Venom by Fiona Paul ARC Review

The Synopsis:
Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.
When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?
Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.


My Thoughts:
First off, I must give a huge shout out and smooch on the cheek to the awesome Monica at Cover Analysis who let me read this review copy of this book!  Thank you, darling!

Have I ever mentioned that I love historical fiction?  Like, really, really, really, really love historical fiction?  Besides Greek mythology retellings, historical fiction places an easy second.  Sure, I enjoy reading paranormal and dystopian and apocalyptic and all those other genres out there, but I loooooooove everything historical.

I'm not going to geek out on you or anything, so I'll keep this brief.  Fiona, you are amazing!  The history was accurate and you brought the streets of Venice to life.  Cass was strong and defiant while the mysterious Falco kept me craving more.  Lots more . . . Yup.

Unlike many YA heroines that are strong naturally, Cass tried to prove to herself and others that she was strong and brave.  Her personality grew throughout the story and never once did she give up.  There were some moments where I was a little upset that she would shy away and I was like 'No!  You're supposed to be brave!  Don't scream.  No . . .'

Story-wise, could it be any more awesome??  Seriously!  Some killer is on the loose and Cass is determined to figure it out while trying not to get tangled with the dark and is-he-dangerous? Falco.  And did I mention that the two of them trek the seine together at night as they try to solve the murder mystery?  Can you say creepy while also being romantic?  Is that odd that I'm using those two words in the same sentence?  If it is, it doesn't matter because I think it's accurate.

Venom was a tale filled with dark secrets and romantic boat rides.  I was swept into this story, truly making me feel all Italy-nostalgic (Italians all the way!).  Anyway.  I wasn't sure what exactly to expect while reading this book, but what I got as the finished product wasn't it.  I was glued to the book until the very end.  Overall, it was a masterful piece that brings out the magic of Venice while bending your mind with its killer secrets.