What do you think?
Rate this book
The Assassini #2
The Outcast Blade
The second volume in a gripping fantasy series about ambition, revenge and the rise of a vampire assassin - from this critically acclaimed British author.As the Byzantine and German emperors plot war against each other, Venice's future rests in the hands of three unwillingThe newly knighted Sir Tycho. An ex-slave and trained assassin who defeated the Mamluk navy but cannot make the woman he loves love him back. Tortured by secrets, afraid of the daylight, he sees no reason to save a city he hates.The grieving Lady Giulietta. Impossibly rich, deeply spoilt. A virgin, a mother, a widow . . . Both emperors want her hand for their sons in marriage. All she wants is to retire from the poisonous world of the Venetian court to mourn her husband in peace.And finally a naked, mud-strewn girl who crawls from a paupers' grave on an island in the Venetian lagoon and begins by killing the men who buried her.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Jon Courtenay Grimwood
55 books203 followers'Tough, sexy and brutal, but leavened with sharp humour... Grimwood is a name to watch.' The Times
Jon Courtenay Grimwood was born in Malta and christened in the upturned bell of a ship. He grew up in the Far East, Britain and Scandinavia. Apart from novels he writes for magazines and newspapers. He travels extensively and undertakes a certain amount of consulting. Until recently he wrote a monthly review column for the Guardian.
Felaheen, the third of his novels featuring Asraf Bey, a half-Berber detective, won the BSFA Award for Best Novel. So did his last book, End of the World Blues, about a British sniper on the run from Iraq and running an Irish bar in Tokyo. He has just delivered the Fallen Blade, the first of three novels set in an alternate 15th-century Venice
His work is published in French, German, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, Finnish and American, among others
He is married to the journalist and novelist Sam Baker, currently editor-in-chief of Red magazine. They divide their time between London and Winchester...
Jon Courtenay Grimwood was born in Malta and christened in the upturned bell of a ship. He grew up in the Far East, Britain and Scandinavia. Apart from novels he writes for magazines and newspapers. He travels extensively and undertakes a certain amount of consulting. Until recently he wrote a monthly review column for the Guardian.
Felaheen, the third of his novels featuring Asraf Bey, a half-Berber detective, won the BSFA Award for Best Novel. So did his last book, End of the World Blues, about a British sniper on the run from Iraq and running an Irish bar in Tokyo. He has just delivered the Fallen Blade, the first of three novels set in an alternate 15th-century Venice
His work is published in French, German, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, Finnish and American, among others
He is married to the journalist and novelist Sam Baker, currently editor-in-chief of Red magazine. They divide their time between London and Winchester...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 27, 2012
This book is an indulgence for me. It's like having toasted muffins with butter and peanut butter and a big mug of tea at ten o'clock at night. It's really an adult version of Twilight and just as compelling for me to read as Twilight is for a 16 year old girl. The first two books of what will no doubt be at least the Assassini Trilogy are set in 15th century Venice with all the mystique and intrigue that the true historical period holds with Krieghund (werewolves) and the Fallen (vampires) thrown in. Add a tortuously complicated love affair between the main character and the heiress to Venice and you have a Romance mixed with some good action all underpinned by Mr Grimwood's excellent writing skills. Please start at the beginning of the series for a more full enjoyment of the books and whenever you see one of Mr Grimwood's books be sure to grab a copy. They are not all like these books and some will challenge you due to his sometimes sparse drawing of characters and opaque plot lines but I have found them all compelling and some to be absolutely stunning, particularly his earlier books.
February 28, 2021
I enjoyed my return to this dark fantasy version of renaissance era Venice more than the first outing. The story felt more coherent and I had a better sense of the characters, which made it easier to get sucked into this world of violent passions and passionate violence. Looks like I need to go buy the third part after all.
January 5, 2022
Din fantasy😊
June 26, 2012
I discovered this author, and this book, while on blog tour for Eagle of the Twelfth. The Outcast Blade was reviewed just above it on the Falcata Times blog... I liked the sound of it, ordered it on the spot (oh, the joys of Amazon) and read it on the way to London for the HWA dinner. Such is the power of internet marketing.
This is the back cover blurb:
As the Byzantine and German emperors plot war against each other, Venice's future rests in the hands of three unwilling people: The newly knighted Sir Tycho. An ex-slave and trained assassin who defeated the Mamluk navy but cannot make the woman he loves love him back. Tortured by secrets, afraid of the daylight, he sees no reason to save a city he hates. The grieving Lady Giulietta. Impossibly rich, deeply spoilt. A virgin, a mother, a widow ...Both emperors want her hand for their sons in marriage. All she wants is to retire from the poisonous world of the Venetian court to mourn her husband in peace. And finally a naked, mud-strewn girl who crawls from a paupers' grave on an island in the Venetian lagoon and begins by killing the men who buried her.
What this doesn't tell you, is that 'The Outcast Blade' is a vampire/werewolf story, and, because this is the second in a series and I hadn't read the first one (tho' will do now), I didn't realise until a good third of the way through. By then, I'd come to know Tycho as a person and got to grips with the 'almost-but-not-quite-realistic' fantasy Venice that is Grimwood's setting.
On the face of it, it's not the most obviously attractive of narratives: ex-slave who finds he's a vampire (or is made into one, I still don't know that yet), falls in love with a girl who hates him, for the very good reason that he let her (werewolf) husband die in some massive battle when there seems a chance he could have saved him. She loved her late husband, ergo she hates Tycho. Which is a pity, because he's probably the only one with the wit, forethought, care and sheer reflexes to keep her alive in the poisonous nest of intrigue (I use the word advisedly) that is the Venetian Court, of which she is likely to become Duchess.
But it works. It's an intriguing story and there are enough plot twists and character developments to keep the reader guessing. There's a nicely done girl-girl love in the middle (blink and you'll miss it: so don't blink) and some touching moments of intimacy amongst all the blood and gore. Tycho's vampire is still very much human, he just doesn't like daylight, goes wild at the scent of blood and can tell a man's history from the taste of a drop.
Vampire lovers will love this - it's as good as The Discovery of Witches and oddly similar. Those who simply like alternative history of the Guy Gavriel Kay variety will welcome a newcomer to the fold. Those who like Joe Abercrombie will find themselves a soul-brother... and that's my one niggle. Abercrombie writes good, solid, soldierly stuff, but his English is appalling and JCG seems to have studied from the. Same text with its. Bizarre sentence. Structure and.
Weird paragraphs breaks.
If it wasn't for that, I'd give this four stars (bearing in mind that five is reserved for the likes of Hilary Mantel and Rob Low.) So it's three, because I was close to throwing the book across the room at times: 1* for the language, 5* for the story. And I'm heading back to Falcata Times for more book ideas.
This is the back cover blurb:
As the Byzantine and German emperors plot war against each other, Venice's future rests in the hands of three unwilling people: The newly knighted Sir Tycho. An ex-slave and trained assassin who defeated the Mamluk navy but cannot make the woman he loves love him back. Tortured by secrets, afraid of the daylight, he sees no reason to save a city he hates. The grieving Lady Giulietta. Impossibly rich, deeply spoilt. A virgin, a mother, a widow ...Both emperors want her hand for their sons in marriage. All she wants is to retire from the poisonous world of the Venetian court to mourn her husband in peace. And finally a naked, mud-strewn girl who crawls from a paupers' grave on an island in the Venetian lagoon and begins by killing the men who buried her.
What this doesn't tell you, is that 'The Outcast Blade' is a vampire/werewolf story, and, because this is the second in a series and I hadn't read the first one (tho' will do now), I didn't realise until a good third of the way through. By then, I'd come to know Tycho as a person and got to grips with the 'almost-but-not-quite-realistic' fantasy Venice that is Grimwood's setting.
On the face of it, it's not the most obviously attractive of narratives: ex-slave who finds he's a vampire (or is made into one, I still don't know that yet), falls in love with a girl who hates him, for the very good reason that he let her (werewolf) husband die in some massive battle when there seems a chance he could have saved him. She loved her late husband, ergo she hates Tycho. Which is a pity, because he's probably the only one with the wit, forethought, care and sheer reflexes to keep her alive in the poisonous nest of intrigue (I use the word advisedly) that is the Venetian Court, of which she is likely to become Duchess.
But it works. It's an intriguing story and there are enough plot twists and character developments to keep the reader guessing. There's a nicely done girl-girl love in the middle (blink and you'll miss it: so don't blink) and some touching moments of intimacy amongst all the blood and gore. Tycho's vampire is still very much human, he just doesn't like daylight, goes wild at the scent of blood and can tell a man's history from the taste of a drop.
Vampire lovers will love this - it's as good as The Discovery of Witches and oddly similar. Those who simply like alternative history of the Guy Gavriel Kay variety will welcome a newcomer to the fold. Those who like Joe Abercrombie will find themselves a soul-brother... and that's my one niggle. Abercrombie writes good, solid, soldierly stuff, but his English is appalling and JCG seems to have studied from the. Same text with its. Bizarre sentence. Structure and.
Weird paragraphs breaks.
If it wasn't for that, I'd give this four stars (bearing in mind that five is reserved for the likes of Hilary Mantel and Rob Low.) So it's three, because I was close to throwing the book across the room at times: 1* for the language, 5* for the story. And I'm heading back to Falcata Times for more book ideas.
September 20, 2012
A historical paranormal fantasy with Machiavellian politics, adventure, werewolves and romance, set mostly in Venice, Italy in about the 17th century or thereabouts (my history is rusty). I loved the first in this trilogy; setting werewolves in a historical setting gave them a freshness: urban fantasy with werewolves is getting a bit same old, same old. Grimwood created such a sense of place that Venice was almost a character in her own right, although I’ve been assured by friends who’ve been that the city stinks to high heaven. The smell doesn’t quite come through.
I am somewhat confused about what Tycho, the male protagonist, is. Sometimes it seems he’s a vampire and at other times he seems to be a werewolf, but he’s not the same creature as others who are definitely werewolves. It could be that Tycho’s self-discovery is made alongside the reader, which is why I haven’t Wikipedia’ed or googled it. I try to avoid spoilers where practical.
The second in the series was a really good Act II, well paced, carrying the plot forward, developing the relationships further. My only criticism is Grimwood’s habit of splitting sentences in two. So there’s a full stop between clauses. I found this quite distracting. Act I was reviewed from an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) but Act II wasn’t an ARC so criticisms of the text are fair.
The hiatus at the end of Act II is a good one, with a partial resolution to tide the reader over until next year. I think this series will appeal to Game of Thrones fans although it’s not as hefty nor does it have as many characters. Highly recommended.
I am somewhat confused about what Tycho, the male protagonist, is. Sometimes it seems he’s a vampire and at other times he seems to be a werewolf, but he’s not the same creature as others who are definitely werewolves. It could be that Tycho’s self-discovery is made alongside the reader, which is why I haven’t Wikipedia’ed or googled it. I try to avoid spoilers where practical.
The second in the series was a really good Act II, well paced, carrying the plot forward, developing the relationships further. My only criticism is Grimwood’s habit of splitting sentences in two. So there’s a full stop between clauses. I found this quite distracting. Act I was reviewed from an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) but Act II wasn’t an ARC so criticisms of the text are fair.
The hiatus at the end of Act II is a good one, with a partial resolution to tide the reader over until next year. I think this series will appeal to Game of Thrones fans although it’s not as hefty nor does it have as many characters. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2014
Continues Mr Grimwood's excellent melding of history and fantasy begun in The Fallen Blade. The historically accurate setting of Venice and Machiavellian intrigue ring true to the time and create a complex and satisfying foundation. The gothic fantasy and magic elements add a visceral appeal that is razor sharp. Character development is excellent. What drives each character is evident on the surface, yet all have secrets - some yet to be revealed - that keep the reader guessing. Tycho, Giulietta and Alexa are each fascinating, but my favorite character is Marco who is revealed in this book to be far more than the simpleton he presents. The novel's pace is unrelenting; the action that propels the novel forward dynamic and lethal. Mike Carey's quote on the back captures this series perfectly : "Sharp as a stiletto, dark and dazzling as a masquerade."
Readers of fantasy novels like George R. R. Martin's The Game of Thrones; Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles, Paul Hoffman's Left Hand of God series and Peter Watts Rifters novels will love this series. As a follow-up to this series, I recommend Mr Grimwood's Arabesk novels that begin with Pashazade.
Readers of fantasy novels like George R. R. Martin's The Game of Thrones; Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles, Paul Hoffman's Left Hand of God series and Peter Watts Rifters novels will love this series. As a follow-up to this series, I recommend Mr Grimwood's Arabesk novels that begin with Pashazade.
December 18, 2015
Set in an alternate, 15th-century Venice beset on either side of the German and Byzantine empires and desired by both, this world is also one where Gothic fantasy and magic are woven into the Machiavellian plots and schemes and where vampires and werewolves roam. I have to say I enjoyed the first book and this one continues along the same vein and provides an enteratining read.
Picking up where The Fallen Blade left off, this story sees Tycho raised to knighthood for his actions and in favour at court but, as with the politics of the time, he's just as quickly outcast and outlawed. He still pines for the newly widowed Lady Giulietta and strives to understand what he is and where or even when he comes from. Meanwhile, both German and Byzantine empires see the now available to wed Giulietta as a means to gain control over Venice and its wealth and strategic position and both send forth sons as potential suitors along with some formidable forces to back up their intentions.
On top of this, a naked, mud-strewn girl whom Tycho had previously been forced to watch die, crawls from a paupers' grave on an island in the Venetian lagoon and begins killing anyone who gets close...and she has a thirst for blood.
Picking up where The Fallen Blade left off, this story sees Tycho raised to knighthood for his actions and in favour at court but, as with the politics of the time, he's just as quickly outcast and outlawed. He still pines for the newly widowed Lady Giulietta and strives to understand what he is and where or even when he comes from. Meanwhile, both German and Byzantine empires see the now available to wed Giulietta as a means to gain control over Venice and its wealth and strategic position and both send forth sons as potential suitors along with some formidable forces to back up their intentions.
On top of this, a naked, mud-strewn girl whom Tycho had previously been forced to watch die, crawls from a paupers' grave on an island in the Venetian lagoon and begins killing anyone who gets close...and she has a thirst for blood.
August 19, 2020
When the first book in this series came out, it did a good job of striking an adult balance between sparkly safe tween vampires of Twilight, and "violate every human moral because we're bored" vampires of Ann Rice's stories, then made it an interestingly uncommon period piece.
With the second book in the series, the author delves a little too deeply for a casual backdrop into the world and politics of the period, but not deeply enough to turn the series into a full blown epic. Very well written in terms of characters and plot, it simply focuses either too much on the details of the setting and too little on the supernatural nature of the characters, or too little on the details of the setting. Resultantly the book is a decent read, but doesn't hold your attention the way a more grandiose treatment would, or satisfy the ephemeral itch of a well written fluff story.
With the second book in the series, the author delves a little too deeply for a casual backdrop into the world and politics of the period, but not deeply enough to turn the series into a full blown epic. Very well written in terms of characters and plot, it simply focuses either too much on the details of the setting and too little on the supernatural nature of the characters, or too little on the details of the setting. Resultantly the book is a decent read, but doesn't hold your attention the way a more grandiose treatment would, or satisfy the ephemeral itch of a well written fluff story.
October 4, 2018
While the second book in the series is still quite rough in places, I definitely enjoyed it more than the first one. The novel has some great characters and the setting is interesting enough, too. On the other hand I'm still not a big fan of Grimwood's prose and I also felt that the main plot was bit of a mess.
February 12, 2018
Fast-paced and addictive.
August 30, 2018
It could be just me and how I'm feeling at the time. I've often stopped reading a book but picked it up another time and enjoyed it. I've read to page 157 but I don't feel like finishing it.
July 25, 2019
Great sequel, historical fantasy that just grabbed me
February 12, 2020
Well, I stayed up 'til the early hours of the morning to finish this. 'Nuff said.
September 24, 2018
Just checked my review for Fallen Blade and I guess it took me 4 years to read the sequel. It's 2-star goodreads because it's "ok", and I guess that is right. Quite a long read, lots of interesting character development but you never feel like you know what is going on. Like some Richard Morgan books, when the protagonist is insanely awesome at whatever they do it takes the tension away.
I struggled with this book as I didn't recollect all of book 1, some elements were definitely lost on me. I would recommend rolling into this as quickly as possible after Fallen Blade.
Venice was less of a star here, but they do go on holiday to beautiful Italy, although we don't see it much.
I struggled with this book as I didn't recollect all of book 1, some elements were definitely lost on me. I would recommend rolling into this as quickly as possible after Fallen Blade.
Venice was less of a star here, but they do go on holiday to beautiful Italy, although we don't see it much.
May 31, 2012
Grimwood’s, The Outcast Blade is the second book(Act Two) in what I suspect will be The Assassini trilogy. It’s a tale that exposes the reader an entertaining mix of history and dark fantasy.
And yes it’s another series where I am starting in the middle.[1] But despite this and despite it being very much a book two,[2] I was swept up in the intrigue and action.
The Story
Venice, an independent state sits uneasily within the grasp of two empires. The Holy Roman Empire under the German Sigismund and the Byzantine under John V Palaiologos. The former uses the formidable Krieghund shock troops i.e. trained werewolves in their man/wolf shape, the later powerful magic's.
Though Venice herself is not without power. Ruled by the Milloni, descendants of Marco Polo, the current Duke may be intellectually disabled but his mother Alexa is distant cousin to the Khan of Khans and a powerful magic user in her own right. Unfortunately Venice is a hot bed of incestuous and deadly intrigue and its might is divided by power plays and infighting with various factions.
Enter Tycho, a recently knighted slave, and vampire. He destroyed the Marmaluk fleet single handedly by giving into his hungers, but all he hungers for now is the Lady Guilietta.
The newly widowed Guilietta is the jewel in Venice’s crown though and both empires dispatch sons to wed her and claim Venice for themselves. Besides, Guilietta hates Tycho anyway.
What follows is a tense game of Machiavelian intrigue, murder, love and outright slaughter.
Alternative history Grimwood style.
The world of The Assassini probably sits more comfortably in the Dark Fantasy category than Alternate History. The later category covers more or less departures from accepted history by way of certain major events not occurring or alternative happenings that change the course of history.
Grimwood takes history and plays his own song with it. Mixing real historical personages with the fantastical. He does it well too. About the only thing that bugged me was the open and flagrant use of magic in what is still a Christian controlled Europe particularly on behalf and with the knowledge of the Christian Emperor. Nothing in the world building explained this sufficiently for me.
The writing and the story got me over this nagging oddity and it was refreshing to see Vampires that were afraid of sunlight and carried a hungry beast within, that forced them to carry out monstrous deeds. Not quite a return to vampiric horror but better than sparkly supermen[3] .
The dialogue was quite short and punchy and Grimwood did a great job of evoking a believable 15th century Venice, down to the moss covered stones and the gut wrenching smells.
If you' are a fan of liberally pilfering history for good ideas and well paced action with some twists and turns I think you’ll enjoy The Outcast Blade. It intrigued me enough to pick up book one.
This book was provided by the publisher at no cost to myself.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1.Ah the trials and tribulations of getting review copies↩
2. Feels very much like a bridge to the final book. Enough action to keep it moving along but definitely a sense of anticipation for a big finale ↩
3. I didn’t mind Twilight as a book, but the Vampires weren’t my kind of bloodsucker↩
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
And yes it’s another series where I am starting in the middle.[1] But despite this and despite it being very much a book two,[2] I was swept up in the intrigue and action.
The Story
Venice, an independent state sits uneasily within the grasp of two empires. The Holy Roman Empire under the German Sigismund and the Byzantine under John V Palaiologos. The former uses the formidable Krieghund shock troops i.e. trained werewolves in their man/wolf shape, the later powerful magic's.
Though Venice herself is not without power. Ruled by the Milloni, descendants of Marco Polo, the current Duke may be intellectually disabled but his mother Alexa is distant cousin to the Khan of Khans and a powerful magic user in her own right. Unfortunately Venice is a hot bed of incestuous and deadly intrigue and its might is divided by power plays and infighting with various factions.
Enter Tycho, a recently knighted slave, and vampire. He destroyed the Marmaluk fleet single handedly by giving into his hungers, but all he hungers for now is the Lady Guilietta.
The newly widowed Guilietta is the jewel in Venice’s crown though and both empires dispatch sons to wed her and claim Venice for themselves. Besides, Guilietta hates Tycho anyway.
What follows is a tense game of Machiavelian intrigue, murder, love and outright slaughter.
Alternative history Grimwood style.
The world of The Assassini probably sits more comfortably in the Dark Fantasy category than Alternate History. The later category covers more or less departures from accepted history by way of certain major events not occurring or alternative happenings that change the course of history.
Grimwood takes history and plays his own song with it. Mixing real historical personages with the fantastical. He does it well too. About the only thing that bugged me was the open and flagrant use of magic in what is still a Christian controlled Europe particularly on behalf and with the knowledge of the Christian Emperor. Nothing in the world building explained this sufficiently for me.
The writing and the story got me over this nagging oddity and it was refreshing to see Vampires that were afraid of sunlight and carried a hungry beast within, that forced them to carry out monstrous deeds. Not quite a return to vampiric horror but better than sparkly supermen[3] .
The dialogue was quite short and punchy and Grimwood did a great job of evoking a believable 15th century Venice, down to the moss covered stones and the gut wrenching smells.
If you' are a fan of liberally pilfering history for good ideas and well paced action with some twists and turns I think you’ll enjoy The Outcast Blade. It intrigued me enough to pick up book one.
This book was provided by the publisher at no cost to myself.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1.Ah the trials and tribulations of getting review copies↩
2. Feels very much like a bridge to the final book. Enough action to keep it moving along but definitely a sense of anticipation for a big finale ↩
3. I didn’t mind Twilight as a book, but the Vampires weren’t my kind of bloodsucker↩
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
October 21, 2012
The Outcast Blade is a reasonably clean wrap for a series called ‘The Assassini’. I am not going to lie, it’s far from perfect so don’t think the 5-star rating is a full-on rave.
Addition was always easier for me than subtraction, so I will start with everything Jon C Grimwood got right. The world-building blended with nearly ancient world geography and religion to form an environment that could be visualized, smelled, and maybe touched. It’s the part of the story that I felt Mr. Grimwood felt most comfortable with. He seemed to enjoy opportunities and even create opportunities for the characters to interact with their surroundings. The political intrigue fit with what one would expect from powerful countries ruled by powerful families that never have enough power. I have seen it before and even seen it done better, but Mr. Grimwood took a well used plot and made it his through the genius of his characters.
The hero of this tale is Tycho -- the vampiric, confused, and homeless lead who won me over in the first book. He is hopelessly in love with Lady Giuletta. She was hard for me to take most days. She started out as all ‘surface’. I did not see the heroine I eventually embraced and accepted. As in the first book, Giuletta troubles with her ruthless family that gave Tycho the desire to be more than the monster he thought himself. Of course, we aren’t 100% sure what Tycho is but this book at least provides hope that he might not be a true demonic entity from hell. The cast that round out this story are all pivotal to Tycho’s and Giuletta growth. The love story at the heart of all the drama ultimately saved the day or at least brought a reprieve until the next book.
None the less, I know now that each character was crafted to support the story of Tycho and Giuletta’s lives. I say this because there has been no hesitation so far to kill, mame, or write off any character except these two. Mr. Grimwood caught me off guard with how hard he used some of the characters. It reminded me of Game of Thrones with the level of blood, rape, incest, and secret/lies.
What I didn’t like is not new, the writing is bad. I still had to read conversations multiple times to figure out who was speaking. Most of the time, I just say f*it and kept going. It felt like the characters would get mired down in a situation and instead of smoothly moving them in and out of the scene; it ends abruptly or just turns into a mess. Normally, this would knock a book down to one or two stars with no salvation. I just could not do it. The story is just too good to be punished for execution that ultimately didn’t stop me from reading all night to finish it. I could hardly wait for that email from the library saying the book was ready for pick-up.
I can’t recommend this book to serious fantasy readers because the typos and jerky flow could supersede any chance of enjoyment. There are too many books out there that are better edited and have a masterful presentation. However, if you like a good story with many layers and characters that do things you just can’t predict – try it.
Addition was always easier for me than subtraction, so I will start with everything Jon C Grimwood got right. The world-building blended with nearly ancient world geography and religion to form an environment that could be visualized, smelled, and maybe touched. It’s the part of the story that I felt Mr. Grimwood felt most comfortable with. He seemed to enjoy opportunities and even create opportunities for the characters to interact with their surroundings. The political intrigue fit with what one would expect from powerful countries ruled by powerful families that never have enough power. I have seen it before and even seen it done better, but Mr. Grimwood took a well used plot and made it his through the genius of his characters.
The hero of this tale is Tycho -- the vampiric, confused, and homeless lead who won me over in the first book. He is hopelessly in love with Lady Giuletta. She was hard for me to take most days. She started out as all ‘surface’. I did not see the heroine I eventually embraced and accepted. As in the first book, Giuletta troubles with her ruthless family that gave Tycho the desire to be more than the monster he thought himself. Of course, we aren’t 100% sure what Tycho is but this book at least provides hope that he might not be a true demonic entity from hell. The cast that round out this story are all pivotal to Tycho’s and Giuletta growth. The love story at the heart of all the drama ultimately saved the day or at least brought a reprieve until the next book.
None the less, I know now that each character was crafted to support the story of Tycho and Giuletta’s lives. I say this because there has been no hesitation so far to kill, mame, or write off any character except these two. Mr. Grimwood caught me off guard with how hard he used some of the characters. It reminded me of Game of Thrones with the level of blood, rape, incest, and secret/lies.
What I didn’t like is not new, the writing is bad. I still had to read conversations multiple times to figure out who was speaking. Most of the time, I just say f*it and kept going. It felt like the characters would get mired down in a situation and instead of smoothly moving them in and out of the scene; it ends abruptly or just turns into a mess. Normally, this would knock a book down to one or two stars with no salvation. I just could not do it. The story is just too good to be punished for execution that ultimately didn’t stop me from reading all night to finish it. I could hardly wait for that email from the library saying the book was ready for pick-up.
I can’t recommend this book to serious fantasy readers because the typos and jerky flow could supersede any chance of enjoyment. There are too many books out there that are better edited and have a masterful presentation. However, if you like a good story with many layers and characters that do things you just can’t predict – try it.
December 24, 2016
I read The Outcast Blade without reading the first part of the Assassini series and absolutely loved it. The Venice scene combined with some out-of-this-world magic is astonishing. I love the way the book is written and how in-depth the characters are revealed to be.
In the beginning, it was difficult to understand what was going on (I should have read the first book, silly me), but I already bought the book and wouldn't be so easily beaten by a world that was new and enticing. Often times the worlds with extensive and difficult worldbuilding are the best (look at Daughter of the Blood from Anne Bishop). This book proves this right yet again.
I cannot wait to read the other books in this series and other books of Jon Courtenay Grimwood.
In the beginning, it was difficult to understand what was going on (I should have read the first book, silly me), but I already bought the book and wouldn't be so easily beaten by a world that was new and enticing. Often times the worlds with extensive and difficult worldbuilding are the best (look at Daughter of the Blood from Anne Bishop). This book proves this right yet again.
I cannot wait to read the other books in this series and other books of Jon Courtenay Grimwood.
July 17, 2020
I'm boosting my rating of this series for this book. This one was honestly my favorite for one reason: Rosalyn.
If this book lost some of its dry political intrigue and just focused on Rosalyn and Tycho, I would be happier.
3/5
If this book lost some of its dry political intrigue and just focused on Rosalyn and Tycho, I would be happier.
3/5
October 4, 2012
#longsigh
Okay ... Grimwood has the ability to make me cream without words, to think ...
And when I thought that the romance never happen here comes Grimwood and dance in my face!
*CRY* *CRY*
Oh My.God.
It just makes me completely crazy with this series, how many twists!
The second in the series was a really good Act II, well paced, carrying the plot forward, Developing the relationships further.
Adventure, romance, swashbuckling, intrigue - it's smart and beautifully written and just delightful.
Loved!! Loved!!
January 6, 2013
I think I said most of what I wanted to say about this book in my update post a few days ago, but I'll go ahead and post a short final review. Ultimately, I did end up enjoying the book, but I have to agree with the reviewer who said that the second half is easier to read than the first. I couldn't tell you exactly where the writing style stopped grating on me, but it did happen at some point or another.
Probably close to Alta Mofacon. That sounds about right.
As stated before, I really want to like this series more than I effectively do. I'm sure I'll read the third book, and also get some enjoyment out of it, but for all of the series' pretenses at gore and darkness (and there is a fair amount of both that pop up periodically), I ultimately consider it on my list of "fluffy" reading.
Probably close to Alta Mofacon. That sounds about right.
As stated before, I really want to like this series more than I effectively do. I'm sure I'll read the third book, and also get some enjoyment out of it, but for all of the series' pretenses at gore and darkness (and there is a fair amount of both that pop up periodically), I ultimately consider it on my list of "fluffy" reading.
July 1, 2013
I have good news and bad news about The Outcast Blade, the second book in Jon Courtenay Grimwood’s ACTS OF THE ASSASSINI series.
The good news is that the book is as captivating as its predecessor, The Fallen Blade. It’s a heady brew of magic, military strategy, politics, mystery, betrayal and love. Grimwood’s descriptions of Venice are grounded rather than lyrical, creating a living city that is gritty and fantastical, beautiful and frightening, breathing in history and breathing out magic.
Stone steps disappearing under dark water were a common occurrence in Venice, where such runs helped adjust for tidal differences. Most of the water steps in the island city were algae-green and slippery underfoot. The steps up to the fondamenta, the stone-lined embankment at... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The good news is that the book is as captivating as its predecessor, The Fallen Blade. It’s a heady brew of magic, military strategy, politics, mystery, betrayal and love. Grimwood’s descriptions of Venice are grounded rather than lyrical, creating a living city that is gritty and fantastical, beautiful and frightening, breathing in history and breathing out magic.
Stone steps disappearing under dark water were a common occurrence in Venice, where such runs helped adjust for tidal differences. Most of the water steps in the island city were algae-green and slippery underfoot. The steps up to the fondamenta, the stone-lined embankment at... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
December 8, 2014
The book was a great continuance of where the last book left off. I can't wait to read the third edition of the series. All I can say to Jon is that i have both thumbs up and I am a big fan of your books. To be honest i didn't even know about the Assassini books, and I haven't even read that many fiction books since the first too Harry Potter volumes. That's ofcourse until I stumbled across your Fallen Blade book. I have been hooked to this genre ever since. I know read books by authors such as; Anne Bishop, Peter V. Brett and many more. I have been properly introduced to a genre of which I had no interest in in the past. So I end this with saying, I'm looking forward to reading the next issue after this one, and I would appreciate anyone who can guide me through any other exciting books by this or any other author out there. I thank you in advance.
March 28, 2013
I remember being kinda lukewarm about the first book in this series, but this one sucked me in, even though it's Oh My Gods another vampire/werewolf book. The medieval setting is a nice twist, as are the way the tropes play out. Of course, the teenagers in love!!! gets a bit old, but, well, that's pretty much how teenagers are, ayup. (At least this vampire has the excuse of only remembering being as old as he appears...unlike certain other vampires who date teenagers I could mention. (Yup, still watching Buffy.)) Furthermore, this author seems to have some sort of endgame in mind, of which I heartily approve.
So I am now awaiting the next book more eagerly...and I just checked, it comes out next week. Ooooooh!
So I am now awaiting the next book more eagerly...and I just checked, it comes out next week. Ooooooh!
August 18, 2014
Wow, I loved this book. I couldn't put it down.
It actually felt like this could've been the final book in this story, although I know there is at least one more, The Exiled Blade. But the end wrapped everything up really nice.
Great visualizations from the author's descriptions, loved the plot line, great twist at the end that I was totally not expecting. And we learn more about Tycho's condition (/is/ he really a vampire?)
So just like the first book in this trilogy, there was lots of court intrigue from 15th century Venice, more great battles, and new interesting things revealed.
So if you liked the first book, you'll love this one! Also recommended to fans of fantasy, historical fiction, supernatural, etc.
It actually felt like this could've been the final book in this story, although I know there is at least one more, The Exiled Blade. But the end wrapped everything up really nice.
Great visualizations from the author's descriptions, loved the plot line, great twist at the end that I was totally not expecting. And we learn more about Tycho's condition (/is/ he really a vampire?)
So just like the first book in this trilogy, there was lots of court intrigue from 15th century Venice, more great battles, and new interesting things revealed.
So if you liked the first book, you'll love this one! Also recommended to fans of fantasy, historical fiction, supernatural, etc.
January 15, 2016
Found this book a little bit confusing. It didn't seem to have any direction at first, seemed to go back and forth and around in circles quite a bit. Tycho was in and out of jail and one minute was Sir Tycho, then wasn't and then seemed to be Sir again. I can't understand how Rosalyn became like Tycho because I can't remember her ever drinking his blood - Tycho drank hers. Guilietta was unbearable at the beginning of the book but I guess that was her character. The characters of Tycho and Marco and even Alexa are great, however. Even though I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first I look forward to the next instalment.
April 16, 2012
As the second in a series of three, I like this story in spite of the author's penchant to use periods instead of commas. Tales of 14th century Venice, with vampires and were-wolfs thrown in, are always interesting though the historical timelines are jumbled and bear only slight resemblance to actuality; I suppose that is a petty criticism of a book featuring mythical creatures. The second half of the book reads much easier; maybe the editor slept through the first half. If you can get through the writing style the story should carry you.
June 19, 2012
C2012: FWFTB: Venice, daylight, alliance, island, killing.This is Act Two of The Assassini so it had to be read. I enjoyed this book far better than the first instalment and things and actions started to blend and meld into something really exciting. A very different Venice and alternative history. I found it to have been well thought out. I think I may have found a typo on P51.FCN: Sir Tycho (“He looks like a Moorish merchant’s bumboy”), Lady Giulietta, Dr Crow, Atilo il Mauros, Duchess Alexa.
December 26, 2021
An excellent follow on from the Fallen Blade. Top quality fantasy that is full of subtlety and intrigue.
It concerns the recently widowed Lady Giulietta, who has the German and Byzantine empires wanting their preferred suitors to marry her and control Venice. The fly in the ointment is Tycho, a lethal assassin, but afraid of the day, who detests the city, but starts to love Lady Giulietta with a blind passion.
The climax of the book is a battle between the German and Byzantine empires with Tycho making a bond and eliminating one of the suitors.
Cannot wait for the final book.
It concerns the recently widowed Lady Giulietta, who has the German and Byzantine empires wanting their preferred suitors to marry her and control Venice. The fly in the ointment is Tycho, a lethal assassin, but afraid of the day, who detests the city, but starts to love Lady Giulietta with a blind passion.
The climax of the book is a battle between the German and Byzantine empires with Tycho making a bond and eliminating one of the suitors.
Cannot wait for the final book.
August 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book,, set in Venice in the Middle Ages . A little bit of fantasy (magical creatures) and the intrigue of the various Empires all trying to acquire Venice for themselves. The main character is a werewolf I think, but generally human. I know that's not a great description, but he falls in love with the next in line to rule Vencie. Intrigue, assassins, some fighting, a bit of a love story, some mystery all rolled into one.
July 22, 2012
This second book in the Assissini Trilogy was worlds better than the first. Grimwood seems to have abandoned the pretentious and stilted sentence formations he employed in the first book. As a result, the text flows and more time can be spent on enjoying the story than trying to decipher the meaning of each sentence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews