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Da Vinci's Disciples #2
The Competition
A Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice
In a studiolo behind a church, six women gather to perform an act that is, at once, restorative, powerful, and illegal: they paint.
Under the tutelage of Leonardo da Vinci, these six show talent and drive equal to that of any man, but in Renaissance Florence, they must hide their skills, or risk the scorn of the church, the city, and the law.
A commission to paint a fresco in the church of Santo Spirito is about to be announced and Florence s countless artists each seek the fame and glory this lucrative job will provide. Viviana, a noblewoman freed from a terrible marriage, and now able to pursue her artistic passions, sees a potential life-altering opportunity for herself and her fellow artists. The women first speak to Lorenzo de Medici himself, and finally, they submit a bidfor the right to paint it. And they win. The very public commission belongs to them.
Butwith the victory comes a powerful cost. The church will not stand for women painting, especially not in a house of worship. The city is not ready to consider women in positions of power, and in Florence, artists wield tremendous power. Even the women themselves are hesitant; the attention they will bring upon themselves willdisrupt their families, and even put them in physical danger.
All the while, Viviana grows closer to Sansone, her soldier lover, who is bringing to her a joy that she never knew with her deceased husband. And fellow-artist Isabetta has a flame reignited, sparked by Lorenzo himself. Power and passion collide in this sumptuous historical novel of shattering limitations, one brushstroke at a time."
In a studiolo behind a church, six women gather to perform an act that is, at once, restorative, powerful, and illegal: they paint.
Under the tutelage of Leonardo da Vinci, these six show talent and drive equal to that of any man, but in Renaissance Florence, they must hide their skills, or risk the scorn of the church, the city, and the law.
A commission to paint a fresco in the church of Santo Spirito is about to be announced and Florence s countless artists each seek the fame and glory this lucrative job will provide. Viviana, a noblewoman freed from a terrible marriage, and now able to pursue her artistic passions, sees a potential life-altering opportunity for herself and her fellow artists. The women first speak to Lorenzo de Medici himself, and finally, they submit a bidfor the right to paint it. And they win. The very public commission belongs to them.
Butwith the victory comes a powerful cost. The church will not stand for women painting, especially not in a house of worship. The city is not ready to consider women in positions of power, and in Florence, artists wield tremendous power. Even the women themselves are hesitant; the attention they will bring upon themselves willdisrupt their families, and even put them in physical danger.
All the while, Viviana grows closer to Sansone, her soldier lover, who is bringing to her a joy that she never knew with her deceased husband. And fellow-artist Isabetta has a flame reignited, sparked by Lorenzo himself. Power and passion collide in this sumptuous historical novel of shattering limitations, one brushstroke at a time."
268 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2017
12 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Donna Russo Morin
18 books486 followersDonna Russo is a bestselling author of historical, biographical, and women's fiction, as well as fantasy. She has made a significant impact in the literary world with her detailed writing and compelling characters. Her notable works include multi-award-winning Vincent’s Women and her internationally bestselling Novels of Newport: Gilded Age series, Gilded Summers and Gilded Dreams. Her historical fantasy, The King’s Agent, earned a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly.
An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com
Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.
An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com
Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 29, 2017
A big thank you to Diversion Books, Donna Ruson Morin, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Book two in the da Vinci's Disciples series, Ruson Morin continues to find inspiration in the historical events of Renaissance Florence to tell the story of her female artists. This book, however, does not revolve around one particular event like the first did, and therefore seems to float rootless, more fiction than history. Instead we learn a little about frescos.
I enjoyed the plot of Book One much more. Although I think this plot was necessary to the progress of the series. The reader does need to learn more about the ladies' personal lives, their talents, their insecurities. And the way the book ends its obvious their will be more historical tie-ins coming. The flow of the writing is quite smooth. I finished this book in several hours before I realized it. I'd be very interested in reading Book Three.
Book two in the da Vinci's Disciples series, Ruson Morin continues to find inspiration in the historical events of Renaissance Florence to tell the story of her female artists. This book, however, does not revolve around one particular event like the first did, and therefore seems to float rootless, more fiction than history. Instead we learn a little about frescos.
