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Nico Argenti Renaissance Mystery #2
The Advisor
We are in Renaissance Italy. Young Nico Argenti is eager to begin his law career, but his plan is delayed when he learns of a small mountain town threatened by the tyrannical ruler of a nearby province. Nico's family convince him to use his legal training and investigative skills to help the town win its claim of independence: "Their only hope is to get the advice of a brilliant young lawyer."
To succeed Nico must outwit a vindictive knight who has little respect for the law. His search for information takes him to a village in Chianti to interview refugees displaced by the despot. Then on to Lucca where he uncovers documents from the papal archives which he uses as crucial evidence at a tribunal in Umbria. Ultimately, in the small mountain town Nico directly confronts soldiers led by the rogue knight.
To succeed Nico must outwit a vindictive knight who has little respect for the law. His search for information takes him to a village in Chianti to interview refugees displaced by the despot. Then on to Lucca where he uncovers documents from the papal archives which he uses as crucial evidence at a tribunal in Umbria. Ultimately, in the small mountain town Nico directly confronts soldiers led by the rogue knight.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2020
27 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Ken Tentarelli
12 books18 followersKen's latest books are a series of novellas featuring Persephone "Seph" Carano, an agent of the (fictional) Cyber Security Agency who leads the charge against cybercrime. Find the books and the scoop on Seph at https://cybercase.tech
Ken began his writing career as the author of a series of six historical thrillers set in the Italian Renaissance that have earned an Elit Silver Book Award, the Indie Reader Discovery Award, a Book Excellence Award finalist, a Publishers Weekly starred review, and the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award mystery winner, and and 2024 Independent Press Award favorite.
Ken's seventh book, The Blackest Time, a novel set during the Black Plague, is available from publisher Black Rose Writing.
Ken Tentarelli is a frequent visitor to Italy. In travels from the Alps to the southern coast of Sicily he developed a love for its history and its people. He has studied Italian culture and language in Rome and Perugia. When not traveling, Ken and his wife live in New Hampshire. He is a strong advocate for his local library.
Connect with Ken at www.KenTentarelli.com He'd love to hear from you.
Ken began his writing career as the author of a series of six historical thrillers set in the Italian Renaissance that have earned an Elit Silver Book Award, the Indie Reader Discovery Award, a Book Excellence Award finalist, a Publishers Weekly starred review, and the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award mystery winner, and and 2024 Independent Press Award favorite.
Ken's seventh book, The Blackest Time, a novel set during the Black Plague, is available from publisher Black Rose Writing.
Ken Tentarelli is a frequent visitor to Italy. In travels from the Alps to the southern coast of Sicily he developed a love for its history and its people. He has studied Italian culture and language in Rome and Perugia. When not traveling, Ken and his wife live in New Hampshire. He is a strong advocate for his local library.
Connect with Ken at www.KenTentarelli.com He'd love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 24, 2020
The Advisor: Intrigue in Tuscany by Ken Tentarelli tells the story of a young man who practices law and confronts a dastardly lord who seeks control over a province who usually stands alone. While not in my usual set of reads, I must admit, I found the novel tantalizingly interesting. The author's way of writing reminds me a great deal of GRR Martin and his Game of Thrones. I also, for some reason, got a bit of a 300 vibe from it. The mentioning of the secret path not discovered by the soldiers helped bolster this fact. Though there were a few typos present, this did not affect my enjoyment of the story. I have not had the pleasure of reading the first installment of this series, which probably hindered my ability to fully immerse into the experience. The uniqueness also stems from the utilization of Italian culture which is something I do not see in fiction nowadays. As a history major, I appreciated some of the facts taken to bolster the fiction. The author appears to know his subject matter and uses it to enhance the world. That is something you don't see in modern fiction. It is a bit slow at first and the inciting incident a bit vague. I would have liked to start off with Nico somewhere in the opening scene. But again, this is based on personal preference. I did see what the author strove to do in painting the backstory prior to introducing the MC. This does not rob the story of interesting characters and a battle for freedom.
February 28, 2020
I loved this book from the very beginning. It was very descriptive of the soldiers and other characters, so you can mentally picture what they were wearing and how they were behaving, etc. It definitely grabbed my attention right away and found it very entertaining with some of the minor characters at the beginning. Although the story is fiction, it had some aspects that were probably true in history, the way they were with tax collections and charging villagers certain taxes for living in the village and sometimes passage through the towns if they were passers-by. I love the detail of how the lay of the lands were in those days. I, especially, loved all of the major and minor characters were relevant to the overall story. I liked the back story about the main characters, it gave you a little insight into what their life was like before they began their personal journeys and careers. One of the main characters, Nico, isn't the kind of hero who fights with a sword but rather with words which makes the story much more interesting in the way of meaning you don't have to fight with a weapon but you can still fight with the intelligence of words. It also shows that people can be fiery and feisty and you may not be able to predict what people will do in certain circumstances. The law remains solid and stable and, no matter what, cannot be changed. Nico is fighting for the small man on the totem pole in the world.
March 1, 2020
Having recently returned from a trip to Italy, and having been completely taken in by the beauty of the history that is seen everywhere in Rome, I thought this would be an interesting read and I was not disappointed. Nico Argenti is a young lawyer living in Renaissance Italy who takes on a Lord, a Knight, tax men and the like who are out to bully, overrule and govern an independent, gentle, quiet mountain town.
The story has a slow start but it is worth working through it as it sets the background and details needed to appreciate the ensuing tale. I felt I was given a glimpse of life in Renaissance Italy, especially in the town of Pietra Alta. It is a world of entwined politics and Catholicism, defined classes with in society, where journeys are on foot and take days. I felt lost in the wonderful descriptions of food, of cities, of people and it made me wish to explore Italy further.
The adventure Nico has in trying to fight evil and stand up for all that is right and good is thrilling on its own. Add to that the way you are drawn into Italian history and way of life it is so enjoyable. The author creates an authentic setting and the fine detail is surely a reflection of the research that they must have done. I haven't yet read the first book in the series but this didn't affect my enjoyment of this book.
The story has a slow start but it is worth working through it as it sets the background and details needed to appreciate the ensuing tale. I felt I was given a glimpse of life in Renaissance Italy, especially in the town of Pietra Alta. It is a world of entwined politics and Catholicism, defined classes with in society, where journeys are on foot and take days. I felt lost in the wonderful descriptions of food, of cities, of people and it made me wish to explore Italy further.
The adventure Nico has in trying to fight evil and stand up for all that is right and good is thrilling on its own. Add to that the way you are drawn into Italian history and way of life it is so enjoyable. The author creates an authentic setting and the fine detail is surely a reflection of the research that they must have done. I haven't yet read the first book in the series but this didn't affect my enjoyment of this book.
March 17, 2020
From the minute I read the synopsis, I knew I would like this book, and I wasn’t wrong. Although I didn’t read the first book in the series, it didn’t take away from this book. Ken Tentarelli has a way of bringing the reader right into his story with the description of characters and setting. I felt very immersed in each city and the story of each and every character.
I have always been interested in stories that have a historical base. Although this book is fiction, it discusses the values and laws of Italy during the time this story takes place. It goes into detail the ways of how each town conducted business and collected taxes, whether it was large or small. At that time, most towns were run by a lord or a group of people (priors) elected by the town. I could tell Tentarelli did a lot of research for this story and I appreciate it. I learned a lot and also loved the story.
Nico is a newly graduated lawyer waiting to be able to practice legally. When a small town in the mountains ask for help with a tax situation with a lord, Nico is the first to be suggested to help. Can he help the town?
There were some minor grammatical errors throughout, but it was barely noticeable because the story is so good. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Starting with the first book.
I have always been interested in stories that have a historical base. Although this book is fiction, it discusses the values and laws of Italy during the time this story takes place. It goes into detail the ways of how each town conducted business and collected taxes, whether it was large or small. At that time, most towns were run by a lord or a group of people (priors) elected by the town. I could tell Tentarelli did a lot of research for this story and I appreciate it. I learned a lot and also loved the story.
