuze setting waar ook de nodige drama aan te pas komt. Na de ontmoeting met Artemisia worden ook elementen van romantiek en verlangen toegevoegd. Voor wie houdt van spicy scenes: ze zijn niet erg uitgebreid in het boek maar ik vind ze op een geweldige manier geschreven waardoor ik er enorm van kon genieten!
De mix is echter nog niet compleet! Ook verraad en geheimen nemen een belangrijke positie in in dit verhaal. En om dit allemaal in een Italiaans jasje te krijgen, is natuurlijk een leuke bonus. Je merkt duidelijk dat de schrijfster zelf een grote fan is van kunst en de Italiaanse cultuur. Emmelie zorgt er met haar woorden voor dat je je zelf helemaal in het Italië van de 17e eeuw waant.
𝐉𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝?
Ik heb toch altijd wat schrik als een Nederlandse of Vlaamse auteur een boek in het Engels uitbrengt. Voor Emmelie is dat dan nog eens haar eerste boek in een andere taal. Stel je dan ook mijn absolute verbazing voor toen ik begon te lezen en niet eens doorhad dat dit boek door een niet-Engelstalige auteur was geschreven. Echt een dikke pluim voor Emmelie! The Painter’s Muse is zó goed geschreven, ik ben nog altijd onder de indruk. En het leest dan ook nog eens super vlot. Dit is eigenlijk het perfecte boek voor een bingeread: iets meer dan 300 pagina’s, toegankelijk geschreven, geen al te lange hoofdstukken en een verhaal dat ervoor zorgt dat je ook gewoon wíl doorlezen.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐞
Ik denk dat je uit mijn recensie wel kan afleiden dat ik laaiend enthousiast ben over The Painter’s Muse. Dit boek was een ongelooflijk genot om te lezen. Goed uitgewerkte personages, een intrigerend verhaal en een mooie setting; wat heb je nog meer nodig?! Ik hoop heel erg dat Emmelie in het Engels blijft publiceren naast haar Nederlandse boeken want ze heeft er duidelijk aanleg voor
October 2, 2024
Ahh I loved this one! Even though it wasn't the fastest pace wise, I still liked everything about this story and I really can't fault it to be honest!
The historical element really gave this something extra. I loved the writing style even though it caused me to go through the book a bit slower than my usual pace🫣 But it's totally fine because the story itself kept getting better and more interesting the more I read🤭 I really wanted to know what would happen to the characters and with the masks. The Shakespeare references made me enjoy it even more!
The characters were all great. I liked almost all of them. Very secretive, all of them which caused a bit of drama and also a lot of suspense. I was truly hooked!
Short review but I don't really have much else to say about this. It was a really fun and tragic story with a lot of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat!
The historical element really gave this something extra. I loved the writing style even though it caused me to go through the book a bit slower than my usual pace🫣 But it's totally fine because the story itself kept getting better and more interesting the more I read🤭 I really wanted to know what would happen to the characters and with the masks. The Shakespeare references made me enjoy it even more!
The characters were all great. I liked almost all of them. Very secretive, all of them which caused a bit of drama and also a lot of suspense. I was truly hooked!
Short review but I don't really have much else to say about this. It was a really fun and tragic story with a lot of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat!
October 7, 2024
4,25⭐️
I think this was my first historical romance ever and I absolutely loved it🥹. I needed to get used to it a bit at first but a few chapters in and I was completely hooked. I was surprised by how the plot developed throughout the story and I still think about the ending because it was so good😩. The lyrical writing in this is so pretty, there are beautiful quotes and the way Venice is described made it feel like I was there. It also had a bit of a fantasy/magical element to it, which makes it a perfect fall read🥰. This really was a book, story and genre I did not know I needed🫶🏼.
I think this was my first historical romance ever and I absolutely loved it🥹. I needed to get used to it a bit at first but a few chapters in and I was completely hooked. I was surprised by how the plot developed throughout the story and I still think about the ending because it was so good😩. The lyrical writing in this is so pretty, there are beautiful quotes and the way Venice is described made it feel like I was there. It also had a bit of a fantasy/magical element to it, which makes it a perfect fall read🥰. This really was a book, story and genre I did not know I needed🫶🏼.
October 8, 2024
Een van mijn favorieten van dit jaar!
•
Met dank aan @uitgeverijhamleybooks voor de ARC!
•
Iedere keer als ik een boek oppak van @proseandpetticoats verwacht ik er wel wat van. Mijn verwachtingen waren hooggespannen, want ik vind Engels een mooiere taal dan Nederlands. En wat voor magie zou ze daar dan wel niet mee kunnen laten zien?
•
She didn’t dissapoint! In dit verhaal over een schilder die een mega kans krijgt om in een Palazzo aan de slag te gaan bij een koppel met hoog aanzien.
Wanneer Lorenzo aan de slag gaat begint het verhaal. Een verhaal vol mysteries, mythes, bedrog en verboden liefde. Als dat niet genoeg is om dit boek te willen gaan lezen, weet ik het ook niet.
Laat je door de woorden van Arents meevoeren over de straten van Italië, onderzoek mysteries en mythes en voel de spanning.
•
Leer de karakters kennen die op het oppervlakte keurig en bijeengeraapt zijn, maar hoe beter je ze leert kennen de een nog groter (onbegrepen) scheurtje laat zien in zijn/haar leven. Je zit op het puntje van je stoel wanneer een toneelstuk misschien meer realistisch is dan de bedoeling is. Voel je verscheurd zoals Lorenzo die zijn geote liefde al heeft gehad en ervaren.
Neem dit boek in handen en ga op een reis die je niet snel zult vergeten!
•
5🌟
•
Met dank aan @uitgeverijhamleybooks voor de ARC!
•
Iedere keer als ik een boek oppak van @proseandpetticoats verwacht ik er wel wat van. Mijn verwachtingen waren hooggespannen, want ik vind Engels een mooiere taal dan Nederlands. En wat voor magie zou ze daar dan wel niet mee kunnen laten zien?