I enjoyed the plot of Book One much more. Although I think this plot was necessary to the progress of the series. The reader does need to learn more about the ladies' personal lives, their talents, their insecurities. And the way the book ends its obvious their will be more historical tie-ins coming. The flow of the writing is quite smooth. I finished this book in several hours before I realized it. I'd be very interested in reading Book Three.
September 19, 2017
I have had some time thinking about the book before I wrote this review and I think although it's a good book, would I have preferred to have read the previous book first. Now, I don't mean that it was hard to get into the story in this book, it's more like the mentioning of events from the first book made me curious about that book, to get the past stories behind all the characters. And, reading the first book would have made it easier to understand the characters, instead of learning during the books progress more about them.
Nevertheless, despite my lack of previous knowledge did I enjoy this book. I find the era fascinating and one thing I truly loved was reading a book about Leonardo da Vinci. Yes, it's a story about da Vinci's disciples, but I can't help being fascinated by the man and I loved that his POV was included in the book. I was also intrigued by Lorenzo de Medici. I really need to find more books about both men to read.
Anyway, besides that was it the women's struggles to be accepted as artists the thing that I found absolute fascinated to read about. It's OK for a woman to draw at home, but to be an artist? Nah, that's just for men. Made my blood boil I tell ya when I read some parts of the books when they were found out and had to take the public's scorn.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review!
Nevertheless, despite my lack of previous knowledge did I enjoy this book. I find the era fascinating and one thing I truly loved was reading a book about Leonardo da Vinci. Yes, it's a story about da Vinci's disciples, but I can't help being fascinated by the man and I loved that his POV was included in the book. I was also intrigued by Lorenzo de Medici. I really need to find more books about both men to read.
Anyway, besides that was it the women's struggles to be accepted as artists the thing that I found absolute fascinated to read about. It's OK for a woman to draw at home, but to be an artist? Nah, that's just for men. Made my blood boil I tell ya when I read some parts of the books when they were found out and had to take the public's scorn.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review!
May 8, 2017
"The Competition" is the second book in Donna Russo Morin's Da Vinci's Disciples series. In this book, the women of the first book are back and have been continuing to work and hone their skills under master painter Leonardo Da Vinci. Florence is a buzz with a competition to paint a fresco in the famous Santo Spirito. The women know that this could be their chance to be accepted by other artists and to finally break into the art world, which is a man's world. This is a great follow on to the first book!
First things first, you should go back and read the first book: "Portrait of a Conspiracy." The second book jumps right into the action while the first book had more of the back stories of the women and Da Vinci. You may find yourself confused by the characters and besides, the first book is just really good.
Historical fiction is amazing. HistFic books like this one have a great way to introduce readers to things that they never knew before. I still found myself amazed at the women jumping over what was expected of them and striving for something greater. The art world is still not very friendly to them even if they have the backing of Da Vinci but that does not deter them from making waves, which I really liked.
The writing of the book is good! The characters continued to be interesting. I loved Da Vinci in this book and I liked how the author built on the stories of the women from the first book. Filled with great detail and other historical figures at the time, this book was a real treat!
First things first, you should go back and read the first book: "Portrait of a Conspiracy." The second book jumps right into the action while the first book had more of the back stories of the women and Da Vinci. You may find yourself confused by the characters and besides, the first book is just really good.
Historical fiction is amazing. HistFic books like this one have a great way to introduce readers to things that they never knew before. I still found myself amazed at the women jumping over what was expected of them and striving for something greater. The art world is still not very friendly to them even if they have the backing of Da Vinci but that does not deter them from making waves, which I really liked.
The writing of the book is good! The characters continued to be interesting. I loved Da Vinci in this book and I liked how the author built on the stories of the women from the first book. Filled with great detail and other historical figures at the time, this book was a real treat!
February 19, 2018
Set in the 15th century Florence, during the rule of Lorenzo de Medici, the greatest patron of Renaissance art. Book II starts after the assassination of his brother Giuliano.
The story brings a lesser known subject of women who call themselves Da Vinci’s Disciples. They are women artists under the tutelage of Leonardo da Vinci. They are forced to develop their skills in hiding as women were not allowed to be artists at the time. But they feel that the time has come for women to paint openly and not in hiding. They want to bid on a commission of redoing fresco at a chapel. They see a change in Lorenzo after the death of his brother, and that gives them courage in their pursuit.