Nico is a newly graduated lawyer waiting to be able to practice legally. When a small town in the mountains ask for help with a tax situation with a lord, Nico is the first to be suggested to help. Can he help the town?
There were some minor grammatical errors throughout, but it was barely noticeable because the story is so good. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Starting with the first book.
February 10, 2020
Set in Italy in the Renaissance era, The Advisor follows the story of Nico Argenti, a young lawyer who finds himself suddenly way over his head, trying to take down an authoritarian figure who is exerting his power over a rural village. Nico sets about trying to use his legal knowledge and skill set to put the world of this village to rights, and his efforts to do so lead him into yet still murkier and more adventurous territories.
This is a story about justice and adventure, and, although Nico himself isn't a sword-wielding hero type, he is in many other ways the typical saviour character in this tale. In order to make his case, Nico must overcome many challenges along the way, including challenges to his own social perspective and understanding. In many ways, it is this personal evolution that makes The Advisor such an engaging read. It's also worth mentioning that the writing of historical Italy is a task obviously approached with enthusiasm and rigour by the author, and the result is truly immersive.
This is a story about justice and adventure, and, although Nico himself isn't a sword-wielding hero type, he is in many other ways the typical saviour character in this tale. In order to make his case, Nico must overcome many challenges along the way, including challenges to his own social perspective and understanding. In many ways, it is this personal evolution that makes The Advisor such an engaging read. It's also worth mentioning that the writing of historical Italy is a task obviously approached with enthusiasm and rigour by the author, and the result is truly immersive.
February 12, 2020
An interesting read. I liked the portrait that the author painted of life in Renaissance Italy. Particularly the drama and inner workings of local governments and struggles of power. Having the story told mainly through the perspective of an aspiring lawyer was a nice touch.
There were a few things that I found to be distracting throughout the story, such as the dialogue becoming stiff and unnatural at times. I also thought it odd that in the beginning, the townspeople sent a note from Pietra Alta because they were seeking legal advice, but did not mention in the note specifically that they were seeking legal advice; it was up to the recipient of the letter and his friends to figure that part out. Little things like that.
Overall this was an enjoyable book, and I liked reading about the motives and viewpoints of multiple characters. That really brought the story to life and made history feel a bit more accessible.
There were a few things that I found to be distracting throughout the story, such as the dialogue becoming stiff and unnatural at times. I also thought it odd that in the beginning, the townspeople sent a note from Pietra Alta because they were seeking legal advice, but did not mention in the note specifically that they were seeking legal advice; it was up to the recipient of the letter and his friends to figure that part out. Little things like that.
Overall this was an enjoyable book, and I liked reading about the motives and viewpoints of multiple characters. That really brought the story to life and made history feel a bit more accessible.
February 16, 2020
Ken Tentarelli's The Advisor wonderfully draws from all layers of society to solve the taxation threat the small village of Pietra Alta faces from the Province of Rimini. Waiting for his formal induction ceremony into the Florentine Magistrates and Notaries Guild, Nico finds himself assenting to doing a favor for one of his uncle's regular guests Vittorio, the carpenter, who congregates with his friends every Tuesday at the finest restaurant in Florence. Nico is tasked with the job of determining through the Papal Archives whether Pietra Alta belongs to the Kingdom of Rimini. The novel then unfolds throughout the terrain of the local states and cities of Florence, Siena, and Perugia to smooth out new complications as they arise. What I particularly liked about this novel was its subtle understanding of language to solve legal puzzles and the almost formulaic action sequences for violent acts.
February 27, 2020
I picked up this book because I have some interested in historical Italy and I thought it would be an interesting perspective to see of the time period. And it sure was!
The area we now know as Italy has changed a lot over the past few hundred years. It was once broken up into smaller provinces that were always fighting - which is where the plot of this book comes in. A small town is threatened by a knight and his men, believing that the town falls in the dominion of a certain Duke, and they want to collect tax or else. So in comes Nico Argenti, a recent law school graduate who has not been accepted to the guild yet, to help solve the problem. This book does a wonderful job at presenting how complex these matters can be, and the challenges of communication without modern technology. I found it fascinating, and very heavy on language. If you enjoy very detail oriented historical fiction this one is for you. I am curious to see where the author takes this story next.
The area we now know as Italy has changed a lot over the past few hundred years. It was once broken up into smaller provinces that were always fighting - which is where the plot of this book comes in. A small town is threatened by a knight and his men, believing that the town falls in the dominion of a certain Duke, and they want to collect tax or else. So in comes Nico Argenti, a recent law school graduate who has not been accepted to the guild yet, to help solve the problem. This book does a wonderful job at presenting how complex these matters can be, and the challenges of communication without modern technology. I found it fascinating, and very heavy on language. If you enjoy very detail oriented historical fiction this one is for you. I am curious to see where the author takes this story next.
May 8, 2023
Unlike most historical fiction this novel refreshingly does not revolve around a murder. In fact, there is almost an absence of violence in the story. So props to Ken Tentarelli for crafting a tale devoid of the stunts found in other books of this genre.
Unfortunately, the plot is not titillating at all, but rather dry. It centers around a lawyer-to-be in Florence who seeks out legal remedies for a town that is threatened by a rogue knight out for revenge. There is no time distinction, although one can surmise that it takes place during mid-15th c. Italy. A few times the author portrays scenes that could not have taken place in Renaissance Italy: for example, when the protagonist and an academic scholar have dessert at a table outside a café.
Despite the book's shortcomings, it is a good read. The author has a deep appreciation for Tuscany, as well as the legal intricacies of the time. Curl up on the beach and read this book, a nifty 252 pages.
Unfortunately, the plot is not titillating at all, but rather dry. It centers around a lawyer-to-be in Florence who seeks out legal remedies for a town that is threatened by a rogue knight out for revenge. There is no time distinction, although one can surmise that it takes place during mid-15th c. Italy. A few times the author portrays scenes that could not have taken place in Renaissance Italy: for example, when the protagonist and an academic scholar have dessert at a table outside a café.
Despite the book's shortcomings, it is a good read. The author has a deep appreciation for Tuscany, as well as the legal intricacies of the time. Curl up on the beach and read this book, a nifty 252 pages.
February 6, 2020
So, this book took me by total surprise. First, I like the time period this was set in and the place. It is set in Renaissance Italy and I felt like the author really did excellent research about the place and made me feel like I was there (it made me hungry too! There were a lot of references to food throughout which I enjoyed a lot). Nico is a really likeable character that is determined to make the situation right and uses his skills and intelligence to do so. I love how the town comes together to fight against the knight who has it out for them. Overall, an excellent book! Don't worry about this being book 2, I was able to read and enjoy this book without having to read book 1.
February 11, 2020
I loved Book 1, but I think Book 2 may be even better. I just love the style and feel of these books. It's like reading an epic crime adventure novel set in medieval times with modern themes running through. The world is romantically woven in such a captivating way, I wish I could transform all of my favorite stories to this setting. Nico is such a well developed character and hero (I picture Russell Crowe as I read, probably from all the Gladiator-esque imagery), I'd probably read any story with him in it. Tentarelli obviously has a deep love and knowledge of Italy and its embedded in every page. Great series and great read.
March 1, 2020
I was really drawn into the Italian Renaissance world of Nico Argenti and I'm glad the series will continue. The author painstakingly creates a detailed look at family life and the law in Italy at the time of rogue princes and secretive warrior monks. And his main character, Nico, is thoughtful, curious and multi-layered. I liked the warm interactions between Nico and his family and friends. Nico is written to be kind to a fault. He travels throughout the region to help someone he has never met defend a town from illegal taxation from an evil prince. As an Italian-American myself, the book has helped me connect with my ancestral homeland. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
March 4, 2020
I enjoyed this second book in the Nico Argenti series even more than the first. The plot was intriguing and tightly written, while the lush and detailed descriptions and setting gave somewhat leisurely pace. Once again, I find myself wanting to take a trip to Tuscany! Perfect for fans of historical fiction or legal procedurals.
March 1, 2020
A fast moving mystery with likable characters. If I lived in Renaissance Florence I would be friends with Nico Argenti:-)
November 9, 2022
Very enjoyable series thus far.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews