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The Painted Souls #2
The Mona Lisa Cage
The most famous smile in the world is not a smile. It is a lock.
Florence, 1503. Leonardo da Vinci accepts a quiet private commission: a portrait of a silk merchant's wife. It should be the simplest work of his life. It becomes the only one that matters.
Something old has woken in his pigments. Something his grandfather Antonio met before him and did not survive. Something that feeds on beauty, and has chosen Leonardo as the door it will walk through into the world.
So he paints it a cage instead.
For sixteen years, across three countries, he works the same small panel and never once delivers her. The world will one day call her the greatest painting ever made. She was never meant to be admired. She was meant to hold.
The cost is everything. His painting hand. His capacity to feel beauty. In the end, everything that made him Leonardo.
A cage is only as patient as the hand that keeps it.
Five centuries later, in one quiet room of the Louvre, the hand is gone. The keepers are dead. And behind the glass, the smile has begun to shift.
Some colors were never meant to exist.
THE MONA LISA CAGE is a Painted Souls novel: a Renaissance supernatural thriller with the historical depth of Dan Brown, the literary horror of Mexican Gothic, and the slow dread of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi.
Read it slow. Read it at night. Trust nothing in the corners.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2026
About the author
Leo Di Lux
11 books6 followersLeo Di Lux writes gothic supernatural thrillers about the things hidden inside masterpieces.
The Painted Souls reimagines Leonardo da Vinci as the last of a hidden line of keepers, artists whose paintings are not works of art at all, but prisons. The series begins with Grandfather's Pigments, a full novel and free everywhere, and continues in The Mona Lisa Cage and The Collector's Tithe. A standalone, The Mona Lisa Cipher, follows in November 2026.
In October 2026 a second series, The Gallery Chronicles, opens on Kickstarter: four finished gothic novels about the collection kept beneath the museum.
Some colors were never meant to exist.
Newsletter and free fiction: leodilux.com
The Painted Souls reimagines Leonardo da Vinci as the last of a hidden line of keepers, artists whose paintings are not works of art at all, but prisons. The series begins with Grandfather's Pigments, a full novel and free everywhere, and continues in The Mona Lisa Cage and The Collector's Tithe. A standalone, The Mona Lisa Cipher, follows in November 2026.
In October 2026 a second series, The Gallery Chronicles, opens on Kickstarter: four finished gothic novels about the collection kept beneath the museum.
Some colors were never meant to exist.
Newsletter and free fiction: leodilux.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 2, 2026
This was not at all what I was expecting. It was a story for everyone, dealing with one of the greatest artists of all time. The story is compelling and has mystery to it. The author fall and fiction together in this book is wonderfully accomplished. I enjoyed this one from Start to finish. When it started in present day, I expected a much different story than it turned out to be. Most of the telling takes place across Leonardo da Vinci‘s life and the experience he could have had with the Mona Lisa. There are many twists and turns to the story and quite a bit of depth. I’m hoping to read the prequel next and work my way towards the other books in the series. Only time will tell what the outcome might be. If you like mystery and intrigue or our an art fan than this might be a good book for you to read.
August 27, 2026
Everyone has hear of Mona Lisa. This is the tale behind the smile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mona Lisa Cage is a gorgeously unsettling blend of Renaissance history and slow‑creeping supernatural dread — a story that takes one of the world’s most familiar paintings and reveals the terrifying possibility of what might be trapped behind that famous, enigmatic expression. The novel begins in Florence in 1503, with Leonardo da Vinci accepting what should be a simple portrait commission. Instead, it becomes the work that consumes him, reshapes him, and ultimately defines him in ways no admirer of the painting could ever imagine.
The author captures Leonardo with exquisite nuance: brilliant, curious, restless, and increasingly aware that something ancient has woken in his pigments. The idea that beauty itself can be a doorway — that something hungry and old has chosen him as the conduit through which it will enter the world — is both elegant and deeply chilling. The novel’s central conceit, that the Mona Lisa is not a smile but a lock, is handled with such restraint and intelligence that it feels entirely plausible within the story’s world. Leonardo’s decision to paint her as a cage rather than a masterpiece gives the book its haunting emotional core.