•
She didn’t dissapoint! In dit verhaal over een schilder die een mega kans krijgt om in een Palazzo aan de slag te gaan bij een koppel met hoog aanzien.
Wanneer Lorenzo aan de slag gaat begint het verhaal. Een verhaal vol mysteries, mythes, bedrog en verboden liefde. Als dat niet genoeg is om dit boek te willen gaan lezen, weet ik het ook niet.
Laat je door de woorden van Arents meevoeren over de straten van Italië, onderzoek mysteries en mythes en voel de spanning.
•
Leer de karakters kennen die op het oppervlakte keurig en bijeengeraapt zijn, maar hoe beter je ze leert kennen de een nog groter (onbegrepen) scheurtje laat zien in zijn/haar leven. Je zit op het puntje van je stoel wanneer een toneelstuk misschien meer realistisch is dan de bedoeling is. Voel je verscheurd zoals Lorenzo die zijn geote liefde al heeft gehad en ervaren.
Neem dit boek in handen en ga op een reis die je niet snel zult vergeten!
•
5🌟
May 11, 2025
What a beautiful told story. It's not just about love, but there is betrayal, mystery and conspiracy. It keeps you guessing and questioning who you can trust.
April 15, 2025
A true beauty 🥹 full of surprises, twists, and turns. Captivated me from the start till the end.
I wish to read this book like it was now for the first time, every time.
I wish to read this book like it was now for the first time, every time.
October 8, 2024
The Painter’s Muse is a romantasy filled with forbidden love, mystery and artistry. A young painter must confront the shadows of the past and control the power of the da Vinci masks to forge his destiny. But at what price?
In The Painter’s Muse we follow the lives of Lorenzo and Artemisia (stunning name). Their characters are beautifully written and allows you to fully immerse yourself in their lives. Arents writing is beautifully, and makes you feel like you are really there with the characters. Her writing style meets the theme and the historic period perfectly! In the beginning the book starts off a little slow, but it turns quickly into a rollercoaster of mystery, emotions and plays. It’s also very easy to read, which makes it a quick book to read. But don’t read it too quickly, or you will miss all the beautiful details of the story! And we can’t forget about the beautiful worldbuilding Arents has written about – one I will think about for a long time!
As a huge History lover, I love the way Arents has used the historical elements for just that bit extra for the book. It made the story feel complete! Shakespeare story and plays aren’t always that beautiful, but also tragic, and Arents managed to capture these moments beautifully.
You will absolutely love The Painter’s Muse if you love a beautiful historic romantasy, filled with magic and mystery!
Thank you Hamleybooks fort his ARC in exchange for a honest review.
In The Painter’s Muse we follow the lives of Lorenzo and Artemisia (stunning name). Their characters are beautifully written and allows you to fully immerse yourself in their lives. Arents writing is beautifully, and makes you feel like you are really there with the characters. Her writing style meets the theme and the historic period perfectly! In the beginning the book starts off a little slow, but it turns quickly into a rollercoaster of mystery, emotions and plays. It’s also very easy to read, which makes it a quick book to read. But don’t read it too quickly, or you will miss all the beautiful details of the story! And we can’t forget about the beautiful worldbuilding Arents has written about – one I will think about for a long time!
As a huge History lover, I love the way Arents has used the historical elements for just that bit extra for the book. It made the story feel complete! Shakespeare story and plays aren’t always that beautiful, but also tragic, and Arents managed to capture these moments beautifully.
You will absolutely love The Painter’s Muse if you love a beautiful historic romantasy, filled with magic and mystery!
Thank you Hamleybooks fort his ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 16, 2025
Me gustó bastante, siento que todo está bien manejado y para la autora que el inglés no es su lengua nativa, definitivamente le puso más carisma en la narración que los mismos nativos 👏🏼👏🏼 no se siente seco ni frío.
se sitúa en Italia del 1600 y aunque hay teatro, arte y música debo de admitir que me faltó un poquito más, los personajes eran más liberadores de lo creo que serían en esa época.
Sobre el triángulo amoroso raro; no soy fan del romance y mucho menos de los triángulos amorosos, sentía que en esa infidelidad no tenía mucho sentido pero ya conociendo el final no está tan mal, en cuanto a mi opinión: se puede comparar los dos distintos tipos de amor y deseo y como después de lo sucedido se cuestiona su cometido. Que es algo que me gustó y que me acordó con Anna Karenina! (cabe aclarar que este libro está catalogado como romance, mala mía que no leí antes. es como enojarte de que te asustes en un libro de terror así que asumo la culpa)
No quiero estropear la historia porque de verdad está interesante, es dramatico, artístico y muy Shakesperiano que me voló la cabeza como algunas de sus tragedias eran tan similares con lo que estaba pasando en la trama, no deja de sorprender que fue planeado y bien ejecutado. Es un libro que tiene guiños a los grandes clásicos (unos de mis favoritos así que estaba saltando con todo)
En cuanto al final, a pesar de que es muy dramático... Me gustó. Por que eso es lo que yo esperaba de un libro en donde el teatro, las máscaras y los secretos son el protagonista en la historia.
se sitúa en Italia del 1600 y aunque hay teatro, arte y música debo de admitir que me faltó un poquito más, los personajes eran más liberadores de lo creo que serían en esa época.
Sobre el triángulo amoroso raro; no soy fan del romance y mucho menos de los triángulos amorosos, sentía que en esa infidelidad no tenía mucho sentido pero ya conociendo el final no está tan mal, en cuanto a mi opinión: se puede comparar los dos distintos tipos de amor y deseo y como después de lo sucedido se cuestiona su cometido. Que es algo que me gustó y que me acordó con Anna Karenina! (cabe aclarar que este libro está catalogado como romance, mala mía que no leí antes. es como enojarte de que te asustes en un libro de terror así que asumo la culpa)
No quiero estropear la historia porque de verdad está interesante, es dramatico, artístico y muy Shakesperiano que me voló la cabeza como algunas de sus tragedias eran tan similares con lo que estaba pasando en la trama, no deja de sorprender que fue planeado y bien ejecutado. Es un libro que tiene guiños a los grandes clásicos (unos de mis favoritos así que estaba saltando con todo)
En cuanto al final, a pesar de que es muy dramático... Me gustó. Por que eso es lo que yo esperaba de un libro en donde el teatro, las máscaras y los secretos son el protagonista en la historia.