The story beautifully weaves a brief biography of Leonardo, touching upon some aspects of his life including him falling out of favor with Lorenzo due to Leonardo’s many unfinished commissions. “I must experience all I can.” (His investigative mind led to many inventions way ahead of his time, but at the same time during his life time he was known for many unfinished projects).
The story also skillfully introduces many famous artists of Florence. My favorite was of a nine year old Michelangelo.
This book had a potential of being a 5 star read. It starts as a page-turner, but towards the end an unnecessary drama of one of the disciples’ illegitimacy takes it away from the story. It doesn’t enhance the story, rather makes an unnecessary distraction. Afterwards, the story doesn’t carry enough essence to bring it back to 5 stars. The details of rescuing fresco are interesting, but not enough.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
The story brings a lesser known subject of women who call themselves Da Vinci’s Disciples. They are women artists under the tutelage of Leonardo da Vinci. They are forced to develop their skills in hiding as women were not allowed to be artists at the time. But they feel that the time has come for women to paint openly and not in hiding. They want to bid on a commission of redoing fresco at a chapel. They see a change in Lorenzo after the death of his brother, and that gives them courage in their pursuit.
The story beautifully weaves a brief biography of Leonardo, touching upon some aspects of his life including him falling out of favor with Lorenzo due to Leonardo’s many unfinished commissions. “I must experience all I can.” (His investigative mind led to many inventions way ahead of his time, but at the same time during his life time he was known for many unfinished projects).
The story also skillfully introduces many famous artists of Florence. My favorite was of a nine year old Michelangelo.
This book had a potential of being a 5 star read. It starts as a page-turner, but towards the end an unnecessary drama of one of the disciples’ illegitimacy takes it away from the story. It doesn’t enhance the story, rather makes an unnecessary distraction. Afterwards, the story doesn’t carry enough essence to bring it back to 5 stars. The details of rescuing fresco are interesting, but not enough.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
April 6, 2017
A great sequel to a great first book. I'm completely in this time period and with these finely drawn characters. I'll be rereading this one and the one that comes before, PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY, again and again, until the third comes out. A must-read-trilogy for sure.
July 25, 2019
*2.3
The story of this book takes place 5 years after the events of Portrait of a Conspiracy.
Here, we see the women we met in the 1st book trying to prove themselves to the close minded people of Florence, who believe that women have no right at creating art.
To do that, they take upon themselves the difficult task of painting a fresco in the church of Santo Spirit. In order to accomplish that, they have to charm their way through Lorenzo De Medici who gives them his consent but makes a lot of people angry in the process.
The women, of course, are determined to not let anyone stand in their way. As always, they have trusty Leonardo Da Vinci by their side, this time accompanied by Sandro Botticelli and Andrea del Verrocchio and are ready to take the world by storm.
What can I say guys, this went exactly as bad as I expected.
Now, I didn't buy and read this book only to rate it low. On the contrary, I was hoping for things to get even a little better, but nope!
Every problem there was in the 1st book is present here as well. If you're curious about that, you can always check out my review on that book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Again, the main characters were plain and most of the times shallow, the familiar and romantic relationships lacked chemistry and were shallow as well, the action sequences (and I use that term loosely) were boring and the subplots were pointless.
The author also does a lot of "telling but not showing" which is infuriating and there was some repetitiveness as well which I was not a fan of, oh, and of course there were a couple of plot holes here and there.
And finally, this may sound mean but, it takes a lot of effort to make Da Vinci and Lorenzo Il Magnifico boring and that is simply unforgivable.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :)
The story of this book takes place 5 years after the events of Portrait of a Conspiracy.
Here, we see the women we met in the 1st book trying to prove themselves to the close minded people of Florence, who believe that women have no right at creating art.
To do that, they take upon themselves the difficult task of painting a fresco in the church of Santo Spirit. In order to accomplish that, they have to charm their way through Lorenzo De Medici who gives them his consent but makes a lot of people angry in the process.
The women, of course, are determined to not let anyone stand in their way. As always, they have trusty Leonardo Da Vinci by their side, this time accompanied by Sandro Botticelli and Andrea del Verrocchio and are ready to take the world by storm.
What can I say guys, this went exactly as bad as I expected.
Now, I didn't buy and read this book only to rate it low. On the contrary, I was hoping for things to get even a little better, but nope!
Every problem there was in the 1st book is present here as well. If you're curious about that, you can always check out my review on that book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Again, the main characters were plain and most of the times shallow, the familiar and romantic relationships lacked chemistry and were shallow as well, the action sequences (and I use that term loosely) were boring and the subplots were pointless.
The author also does a lot of "telling but not showing" which is infuriating and there was some repetitiveness as well which I was not a fan of, oh, and of course there were a couple of plot holes here and there.
And finally, this may sound mean but, it takes a lot of effort to make Da Vinci and Lorenzo Il Magnifico boring and that is simply unforgivable.
If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :)
July 12, 2017
This book comes at a time, even more so than the first book Portrait of a Conspiracy, when the triumph of the female spirit needs to be heard. Women have made so much progress in the world (in my country, the U.S.), but recently, we have begun to feel subjugated once more. The very real progress women have made seems to be reverting back, or stagnating. It is stories such as this that can work to inspire women that the fight for equality is well worth it.
I always enjoy Russo Morin's books. She really knows how to tell a story while bringing vividly to life the real historical figures and events surrounding her characters. These women, these Da Vinci's Disciples, are the lifeblood of the story. Each woman is unique and even when brought together as a whole with the group, their individuality shines. I like to think that there really were women such as this. In fact, I'm quite sure there probably were. Perhaps they did not take on a large commission as depicted in the book, nor bid for commissions during that time period, but I like to think there was a hidden studio with women secretly working, defying society's strictures on women and what they were allowed to do.
Having Leonardo Da Vinci as an important supporting character works very well with these stories. Of what I've read on Da Vinci, I believe that he had very progressive attitudes. For him to be mentoring a group of women artists does not seem impossible to me. I love that the author used real quotes from him throughout the book. This one is my favorite and really captures the spirit of the book:
"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."
However, a quote from Viviana, the central and most endearing character, in my opinion, is what spoke to me the most. It is a personal motto of mine. "We all deserve to be loved, but our first love should always be for ourselves. Without self-love and self-respect, we show others how they may treat us."
And that is the crux of this story. These women believed in themselves, believed in their talent, enough to defy society's views of what women can and cannot do. It's an inspiring work of historical fiction that should not be missed.
I received this book free of charge from the author or publisher.
I always enjoy Russo Morin's books. She really knows how to tell a story while bringing vividly to life the real historical figures and events surrounding her characters. These women, these Da Vinci's Disciples, are the lifeblood of the story. Each woman is unique and even when brought together as a whole with the group, their individuality shines. I like to think that there really were women such as this. In fact, I'm quite sure there probably were. Perhaps they did not take on a large commission as depicted in the book, nor bid for commissions during that time period, but I like to think there was a hidden studio with women secretly working, defying society's strictures on women and what they were allowed to do.
Having Leonardo Da Vinci as an important supporting character works very well with these stories. Of what I've read on Da Vinci, I believe that he had very progressive attitudes. For him to be mentoring a group of women artists does not seem impossible to me. I love that the author used real quotes from him throughout the book. This one is my favorite and really captures the spirit of the book:
"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."
However, a quote from Viviana, the central and most endearing character, in my opinion, is what spoke to me the most. It is a personal motto of mine. "We all deserve to be loved, but our first love should always be for ourselves. Without self-love and self-respect, we show others how they may treat us."
And that is the crux of this story. These women believed in themselves, believed in their talent, enough to defy society's views of what women can and cannot do. It's an inspiring work of historical fiction that should not be missed.
I received this book free of charge from the author or publisher.
March 7, 2017
A perfect follow-up to the first book, Portrait of a Conspiracy. Not as much political upheaval as in the first, but this time we really get to know the women, get to delve deeper into their fascinating lives, including da Vinci's. I couldn't put it down.