The historical detail is rich without ever overwhelming the narrative. Florence, Milan, and France come alive with texture — the workshops, the court politics, the quiet corners where Leonardo works obsessively on the same small panel for sixteen years. The supernatural elements seep in slowly, like damp rising through old stone, and the dread builds with a beautiful, deliberate patience reminiscent of Piranesi and Mexican Gothic. The echoes of Leonardo’s grandfather Antonio, who encountered the same force and did not survive, add a generational weight that deepens the story’s mythology.
What makes the novel truly compelling is the way it reframes genius. Leonardo’s brilliance becomes both his gift and his vulnerability, the very thing that draws the entity toward him. His attempts to outwit it — to trap it, contain it, paint it into stillness — are heartbreaking and heroic in a quiet, desperate way. The world may one day call the Mona Lisa the greatest painting ever made, but in this telling, admiration was never the point. Survival was.
Atmospheric, intelligent, and beautifully eerie, The Mona Lisa Cage is a Renaissance supernatural thriller that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story about art, obsession, and the dangerous things that live in the spaces between creation and destruction — a stunning beginning to The Painted Souls series.
With thanks to Leo Di Lux, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The author captures Leonardo with exquisite nuance: brilliant, curious, restless, and increasingly aware that something ancient has woken in his pigments. The idea that beauty itself can be a doorway — that something hungry and old has chosen him as the conduit through which it will enter the world — is both elegant and deeply chilling. The novel’s central conceit, that the Mona Lisa is not a smile but a lock, is handled with such restraint and intelligence that it feels entirely plausible within the story’s world. Leonardo’s decision to paint her as a cage rather than a masterpiece gives the book its haunting emotional core.
The historical detail is rich without ever overwhelming the narrative. Florence, Milan, and France come alive with texture — the workshops, the court politics, the quiet corners where Leonardo works obsessively on the same small panel for sixteen years. The supernatural elements seep in slowly, like damp rising through old stone, and the dread builds with a beautiful, deliberate patience reminiscent of Piranesi and Mexican Gothic. The echoes of Leonardo’s grandfather Antonio, who encountered the same force and did not survive, add a generational weight that deepens the story’s mythology.
What makes the novel truly compelling is the way it reframes genius. Leonardo’s brilliance becomes both his gift and his vulnerability, the very thing that draws the entity toward him. His attempts to outwit it — to trap it, contain it, paint it into stillness — are heartbreaking and heroic in a quiet, desperate way. The world may one day call the Mona Lisa the greatest painting ever made, but in this telling, admiration was never the point. Survival was.
Atmospheric, intelligent, and beautifully eerie, The Mona Lisa Cage is a Renaissance supernatural thriller that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story about art, obsession, and the dangerous things that live in the spaces between creation and destruction — a stunning beginning to The Painted Souls series.
With thanks to Leo Di Lux, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
August 28, 2026
The Mona Lisa Cage completely captivated me with its extraordinary premise and the haunting emotional weight carried beneath the familiar image of the worlds most famous painting. Seeing Leonardo da Vinci through this story was absolutely fascinating, because his genius is placed beside an unimaginable responsibility that slowly consumes his body, his freedom and the years of his life. I was deeply moved by the devotion behind his endless work, especially the idea of a man becoming a living lock whose entire existence depends on keeping something far more dangerous than anyone could ever imagine contained. His relationship with Salai touched me tremendously. Their conversations, silences, loyalty and quiet understanding reveal a friendship built through years of sacrifice, and some of those moments carried more emotion for me than any dramatic scene could have. I was also fascinated by the presence within the painting itself. The relationship between Leonardo and the woman behind the smile gradually becomes something incredibly complicated, frightening and unexpectedly intimate. The conversations between them raise fascinating questions about hunger, humanity, loneliness, memory and whether something born from darkness can still develop the capacity to care. What affected me most was Leonardos understanding of the terrible arithmetic of being a keeper. He cannot save everyone, and every choice leaves a wound somewhere, creating a burden of guilt that becomes heavier with every passing year. The story beautifully explores the cost of responsibility, the sacrifices nobody sees and the loneliness of carrying knowledge that cannot safely be shared. I loved the historical atmosphere too, because Leonardo moving through Renaissance Italy and France while secretly carrying this impossible burden gives the story such an incredible sense of scale. The final movement toward Toledo and the possibility of passing the responsibility to another keeper adds a deeply poignant feeling of legacy and continuity. What stayed with me most was the image of Leonardo as an ageing man who has given almost everything he possesses to one purpose, yet still finds enough compassion to worry about what will happen after he is gone. This is imaginative, haunting, deeply human and beautifully written. C. Leo Di Lux has taken an image everyone knows and created an entirely new emotional meaning around it, and I genuinely loved being allowed to see that famous smile through Leonardos exhausted, devoted and deeply burdened eyes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in Renaissance Florence, the book takes Leonardo da Vinci's creation of the Mona Lisa and gives it a much darker twist. He's not just trying to paint something beautiful... he's trying to contain something ancient and dangerous. I really liked that idea, especially the way the story ties art to obsession, genius and the cost of creating something that comes from so much of yourself.
The historical research is strong, and I liked the atmosphere of the Renaissance setting. There's a definite gothic feel to it too, with the supernatural elements creeping in rather than the book relying on gore or lots of action. That slow sense that there's something old and dangerous hiding behind the painting worked really well for me.
I also enjoyed Grandfather's Pigments as a lead-in to this story. I liked getting that introduction to the world and its mythology, and I actually found myself more drawn into the novella.
I think The Mona Lisa Cage is probably a book that's best read slowly. The problem was that, for me, it was just a little too slow. The story became repetitive in places, particularly when some of the ideas and moral questions were revisited. There were moments when I felt the book was explaining its themes a bit too much instead of letting me make up my own mind.
I appreciated what the author was trying to do, and there's a really good idea at the heart of the book, but ultimately I preferred the novella. The shorter format worked better for me and held my attention more consistently.
There's still plenty to like here: the historical detail, the gothic atmosphere and, above all, the idea behind the story. If you enjoy slow-burn, introspective gothic horror rather than something fast-paced or action-heavy, this could be right up your street. It just needed a little more pace for me.
3.5 stars but rounded down, wasn't quite strong enough to take to 4 stars.
Thanks to Victory Editing, NetGalley, and Leo Di Lux for the advance copy. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The historical research is strong, and I liked the atmosphere of the Renaissance setting. There's a definite gothic feel to it too, with the supernatural elements creeping in rather than the book relying on gore or lots of action. That slow sense that there's something old and dangerous hiding behind the painting worked really well for me.
I also enjoyed Grandfather's Pigments as a lead-in to this story. I liked getting that introduction to the world and its mythology, and I actually found myself more drawn into the novella.
I think The Mona Lisa Cage is probably a book that's best read slowly. The problem was that, for me, it was just a little too slow. The story became repetitive in places, particularly when some of the ideas and moral questions were revisited. There were moments when I felt the book was explaining its themes a bit too much instead of letting me make up my own mind.
I appreciated what the author was trying to do, and there's a really good idea at the heart of the book, but ultimately I preferred the novella. The shorter format worked better for me and held my attention more consistently.
There's still plenty to like here: the historical detail, the gothic atmosphere and, above all, the idea behind the story. If you enjoy slow-burn, introspective gothic horror rather than something fast-paced or action-heavy, this could be right up your street. It just needed a little more pace for me.
3.5 stars but rounded down, wasn't quite strong enough to take to 4 stars.
Thanks to Victory Editing, NetGalley, and Leo Di Lux for the advance copy. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2026
You’ll never look at the Mona Lisa the same way after reading this.
The thing that drew me to this book was its highly original and creative concept: What if the Mona Lisa was not just a painting, but a cleverly-crafted cell for something sinister? What if the reason it took Leonardo da Vinci almost 16 years to finish it was because he was using the work of a lifetime to battle an ancient, patient evil?
It’s fascinating - doors between worlds pried open by an ever-hungry being, ‘keepers’ who use their creative skills to secretly hold back the dark, and trials that test their ability to pay the cost of doing so. All described in such a smooth, lyrical, quote-worthy voice that the longing feels bottomless and the bravery real. You’ll be highlighting lines left, right and centre and thinking about it long after it’s over.
I’m in awe of how the author takes something real - the history of Leonardo da Vinci, his family and work, his companion Salai, and his travels between Florence and France - and reconstructs it in a convincingly clever, supernatural way. Here are new, chilling explanations for the quirk in Mona Lisa’s smile, the way her eyes follow you across the room, and the committed creativity of one of the great artists.
I love the moral complexity of the characters, and though I’d love to know more about the mysterious ‘cultivators’, the hidden world is fleshed out as well as the story needs it to be. And there are more stories coming in the same collection, too, based on other museums and artefacts. Ideal for any dark academia fan’s shelf, and I’m really glad to have discovered this series.
A massive thank you to @leodilux for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The thing that drew me to this book was its highly original and creative concept: What if the Mona Lisa was not just a painting, but a cleverly-crafted cell for something sinister? What if the reason it took Leonardo da Vinci almost 16 years to finish it was because he was using the work of a lifetime to battle an ancient, patient evil?
It’s fascinating - doors between worlds pried open by an ever-hungry being, ‘keepers’ who use their creative skills to secretly hold back the dark, and trials that test their ability to pay the cost of doing so. All described in such a smooth, lyrical, quote-worthy voice that the longing feels bottomless and the bravery real. You’ll be highlighting lines left, right and centre and thinking about it long after it’s over.
I’m in awe of how the author takes something real - the history of Leonardo da Vinci, his family and work, his companion Salai, and his travels between Florence and France - and reconstructs it in a convincingly clever, supernatural way. Here are new, chilling explanations for the quirk in Mona Lisa’s smile, the way her eyes follow you across the room, and the committed creativity of one of the great artists.
I love the moral complexity of the characters, and though I’d love to know more about the mysterious ‘cultivators’, the hidden world is fleshed out as well as the story needs it to be. And there are more stories coming in the same collection, too, based on other museums and artefacts. Ideal for any dark academia fan’s shelf, and I’m really glad to have discovered this series.
A massive thank you to @leodilux for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5☆
The Mona Lisa may be the most recognized face in history. What exactly is the expression on her face, her smile, meant to convey? What is the secret she is holding? Her creator, Leonardo da Vinci, and few others, know.
Leonardo faces challenges against the being that wants to devour beauty in this world. Along the frightening route he learns many lessons about what it means to be human and an artist.
The artist pours his being into his art. He gives it away with every line, every brush stroke. There is a cost for being an artist. Throwing your whole being into creating affects the mind, sight, physicality and soul. Leonardo also learns that life is losing, but it is how you lose the battle of life that matters.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Leo Di Lux for allowing me to read your captivating story.
I truly appreciate the moral questions Di Lux poses, as well as the message of what it means to be an artist. Several times throughout the reading I felt that Di Lux was trying too hard to get his meaning across. It felt repeatative and forced, with less and less room for the reader to come to his/her own thoughts.
Favorite Quote:
"That is what immortality is, in the end. Not living forever. Forgetting, slowly, across centuries, every reason a person might have for being willing to die. I would rather have my few bad years and remember the reasons."
Leonardo
The Mona Lisa may be the most recognized face in history. What exactly is the expression on her face, her smile, meant to convey? What is the secret she is holding? Her creator, Leonardo da Vinci, and few others, know.
Leonardo faces challenges against the being that wants to devour beauty in this world. Along the frightening route he learns many lessons about what it means to be human and an artist.
The artist pours his being into his art. He gives it away with every line, every brush stroke. There is a cost for being an artist. Throwing your whole being into creating affects the mind, sight, physicality and soul. Leonardo also learns that life is losing, but it is how you lose the battle of life that matters.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Leo Di Lux for allowing me to read your captivating story.
I truly appreciate the moral questions Di Lux poses, as well as the message of what it means to be an artist. Several times throughout the reading I felt that Di Lux was trying too hard to get his meaning across. It felt repeatative and forced, with less and less room for the reader to come to his/her own thoughts.
Favorite Quote:
"That is what immortality is, in the end. Not living forever. Forgetting, slowly, across centuries, every reason a person might have for being willing to die. I would rather have my few bad years and remember the reasons."
Leonardo
September 21, 2026
The premise of Leo Di Lux’s The Mona Lisa Cage is brilliant: what if the Mona Lisa wasn't painted to be admired, but to serve as a prison for an ancient entity that destroyed Leonardo da Vinci's grandfather? It is a fantastic hook for a supernatural historical mystery. Sadly, the book itself never quite manages to materialise into a solid story.
From the very beginning, the narrative drops the reader into a sketchy, heavily hinted-at world where everything is shrouded in an uncertain, dark menace. Rather than giving the reader a tangible antagonist or a concrete set of stakes to hold onto, the author opts for an incredibly esoteric and nebulous atmosphere. This heavy reliance on mood over substance leaves the lives of Leonardo and Salai feeling strangely detached from reality.