October 1, 2025
This was my first historical romance and wow, it was so much better than I expected. The lyrical writing style was beautiful, and I could really picture myself in the Venetian settings and the palazzo.
At times I was surprised by how suddenly dramatic events happened, without much buildup — which also made the love between Artemisia and Lorenzo feel a bit rushed at moments.
The ending, however, was stunning and nothing like what I had anticipated. Throughout the story you slowly uncover more and more secrets, and only at the very last moment does everything fall into place. I even shed a few tears at the conclusion. This is one that I would definitely want to pick up again 🎭❤️
At times I was surprised by how suddenly dramatic events happened, without much buildup — which also made the love between Artemisia and Lorenzo feel a bit rushed at moments.
The ending, however, was stunning and nothing like what I had anticipated. Throughout the story you slowly uncover more and more secrets, and only at the very last moment does everything fall into place. I even shed a few tears at the conclusion. This is one that I would definitely want to pick up again 🎭❤️
October 25, 2025
couldn’t stop reading and I loved all the plottwists😭🙏
October 8, 2024
The Painter’s Muse is a tragic love story set in Venice in 1613. It follows Lorenzo Scaasi, who works with his father in a small local shop, crafting beautiful masks. However, his heart lies elsewhere—his true passion is painting. He gets the chance to pursue his dream when he receives a commission from the wealthy Marco Contarini to paint in his palazzo. During his stay, his father suddenly disappears, and Lorenzo discovers a mysterious letter and a “Da Vinci” mask in his father’s cellar. This is no ordinary mask; it holds great power, but it comes at a steep price for those who use it. And apparently, there are two more... Lorenzo is not the only one aware of the masks. As he seeks to uncover what happened to his father, he becomes entangled in a web of desire, power, corruption, secrets, betrayal, and, above all, love, when he sets his eyes on the beautiful Artemisia Contarini in the palazzo.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.”
First and foremost, I want to highlight how much I appreciated the writing style. It perfectly suits the theme and period in which the story is set. It’s a refined English style, often found in classical literature, but it is not at all difficult—rather, it is compelling and beautiful. Throughout the story, there are frequent references to classical plays. However, you don’t need to be familiar with them; the references are self-explanatory and might even spark your curiosity about the plays themselves, as they did for me.
Throughout the story, the point of view alternates between Lorenzo and Artemisia. This adds depth and keeps the story engaging, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of both characters. I found it incredibly interesting to see how their different perspectives are shaped by their own emotions and values. Each acts from different motivations, and the story develops these so well that you can truly understand both of them. In my opinion, every character is well portrayed, leaving no loose ends. However, at times, I found it a bit tedious. I occasionally longed for a shift in setting or for something that would reignite my interest.
I must admit that I found the plot twist surprising but also quite poignant. It’s unexpected and might not be what you want if you’re rooting for certain characters, but it’s very understandable and moving. It reminded me of this quote from The Lord of the Rings: “…𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐡𝐨, 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫.”
Love conquers all, they say, and they were right. But which love they mean by that, you’ll have to discover for yourself…
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.”
First and foremost, I want to highlight how much I appreciated the writing style. It perfectly suits the theme and period in which the story is set. It’s a refined English style, often found in classical literature, but it is not at all difficult—rather, it is compelling and beautiful. Throughout the story, there are frequent references to classical plays. However, you don’t need to be familiar with them; the references are self-explanatory and might even spark your curiosity about the plays themselves, as they did for me.
Throughout the story, the point of view alternates between Lorenzo and Artemisia. This adds depth and keeps the story engaging, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of both characters. I found it incredibly interesting to see how their different perspectives are shaped by their own emotions and values. Each acts from different motivations, and the story develops these so well that you can truly understand both of them. In my opinion, every character is well portrayed, leaving no loose ends. However, at times, I found it a bit tedious. I occasionally longed for a shift in setting or for something that would reignite my interest.
I must admit that I found the plot twist surprising but also quite poignant. It’s unexpected and might not be what you want if you’re rooting for certain characters, but it’s very understandable and moving. It reminded me of this quote from The Lord of the Rings: “…𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐡𝐨, 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫.”
Love conquers all, they say, and they were right. But which love they mean by that, you’ll have to discover for yourself…
October 9, 2024
I wish I could read this book again for the first time🥹.
Words fail to say how much I loved this book!
But for the sake of this review, I'll try to share my opinion with you all🤭.
The book itself is well written;
The historical elements and the alternating pov's between Lorenzo and Artemisia create a beautiful, engaging story. It gives depth and the possibility to submerge yourself in their world; in Venice, 1613.
I honestly couldn't put the book down.
Now that I've read it, I wish I had a time machine somewhere stacked away so I can transport myself to that time and place. But also to read this book for the first time again.
If it wasn't clear already -> I absolutely loved this book!
I give this book a 5-star rating!✨️
𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
I want to thank Uitgeverij Hamley Books for the opportunity they gave me to read and review this book before it's release.
I also want to thank author Emmelie Arents for writing this book.
It was an amazing experience!
Words fail to say how much I loved this book!
But for the sake of this review, I'll try to share my opinion with you all🤭.
The book itself is well written;
The historical elements and the alternating pov's between Lorenzo and Artemisia create a beautiful, engaging story. It gives depth and the possibility to submerge yourself in their world; in Venice, 1613.
I honestly couldn't put the book down.
Now that I've read it, I wish I had a time machine somewhere stacked away so I can transport myself to that time and place. But also to read this book for the first time again.
If it wasn't clear already -> I absolutely loved this book!
I give this book a 5-star rating!✨️
𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
I want to thank Uitgeverij Hamley Books for the opportunity they gave me to read and review this book before it's release.
I also want to thank author Emmelie Arents for writing this book.
It was an amazing experience!
October 5, 2024
Anyone that knows me know I love the arts, I study art history and my room is filled with prints of famous art pieces. Especially the renaissance and baroque period are very near to my heart, and I always loved stories situated in Italy at the height of the art boom.
This book delivers. Emmelie Arents shows that she knows what she’s writing about, and it shows that she has done her research. As an art historian, seeing the names of famous painters pop up made me gasp and yell, the references to music made me swoon and as someone specializing in theatrical arts, any reference to Shakespeare just makes me so so excited.
I’ve been semi-following this author through her writing journey, and have read quite a bit about how with writing in English, she now wants to work on adding more prose in her novels. While I felt sometimes the story could use a bit more show and less tell, maybe some more prose, or the dialogues could be fleshed out a little better, I can definitely see the massive improvement in the writing, compared to Arents’ debut novel Het Hart van de Adelaar (which I absolutely loved as well and got me hooked on her writing).
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for an experience into Italy in the height of the art period, when you’re interested in the arts, or just generally looking for a mysterious ánd romantic story.
This book delivers. Emmelie Arents shows that she knows what she’s writing about, and it shows that she has done her research. As an art historian, seeing the names of famous painters pop up made me gasp and yell, the references to music made me swoon and as someone specializing in theatrical arts, any reference to Shakespeare just makes me so so excited.
I’ve been semi-following this author through her writing journey, and have read quite a bit about how with writing in English, she now wants to work on adding more prose in her novels. While I felt sometimes the story could use a bit more show and less tell, maybe some more prose, or the dialogues could be fleshed out a little better, I can definitely see the massive improvement in the writing, compared to Arents’ debut novel Het Hart van de Adelaar (which I absolutely loved as well and got me hooked on her writing).
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for an experience into Italy in the height of the art period, when you’re interested in the arts, or just generally looking for a mysterious ánd romantic story.
Read
March 17, 2025I liked the book, but enough with the woke stuff. Almost everyone is gay in this book (in the 1600s), yeh sure.
January 11, 2025
Book Title: The Painter's Muse
Author: Emmelie Arents
Publisher: Hamley Books
Pages: 350
Rating 5(+) stars
The year is 1613, and Lorenzo is a talented artist, just like his father who is a famous mask maker. Lorenzo discovers a curious mask in their house, which was owned by Leonardo da Vinci, and tends to hold a certain power.
Shortly after, he starts working for a wealthy man, who is clearly hiding things.
The man wants Lorenzo to paint his ballroom, but to also paint a portrait of his wife; Artemisia.
They grow closer together and start talking more and more..
As Lorenzo works, he starts his own investigation to find answers, and multiple secrets start to unravel.. where will this lead them?
--
This was a WOW-book. If I could rate over 5 stars; I would.
I was hooked from the first sentence and I couldn't lay it down. As the masks hold people in their grip, the book held on to me for dear life..!
Emmelie used all the right words, to cut into my soul, and find a place there forever.
The Painter's Muse is her first English novel, and you wouldn't know it when reading this masterpiece.
The setting is 1613, set in Venice, Italy, and most of the time within the walls of the Palazzo or the theatre. The atmosphere Emmelie covers in her writing style is amazing; you can taste the eerie feeling, the excitement and the nerves of the characters. The vibes are flawless.
The Painter's Muse is a Romantasy, which means Romance & Fantasy are combined; and that's well written in this story, Emmelie even added a little bit of spice.
A true historian drama, a tragedy no less.
The chapters POV alternates (most of the time) between Lorenzo & Artemisia.
Sometimes Artemisia seemed a little overreactive, but it fit her character.
The storyline made me think of Phantom of The Opera many times; which is another reason why I loved the book. It's really powerful, and full of surprising turns of events. Everything just makes sense, and the epiloque completes it.
I would love to see this book get turned into a movie! For real!
Thank you Emmelie, for this dear book, and thank you So Many Pages for including it in a special bookbox. <3
Author: Emmelie Arents
Publisher: Hamley Books
Pages: 350
Rating 5(+) stars
The year is 1613, and Lorenzo is a talented artist, just like his father who is a famous mask maker. Lorenzo discovers a curious mask in their house, which was owned by Leonardo da Vinci, and tends to hold a certain power.
Shortly after, he starts working for a wealthy man, who is clearly hiding things.
The man wants Lorenzo to paint his ballroom, but to also paint a portrait of his wife; Artemisia.
They grow closer together and start talking more and more..
As Lorenzo works, he starts his own investigation to find answers, and multiple secrets start to unravel.. where will this lead them?
--
This was a WOW-book. If I could rate over 5 stars; I would.
I was hooked from the first sentence and I couldn't lay it down. As the masks hold people in their grip, the book held on to me for dear life..!
Emmelie used all the right words, to cut into my soul, and find a place there forever.
The Painter's Muse is her first English novel, and you wouldn't know it when reading this masterpiece.
The setting is 1613, set in Venice, Italy, and most of the time within the walls of the Palazzo or the theatre. The atmosphere Emmelie covers in her writing style is amazing; you can taste the eerie feeling, the excitement and the nerves of the characters. The vibes are flawless.
The Painter's Muse is a Romantasy, which means Romance & Fantasy are combined; and that's well written in this story, Emmelie even added a little bit of spice.
A true historian drama, a tragedy no less.
The chapters POV alternates (most of the time) between Lorenzo & Artemisia.
Sometimes Artemisia seemed a little overreactive, but it fit her character.
The storyline made me think of Phantom of The Opera many times; which is another reason why I loved the book. It's really powerful, and full of surprising turns of events. Everything just makes sense, and the epiloque completes it.
I would love to see this book get turned into a movie! For real!
Thank you Emmelie, for this dear book, and thank you So Many Pages for including it in a special bookbox. <3
October 9, 2024
The painter's muse takes you into the life of a painter named Lorenzo. In his father's room, he finds a mysterious box. Inside that box is a mask owned by Leonardo Da Vinci. It is not just any mask. The mask has special abilities. When Lorenzo receives a big offer to do painting work in the palazzo, an offer that could completely change his career as a painter, he discovers the dark secrets that lie behind the palazzo.
In addition to the life of painter Lorenzo, you also get a glimpse into the life of Artemisia, the lady of the house in the palazzo who finds herself in an unhappy marriage. When Lorenzo and Artemisia get to know each other better the chemistry splashes off.
~
This historical novel takes you all the way into a mystery story full of secrets set in Venice. Both the mystery behind the Da Vinci masks and the chemistry between the characters, which make you skip a heartbeat yourself, make it almost impossible to put the book back down.
The alternation in characters, allowing you to completely empathize with both main characters, add depth to the story. The historical elements intertwined with the mystery of the story make the book understandable to any reader. Furthermore, the story also takes twists you don't immediately expect which makes the book very interesting.
This was my first book by Emmelie Arents and no, she did not disappoint me. On the contrary, this book has officially become in of my favorite books. If I may recommend one book for your TBR, it is this one!
In short said, all the elements makes the story a well-deserved 5 star book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In addition to the life of painter Lorenzo, you also get a glimpse into the life of Artemisia, the lady of the house in the palazzo who finds herself in an unhappy marriage. When Lorenzo and Artemisia get to know each other better the chemistry splashes off.
~
This historical novel takes you all the way into a mystery story full of secrets set in Venice. Both the mystery behind the Da Vinci masks and the chemistry between the characters, which make you skip a heartbeat yourself, make it almost impossible to put the book back down.
The alternation in characters, allowing you to completely empathize with both main characters, add depth to the story. The historical elements intertwined with the mystery of the story make the book understandable to any reader. Furthermore, the story also takes twists you don't immediately expect which makes the book very interesting.
This was my first book by Emmelie Arents and no, she did not disappoint me. On the contrary, this book has officially become in of my favorite books. If I may recommend one book for your TBR, it is this one!
In short said, all the elements makes the story a well-deserved 5 star book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 7, 2024
My biggest thanks to Hamley Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
In this book, Emmelie Arents proves that she can capture the alluring and mysterious vibes just as well in English as in Dutch. The characters are intriguing and complex and every time you start to guess who did something, the story takes another glorious turn. Also, ships dock and sail often.
The story takes place in 17th century Venice and, besides a magical war for power, explores the consequences of the strict social standards for queer people and women, whose ‘sole purpose’ is to care for their husbands.
The beginning of the story felt a bit slow, but then the secret meetings and mysterious letters quickly start to shake up the lives of the main characters.
As for the ending: Emmelie Arents does it again! Every secret intertwines into a big finale that is not what you expected, but everything you wanted without even realizing it.
I gave this book 3,5 stars.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy it as much as her other books that I’ve read.
Mainly because of the slower pacing and, even though the characters were well worked out and beautifully complex, I struggled a bit to connect with them.
Perhaps the genre also influenced my opinion, since the Painter’s Muse is historical magical realism, where Hart van de Adelaar, Woestijn- en Meesterdief and Amarant have more fantasy and sci-fi elements to them.
In conclusion, I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to be surprised and loves plot twists, especially if you love Venice or the 17th century.
In this book, Emmelie Arents proves that she can capture the alluring and mysterious vibes just as well in English as in Dutch. The characters are intriguing and complex and every time you start to guess who did something, the story takes another glorious turn. Also, ships dock and sail often.
The story takes place in 17th century Venice and, besides a magical war for power, explores the consequences of the strict social standards for queer people and women, whose ‘sole purpose’ is to care for their husbands.
The beginning of the story felt a bit slow, but then the secret meetings and mysterious letters quickly start to shake up the lives of the main characters.
As for the ending: Emmelie Arents does it again! Every secret intertwines into a big finale that is not what you expected, but everything you wanted without even realizing it.
I gave this book 3,5 stars.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy it as much as her other books that I’ve read.
Mainly because of the slower pacing and, even though the characters were well worked out and beautifully complex, I struggled a bit to connect with them.
Perhaps the genre also influenced my opinion, since the Painter’s Muse is historical magical realism, where Hart van de Adelaar, Woestijn- en Meesterdief and Amarant have more fantasy and sci-fi elements to them.
In conclusion, I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to be surprised and loves plot twists, especially if you love Venice or the 17th century.
October 6, 2024
First all, thanks to Hamley for giving me an arc of this book!
I requested the arc because I’ve read Amarant by Emmelie and absolutely loved it. Way more than I thought I would. And this book did just the same!
The Painters Muse is an historical fiction set in Venice following both Lorenzo and Artemisia. I loved the dual POV, it really added to the story. I’ve never really read an historical fiction like this book before, so it took me a little while to get used to it. But still I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happend next and why all of what has happend, happend in the first place.
The story wasn’t necessarily fast paced but it kept you wondering.
The chemistry in this book was so good. And I could really feel the battle of desire. It was so poetic yet so tragic. Really like a classic Shakespeare story. I really appreciated that Emmelie captured that Shakespeare style but adapted it to make it into a story of her own and something that is read nowadays.
Absolutely captivating story that exceeded all my expectations. Confirming again that Emmelie knows how to take a reader on a journey. Whether that in a sci-fi like world as in Amarant or old day Venice
I requested the arc because I’ve read Amarant by Emmelie and absolutely loved it. Way more than I thought I would. And this book did just the same!
The Painters Muse is an historical fiction set in Venice following both Lorenzo and Artemisia. I loved the dual POV, it really added to the story. I’ve never really read an historical fiction like this book before, so it took me a little while to get used to it. But still I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happend next and why all of what has happend, happend in the first place.
The story wasn’t necessarily fast paced but it kept you wondering.
The chemistry in this book was so good. And I could really feel the battle of desire. It was so poetic yet so tragic. Really like a classic Shakespeare story. I really appreciated that Emmelie captured that Shakespeare style but adapted it to make it into a story of her own and something that is read nowadays.
Absolutely captivating story that exceeded all my expectations. Confirming again that Emmelie knows how to take a reader on a journey. Whether that in a sci-fi like world as in Amarant or old day Venice
August 23, 2025
A tale of forbidden love and enchanted masks set in the darkened canal ways and art-strewn palazzos of Venice.
Lorenzo Scaasi is a talented artist torn between duty and desire. When Lorenzo opens a mysterious box in his family's shop, inside lies a mask once owned by Leonardo da Vinci. The mask unlocks extraordinary artistic abilities for Lorenzo, opening the door to fame and fortune.
Wealthy Marco Contarini gives Lorenzo his first commission. As a test of his skills and loyalty, Lorenzo must first make a portrait of Marco’s wife, the captivating Artemisia Contarini.
Artemisia is trapped in an unhappy marriage, and suspects her husband of nefarious activities. As her bond with Lorenzo grows, she begs him to help uncover Marco’s secrets.
Appearances are crumbling within the Palazzo, and Lorenzo must navigate his promises to Marco alongside his growing attraction to Artemisia.
Which obsession will become the most deadly? Marco’s dealings, an affair with Artemisia, or the cost of using the da Vinci masks?
This is such a fast-paced, suspenseful read for a gothic drama! Magical realism lends even more mystery to the historical Venetian setting, with moonlit gondolas, art strewn palazzos, and masked figures creeping to secret gatherings in the dark of night.
Short chapters keep your reading at a satisfying pace.
Be forewarned, the drama and spice is high with this one: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’d recommend this book for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, as well as these foreboding and velvet classics: The Phantom of the Opera, The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wuthering Heights, The Hunchback of Notre Dam
Lorenzo Scaasi is a talented artist torn between duty and desire. When Lorenzo opens a mysterious box in his family's shop, inside lies a mask once owned by Leonardo da Vinci. The mask unlocks extraordinary artistic abilities for Lorenzo, opening the door to fame and fortune.
Wealthy Marco Contarini gives Lorenzo his first commission. As a test of his skills and loyalty, Lorenzo must first make a portrait of Marco’s wife, the captivating Artemisia Contarini.
Artemisia is trapped in an unhappy marriage, and suspects her husband of nefarious activities. As her bond with Lorenzo grows, she begs him to help uncover Marco’s secrets.
Appearances are crumbling within the Palazzo, and Lorenzo must navigate his promises to Marco alongside his growing attraction to Artemisia.
Which obsession will become the most deadly? Marco’s dealings, an affair with Artemisia, or the cost of using the da Vinci masks?
This is such a fast-paced, suspenseful read for a gothic drama! Magical realism lends even more mystery to the historical Venetian setting, with moonlit gondolas, art strewn palazzos, and masked figures creeping to secret gatherings in the dark of night.
Short chapters keep your reading at a satisfying pace.
Be forewarned, the drama and spice is high with this one: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’d recommend this book for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, as well as these foreboding and velvet classics: The Phantom of the Opera, The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wuthering Heights, The Hunchback of Notre Dam
September 30, 2024
Lorenzo Scaasi is een getalenteerde kunstenaar die verscheurd wordt tussen plicht en verlangen. Hij ontdekt een mysterieuze doos in het atelier van zijn familie: een masker dat ooit eigendom was van Leonardo da Vinci en dat hem buitengewone vaardigheden verleent. Zijn nieuw ontdekte talent levert hem een opdracht op van de rijke Marco Contarini, die Lorenzo inhuurt als schilder. Zo ontmoet hij de betoverende Artemisia Contarini, gevangen in een ongelukkig huwelijk. Terwijl geheimen zich ontrafelen moet Lorenzo door een web van mysterie en verlangen navigeren. Maar welke prijs betaal je voor de gaven van da Vinci's talenten?
Het eerste dat opvalt aan dit verhaal is de geweldige en meeslepende sfeer die Arents heeft weten te creëren in dit boek. Het speelt zich af in Italië een aantal eeuwen geleden. Marco Contarini heeft toen daadwerkelijk bestaan en net als bij haar vorige boek, De geest van Versailles, dat zich in Frankrijk afspeelde, merk je dat ze zich goed verdiept heeft in de wereld hoe die toen was. De namen van de personages, hun taalgebruik, de omgevingsfactoren en kledingdracht, zowat alle details die aan bod komen kloppen. Een extra bijkomstigheid is het masker dat de drager van buitengewone vaardigheden voorziet. Dit vleugje magie geeft het geheel weer net even een andere draai, waardoor het wel een historische roman blijft, maar net wat meer is dan alleen dat.
Lorenzo is in het begin van het verhaal een vrij timide en soms wat onzeker personage. Maar door de vondst van het da Vinci masker, begint hij langzaam te veranderen. Dit gebeurt op een geleidelijke en realistische manier. Tijdens het lezen heb je het niet altijd helemaal door, maar op den duur maakt Lorenzo beslissingen en doet hij dingen die je best wel versteld doen staan.
Naast de hoofdstukken die vanuit Lorenzo’s perspectief zijn geschreven, komt Artemisia ook aan het woord. Zij raakt zelf niet geleidelijk aan beïnvloed door een of ander masker, maar toch weet dit personage je als lezer soms ook nog de verrassen. Ze wordt verscheurd tussen Marco, haar man en haar opbloeiende verlangen richting de kunstenaar. Maar haar beslissingen neemt ze niet altijd vanuit haar hoofd of haar hart, ze wordt ook beïnvloed door alle gebeurtenissen om haar heen.