December 28, 2017
In this time women could draw at home but not be an artist that was for a man to do. These women had to develop their talent in hiding as women were not allowed to be artists. Women were supposed to have children and run their homes. These women were learning to be better artists with Leonardo Da Vinci as their mentor. The women were hoping this time would be there chance to be recognized by other artists. Viviana is an artist who belongs to a group called The Disciples Of Da Vinci. Viviana, Isabella, Fiammetta, and Mattea are all members of this group. The risks these women are willing to take for their art. The women were lucky in that Da Vinci’s thinking was ahead of his time and were willing to teach this women to better their art. The women want to bid on some work to be done on a chapel in time. Lorenzo unofficially runs Florence and has changed since his brothers death so the women have hope things may change for them and their art. The women do get permission from Lorenzo to work on the chapel but Lorenzo doesn’t believe they have the talent or the ability to be successful. The church is against women painting especially in a place of worship. Florence is not ready to recognize women as artists as artists have a lot of power in Florence. Also the attention may disrupt their lives and there was a chance of physical violence being brought to these women. Than Da Vinci was sent to Milan as by Lorenzo as he had a lot of unfinished projects so the women ow see less of him the last couple of years. Although he does visit the female artists at least once a month. Leonardo came to the meeting where they discussed working on the chapel and he told the women to go home and tell their families before they did anything else.
I enjoyed this book. I loved the fact it told Da Vinci’s POV and I liked the plot and the pace of this. I also liked the fact Michelangelo was brought up when he was nine years old. I thought this was very well written. I also really enjoyed this book and felt these women were courageous. I am happy I am in the generation I was born in. To be so limited to what you were to do with your life. I felt the characters were great as was the book itself and I highly recommend,
I enjoyed this book. I loved the fact it told Da Vinci’s POV and I liked the plot and the pace of this. I also liked the fact Michelangelo was brought up when he was nine years old. I thought this was very well written. I also really enjoyed this book and felt these women were courageous. I am happy I am in the generation I was born in. To be so limited to what you were to do with your life. I felt the characters were great as was the book itself and I highly recommend,
June 18, 2017
"Of course we are afraid. But fear is but a spark to light great fires."
I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and The Competition DID NOT disappoint. This is a beautifully written book about a group of talented female artists in Renaissance Florence, tutored by Da Vinci. During a time when its unheard of and dangerous for women to practice their art professionally they decide to submit a bid for the right to paint a fresco in a church. What follows is there struggle to accomplish what no other woman before could.
This is the second book in the Da Vinci's Disciples series. I'll admit that I haven't read the first book. Although it would gave been helpful to understand the back story, I don't think it's entirely necessary. Book two works well enough on its own. However I definitely look forward to reading about how these ladies came together in book one.
Throughout these pages I kept thinking "that's a great line I should write that down." If I was the type to deface a book these pages would be covered is neon highlighters. But it wasn't only the talented mind of Donna Russo Morin that I have to thank. The author works in actual Leonardo da Vinci quotes. Fascinating, inspiring, beautifully written, I loved every word. I may also be slightly smarter after reading it.
I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and The Competition DID NOT disappoint. This is a beautifully written book about a group of talented female artists in Renaissance Florence, tutored by Da Vinci. During a time when its unheard of and dangerous for women to practice their art professionally they decide to submit a bid for the right to paint a fresco in a church. What follows is there struggle to accomplish what no other woman before could.
This is the second book in the Da Vinci's Disciples series. I'll admit that I haven't read the first book. Although it would gave been helpful to understand the back story, I don't think it's entirely necessary. Book two works well enough on its own. However I definitely look forward to reading about how these ladies came together in book one.
Throughout these pages I kept thinking "that's a great line I should write that down." If I was the type to deface a book these pages would be covered is neon highlighters. But it wasn't only the talented mind of Donna Russo Morin that I have to thank. The author works in actual Leonardo da Vinci quotes. Fascinating, inspiring, beautifully written, I loved every word. I may also be slightly smarter after reading it.
September 4, 2017
While The Competition is a stand-alone novel, I would highly suggest reading the first book in the series so you have a solid background of who these women are and how Da Vinci's Disciples was formed. With this second book in the series, Morin has certainly hit her stride. Now that the foundation has been laid, her talented pen can dig deeper into the lives of Viviana, Isabetta, Fiammetta, Mattea and the other members. The reader watches their roles within the group become more defined and the risk of what they are undertaking increase. This is a novel of strong women before their time seeking to change the perception of an entire city.
If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, superb character development, and stories where characters seek to make a difference in their world, you need to read the Da Vinci's Disciples series by Donna Russo Morin. I personally can't wait for the conclusion to this thrilling trilogy.
If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, superb character development, and stories where characters seek to make a difference in their world, you need to read the Da Vinci's Disciples series by Donna Russo Morin. I personally can't wait for the conclusion to this thrilling trilogy.
July 29, 2020
Donna Russia Morin is simply a “maestro” of historical fiction, in particular regarding to Italy, art, and “the Masters.” I loved this tale, another revolving around DaVinci, Lorenzo de Medici, the growing family of DaVinci’s Disciples. To see the rise of what we now call “feminism” in this novel is so heartening. Morin has such a knack for her words, her historical accuracy, suspense, romance, and the beautiful art of Florence.
Definitely recommend this novel, this series, and more of Morin’s collection.
Definitely recommend this novel, this series, and more of Morin’s collection.
July 27, 2017
After "Portrait of a conspiracy"really looked forward to this book and I was not disappointed.
Sorry when I got to the end. Donna Morin really took me into 15 century Florence.
Sorry when I got to the end. Donna Morin really took me into 15 century Florence.
July 28, 2017
The Competition is the second book in the Da Vinci's Disciples Series by Donna Russo Morin. I have read the first book and highly recommend doing that first, even though this one could work as a stand alone it's nice to understand references to previous events. I got to know who these women, their past and present situations which I feel enhanced my reading of this book.
One of the things I loved about The Competition is how it was steeped in time. With vivid descriptions of Florence, the culture was brought to life. Add the world of art it wasn't hard to get a clear sense of how seriously the men felt that it was a man's world. These women were brave enough too risk so much to break into their domain.
There were times I found myself frustrated with the obstacles put before them as well as the treatment they received. The author did a great job of portraying these events and I think it's great when a writer can make her reader feel the frustration, anger and disappointment along with her characters..
I found this book to be entertaining and a series I highly recommend. Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and HFVBT for the opportunity to be part of this tour.
One of the things I loved about The Competition is how it was steeped in time. With vivid descriptions of Florence, the culture was brought to life. Add the world of art it wasn't hard to get a clear sense of how seriously the men felt that it was a man's world. These women were brave enough too risk so much to break into their domain.
There were times I found myself frustrated with the obstacles put before them as well as the treatment they received. The author did a great job of portraying these events and I think it's great when a writer can make her reader feel the frustration, anger and disappointment along with her characters..
I found this book to be entertaining and a series I highly recommend. Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and HFVBT for the opportunity to be part of this tour.
March 7, 2018
Another fine installment in a great series from Donna Russo Morin. I love the way she weaves in actual historical figures with her fictional cast of characters and their doings. The historical backdrop was great, including just enough of the politics of the era, and I loved the detail about various types of painting techniques as well. The book ended on a great note, letting us know what to expect in the next book of the series (and if Savanarola is involved, I can bet it won't be pretty!). Excited to read THE FLAMES OF FLORENCE!
May 29, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in Ms. Russo’s Da Vinci Disciples series so I was very much looking forward to this follow up volume. I wasn’t disappointed. It follows the group of women artists formed in the first book as they strengthen their bonds and actually go forth and bid on an art project in Florence. This might not sound so controversial to today’s world but in the time period of the Renaissance it was downright revolutionary. Women were supposed to stay home, produce babies and run their households.
But Da Vinci’s Disciples – women who showed remarkable talent and are being tutored by that great master – are not content to stifle their art. They want the world to see it and so they decide to bid on an upcoming installation for a chapel. They get the begrudging permission of Lorenzo de Medici, who does not believe they have the talent or the ability and they submit their concept.
It is chosen and soon the women are not just fighting a timeline but seemingly the bulk of the citizenry of Florence as they are appalled at lowly women doing such work. But not all are against them and they buckle down under the guidance of their master and some friends of his to get the job done.
There are also some personal subplot going on for the women and for Leonardo during the course of the production of the fresco so that the reader is kept engaged not only in the creation of the artwork but in the politics of the time and the everyday goings on of well to do Florentines.
I enjoyed this book as well as I did the first and while I believe it’s to be the completion of the series it does leave things open for further exploration so a reader can hope for continuation. The background details are such that I felt like I was back in Florence walking the streets and seeing the sights of that beautiful city. Of course it has changed mightily since the 15th century but some aspects are remarkably the same. The characters are unique and well drawn and in this volume there was even a pop up appearance by my favorite artist, Michelangelo. It is always encouraging to read a book when women triumph in a time when they were not considered to be more than well, art pieces or brood mares. Enjoy the book for what it is and celebrate the joy that art brings to the world.
4.5
But Da Vinci’s Disciples – women who showed remarkable talent and are being tutored by that great master – are not content to stifle their art. They want the world to see it and so they decide to bid on an upcoming installation for a chapel. They get the begrudging permission of Lorenzo de Medici, who does not believe they have the talent or the ability and they submit their concept.
It is chosen and soon the women are not just fighting a timeline but seemingly the bulk of the citizenry of Florence as they are appalled at lowly women doing such work. But not all are against them and they buckle down under the guidance of their master and some friends of his to get the job done.
There are also some personal subplot going on for the women and for Leonardo during the course of the production of the fresco so that the reader is kept engaged not only in the creation of the artwork but in the politics of the time and the everyday goings on of well to do Florentines.
I enjoyed this book as well as I did the first and while I believe it’s to be the completion of the series it does leave things open for further exploration so a reader can hope for continuation. The background details are such that I felt like I was back in Florence walking the streets and seeing the sights of that beautiful city. Of course it has changed mightily since the 15th century but some aspects are remarkably the same. The characters are unique and well drawn and in this volume there was even a pop up appearance by my favorite artist, Michelangelo. It is always encouraging to read a book when women triumph in a time when they were not considered to be more than well, art pieces or brood mares. Enjoy the book for what it is and celebrate the joy that art brings to the world.
4.5
November 1, 2018
Unlike the first book in the series, PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY (which I adored), this installment brings you up close and personal into the lives of the women who are Da Vinci's Disciples. Definitely relatable to today...woman daring to do what they are 'told' they cannot. I really felt like I became a friend of these women, and da Vinci too, in this really well-written book.
December 14, 2017
A very compelling tale of determination, courage and passion. The historical details are magnificent. The characters in this second book really come into their own much more than in the first installment of the series.
June 3, 2017
Thanks Diversion Books and netgalley for this ARC
This is one of my favorite series set in the Renaissance! Strong unapologetic women artists who don't back down from a challenge, and expand of knowledge and minds with each novel. Will make you want to do more, shout from the rooftops, and research the period for more inspiration.
This is one of my favorite series set in the Renaissance! Strong unapologetic women artists who don't back down from a challenge, and expand of knowledge and minds with each novel. Will make you want to do more, shout from the rooftops, and research the period for more inspiration.
November 1, 2018
Second episode in the Da Vinci’s Disciples series.
Although I liked the idea of the women competing for the commission to paint a frescoes cycle and the reaction of the male artists I found the idea that hundreds of people would protest for over half a year a bit over the top.
Furthermore this episode lacked a real plot so the storyline went far and wide.
Hope the next and last episode will have a better plot.
Although I liked the idea of the women competing for the commission to paint a frescoes cycle and the reaction of the male artists I found the idea that hundreds of people would protest for over half a year a bit over the top.
Furthermore this episode lacked a real plot so the storyline went far and wide.
Hope the next and last episode will have a better plot.
March 26, 2017
Doesn't look like I will finish this one - I may have to find the first book then return to this one again at a later date. Not really connecting with the characters which is a shame as this period in Florentine history usually sparks my interest.
Read
May 2, 2017pending review
May 27, 2017
This was not one of my favorite books. I constantly had to fight the urge to quit reading it. I could not get interested it.
Read
June 22, 2018Unrealistic boring characters
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