Thanks to both Rachel’s Random Resources and the author for the gifted eBook to write my review.
A young Englishman captured by slavers must survive the snakepit that is seventeenth-century Venice.
1604. As pirates seeking slaves to sell in the markets of North Africa terrorise the coasts of Europe, headstrong Richard Sheriff and his sister Elizabeth are torn from their Devonshire home and thrust into a waking nightmare.
Richard’s skills as a blacksmith see him fetch a high price, but the pirate captain has other plans for Elizabeth and once they are separated, Richard has no idea of his sister’s fate. They must both learn to survive on a deadly voyage into the unknown.
Sold into servitude in Venice: glittering, vicious city of secrets, he is apprenticed to a knife maker. Richard’s talents soon win him renown… but haunted by his sister’s absence, he vows never to stop looking for her, knowing she would do the same for him.
First he must survive that city of ghosts. Will the siblings live to see each other again, or will they join the myriads lost to Venice, where life is cheap, profit is all, and escape nigh-on impossible?
A powerful historical adventure perfect for fans of Kate Mosse, Ken Follett and Robert Harris.
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knife-Maker-Venice-David-Gilman/dp/1035910373
https://www.amazon.com/Knife-Maker-Venice-David-Gilman/dp/1035910373
My Review
Historical fiction is a genre I always enjoy and appreciate. The Knifemaker of Venice is one such novel. Apart from the amazing cover, the blurb had me intrigued. I don’t know much about Venice and especially in the seventeenth century, so I was looking forward to being educated and also entertained!
This is a very rich story, David Gilman sets the scene so well. His descriptions of the setting, politics and characters made sure I time-travelled as I read. Richard and Elizabeth had a piece of my heart as the plot unfolded and I found myself so invested! I was right there with them. That is the sign of a skilful storyteller.
None of the characters are perfect and Richard is definitely not. He has so much heart though and I couldn’t help cheering him on! It isn’t just a detailed read, it is also full of action and suspense too! It is definitely a one more chapter story! That is until there are no chapters left! Brilliant historical fiction read!
Author Bio
David Gilman has enjoyed many careers, including paratrooper, firefighter, and photographer. An award-winning author and screenwriter, he is the author of the critically acclaimed Master of War series of historical novels, and was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for The Last Horseman. He was longlisted for the same prize for The Englishman, the first book featuring ex-French Foreign Legionnaire Dan Raglan. David lives in Devon. Follow David on @davidgilmanuk, http://www.davidgilman.com, and facebook.com/davidgilman.author
Social Media Links
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