Wat de verhaallijn betreft, die is niet enorm verbluffend, maar interessant genoeg om je aandacht erbij te houden. Zo nu en dan gebeuren er enkele verrassende dingen waardoor je weer helemaal in het verhaal getrokken wordt. Tussendoor volgen er dan enkele rustigere passages waardoor het verhaal in tempo weer wat afneemt. Maar al met al is de verdeling hiervan prima. Vooral aan het eind van het boek wil je zo veel mogelijk blijven lezen zodat je erachter kunt komen hoe het geheel afloopt. Ook daarin is weer te merken dat de auteur zich verdiept heeft in de geschiedenis terwijl ze niet vergeet om de lezer bij de les te houden.
The Painter’s Muse is een historische roman die zich langzaam ontvouwt met interessante personages, een prachtig uitgewerkte wereld en een vleugje magie.
Het eerste dat opvalt aan dit verhaal is de geweldige en meeslepende sfeer die Arents heeft weten te creëren in dit boek. Het speelt zich af in Italië een aantal eeuwen geleden. Marco Contarini heeft toen daadwerkelijk bestaan en net als bij haar vorige boek, De geest van Versailles, dat zich in Frankrijk afspeelde, merk je dat ze zich goed verdiept heeft in de wereld hoe die toen was. De namen van de personages, hun taalgebruik, de omgevingsfactoren en kledingdracht, zowat alle details die aan bod komen kloppen. Een extra bijkomstigheid is het masker dat de drager van buitengewone vaardigheden voorziet. Dit vleugje magie geeft het geheel weer net even een andere draai, waardoor het wel een historische roman blijft, maar net wat meer is dan alleen dat.
Lorenzo is in het begin van het verhaal een vrij timide en soms wat onzeker personage. Maar door de vondst van het da Vinci masker, begint hij langzaam te veranderen. Dit gebeurt op een geleidelijke en realistische manier. Tijdens het lezen heb je het niet altijd helemaal door, maar op den duur maakt Lorenzo beslissingen en doet hij dingen die je best wel versteld doen staan.
Naast de hoofdstukken die vanuit Lorenzo’s perspectief zijn geschreven, komt Artemisia ook aan het woord. Zij raakt zelf niet geleidelijk aan beïnvloed door een of ander masker, maar toch weet dit personage je als lezer soms ook nog de verrassen. Ze wordt verscheurd tussen Marco, haar man en haar opbloeiende verlangen richting de kunstenaar. Maar haar beslissingen neemt ze niet altijd vanuit haar hoofd of haar hart, ze wordt ook beïnvloed door alle gebeurtenissen om haar heen.
Wat de verhaallijn betreft, die is niet enorm verbluffend, maar interessant genoeg om je aandacht erbij te houden. Zo nu en dan gebeuren er enkele verrassende dingen waardoor je weer helemaal in het verhaal getrokken wordt. Tussendoor volgen er dan enkele rustigere passages waardoor het verhaal in tempo weer wat afneemt. Maar al met al is de verdeling hiervan prima. Vooral aan het eind van het boek wil je zo veel mogelijk blijven lezen zodat je erachter kunt komen hoe het geheel afloopt. Ook daarin is weer te merken dat de auteur zich verdiept heeft in de geschiedenis terwijl ze niet vergeet om de lezer bij de les te houden.
The Painter’s Muse is een historische roman die zich langzaam ontvouwt met interessante personages, een prachtig uitgewerkte wereld en een vleugje magie.
November 9, 2024
Normally I don't pick up a fiction novel unless it is a classic (e.g. The Count of Monte Cristo), or the work was from a world renowned author (Patricia Cornwell, Stephen King etc). When I came across Painter's Muse, at first, I hesitated to pick it up, not because I don't want to give a chance to other writers, but I probably have 500+ books that are still waiting for me to read.
I decided to give it a try anyway, for two reasons:
1. I love the cover, I am mesmerized by the artworks.
2. I enjoyed the author's YouTube channel, this channel motivate me to start reading classic novels, and she also give me tips on how to enjoy classic literature.
With that said, I started reading Painter's Muse.
50 pages later, I realized that I truly enjoyed the book, so I kept on reading, and within 7 days, I finished the book, and I wanted more and wish the novel could be 500 pages longer.
I genuinely care most of the characters, and the writing styles are beautifully done and easy to follow. She didn't use a lot of flowery languages but the way she wrote really pulled me into the universe that she created.
I decided to give it a try anyway, for two reasons:
1. I love the cover, I am mesmerized by the artworks.
2. I enjoyed the author's YouTube channel, this channel motivate me to start reading classic novels, and she also give me tips on how to enjoy classic literature.
With that said, I started reading Painter's Muse.
50 pages later, I realized that I truly enjoyed the book, so I kept on reading, and within 7 days, I finished the book, and I wanted more and wish the novel could be 500 pages longer.
I genuinely care most of the characters, and the writing styles are beautifully done and easy to follow. She didn't use a lot of flowery languages but the way she wrote really pulled me into the universe that she created.
Read
February 26, 20253/5.... max...
I cant out stars yet cuz of the buddyread but... puh.
Where do I even start?
So if it werent for the buddy read, id probably dnf it.
But now, having read the ending... i would regret dnfing it?
The first 80% are bad in my opinion. But the end is rlly good?
The totally unnecessary, really dramatic and annoying romance part... i HATED it. It was so useless, imo did nothing for the actual plot really? Not even in the end?? It couldve totally also be done without it... especially the damn annoying crying of the girl (i cant write her name out of memory). I felt such aggression from her istg.
I loved Marco tho. Dudes cool as fuck.
I cant out stars yet cuz of the buddyread but... puh.
Where do I even start?
So if it werent for the buddy read, id probably dnf it.
But now, having read the ending... i would regret dnfing it?
The first 80% are bad in my opinion. But the end is rlly good?
The totally unnecessary, really dramatic and annoying romance part... i HATED it. It was so useless, imo did nothing for the actual plot really? Not even in the end?? It couldve totally also be done without it... especially the damn annoying crying of the girl (i cant write her name out of memory). I felt such aggression from her istg.
I loved Marco tho. Dudes cool as fuck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
"There will never be goodbye. Our love is beyond time; Not even the grave shall seperate us."
4⭐️
Let me tell you, damn. Never while reading this i wouldve thought the book would end like this but goddamn that's a freaking good end. I must say in the beginning the events were easily 'opened'. Like situations would be introduced on page 10 and be solved, or it happened what you expected, on page 12. That gave me a bit of a hard tike in the beginning but as the story continues the main plot becomes so clear, at least I thought. This is such an unique way to develop your story and I loved this change of 'normal' storylines.
So gratefull for Hamley books for this ARC
4⭐️
Let me tell you, damn. Never while reading this i wouldve thought the book would end like this but goddamn that's a freaking good end. I must say in the beginning the events were easily 'opened'. Like situations would be introduced on page 10 and be solved, or it happened what you expected, on page 12. That gave me a bit of a hard tike in the beginning but as the story continues the main plot becomes so clear, at least I thought. This is such an unique way to develop your story and I loved this change of 'normal' storylines.
So gratefull for Hamley books for this ARC
October 4, 2024
𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝?"
Over a year ago I read a book by Emmelie Arts that I was so excited about. When I saw that @uitgeverijhamleybooks was going to publish a new book by her, I wanted to read and review it immediately. And with luck.... Because for Hamley I had to do just that!
The story of 'The Painters Muse' is set in Venice in 1613. It is told from the perspectives of Lorenzo and Artemisia, the two main characters in the book, and a third character, Marco. All three characters have something unique about them and a (back)story that immediately captures your interest. The detailed narration makes you feel like you are there. Reading in Old English (many words from the old days 400 years ago) was a bit of an adjustment, but you get used to it the more you get into the story.
That this is a love story is made clear at the beginning of the book. But there is much more to this book. It is a story about loss and betrayal, but also about the possibility of finding (forbidden) love. There is certainly no lack of suspense in this story, nor is there any lack of longing. Lorenzo, Marco and Artemisia have so many secrets, but that is what makes the book so mysterious. And therefore so delightful to read.
I love how the author has incorporated Shakespeare into the story. Shakespeare's plays are often seen as beautiful, but also full of tragedy. You can find some of that in this book.
But above all, this book is a great mystery; the characters, the objects, the stories and the loves... It will draw you in. You start this book and before you know it, you have finished it. A sign that the book is incredibly well written and that you really enjoyed reading it. So did I!
Over a year ago I read a book by Emmelie Arts that I was so excited about. When I saw that @uitgeverijhamleybooks was going to publish a new book by her, I wanted to read and review it immediately. And with luck.... Because for Hamley I had to do just that!
The story of 'The Painters Muse' is set in Venice in 1613. It is told from the perspectives of Lorenzo and Artemisia, the two main characters in the book, and a third character, Marco. All three characters have something unique about them and a (back)story that immediately captures your interest. The detailed narration makes you feel like you are there. Reading in Old English (many words from the old days 400 years ago) was a bit of an adjustment, but you get used to it the more you get into the story.
That this is a love story is made clear at the beginning of the book. But there is much more to this book. It is a story about loss and betrayal, but also about the possibility of finding (forbidden) love. There is certainly no lack of suspense in this story, nor is there any lack of longing. Lorenzo, Marco and Artemisia have so many secrets, but that is what makes the book so mysterious. And therefore so delightful to read.
I love how the author has incorporated Shakespeare into the story. Shakespeare's plays are often seen as beautiful, but also full of tragedy. You can find some of that in this book.
But above all, this book is a great mystery; the characters, the objects, the stories and the loves... It will draw you in. You start this book and before you know it, you have finished it. A sign that the book is incredibly well written and that you really enjoyed reading it. So did I!
October 2, 2025
I ain’t usual into romances. But I always are in to get convinced I should read them.
What I did like about the painters muse was that the story dared to be a story instead of a spice fest.
The romance was neat written and there was an actually interesting plot going on.
Though I must be honest that I was more invested in the mystic behind the story than the romance. But this might be a me thing.
What I did like about the painters muse was that the story dared to be a story instead of a spice fest.
The romance was neat written and there was an actually interesting plot going on.
Though I must be honest that I was more invested in the mystic behind the story than the romance. But this might be a me thing.
January 21, 2025
4,5 stars. I found the beginning and middle parts a bit boring, but I understand that they were necessary to make the ending into what it became. And WTF, the ending was so beautiful and heartbreaking, but it mended my heart back together at the same time. I regret not reading this sooner. It's truly a masterpiece.
January 25, 2025
3,5/5⭐️
potentieel, maar kon me niet volledig meetrekken in het verhaal / concept was super, maar minder goed gearriveerd / in het midden dacht ik dat het eindelijk ging komen, maar ineens werd ik geïrriteerd door de hoofdpersonage / vond de tijdsgeest vernieuwend, iets dat ik niet zoveel lees / al bij al wel ok hoor, maar had misschien gehoopt op meer
potentieel, maar kon me niet volledig meetrekken in het verhaal / concept was super, maar minder goed gearriveerd / in het midden dacht ik dat het eindelijk ging komen, maar ineens werd ik geïrriteerd door de hoofdpersonage / vond de tijdsgeest vernieuwend, iets dat ik niet zoveel lees / al bij al wel ok hoor, maar had misschien gehoopt op meer
October 24, 2024
Really, I may rate this a 4.5⭐. This was a great romantic, sexy, yet mysterious trip to Renaissance Venice with a touch of the supernatural thrown in. Obsession, love, betrayal are all here with devastating consequences. This was such an entertaining and captivating novel. I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews