Portrait of a Conspiracy, DaVinci's Disciples by Donna Russo Morin

Portrait of Conspiracy: Da Vinci's Disciples - Book One by Donna Russo Morin

Publication Date: May 10, 2016

Diversion Books

eBook & Paperback; 290 Pages

Genre: Historical Mystery

One murder ignites the powderkeg that threatens to consume the Medici's Florence. Amidst the chaos, five women and one legendary artist weave together a plot that could bring peace, or get them all killed. Seeking to wrest power from the Medici family in 15th Century Florence, members of the Pazzi family drew their blades in a church and slew Giuliano. But Lorenzo de Medici survives, and seeks revenge on everyone involved, plunging the city into a murderous chaos that takes dozens of lives. Bodies are dragged through the streets, and no one is safe. Five women steal away to a church to ply their craft in secret. Viviana, Fiammetta, Isabetta, Natasia, and Mattea are painters, not allowed to be public with their skill, but freed from the restrictions in their lives by their art. When a sixth member of their group, Lapaccia, goes missing, and is rumored to have stolen a much sought after painting as she vanished, the women must venture out into the dangerous streets to find their friend and see her safe. They will have help from one of the most renowned painters of their era the peaceful and kind Leonardo Da Vinci. It is under his tutelage that they will flourish as artists, and with his access that they will infiltrate some of the highest, most secretive places in Florence, unraveling one conspiracy as they build another in its place. Historical fiction at its finest, Donna Russo Morin begins a series of Da Vinci's disciples with a novel both vibrant and absorbing, perfect for the readers of Sarah Dunant.

"A riveting page-turner unlike any historical novel you’ve read, weaving passion, adventure, artistic rebirth, and consequences of ambition into the first of a trilogy by a masterful writer at the peak of her craft." -C. W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de’ Medici and The Vatican Princess


my thoughts:

Portrait of Conspiracy is a book you cannot put down! First of all, I love anything to do with the Renaissance, the Medici family, and Leonardo da Vinci. This was a win-win for me. There was no way I wouldn't love this story. The characters are so multi dimensional, you feel like you actually know each and every one of them. Some you'll love, some you'll hate, but you will get to know everyone, except perhaps Lorenzo de Medici. His role, while pivotal, is small in the actual dialogue of the book. This is such a well woven story, any reader with any interest in renaissance italy will love this book! The women who become Da Vinci's Disciples are amazing. I loved Viviana, she was my favorite character. Women from all walks of life who become leaders, albeit underground, of a movement. Women, strong women, who led by a man without prejudice, will become masters at their craft. I can't wait for more by Donna Russo Morin.

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About the Author

Donna Russo Morin is the award winning of author of historical fiction. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, she lives near the shore with her two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress. Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com; friend her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, May 10Review at UnshelfishReview at The Maiden's Court Wednesday, May 11Spotlight at Passages to the Past Thursday, May 12Review at CelticLady's Reviews Friday, May 13Review at Let Them Read BooksReview at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book Monday, May 16Review at Just One More ChapterInterview at A Literary Vacation Tuesday, May 17Review at Seize the Words Wednesday, May 18Review at Flashlight CommentaryReview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book Thursday, May 19Review at Worth Getting in Bed ForInterview at Flashlight Commentary Friday, May 20Guest Post at Layered PagesInterview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book Monday, May 23Review at Broken Teepee Tuesday, May 24Review at #redhead.with.bookInterview at Reading the Past Wednesday, May 25Review at Book Lovers Paradise Thursday, May 26Review at Puddletown Reviews Friday, May 27Review at The True Book Addict Monday, May 30Review at A Bookish Affair Tuesday, May 31Guest Post at A Bookish Affair Wednesday, June 1Review at The Book Connection Thursday, June 2Review at Book NerdReview at Bookramblings Friday, June 3Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog

Giveaway

To enter to win an eBook of PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY by Donne Russo Morin please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. FIVE copies are up for grabs! Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on June 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Portrait of a Conspiracy