This was such a predictable read. It was pretty clear from the start what was going to happen. Because if that, it was hard to keep going but I finished it. Her career choice would actually get her caught real quick not help her. Too many plot holes that were not easily covered by the witty banter of the MC.

I've long been fascinated by the "honest courtesans" of Renaissance Venice, such as Veronica Franco and Tullia d'Aragona. By boldly parlaying their beauty and intelligence, these women were able to live more freely than others in a patriarchal society and even wield political power and influence. The Assassin of Venice is a thrilling tale of one such vibrant, gutsy woman. Though Alyssa Palombo's Valentina Riccardi is imaginary, she feels so true to history thanks to the author's stellar research. This is a blast of a book that I couldn't put down. Highly recommended!

Venice in 1538 is a city of masks, deception, and nefarious political dealings. Valentina Riccardi is among the most sought-after courtesans who move in the wealthy and cultured social sphere of nobility and politicians. Who better than Valentina to serve as assassin when the Council of Ten needs a suspected spy eliminated? Responsible for the safety and security of Venice, the Council is comprised of ten men, each elected for only one one-year term. They make decisions as a group, and the strictly limited terms are designed to avoid corruption. The Council of Ten has eyes everywhere, and when they perceive a threat to Venice, punishment is swift and final. Valentina’s life outside her role as courtesan involves Bastiano, the man she loves, and their child, Ginevra. She keeps Ginevra hidden safe from the dangers of Venice with a family in the country. Bastiano also works for the Council, and what they do is never discussed.

Valentina is not only beautiful; she is clever, savvy, and very shrewd. The games she must play involve the high stakes of life and death, for herself and those she loves. When she senses Bastiano is troubled, she is determined to discover why and help him; but it is not only Bastiano—something in Venice isn’t right. Malatesta, a Council member, is overstepping his role and becoming more sinister and menacing. An assassination order he gives Valentina leaves her devastated with no option but to obey. She suspects he is acting without the Council’s knowledge.

This is a propulsive read, full of intrigue. Remarkable details about the lives of courtesans in 16th-century Venice are well researched. These women may be at the mercy of men and society, but they employ furtive ways to take back their power. Valentina is a fierce heroine that readers will love.
**Editors' Choice
--Historical Novels Review, August 2024

I can't help myself, I am a sucker for all things that take place in Italy. This one is a historical mystery set in 1538 Venice. I have to say that this novel was so much fun to read! This is the first novel that I have read by Alyssa Palombo and I will certainly be interested in seeing what she is going to write in the future.

Valentina Riccardi is one of Venice’s famous courtesans. Because she is not only beautiful and poised, but also up on all of the latest politics as well as can recite poetry among other things, she is in high demand. One of those demanding her attention is unfortunately the Council of Ten - a group ten elected officials who kept a tight rein on matters of state security., and effectively ruled the Republic of Venice. A member of the Ten has come to her Valentina many times, letting her know of a traitor to Venice, a spy, or someone else that needs to be dealt with, and Valentina is assigned to kill them.

This was a fun story set in such a beautiful but dangerous location. The Venice of sixteenth century was one fraught with intrigue and danger. Although the characters themselves were fictional, as were courtesan assassins (that we know of), the Council of Ten was very real. The author also gave a lot of information about courtesans during that time period that was fascinating. While The Assassin of Venice is well-paced, I never once felt concerned for the characters in this story. I never once felt like any of them were in any real danger, which is one of my only gripes that I had. Overall, I really enjoyed The Assassin of Venice, and I will continue to see what Alyssa Palombo publishes in the future!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Veronica Franco is the most famous of the cortigiane oneste, sophisticated and cultured women who chose their lovers and were loved by the most influent Venetian men. They were also charged with spy activities.
I think that Valentina was inspired by VEronica and I liked this strong women who is able to question the suprem power and fight to save the man she loves.
A good historical fiction, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A thrilling, delicious, and intriguing historical novel with a mixed touch of politics, burning intimacy, and blades and poisons.

I already had a feeling that I'm gonna enjoy this novel, and I did, which was gratifying for my part.

The writing is delicate in woving its storyline chapter by chapter. It didn't also miss making the characters even more compelling and striking, especially Valentina.

Valentina's character is seductive in the most part of the story. She utilised her talents and abilities in satisfying levels, leaving the readers impressed, me specifically.

Malaesta, character, I admit was an enigma. I really expected that much of him, considering how he's characterized and shown in chapters with Valentina. I could say the same with the Ten. I just hope that the story did show more of the Ten than presenting them by telling in the story.

The same goes for Bastiano. Although I find him interesting at the beginning, I couldn't quite root for him for another reason rather than being a lover and the beloved of Valentina. He lacks the presence in the story. The story didn't really delve that much on him despite the potential of his character in the storyline.

The story also made me feel nostalgic, which made me look back to the series The Borgias and The Medici. I could quite feel the same tone and atmosphere of it here in the novel.

The conclusion was— I would say it was quite not I was expecting? I was expecting more from it, more of schemes and actions, perhaps.

Overall, this was still satisfying read. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you, netgalley and the publisher, for the arc opportunity ♡

The Assassin of Venice is the first book I've read by Alyssa Palombo. It's a historical mystery set in 1538 Venice. Usually I'm not particularly fond of books set in the Renaissance period, so color me surprised that I practically flew through this story. I suppose when the setting is the Renaissance, I can love the story when it involves courtesans, sex, love, violence and intrigue; it's actually right up my alley!

Valentina Riccardi is one of Venice's famous courtesans in 1538. She's beautiful, charming and well-read. But unknown to most people, she's also a deadly assassin. Valentina receives her orders from the Council of Ten, a shadowy group who rules Venice. She loves her adoptive city, especially after losing all she held dear many years ago, so she follows her instructions without question. That is, until one assassination order makes her wonder if it is the wish of the Ten, or if one of the Ten has his own interests in mind. Valentina vows she will never love again, but yet she's fallen in love with Bastiano Bragadin, a fellow assassin. When Bastiano begins asking the wrong questions about a death, Valentina receives her next assignment: kill Bastiano. Will she be forced to kill the man she loves, or will her fellow cortigiane oneste - "honest courtesans" - be able to help her get to the heart of the conspiracy in time?

This may be the first historical mystery set in the Renaissance period that I've read. I expected an interesting story from the synopsis, but I was unprepared for the excitement and thrills I encountered. I ended up reading the majority of the story in a day; I was so happy I didn't have to leave the house today! At first I didn't know if I would care for Valentina Riccardi. She was a courtesan with many lovers, and had no compunction about being ordered to assassinate someone. She wasn't particularly warm and fuzzy. But something changed for me when I read the "Interludes" scattered throughout the book. I learned of the horrible loss in her past, and why she was willing to do all she could to keep Venice, the city that she loved, safe (including the assassination of those that threatened it). She had very close friendships with many of her fellow courtesans, especially Amalia. That Valentina had such a loving relationship with Bastiano surprised me at first. He wasn't a customer, just a man who loved her. How could that work out? It was a whole other world then, wasn't it? Bastiano was charming, funny, and apparently a man secure enough in his masculinity not to feel threatened by her paying customers. I loved their time together. They had a daughter, Ginevra, who lived with a loving couple that kept her safe and happy when her parents resided in Venice. Valentina had no trouble assassinating someone who threatened her beloved Venice; however, she began to doubt herself when it appeared her latest mission wasn't ordered by the Counsel of Ten, but rather by an individual more interested in his own lofty goals than that of Venice. When Bastiano was sent on a fact-finding mission by his father about possible treason in Venice, it was then Valentina was ordered to kill the man she loved. She refused, but the villain threatened the life of little Ginevra. I will not give away the rest of the story; I don't want to ruin the heartache, danger and excitement for you. I'm sure you will be sitting on the edge of your seat while you hold your breath like I was! I hope to read more historical mysteries by this talented author.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Real Rating: 3.5 / 5

I confess I’m obsessed with Veronica Franco, Lucrezia Borgia, and Giulia Tofana. All three of these women were incredible examples of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The Assassin of Venice takes place roughly a couple of decades after Lurezia’s lifetime, during Veronica’s, but around a century before Giulia’s. Do I really just like Renaissance women and the idea of them making any combination of sex, intellect, power, and/or violence work in their favor? Why yes, yes I do. Am I under an assumption that all the stories are true? No, no I’m not. Let a girl dream.

Alyssa Palombo takes us readers back to the early half of 16th-century Venice, where Honest Courtesans ply their trade and the Council of Ten watch over the city-state to keep it free of any and all outside influence. Venice was a vitally important port city to Italy during the Renaissance and the military security of the country, the Adriatic Sea, and a chunk of the Mediterranean depended on the Italians due to the threat of the Ottoman Empire from the East. Italy was insular and paranoid, with good reason. Political intrigue and the trading of secrets was a national sport.

The plot of The Assassin of Venice is a good one, romantic and dramatic with an almost-cinematic feel to it. It would make a good movie. That doesn’t necessarily mean the book was executed in the same manner. While well-paced, I never once felt concerned for the characters in this story. I never once felt like any of them were in any real danger. I actually felt like they were being overdramatic more than once and not seeing the forest for the trees. There were also quite a few speech anachronisms in the protagonist’s inner narrative that made me wish the editor had done a bit more thorough job.

It’s a diverting read, if not too exciting or challenging. I think you’ll love it if you love your historical fictions heavier on the fiction side and a bit soapier without a lot of accurate worldbuilding or detail. If you’re looking for accuracy and high stakes, then I’d look for another story.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance

Summary: In the beautiful city of Venice, the enchanting courtesan Valentina Riccardi entertains wealthy clients looking for a woman with charm, wit and beauty. But this is not the only thing Valentina excels at. She has become a skilled assassin of the men who would betray the Venetian Republic. Working for a group called the Council of the Ten she uses her special set of skills to get close to her targets until one day the Ten ask her to kill someone very dear to her. As she looks deeper into the council she starts to wonder if the men she has been targeting were really a threat or if she is being used to kill for their own advancement. Using her friendship with the other courtesans she must unravel the web of the Ten before she is discovered and finds herself the target.

My Thoughts: This was a fun story set in such a beautiful but dangerous location. The Venice of sixteenth century was one fraught with intrigue and danger. Palombo does a great job of bringing this world to life. Through Valentina I could feel the fear of being denounced as an enemy of the state. It was a very real consequence of living in Venice at the time.

Valentina is a strong character who uses what she has available to survive in a patriarchal society. She has had to live through horrific events and keep moving forward. I enjoyed seeing her being confident with lots of power.

Having visited Venice, I could easily picture the beautiful city on the water. It is truly a magical place. One not filled with cars and noise but peace and gorgeous architecture. I would love to visit again.

Fantastic! Palombo does an excellent job showing historical parts of Italy and bringing intrigue into a story with mystery and some romance. I’m at the hugest fan of historical fiction normally but I couldn’t put this down. I’m excited to read more from the author in the future.

Valentina Riccardi is one of Venice’s famous courtesans. Because she is not only beautiful and poised, but also up on all of the latest politics as well as can recite poetry among other things, she is in high demand. One of those demanding her attention is unfortunately the Council of Ten - a group ten elected officials who kept a tight rein on matters of state security., and effectively ruled the Republic of Venice. A member of the Ten has come to her Valentina many times, letting her know of a traitor to Venice, a spy, or someone else that needs to be dealt with, and Valentina is assigned to kill them. She dislikes the assignments, but she does it for Venice, which she loves dearly. Then one day she receives an assignment to kill her lover and the father of her daughter, Bastiano Bragadin, who is also an assassin for the Ten. The more she learns about the one who has been giving her the assignments, the more she questions whether he is do this for his own agenda or for the good of Venice.

I am a huge fan of this author and this book did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down. Although the characters themselves were fictional, as were courtesan assassins (that we know of), the Council of Ten was very real. The author also gave a lot of information about courtesans during that time period that was fascinating, Valentina was a delightful female protagonist, with her spunk and wit. Interspersed throughout the book are "interludes" that gradually tell the story of a young woman and her journey, but it isn't until the last 30 percent of the book that you discover who that person is. I was surprised when the name was revealed, and I think you will be too. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will definitely want to put this at the top of your TBR pile. You are going to love it!

The Assassin of Venice far exceeded my expectations. You know that England is my usual setting for a book, but who can resist the canals of Venice? Amidst this gorgeous setting, trouble brewed and barely stopped. I give this novel four and a half out of five stars.

Valentina Riccardi is one of Venice’s prime courtesans – she costs a lot, but men get what they pay for. She even enjoys spending time with some of them, but she’s only ever fallen in love with one: Bastiano Bragadin. As a third son, he’s been forbidden to marry to avoid additional costs to the family. They’re not exactly the picture of connubial bliss, but they take pleasure and solace in each other when they can. Both Valentina and Bastiano have another line of work, however: they are assassins for The Ten, a council of rulers sworn to uphold Venice’s independence. It’s a complicated but steady arrangement, until it’s not. Bastiano suddenly goes into hiding, and Valentina is ordered to kill him as her next assignment, or else a loved one will die. Torn between loyalties, Valentina investigates as the deadline for her orders comes closer. The more she finds, the more danger she is in – and the more desperate to find a way out.

Repeating myself, I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I thought it was going to be a romance with some mild assassination and a redemption arc, but it was tough, real, and gritty. The plot was good, Valentina and her supporting characters well-rounded, and the story less of a romance and more of a tale of what we will sacrifice for love.

*Disclaimer: you should know that this book has some explicit love and murder scenes, as well as some language. It’s not over-the-top (because it’s not a romance), but it’s not clean.*

I liked the idea of a courtesan-assassin. I always appreciate women who are doing something outside of their expected roles, and the juxtaposition of someone who’s hired to provide companionship also being a killer was very well done. The plot is very twisty, and I don’t know how much I can talk about it without giving too much away. Valentina is a desperate woman, which makes her investigate and reach out to people who she might not normally, and that helps the progression along. While this book is not slow, there are a lot of names and characters thrown around, and though I didn’t understand their purpose at the first half of the book, things started to connect from the middle onwards. The world-building is very good, and I felt immersed in the glamorous and treacherous world of 1500’s Venice.

Valentina was a complex character; she ruthlessly killed in the name of protecting her city, but also found love and family. She felt connections to some of her clients and fellow courtesans and even formed friendships with them. Her emotions throughout this book were so raw and genuine that I felt her anxiety. As I read more of her backstory, I understood how it came to shape her worldview and lifestyle. She’s tough, realistic, and sensitive, yet retains her humanity, even of the killing. I admired her as a character.

Valentina could not have accomplished her mission without other characters, who all contributed in one way or another. One of Valentina’s customers, a priest (it’s cultural, don’t ask), soothed her crisis of conscience. Another took her out for a night where she could relax and gather information. Her fellow courtesans provided information and support, and one provided crucial information, as did her servants. What struck me most was that this help didn’t come from an unending, goodwill, bonhomie-type love – it came from a place of respect for Valentina, and a desire of the other characters to protect their place in their city. It was a case where doing the right thing also aligned with doing a beneficial thing, and I respected the characters for that.

I was really pleased with the level of detail in this story. Valentina’s commitment to her city, her family, Bastiano, and herself were all impressive. She gave a lot to keep those she cares about safe, and they, in turn, did a lot for her. It wasn’t a romance, but it was full of feeling. I hope that Bastiano and Valentina will get to live long and happy lives! I’m not sure if this could turn into a series – it works very well as a standalone – but I would like to read about a few of the other courtesans’ lives if it does.

In Renaissance Venice, courtesan Valentina must choose between her love for fellow assassin Bastiano and her loyalty to the shadowy Council of Ten. As she uncovers the Council’s true motives, she must use her skills to save Bastiano and protect Venice from their dark ambitions. Beautifully written, this historical suspense novel is gripping and deeply immersive.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A strong female lead in Valentina makes this historical mystery/thriller a good read. Who knew there were female assassins in 16th century Venice? I didn't and now I'm a fan of Palombo who has brought one to life. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Valentina is one of Venice’s most beautiful courtesans who seduces powerful men. She is also tasked to get them alone and assassinate the ones who make enemies of of the Council of Ten, a power from which she takes orders. However, she is tasks to assassinate her favorite lover, Bastiano Bragadin who is also an assassin. Valintina starts to wonder if The Council of Ten is truly acting for the Venetian state the more she learns about them.
This historical fiction explores 16th century Venice and the real history of Venetian honest courtesans and the intelligence service.

Seeing that this was categorized as a thriller, I thought it would be a great read. The time period interested me since I love historical fiction. I could tell that Valentina had wants and needs that would make her a sympathetic character.

I was disappointed by the amount of sexual content, so much so that I had to stop reading at 15%. I found the graphic depictions did not add to the story and could have been conveyed more subtly. My initial impressions were that the book was interesting and a bit mysterious. I would have liked more of the thriller/mystery aspect which is what made me select it in the first palce.

If the sexual content was toned down, I’d be willing to give it another try because I think it had an interesting concept. I feel like a better category for this book would be New Adult/Historical Fiction rather than Mysteries/Thrillers Historical Fiction.

In Valentina, Palombo has created a heroine to honor all women in history who are driven by societal constraints, a strong spirit, and no other means of survival to take on the life of a courtesan. In Renaissance Venice, we learn from Valentina that this life held more comfort for women than in other eras and places - they built and ran their own businesses, had lovely clothes, attended parties, could engage in learning without criticism, and had a unique insight into politics and society. Valentina, given her special relationship with certain members of society, is drawn in by leaders, “The Council of Ten” as a spy, and, as the title tells us, an assassin. When their requests hit too close to home, she becomes embroiled in an investigation which leads to more danger, and a heart-stopping quest for a way out, than she could have imagined. I enjoyed the intrigue and felt deep emotions ranging from amazement to fear to revulsion and more.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this glimpse into the Renaissance world.

The Assassin of Venice by Alyssa Palombo is authentic to the era, beautifully researched and utterly enthralling, let alone a belter of a storyline

Valentina Riccardi is a tempest, a real force to be reckoned with, a courtesan of Venice who is devastatingly beautiful yet deadly, the perfect assassin for the times. Valentina's bosses are The Council of Ten, a mysterious organisation who she initially believes are acting i nthe best interests of her beloved Venice, but as time goes on, she begins to wonder about and investigate their true intentions. There is however, a complication in the form of Bastiano Bragadin, a fellow assassin who she falls head over heels for, until he starts to delve into her past, and even worse, until she receives orders to assassinate him from the Council of Ten

I loved this book. Luscious, deep, opulent yet gritty, dynamic, powerful. A stunning novel that I would happily read over and over again

Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Alyssa Palombo for this stunning ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

The Assassin of Venice follows Valentina Riccardi, a renowned Venetian courtesan and secretly a spy and assassin for the Republic’s ruling body. Valentina’s skills and resourcefulness are truly put to the test however when she is ordered to kill her lover, who is accused of conspiring against the Republic.

The Assassin of Venice was a pleasure to read. Though the plot and characters were entirely fictional, I think Alyssa Palombo captured the spirit of 16th century Venice with intrigue and murder at its very heart. I would have preferred the ending to have wrapped things up with more finality, but overall this was an enjoyable story beginning to end.

If you enjoy Italian history, love reading about strong women or enjoyed playing Assassin’s Creed then this book is for you.

I was drawn to this book initially because it is set in my favourite city, Venice.
What a fantastic adventure I had. I read this over a day and a half.
With murder, mystery, intrigue and romance, what's not to love!

Valentina is such a formidable woman. She has struggled to get where she wants to be in life and woe betide anyone who gets in her way. She would do anything to protect those she loves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

A courtesan turned assassin, Valentina Riccardi is hired by the Council of Ten to take out anyone who is a threat to Venice. Bastiano Bragadin, a fellow assassin and Valentina’s lover, delves into council secrets that lands him as Valentina’s assigned target. Valentina will stop at nothing to try and save those she loves.

Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️

I was drawn into this book just by the name and setting. A bit biased of me as an Italian speaker and having lived in Italy during my studies. Reading this, the setting was spot on and felt like Venice. The small Italian dialogue was a nice touch to help it feel authentic. That being said, it’s evident that the author was focusing on having a renaissance/ oldish tone and voice in the story. While it’s accurate the majority of the time, there’s slight slips where it sounds a little more modern.

Valentina is a great protagonist as she has many sides and conflicting personality traits. For example she’s an assassin who does what needs to be done, yet she’s still compassionate and feels fear which makes her more real.

The romance, while important to the story, doesn’t take it over. There’s the instant attraction trope, but in the case of the story and the background, it’s not annoying and fits perfectly. I would have liked to see more of Valentina and Bastiano together, but I also understand why there are few scenes.

The first part of the book, while a lot happens, feels a bit slow. Things start to pick up during the second half.

All in all I enjoyed reading this. Release date is 18 June 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.