A great historical thriller needs structure—a clear beginning, a driving middle, a definitive resolution, and a formidable enemy. The Mona Lisa Cage rejects this architecture in favour of a smoky, vague sense of dread that never quite goes anywhere. The prose spends far too much time gesturing wildly at an abstract darkness without ever showing us the monster.
If you love highly atmospheric, dreamlike fiction where the plot takes a backseat to poetic mood, this nom de plume's offering might be for you. But if you want a mystery you can actually sink your teeth into, you will likely find this beautifully painted cage to be entirely empty of real substance.
From the very beginning, the narrative drops the reader into a sketchy, heavily hinted-at world where everything is shrouded in an uncertain, dark menace. Rather than giving the reader a tangible antagonist or a concrete set of stakes to hold onto, the author opts for an incredibly esoteric and nebulous atmosphere. This heavy reliance on mood over substance leaves the lives of Leonardo and Salai feeling strangely detached from reality.
A great historical thriller needs structure—a clear beginning, a driving middle, a definitive resolution, and a formidable enemy. The Mona Lisa Cage rejects this architecture in favour of a smoky, vague sense of dread that never quite goes anywhere. The prose spends far too much time gesturing wildly at an abstract darkness without ever showing us the monster.
If you love highly atmospheric, dreamlike fiction where the plot takes a backseat to poetic mood, this nom de plume's offering might be for you. But if you want a mystery you can actually sink your teeth into, you will likely find this beautifully painted cage to be entirely empty of real substance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The concept behind 'The Mona Lisa Cage" by Leo Di Lux immediately grabbed me. Leonardo da Vinci, forbidden pigments, and the Mona Lisa reimagined as a supernatural prison sounded like something I was going to love.
The story follows Leonardo as something ancient awakens within his pigments and chooses him as a doorway into the world. To stop it, he begins transforming the Mona Lisa into something far more dangerous than a portrait.
Unfortunately, I connected more with the concept than the execution. The prose is extremely ornate and flowery, and I struggled to absorb what was happening beneath all the description. Instead of pulling me deeper into the atmosphere, the writing kept me at a distance and made it difficult to build any momentum with the story.
Readers who enjoy heavily lyrical historical fiction and elaborate gothic prose may have a completely different experience. There is a genuinely creative supernatural idea here, but the writing style kept me from fully sinking into it.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Author Note: Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The story follows Leonardo as something ancient awakens within his pigments and chooses him as a doorway into the world. To stop it, he begins transforming the Mona Lisa into something far more dangerous than a portrait.
Unfortunately, I connected more with the concept than the execution. The prose is extremely ornate and flowery, and I struggled to absorb what was happening beneath all the description. Instead of pulling me deeper into the atmosphere, the writing kept me at a distance and made it difficult to build any momentum with the story.
Readers who enjoy heavily lyrical historical fiction and elaborate gothic prose may have a completely different experience. There is a genuinely creative supernatural idea here, but the writing style kept me from fully sinking into it.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Author Note: Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Since I didn't write anything when I read “Grandfather's Pigments” (bad puppy!), I'm going to review both of them now.
First, I'm going to tell you what these books are not
If you like gore, these books are not for you. If you like a story packed with action, these books are not for you. If you like introspective literary horror, then this series is a good choice.
I've enjoyed both books so far, although I have to admit I liked 'Grandfather's Pigments' better. They're very well written and very well researched. I was hooked right away. The idea behind the story is brilliant, and the mystery grabbed me from the very first pages. I devoured the prequel in a go. However, 'The Mona Lisa Cage takes too many things for granted.' It shouldn’t be read alone. It dives deeper into the world of Painted Souls, and I was eager to read it, but I got really annoyed by the time jump between chapters 1 and 2, and the narrative becomes slow and repetitive.
I hope the series keeps going more in the vein of the first book than the second.
First, I'm going to tell you what these books are not
If you like gore, these books are not for you. If you like a story packed with action, these books are not for you. If you like introspective literary horror, then this series is a good choice.
I've enjoyed both books so far, although I have to admit I liked 'Grandfather's Pigments' better. They're very well written and very well researched. I was hooked right away. The idea behind the story is brilliant, and the mystery grabbed me from the very first pages. I devoured the prequel in a go. However, 'The Mona Lisa Cage takes too many things for granted.' It shouldn’t be read alone. It dives deeper into the world of Painted Souls, and I was eager to read it, but I got really annoyed by the time jump between chapters 1 and 2, and the narrative becomes slow and repetitive.
I hope the series keeps going more in the vein of the first book than the second.
September 6, 2026
I received this novel as an ARC from StoryOrigin. I was captivated by the title. The Mona Lisa Cage, pray tell what is this all about? I thought a little mystery, a little terror, a little of this and a little of that. Little did I know just what I was to experience This novel was not just a quick read one late evening night. It was more than I ever expected. I had not read the first novel in the series and I want you to know that I heading out right to get the prequel and the first novel and then I will read this book all over again.
This novel grabbed me right from the start and never let me go. This book will keep you on an emotional roller-coaster. The beginning is strong and as you read on you truly feel the complexity of all the characters. This is a dramatic and deftly penned piece of fiction. Thoughtful and unpredictable. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and was often surprised with the characters, storyline twists, and sometimes some of the heartbreak. Definitely worth reading.
This novel grabbed me right from the start and never let me go. This book will keep you on an emotional roller-coaster. The beginning is strong and as you read on you truly feel the complexity of all the characters. This is a dramatic and deftly penned piece of fiction. Thoughtful and unpredictable. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and was often surprised with the characters, storyline twists, and sometimes some of the heartbreak. Definitely worth reading.
October 6, 2026
The author really knows how to bring you into the storyline. I have not read a book of this quality in a long time. Usually the authors nowadays come across as lazy or stingy with their plots and descriptions. It is well written and you feel as though you are right there in the story with Leonardo di Vinci. After reading this you will not be able to look at the portrait of Mona Lisa without thinking, is the cage holding? Really makes you look at what Leonardo's character gave of himself in order to build the cage and who the prisoner in that cage was. The book is well paced, descriptive and makes you want to read the prequel and the rest that follow. This is not your typical gore book, but makes you look within yourself and appreciate what you have in life and what you have lost. The trapped souls he comes across make you feel sympathy for them and for himself as well as he willingly "empties" himself out for the safety of the world if not society. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the others.
September 30, 2026
A Deadly Painting
The Mona Lisa Cage begins in the present at the Louvre, giving insight about the famous painting. Then we return to 1497 when Leo gets the box that his grandfather left for him for a little reminder of the first book. We now move into 1503.
Just like in Grandfather’s Pigments the writing in this book also flows easily from page to page and keeps you engaged. There is intrigue and suspense from the start of the story and is sprinkled throughout.
Leo and Salai continue to grow their relationship, it has moved into a more mature setting. They play off of each other in a realistic and natural way.
I did have some confusion with the plot at times. There are different women – bound in paintings and not bound. The confusion was in what happens with each woman and why did it happen that way. But in the end it all came together. I recommend this book.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
The Mona Lisa Cage begins in the present at the Louvre, giving insight about the famous painting. Then we return to 1497 when Leo gets the box that his grandfather left for him for a little reminder of the first book. We now move into 1503.
Just like in Grandfather’s Pigments the writing in this book also flows easily from page to page and keeps you engaged. There is intrigue and suspense from the start of the story and is sprinkled throughout.
Leo and Salai continue to grow their relationship, it has moved into a more mature setting. They play off of each other in a realistic and natural way.
I did have some confusion with the plot at times. There are different women – bound in paintings and not bound. The confusion was in what happens with each woman and why did it happen that way. But in the end it all came together. I recommend this book.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
There’s something wonderfully eerie about a book that feels like stepping into an old painting… and The Mona Lisa Cage definitely captured that atmosphere.
The talking portraits were delightfully creepy (and honestly a little unsettling), while the tense trials kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. I also found Leo’s journey quite emotional — the sacrifices he had to make along the way really tugged at my heart.
That said, the long chapters and slower pacing meant it took me a while to fully immerse myself in the story, and unfortunately the ending felt a little flatter than I’d hoped after such a strong build-up.
Overall, this is an atmospheric, haunting read with plenty of tension and some genuinely creepy moments — perfect for readers who enjoy slower, mood-driven stories with a gothic edge.
The talking portraits were delightfully creepy (and honestly a little unsettling), while the tense trials kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. I also found Leo’s journey quite emotional — the sacrifices he had to make along the way really tugged at my heart.
That said, the long chapters and slower pacing meant it took me a while to fully immerse myself in the story, and unfortunately the ending felt a little flatter than I’d hoped after such a strong build-up.
Overall, this is an atmospheric, haunting read with plenty of tension and some genuinely creepy moments — perfect for readers who enjoy slower, mood-driven stories with a gothic edge.
September 1, 2026
The Mona Lisa Cage by Leo Di Lux was a 4-star read for me! The story was well written, complex, and so interesting that it kept me up late because I needed to finish it! One of my favorite things about this book was how much it had me thinking. The story made me look at the Mona Lisa, a painting that pretty much everyone recognizes, in a completely different way. It had me thinking about the painting itself, the history behind it, and everything surrounding its mystery and legacy. The complexity of the story made it an engaging read, and I found myself wanting to piece everything together and think more deeply about what I was reading. Overall, The Mona Lisa Cage was a thought-provoking, complex, and fascinating read that kept me turning the pages late into the night!
November 3, 2026
I do not believe I have the words to portray how gorgeous this book is. The story is gothic and mysterious, the prose is lyrical, and the images it creates in my head are ethereal.
Leonardo Da Vinci was not just a genius artist but he was also responsible for closing doors between worlds. His paintings quite literally house the spirits from another realm. The story is vague about what would happen should the entities break through but several other artists have been devoured attempting to do what Leonardo is doing.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfection. The deep resonating voice felt in tune with the story being told.
The book cover is beautiful and captures the dark feelings of the story. It is worth buying the books just to have these on my shelf.
Leonardo Da Vinci was not just a genius artist but he was also responsible for closing doors between worlds. His paintings quite literally house the spirits from another realm. The story is vague about what would happen should the entities break through but several other artists have been devoured attempting to do what Leonardo is doing.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfection. The deep resonating voice felt in tune with the story being told.
The book cover is beautiful and captures the dark feelings of the story. It is worth buying the books just to have these on my shelf.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of the book from the author. This is an excellent book. I really did not know what to expect when I read the blurb for it, but I'm certainly glad I asked to review it.
The author has a gifted way of writing; it's like sitting in a room with da Vinci sitting across from you talking about painting the Mona Lisa. The author 'explains' the painting's mysterious smile, and why she is always looking at you. It's not a book you can easily explain to someone else, because you don't quite understand how to describe what is behind the story, but it's worth reading. It's intriguing. It's well written. And I look forward to other books in this series
The author has a gifted way of writing; it's like sitting in a room with da Vinci sitting across from you talking about painting the Mona Lisa. The author 'explains' the painting's mysterious smile, and why she is always looking at you. It's not a book you can easily explain to someone else, because you don't quite understand how to describe what is behind the story, but it's worth reading. It's intriguing. It's well written. And I look forward to other books in this series
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really don't know what to say! The story is very well written, fascinating and engaging, and it's an interesting way to explain Mona Lisa's mysterious, restrained smile... but I can't find an understandable reason why the personalities of all these people, these painters will have to be sucked dry and "inhaled".
Because of the great wording the book should get 5 stars, but the story itself just gets 3 stars from me, so it's 4*.
I got a free ARC book from the author and these are my voluntary thoughts.
Will surely read the next book (will be a series), perhaps there will be more clarification.
Because of the great wording the book should get 5 stars, but the story itself just gets 3 stars from me, so it's 4*.
I got a free ARC book from the author and these are my voluntary thoughts.
Will surely read the next book (will be a series), perhaps there will be more clarification.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was quite an unusual read, with an alternative look at Leonardo da Vinci and the Mona Lisa. I've never read a horror book based on real people and things like this before, but I did find the story of Keepers and an evil trapped inside of a painting very interesting. I studied art history in school, so I did recognize some of the things talked about here. Some of the story was a bit slow, but I was never bored out of mine. For an unusual, slow burn kind of horror, I recommend this one, especially if you enjoy art history. I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Interesting book that has to be savored.This is not a book that is read in a hurry because it is very visual.
If you enjoy historical supernatural thrillers this one about Leonardo da Vinci
is a must for you.
Leonardo paints in such a way that
“ a portrait's eyes follow a man across a gallery… and understand that the eyes are following us”.
The story makes you feel that you are in his workshop and you sense
“the ghost of linseed and pigment that no amount of time will ever quite scrub from a place where a painter worked. “
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an advanced reader copy provided by the author.
Interesting book that has to be savored.This is not a book that is read in a hurry because it is very visual.
If you enjoy historical supernatural thrillers this one about Leonardo da Vinci
is a must for you.
Leonardo paints in such a way that
“ a portrait's eyes follow a man across a gallery… and understand that the eyes are following us”.
The story makes you feel that you are in his workshop and you sense
“the ghost of linseed and pigment that no amount of time will ever quite scrub from a place where a painter worked. “
Interesting book that has to be savored.This is not a book that is read in a hurry because it is very visual.
If you enjoy historical supernatural thrillers this one about Leonardo da Vinci
is a must for you.
Leonardo paints in such a way that
“ a portrait's eyes follow a man across a gallery… and understand that the eyes are following us”.
The story makes you feel that you are in his workshop and you sense
“the ghost of linseed and pigment that no amount of time will ever quite scrub from a place where a painter worked. “
August 26, 2026
I received an advance copy from the author. I found this book fascinating, with its dark take on one of the world's most famous paintings. I'm not usually a fan of stories that jump around in time, but I found myself completely entangled—each time jump ended with such intense suspense that I couldn't stop reading. It's a deeply immersive read with a striking visual style. The supernatural twist weaving together the artist, the pigments, the artwork, and a dark force gives this book a truly unique edge.
August 27, 2026
Wow what a wonderful read about a painting we all know, it’s the most famous one of all. This take a new look at the painting and the smile. This will see the painting as a cage for something that wants to be out in the world rather than being locked up. By the end of this story you may just see the Mona Lisa painting in a new way. Really interesting read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fascinating read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fascinating read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received as an ARC with no anticipation of a positive review.
It is rare for me not to finish a book. Unfortunately, this is one of them.
I did not read the first book in series. I'm not sure if that would have helped. Found myself lost when reading, and the entire premise of the story made no sense.
Will leave it there.
It is rare for me not to finish a book. Unfortunately, this is one of them.
I did not read the first book in series. I'm not sure if that would have helped. Found myself lost when reading, and the entire premise of the story made no sense.
Will leave it there.
August 29, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a super interesting premise! I love the way the supernatural elements mix with reality and history. This is one of the most unique books I've read in years, and it was nice to read something that didn't feel trope heavy or formulaic. I'm excited for the rest of the series!
This is a super interesting premise! I love the way the supernatural elements mix with reality and history. This is one of the most unique books I've read in years, and it was nice to read something that didn't feel trope heavy or formulaic. I'm excited for the rest of the series!
August 31, 2026
I was fascinated by this story. It has elements of supernatural, historical fiction, and mystery. It was a bit slow paced at times but still kept my interest. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s stories.
I received a complementary ARC from the author and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I received a complementary ARC from the author and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
September 15, 2026
This is a good story, well written, but it's a psychological thriller and that's not a genre I like to read. But if you do like that genre, you enjoy an unending atmosphere of dread and fear, an unbeatable ancient hunger that can't be destroyed, only contained, then this would be a great book for you.
September 20, 2026
Stunningly beautiful writing. Introspective, tragic and inventive. Why does the Mona Lisa smile that way? What drove da Vinci into this famously enigmatic expression? The author presents a very dark and potentially apocalyptic answer that could change the way you think of da Vinci forever - in a strong, courageous way.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
October 25, 2026
The Mona Lisa Cage by Leo Di Lux is a fantastic gothic read. Set in the 1500s, Leonardo da Vinci accepts a commission to paint the portrait of a silk merchant’s wife -- the famous and enigmatic Mona Lisa. Little does he know the impact of accepting this commission -- an obsession that would last over 16 years. The story interweaves history and fantasy. It is an atmospheric, creepy tale that will keep you turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 9, 2026
Beautiful Prose Best Savoured on the Page 🥰
Mona Lisa’s Cage by Leo Di Lux was a beautifully written and fascinating read. I found the prose quite lyrical and dense, which made the audiobook a little difficult to follow. Reading the book instead was a much more absorbing experience for me. I could take my time, savour the beautiful writing and annotate passages that resonated with me. 🥰
Mona Lisa’s Cage by Leo Di Lux was a beautifully written and fascinating read. I found the prose quite lyrical and dense, which made the audiobook a little difficult to follow. Reading the book instead was a much more absorbing experience for me. I could take my time, savour the beautiful writing and annotate passages that resonated with me. 🥰
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