To the casual observer, Battista
della Paglia is an avid art collector, or perhaps a nimble thief. In reality,
the cunning Italian is an agent for François, the King of France, for whom he
procures the greatest masterpieces of the day by any means necessary. Embroiled
in a power struggle with Charles V, the King of Spain, François resolves to
rule Europe's burgeoning cultural world. When he sets his sights on a
mysterious sculpture, Battista's search for the elusive objet d'art leads him
to a captivating woman on a mission of her own . . .
Having spent her life under the controlling eye of her protector, the Marquess of Mantua, Aurelia longs for freedom. And she finds it in Battista. Together, they embark on a journey to find the clues that will lead him to the sculpture-- a venture so perilous it might have spilled from the pen of Dante himself. From the smoldering depths of Rome to a castle in the sky, the harrowing quest draws them inextricably together. But Aurelia guards a dark secret that could tear them apart--and change the course of history.
☆☆☆☆
Clues hide in great works of art—symbols that
speak of other worldly forces—political forces collide, secret societies and
enemies abound, and danger lurks in every challenge, those that mirror the
passages of Dante’s Divine Comedy – and it is Dante’s work that holds the key
to the quest.
The
King’s Agent was a quick and enjoyable read. It is
an entertaining historical fantasy adventure set in Renaissance Italy that
centres around Battista della Palla, a rogue, cunning, quick and deliriously
handsome art collector who is commissioned by King François of France to
“acquire” one of the most unique and powerful art treasures known to man - a mystical relic. The
quest François has sent him on requires Battista to break into a palazzo where he meets the
beautiful, feisty, intelligent and mysterious Lady Aurelia, the ward of the
Marquess of Mantua, who longs for freedom and who carries a great secret. When
Battista’s attempt to steal the first clue from the Palazzo of Mantua goes awry
it is the Lady Aurelia who comes to his rescue. Aurelia holds some valuable
knowledge in regards to the piece Battista is searching for and she convinces
him to take her with him on his quest. Soon the two are deciphering clues
hidden in great works of art – symbols that speak of other worldly forces –
political forces collide, secret societies and enemies abound, and danger lurks
in every challenge. As they work to unlock the mystery that mirror the passages
of Dante’s Divine Comedy, they trek perilously
in dark corridors, beneath castles, muddle through labyrinths, through secret
doors and discover mysterious clues that lead to dark secrets.
The novel is filled with pages of brilliant
descriptions and dazzling details, typical of Morin’s style. It is
extraordinarily intricate and it has a captivating romance sprinkled with
intrigue, adventure, gothic style labyrinths, history, art, mystery and more. I
especially enjoyed the intricate infusion of Dante’s Divine Comedy – the only problem was that I found myself sometimes
distracted by the story as I was dying to reread the Divina Comedia again! The novel takes us not only on a journey
through Renaissance Italy but also through the Divine Comedy a treat for those who have read the Divine Comedy and even for those who
have not.
The novel combines fiction with fantasy and art
history with mysticism; there is romance, action, adventure, history, art,
drama, danger and mystery – there is something there for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who
loves any of those genres or to anyone who is just in the mood for a great
read.
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