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The Ballot Boy
Venice, 1368.
War hovers in the wings with the fate of the Republic at stake when the old doge dies. Fourteen-year-old Nico, a street urchin from the poorest Venetian parish, is chosen at random to tally votes in the upcoming election for a new leader. Uprooted from his old life and transplanted to the doge’s palace, Nico becomes an alienated outsider at the mercy of scheming nobles.
Andrea Contarini, sixtieth doge of Venice, wants the ducal throne less than Nico wants to be ballot boy. Both walk a golden tightrope over treachery and deceit. When he witnesses a court clerk burned at the stake for being gay, Nico despairs. His romantic attraction to men is as powerful as his fear of fiery death and an eternity in Hell.
Taking advantage of the fraught transition in the Doge’s Palace, the hostile duke of Austria pushes Trieste to rebel against Venetian domination, jeopardizing her mastery of the Adriatic Sea. The Venetian nobles split, trapping the doge between hawks rabid for war, and rich merchants desperate for peace. With his own life on the line, Andrea Contarini opts to attack decisively and end the crisis swiftly, but his gambit is sabotaged. Trusting only the boy at his side, Contarini sends Nico to Trieste to be his eyes and ears. As the Venetian commanders wrangle over tactics, Nico falls for Astolfo, the young, charismatic lord of Castle Moccò, an indispensable but unreliable ally.
Will Nico return to Venice a celebrated hero? Or will he be forever haunted, guilt-ridden, and still concealing his deepest secret?
War hovers in the wings with the fate of the Republic at stake when the old doge dies. Fourteen-year-old Nico, a street urchin from the poorest Venetian parish, is chosen at random to tally votes in the upcoming election for a new leader. Uprooted from his old life and transplanted to the doge’s palace, Nico becomes an alienated outsider at the mercy of scheming nobles.
Andrea Contarini, sixtieth doge of Venice, wants the ducal throne less than Nico wants to be ballot boy. Both walk a golden tightrope over treachery and deceit. When he witnesses a court clerk burned at the stake for being gay, Nico despairs. His romantic attraction to men is as powerful as his fear of fiery death and an eternity in Hell.
Taking advantage of the fraught transition in the Doge’s Palace, the hostile duke of Austria pushes Trieste to rebel against Venetian domination, jeopardizing her mastery of the Adriatic Sea. The Venetian nobles split, trapping the doge between hawks rabid for war, and rich merchants desperate for peace. With his own life on the line, Andrea Contarini opts to attack decisively and end the crisis swiftly, but his gambit is sabotaged. Trusting only the boy at his side, Contarini sends Nico to Trieste to be his eyes and ears. As the Venetian commanders wrangle over tactics, Nico falls for Astolfo, the young, charismatic lord of Castle Moccò, an indispensable but unreliable ally.
Will Nico return to Venice a celebrated hero? Or will he be forever haunted, guilt-ridden, and still concealing his deepest secret?
372 pages, ebook
First published February 15, 2022
4 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Larry Mellman
5 books8 followersLarry was born in Los Angeles and educated in literature, political science, and life at the University of California, Berkeley. He worked as a typographer and journalist in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way he also worked with Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground on the Exploding Plastic Inevitable in NY, Provincetown, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, was mentored by Dean Koontz. During five years living in Venice, Larry also taught English, led tours, hosted a B&B, and immersed himself in the history and art of the Venetian Republic. The Ballot Boy was born in Venice and completed in St. Paul.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 20, 2022
The book is available now!
A fascinating story from start to finish! Larry Mellman takes the reader by the hand and tells him a story encapsulating the entirety of the wondrous La Serenissima , the famous Republic of Venice !
"From the Great Council, 30 are chosen by lot.
Those 30 are reduced by lot to 9.
The 9 elect 40.
The 40 are reduced by lot to 12.
The 12 elect 25.
The 25 are reduced by lot to 9.
The 9 elect 45.
The 45 are reduced by lot to 11.
The 11 elect 41.
Those 41 elect the Doge."
No, this isn't death by bureaucracy, it is how the Doge of Venice was elected. Venice was a unique state: a republic way before republics were even a concept, also an oligarchy of noble families and rich merchants, an empire ruled by committees and councils. This very complicated and labyrinthine system of government had one goal in mind: protect the republic from wannabe tyrants and dictators - and it worked.
An integral part of the Venetian electoral system was Il Ballottino, The Ballot Boy. A boy under 15 years old, from a commoner family, selected at random from the youngest member of the previous Doge's Great Council, given the task to ensure the integrity of the elections (and there were a lot of elections in Venice). This boy was taken from his family and essentially became the next Doge's personal assistant until his death.
Niccolo Saltano never wanted to be ballot boy - but fate doesn't ask him what he wants. Andrea Contarini never wanted to be the Doge either - a position he sees as a golden cage, a ceremonial figurehead at the mercy of the scheming noble families. But usually the most suitable people to lead, are the ones who never seek power for themselves.
Niccolo is a boy of many talents: he has an eidetic memory, he is witty and loyal. He also has secrets: secrets of his own, like the fact that he likes other boys, and secrets held from him. And in Venice, secrets are weapons.
The book follows Niccolo's journey alongside the Doge, as the Venetian Republic faces internal and external threats. He learns trust, betrayal, guilt, war, politics, lust, sin. The story isn't heavy on romance (quite the opposite) but does a perfect job of showing us how a boy like Nico would feel about himself in a 14th century society.
Historical accuracy is one of the book's strongest points: you learn fascinating details about Venice, without ever feeling like preaching or reading an encyclopedia. Familiar names pop up during the book: Dandolo, Ziani, Faliero, Gradenigo - families entwined with the history of the maritime nation for centuries. The age of the characters is also truthful to the era, no matter how harsh it seems sometimes: there are girls wed and impregnated at at their early teens - the author doesn't shy away from showing the parts of the history that nowadays are considered shocking.
I loved the characters as well: Niccolo first and foremost, his heart was always in the right place, despite all the weight placed upon him. The Doge Andrea Contarini is another favourite. The opportunist young lord Astolfo. Ruggiero, Vendramin, the admirals. Every scene sucks you right into 14th century Venice.
This is an amazing read for lovers of historical fiction, of journeys of self-discovery, of growing-up, of the hardships of leadership, of political scheming, even of war tactics.
It is also the first part of a planned trilogy, thus if you feel that some matters remained unresolved, they won't stay unresolved !
Thank you NetGalley and NineStar Press for the ARC!
A fascinating story from start to finish! Larry Mellman takes the reader by the hand and tells him a story encapsulating the entirety of the wondrous La Serenissima , the famous Republic of Venice !
"From the Great Council, 30 are chosen by lot.
Those 30 are reduced by lot to 9.
The 9 elect 40.
The 40 are reduced by lot to 12.
The 12 elect 25.
The 25 are reduced by lot to 9.
The 9 elect 45.
The 45 are reduced by lot to 11.
The 11 elect 41.
Those 41 elect the Doge."
No, this isn't death by bureaucracy, it is how the Doge of Venice was elected. Venice was a unique state: a republic way before republics were even a concept, also an oligarchy of noble families and rich merchants, an empire ruled by committees and councils. This very complicated and labyrinthine system of government had one goal in mind: protect the republic from wannabe tyrants and dictators - and it worked.
An integral part of the Venetian electoral system was Il Ballottino, The Ballot Boy. A boy under 15 years old, from a commoner family, selected at random from the youngest member of the previous Doge's Great Council, given the task to ensure the integrity of the elections (and there were a lot of elections in Venice). This boy was taken from his family and essentially became the next Doge's personal assistant until his death.
Niccolo Saltano never wanted to be ballot boy - but fate doesn't ask him what he wants. Andrea Contarini never wanted to be the Doge either - a position he sees as a golden cage, a ceremonial figurehead at the mercy of the scheming noble families. But usually the most suitable people to lead, are the ones who never seek power for themselves.
Niccolo is a boy of many talents: he has an eidetic memory, he is witty and loyal. He also has secrets: secrets of his own, like the fact that he likes other boys, and secrets held from him. And in Venice, secrets are weapons.
The book follows Niccolo's journey alongside the Doge, as the Venetian Republic faces internal and external threats. He learns trust, betrayal, guilt, war, politics, lust, sin. The story isn't heavy on romance (quite the opposite) but does a perfect job of showing us how a boy like Nico would feel about himself in a 14th century society.
Historical accuracy is one of the book's strongest points: you learn fascinating details about Venice, without ever feeling like preaching or reading an encyclopedia. Familiar names pop up during the book: Dandolo, Ziani, Faliero, Gradenigo - families entwined with the history of the maritime nation for centuries. The age of the characters is also truthful to the era, no matter how harsh it seems sometimes: there are girls wed and impregnated at at their early teens - the author doesn't shy away from showing the parts of the history that nowadays are considered shocking.
I loved the characters as well: Niccolo first and foremost, his heart was always in the right place, despite all the weight placed upon him. The Doge Andrea Contarini is another favourite. The opportunist young lord Astolfo. Ruggiero, Vendramin, the admirals. Every scene sucks you right into 14th century Venice.
This is an amazing read for lovers of historical fiction, of journeys of self-discovery, of growing-up, of the hardships of leadership, of political scheming, even of war tactics.
It is also the first part of a planned trilogy, thus if you feel that some matters remained unresolved, they won't stay unresolved !
Thank you NetGalley and NineStar Press for the ARC!
February 26, 2022
This book was provided by NetGalley with my promise of a fair and honest review. I really enjoyed the historical setting that I know very little about. It was both informative and interesting. I was intrigued by all of the main characters. My only complaint is that I really wanted to know how the plot proceeded after the end. I’d be satisfied with the promise of a sequel but would’ve been happier with so loose ends being resolved.
March 15, 2023
My YA mind in the 1970s was enthralled by MC Thorby from Citizen of the Galaxy - Thorby's adulting process and journey adventures captured my imagination and heart; Mary Renault's Bagoas (The Persian Boy) made a similar impact nine years later. Decades on from those, I find myself similarly moved and fascinated by Niccolo who is catapulted from an obscure / liminal existence into an alien and powerful Venetian court of the La Serenissima. Kudos to the author for bringing the political structures, processes, personalities and power-plays of the 14th century city-states (Genoa, Padua, Florence) so vividly to life; I couldn't put the book down if my life depended on it!
One of the main themes is that of 'ancestry/heritage' - our MC knows scant detail about his father with two notable objects left to him by that mysterious/heroic figure (at least to Nico's mind). This paterfamilial search leads Nico through dark webs, secrecy and lies to an inescapable and terrible truth (there's aspects here akin to ). The twinned aspects of personal character and accrued power is also explored through Nico's education and exposure to the lives of classical figures such as Julius Caesar. And thus we find such marvelous exhortations in the book:
Our little hero undergoes a massive transformation over the course of a couple of years. His loyalties are challenged, his emotional ties to childhood friends and family are ripped apart and rewoven. His bravery, nous and courage takes him into the arena of war and death and forces him to make choices and perform acts that leave indelible scars upon his psyche and body - a manhood gained through bloodbath and sacrifice; I became quite emotionally overcome in parts.
Unlike Bagoas and Thorby, Nico is fully aware of his same-sex attraction. There is not much by way of M-M action but then this is not a romance title. However, unlike much historical fiction of homosexual love - this tale has a brave and realistic ending. Nico does get a HEA but the author threw me for a loop near the end when Nico makes an unexpected choice that I did not see coming! This read will stay with me for quite some time - 5.5 stars.
One of the main themes is that of 'ancestry/heritage' - our MC knows scant detail about his father with two notable objects left to him by that mysterious/heroic figure (at least to Nico's mind). This paterfamilial search leads Nico through dark webs, secrecy and lies to an inescapable and terrible truth (there's aspects here akin to ). The twinned aspects of personal character and accrued power is also explored through Nico's education and exposure to the lives of classical figures such as Julius Caesar. And thus we find such marvelous exhortations in the book:
Our little hero undergoes a massive transformation over the course of a couple of years. His loyalties are challenged, his emotional ties to childhood friends and family are ripped apart and rewoven. His bravery, nous and courage takes him into the arena of war and death and forces him to make choices and perform acts that leave indelible scars upon his psyche and body - a manhood gained through bloodbath and sacrifice; I became quite emotionally overcome in parts.
Unlike Bagoas and Thorby, Nico is fully aware of his same-sex attraction. There is not much by way of M-M action but then this is not a romance title. However, unlike much historical fiction of homosexual love - this tale has a brave and realistic ending. Nico does get a HEA but the author threw me for a loop near the end when Nico makes an unexpected choice that I did not see coming! This read will stay with me for quite some time - 5.5 stars.
February 17, 2022
For me, who I've most definitely been daydreaming during the class on The Republic of Venice in school, The Ballot Boy was an utterly fascinating read. The author brings a tome that can be considered educational on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘢'𝘴 social and political structure, and its economy. But, albeit a brilliantly researched history lesson, this is not a written documentary. It's history with an amazing plot, with a main character, Nico, who becomes vivid and real. Through Nico's experiences, the story presents believable, intense events. It opens the reader's eyes to politics, scheming, betrayal, war, honor, loyalty, friendship and romance. I got lost with Nico while he tried to make sense and survive the obfuscating, dangerous life among petty, plotting and inept and sometimes even loyal nobles, at the side of the newly elected Doge. Good, honest Nico, dealing with the treacherous meanders of palace life with few friends, was a wonderful young man to care about and cheer for.
You really need to read this book. I think everyone would find something of interest between the pages of this deep, eventful and engrossing plot driven story. History told with emotions, a personal take on past events that undoubtedly can provide any reader a fountain of information and enjoyment.
* ARC provided by the author through IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review
You really need to read this book. I think everyone would find something of interest between the pages of this deep, eventful and engrossing plot driven story. History told with emotions, a personal take on past events that undoubtedly can provide any reader a fountain of information and enjoyment.
* ARC provided by the author through IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review
zz-dnf
August 26, 2022DNF @ 34% mostly due to the realism of a time period when the only thing that raised eyebrows about a 12-year-old being pregnant was that she wasn’t married. Which automatically made her a whore. Oh, and sodomy deserving prolonged time in a literal medieval torture chamber before being burned alive.
So the MC is very aware that exploring his attraction to the stable boy is a life or death decision and his 13-year-old best friend is about to be married off to an evil bastard and has been locked up to keep her from escaping the marriage.
The history itself is interesting since it’s an area I don’t know much about, but I believe I’ll choose ignorance in this case! Thanks for making 2022 look good 🥴
So the MC is very aware that exploring his attraction to the stable boy is a life or death decision and his 13-year-old best friend is about to be married off to an evil bastard and has been locked up to keep her from escaping the marriage.
The history itself is interesting since it’s an area I don’t know much about, but I believe I’ll choose ignorance in this case! Thanks for making 2022 look good 🥴
Read
April 18, 2023DNF @ 10%. The premise sounded fascinating but the execution didn’t do it for me – it was full of very anachronistic language and the main character came across like a modern teenager in an elaborate cosplay setting. Normally I might have given it more of a go but I’m fairly fresh off an amazing book, so in my book hangover daze I’m afraid this didn’t stand much of a chance.
February 18, 2022
This is an amazing book, from the first page to the last. Superb writing, a work of art.
Here is a compelling story, superbly written about a time and a place I knew nothing about--Venice, late 1300s/early Renaissance--and a practice seldom documented, i.e. the selection of a commoner to act as ballot boy for the doge. (All this is historically accurate and beautifully described). The history in this novel is deeply researched and beautifully presented within the story line. The descriptions are sumptuous, the writing so beautiful, the hero reluctant at first but compelled by his talents and experiences and high sense of duty and honor. Heart-pounding adventures told by a master story-teller. I can't wait for the next two volumes in this trilogy!
Here is a compelling story, superbly written about a time and a place I knew nothing about--Venice, late 1300s/early Renaissance--and a practice seldom documented, i.e. the selection of a commoner to act as ballot boy for the doge. (All this is historically accurate and beautifully described). The history in this novel is deeply researched and beautifully presented within the story line. The descriptions are sumptuous, the writing so beautiful, the hero reluctant at first but compelled by his talents and experiences and high sense of duty and honor. Heart-pounding adventures told by a master story-teller. I can't wait for the next two volumes in this trilogy!
September 24, 2022
Really fucking awesome. Hope to see many more
March 22, 2022
The Ballot boy is one epic story history, filled with loyalty, betrayal, lies and deception. We follow the story of Nico a fourteen-year-old poor boy, who is chosen to be the new Doge’s Ballot boy, which is kind of an assistant (think of Merlin with King Arthur without the magic), and his only true confident.
The Doge who himself is chosen by his predecessors Council, Andrea Contarini, is chosen and is pretty much forced to take the role of Doge.
The Doge uses his wisdom to teach Nico strategy, and how to stay afloat in the politics of the kingdom.
They are faced with many of the council plotting against them as well as rebellious neighbour and an Austrian Prince itching to start a war and claim Venice and its ports for his own.
We watch Nico grow from a naive young boy to A wise man before his age. Can Nico and the doge use their wisdom and knowledge to beat an enemy that could crush them.
We are taken on lavish ceremonial parades full of colour, we see Nico in the face of bloody wars. And his first taste of lust for the Lord Astolfo of Castle Mocco, as he pleads for the king’s assistance vital key to Venice’s survival.
The story is told in vivid colour and fully dimensional world. The main characters are strong men with wisdom that out does many of their enemies but is it enough to defeat the Austrians and at what cost to Nico personally.
Before writing this review, I did a little research on how the political system of the Kingdom of Venice worked in the 1300’s. If I am honest, I half expected to find the system in the story to be made up. I am so wrong; the author certainly did his homework in researching and conveying a very complicated system to make it not only easy to follow but also interesting to read.
There is danger at every corner, and every step taken could be fatal to them both.
Oh, blast I am going to break a promise I made to myself when starting this review. If you enjoyed Game of Thrones or love epic battle movies such as Troy and Alexander, the great. This is the book that you should read next.
I know it is early in the year, but I will be surprised if this is not my favourite read of 2022 come December.
If Epic historical kingdoms, battles, and political games of betrayal is your thing, then if you only buy one book this year, buy THE BALLOT BOY.
I am so excited to read the next book in the series, I feel like a child on Christmas eve waiting for Santa to deliver presents. I guess my wait is going to be a little longer while the author writes the next book.
The Doge who himself is chosen by his predecessors Council, Andrea Contarini, is chosen and is pretty much forced to take the role of Doge.
The Doge uses his wisdom to teach Nico strategy, and how to stay afloat in the politics of the kingdom.
They are faced with many of the council plotting against them as well as rebellious neighbour and an Austrian Prince itching to start a war and claim Venice and its ports for his own.
We watch Nico grow from a naive young boy to A wise man before his age. Can Nico and the doge use their wisdom and knowledge to beat an enemy that could crush them.
We are taken on lavish ceremonial parades full of colour, we see Nico in the face of bloody wars. And his first taste of lust for the Lord Astolfo of Castle Mocco, as he pleads for the king’s assistance vital key to Venice’s survival.
The story is told in vivid colour and fully dimensional world. The main characters are strong men with wisdom that out does many of their enemies but is it enough to defeat the Austrians and at what cost to Nico personally.
Before writing this review, I did a little research on how the political system of the Kingdom of Venice worked in the 1300’s. If I am honest, I half expected to find the system in the story to be made up. I am so wrong; the author certainly did his homework in researching and conveying a very complicated system to make it not only easy to follow but also interesting to read.
There is danger at every corner, and every step taken could be fatal to them both.
Oh, blast I am going to break a promise I made to myself when starting this review. If you enjoyed Game of Thrones or love epic battle movies such as Troy and Alexander, the great. This is the book that you should read next.
I know it is early in the year, but I will be surprised if this is not my favourite read of 2022 come December.
If Epic historical kingdoms, battles, and political games of betrayal is your thing, then if you only buy one book this year, buy THE BALLOT BOY.
I am so excited to read the next book in the series, I feel like a child on Christmas eve waiting for Santa to deliver presents. I guess my wait is going to be a little longer while the author writes the next book.
February 20, 2022
Larry Mellman blends love, lust, lies, bliss, fear, heroism, stratagem, and history into a storytelling concoction that is enlightening and entertaining. With each chapter, the book's composer leaves the reader craving for the next movement. What more could you want?: a loyal horse named Delfin, a next-level Renaissance chase scene, raging boyhood to manhood discovery, palace-type intrigue, and crossbows galore. Not necessarily in that order. The Ballot Boy is a joyride.
dropped-dnf
April 25, 2023DNF at 20%
This is a disappointing DNF because I really wanted to be immersed in a Renaissance Italy but so far it's just way too dense and mostly about politics I have no interest in. I feel like you definitely have to have studied the history of Venice in this era to really grasp what's happening and I'm not here for academia.
This is a disappointing DNF because I really wanted to be immersed in a Renaissance Italy but so far it's just way too dense and mostly about politics I have no interest in. I feel like you definitely have to have studied the history of Venice in this era to really grasp what's happening and I'm not here for academia.
July 4, 2023
** 4.5 Stars **
August 22, 2023
This book is pretty enjoyable, mainly for its attention to historical accuracy, or at least what I assume is. It does make me wonder if this novel is based on actual events, or if a decent amount of creative license is being taken. Regardless, it’s an interesting window into Venice in 1368.
February 24, 2025
I really loved this book, set against the rich tapestry of fourteenth-century Venice. Among the golden garments, soaring churches, elaborate rituals, and powerful political influence, 14-year-old Nico is plucked from a life of poverty to become ballot counter to the new doge. While Nico finds himself in undreamed-of luxury, he also lands in the thick of treachery, intrigue, and power plays. What’s more, Nico has a frightening secret of his own, unacceptable to a church with a narrow definition of love.
This book was as rich and textured as the city itself, which is a character in its own right. The author is deft at portraying a street-savvy adolescent, maneuvering the maze of greedy and power-grabbing nobles, and characterizing a wise but reluctant doge. I didn’t want the book to end, and am anxiously awaiting the next volume.
This book was as rich and textured as the city itself, which is a character in its own right. The author is deft at portraying a street-savvy adolescent, maneuvering the maze of greedy and power-grabbing nobles, and characterizing a wise but reluctant doge. I didn’t want the book to end, and am anxiously awaiting the next volume.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews