Navola is a purported “literary” fantasy set in a city-state dominated by powerful merchant families. The story follows Davico di Regulai, a young member of one such powerful family, as he navigates the political struggles of Navola, and as he prepares to take over his family's [accounting] empire. Davico faces rebellion and intrigue, with his fate apparently intertwined with both a dragon relic and his adopted sister, Celia.

The opening is weighed down by all the world-specific terms and names, based heavily on an Italian-Latin root system. It’s a lot to take in at once and hard to keep track of them all. It doesn’t NOT feel like when someone in a comedy is speaking nonsense pseudo-Spanish by amending each and every English word with -o. It’s unfortunate that it’s so liberally applied, because it gives an easy springboard into the desire to skim-read.

The narrative style is also somewhat unusual, though I feel like we’re seeing this more and more often, as of late, as the author directly addresses the reader with “you.” This choice might work in certain contexts, but here it adds to the overall confusion without providing much clarity or immersion.

Despite being set in a fantasy world with an Italian city-state foundation, Navola doesn't deliver a compelling plot or strong character development. Davico is the typical empty vessel that many main characters of this kind of fantasy novel with a historical bent seem to favor. But I think Bacigalupi takes it too far and Davico really needed some proper fleshing out and purpose. Without an anchor of some kind of conflict — at least for the first half of this nearly 600 pager, the story seems aimless, neither driven by events nor by deep character arcs, as if uncertain of its own direction and intention.

That dragon's eye, prominently featured on the cover and in the book's opening, turns out to be a minor element in the narrative. It is briefly mentioned as a relic or a fossil, and some bits of lore are bandied about here and there, but it’s basically a glorified paperweight for the majority of the book. Such a missed opportunity to develop a more intriguing fantasy element, instead clearly setting up the rest of the books more than allowing this book to stand on its own. Overall, a challenging, cumbersome read that doesn’t quite achieve its potential.

Navola is a city-state built on the family di Regulai and the wit and strength of the banking prowess of the patriarch. Davico is a gentle kind boy and next in his line to this ruthless business built on the strength of reading people and not showing your own weaknesses. As he matures and comes of age, he discovers power through money, wit, subterfuge, love and the dragon eye in his father’s study. Will he pass the test to take on his father’s empire?

I really enjoyed this novel once the plot got moving, which unfortunately was halfway through the book. There was a lot of character building, world building and other foundational moments that were laid before the reader in the first half that at times bogged me down. However, once the halfway mark came around, plot points and that foundation blossomed into a captivating novel. The slightly fantastical element of the dragon eye is perfect and I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. Definitely recommend, just stick through the first half and you will be rewarded. Superb writing. 4 stars.

Review based on a digital Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by Knopf and NetGalley. Thank you!

Big thanks to Netgalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for an ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
It has been longer than I care to admit where a historical fantasy novel caught and held my attention. Navola did that within the first few chapters and I was hooked from the start to the finish (especially from halfway on!!). This was a total breath of fresh air for me to read as it was incredibly unique and well-written. There is only a small portion of fantasy elements which I honestly didn’t mind in the slightest.
The full scope of Novola’s world is astoundingly large, but the plot always remains intimate and detailed for the reader. I never felt overwhelmed at the different developments occurring or the large cast of character. This story follows Davico from childhood all through adulthood. I liked how the book was split up between not only chapters but larger sections depicting Davico’s age. It helped create space for the reader and allow for good pacing while still devouring the plot. There was rich character development throughout the story and many noteworthy scenes and quotes that struck me. There are portions of a secondary language which was delightful and kept the reader immersed in the overall Italian vibe.
Speaking of the vibe, I had no idea that I needed a story to be set in Renaissance Italy?! This was incredibly unique and continuously eye-catching for me. I loved the language, the scenery and the representation of power. There were some lulls in chapters, but I felt the pace was perfect. Of course, the second half presents much more action, but I loved the incredible strong world building in the first half. I was happy to see that it did not slow in the second half but only took a backseat. As you might expect there were a lot of plot twists and surprising parts. I always felt on edge trying to discern what could happen next. There isn’t much spice, but with everything else going on it didn’t feel like a drawback. I mentioned earlier that the fantasy themes are very nondescript, and I do think it’s important to note. This story is more of the whims of men and their struggle to obtain power. It is very human in nature, which is extremely refreshing. It leaves off in a cliffhanger with an open door to future adventures, which I truly hope we will get to see more of.

The world building in the first half felt slow and daunting but I’m glad I stuck it out. The second half was great. Loved the historical fiction with a fantasy twist

I originally needed to set this book down because it started slow for me and I had a hard time getting invested in it. I was incredibly intrigued by the plot, however, so when I saw a friend review it, I decided to give this another shot and I’m really glad I did. I loved the political intrigue that was present and the dark atmosphere of the book as it went on. I haven’t quite landed on a rating and not sure this is one I would recommend to everyone, but I’m glad I gave it another go and I’m interested in reading more by this author.

I have really like Bacigalupi’s prior books. Maybe I like dystopia over fantasy when he is writing. But this was so hard to get through. The world building and character development felt like a slog and there didn’t seem to be much payoff. The influence of the Italian Renaissance was clear and some of the details were interesting with regards to the political intrigue. I am wondering if there will be more in this series as something’s mentioned never really connected or related to the overall story. Not sure I would keep reading the series though.

I have been waiting for the next great fantasy seires with a lush world and complex history. My own love of Italy and its history just added to my enjoyment of this work. I can't wait to see what this author puts out next.

Navola, a historical fiction novel by Paolo Bacigalupi, is set in a fictional city-state dominated by a handful of powerful families, including the di Regulai family.
It is a city-state of twisted politics and equally twisted friends & foes. Davico is the only child of Devonaci di Regulai, wealthy merchant banker whose family name is widely respected throughout the known world. Davico is coming of age and is expected to take the reins of power from his father, though he does not feel fit to the task. Davico is raised and educated by the most brilliant & skilled teachers of many trades, however, he lacks ambition. Will Davico rise to inhabit the role that he is born into, or will his family name crumble from his lack of ambition & desire to rebel?
I enjoyed reading Navola, with its cast of well-developed characters and fascinating world-building. I haven’t enjoyed a historical fiction as much as since I read “Pillars of the Earth”. Navola has feels of Florentine Medici family & Game of Thrones.
It’s told from first person narrative, which suited the story well. We see just how spoiled & naïve--yet honorable-- Davico is with the unfolding of events through his eyes.
This novel is coming-of-age, politics & plots, betrayals & savagery, love, & *very light* fantasy (The dragon eye).
Some might say the first half of the book is slow, but I felt the pacing was perfect for character development & deep dive into the world of the Navolese. I was pulled in by the coming-of-age story told by Davico. I enjoyed Davico’s lessons with the physician, where he learned uses for different plants, both healing & deadly. The inclusion of the dragon’s eye was enticing; however, I wish more would have been done with this. The only reason this is not a 5-star for me is because I was a bit disappointed with the ending. What happened to Celia? Where is Stub? Did Davico make it to the deep Romiglia? I wanted to read the Callarino’s reaction to the final events. It just wasn’t a satisfying ending for me.
Thank you Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor publishing for allowing me to read this ARC via @Netgalley. All thoughts are entirely my own.

The intricate and often brutal political machinations of the notorious Italian Renaissance Medici family provide the foundation for Paolo Bacigalupi’s latest novel Navola. Set in a secondary world that is familiar and very different from the real world, the narrative follows the life of Davico di Regulai, the only son and heir of the di Regulai family that rules the city-state of Navola from the shadows. Thanks to generations of careful banking and trade agreements, the di Regulai family has become as powerful and wealthy as entire kingdoms. One of the symbols of their wealth and power sits on Davico’s father’s desk: the crystallized eye of a seemingly dead dragon, the only one of its kind, which reminds supplicants that the di Regulai are not ordinary bankers.

Into all of this comes young Davico, who is learning how to navigate the intricate trade deals and interpersonal relationships critical to leading the family once Davico comes of age and begins to work alongside his father. But Davico is not sure he is made for all this plotting and planning. He loves nature and all the animals he comes across, and he’s confident that his adopted sister, Celia di Balcosi, might be better at heading the di Regulai bank than he will. Yet he recognizes that his path is already laid out for him, and so he does his best to learn how to manage his father’s schemes, as well as learn all the terrifying things the family retainers have to teach him.

But while the di Regulai family is powerful, they are surrounded by enemies who are just as skilled at plotting as they are, and unless Davico can figure out who is behind the plots against his family and master the latent magic within the dragon’s eye, the di Regulai family may find itself condemned to fall into the dust of history.

Navola is a compelling, dark, and slow-paced story of one young man’s coming of age in a world that is not kind to soft-hearted people like he is. Being soft-hearted does not mean being foolish, though. Davico is intelligent and clever in his own way, though he wishes his world and his place in it were different. His characterization is beautifully developed, and no element of his education is wasted. As the story progresses, Davico draws upon all of his knowledge to survive- even his soft-heartedness. The small kindnesses he shows to people who seem unimportant when he meets them prove valuable later on.

Davico is not the only well-rounded character in the book, either. Bacigalupi has made a world full of complex characters whose decisions are directed by their own loyalties and desires. His adopted sister Celia di Balcosi, for example, has a well of motivations of her own, and though your heart might break over the decisions she makes, they are all believable given her personality and her history.

The world of Navola, too, is rich and complex. Bacigalupi clearly draws upon historical parallels, but does not make Navola a one-for-one recreation of Renaissance Florence. This world has its own beliefs and stories, its own prejudices and sayings, its own clearly-drawn character. Its politics are complex and long-ranging enough to make George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire’s characters cry for mercy. And though it has plenty of darkness, Navola has beauty, too. Bacigalupi does not stint in his inclusion of art, music, food, clothing, and landscape. Navola feels like one of those worlds that you could step into and live within, and yet you’re glad you can close it and return to reality.

There is an open ending to this story. It leaves off in a perfect spot for a sequel, though I don’t know if one is in the works. If not, I can imagine how Davico’s story might continue. But if there is a follow-up, I will be first in line to pick it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alfred A. Knopf for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion.

I am not really sure how to go about writing this review. I have so many thoughts about this book, and yet I cannot seem to figure out how I truly feel about Navola. There are aspects about the book that I loved, and some that I did not. The first half of the book was kind of slow, but I still found myself enjoying what I was reading. I was intrigued with the story, and I wanted to know more. The second half of the book unfortunately was not for me. I did not enjoy the plot points that came about, and I found myself trying to finish the book as quick as possible to just be done with it. Not much happened in the first half of the book, and the dragon was such a small plot point all throughout. I debated DNFing Navola, but I ended up powering through. I do not regret finishing the book, but I am disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

The world building and character creation is great! The MC, Davico, is believable and the writing is so great I simply wanted to know what happens next. Overall, I enjoyed this, but people should take to heart the warnings about violence. I don't think you can write a book in this "ficitional" historical time period and not have it steeped in violence, but it can be rough to read. At times the narrative does seem a bit slow, but again, I think the good out ways anything negative I could focus on.

Davico di Regulai is soft and gentle, a child raised in wealth and privilege. Animals are quick to trust him, and his temperament and skills would make him an excellent doctor. Unfortunately, he is heir to the di Regulai estate a ruthless bank that holds dreams of empire, led by his father Devonaci.

In the 15th century Venice inspired Navola the people cannot be trusted and only sometimes controlled by honor, money, threat or blackmail. Devonaci is a clever political player and Davico is raised and trained to follow his example, alongside his adopted sister Celia. Celia is much better at the intrigue and her adoption was a way to control her own family.

It is a very cutthroat world where what is said and shown is less revealing than the set of a mouth or position of the shoulders. Hesitation can be damning. Davico is unable to hide his thoughts from his face and is forever looking for those he can truly trust.

The narrative is Davico’s as he shares his education, training and coming of age. He is forced into a role he has not interest in and lacks the capability for, and this affects him both mentally and physically. On his father’s desk, there sits an eye of a dragon, symbol of his power, but it calls to Davico in ways no one else hears or sees.

Davico continually hints at a change of fortunes for himself and his family. While much is hinted, there is brutal swiftness to change that calls to mind the works of George R R Martin. As in Martin’s writings the decision one makes or the opportunities missed can and do have severe costs.

Recommended to readers or watchers of the Game of Thrones series, coming of age tales or political intrigue.

Ahoy there me mateys!  Whether people like this fantasy is going to be determined by several things:

- Length - 576 pages
- Genre Tropes - coming-of-age, political machinations, violence, sexual content, slavery, very light fantasy
- Inspiration - Renaissance Italy city-states
- Slow Buildup - first 50% is world building, politics, and coming-of-age story
- Start to a Series - ?

I don't know what I was really expecting when beginning this novel but I have loved a lot of the author's work in the past.  This is not his typical novel in any way other than his writing skill.  This novel is extremely dark and very brutal.  I enjoyed it.

While the Florentine Medici family seems to have been one of the author's inspirations, the novel is not set in our world.  There is Italian and Latin inspired language and place-names.  This Italianesque, style took some getting used to. The fantasy element (a dragon eye) appears very little through most of the book.

A major issue is how horrible the families of the novel treat each other.  Torture and violence abound.  Sexual jokes and innuendo run rampant.  This is NOT a nice feel-good book.  Having read a lot of Medici history, it wasn't unexpected.  That doesn't make it easy to stomach.

So why read this?  For me the world building and politics were fascinating and I had to know what would happen to the main character, Davico.  Davico is out of his league.  He comes from a long line of a Navolese banking family, the di Regulai, and is set to become the heir.  Davico is good hearted, pampered. and doesn't really feel he is ready to follow in his father's footsteps.  He is extremely short-sighted and not very good at subtleties.  Not unexpectedly, things don't turn out well.  What was unexpected is the twists in how things go wrong.

The characters were also another highlight because they were so interesting and (mostly) awful.  They are not always shown in as much detail as I wanted but that is because the story is told from Davico's point of view.  I loved reading about his family's hostage Celia, the stilettotore Cazetta, poor Alessana, and female slaver Sia Furia.

While this book can be read as a standalone, it does seem more likely that it is the start to the series.  If so, I shall be reading the next.  Arrrr!

The savagery, the betrayal, long held grudges and the terrible retribution. This is the story of the di Regulai family, their power and influence, their rise and their fall. It follows and is told by their scion and reluctant heir, Davico. Most of the story takes place in Navola, a bustling city at the nexus of a river and ocean. It’s where the di Regulais live and conduct their business. They’re money lenders, banca mercanta, and have risen to power and influence in Navola and throughout their world.
It’s a transportive epic fantasy that takes you to a whole other world with fully formed characters, lots of sensory details about Navola, slow simmering tension, and an ancient dragon relic that seems to pulse with power. Engaging read that held my interest, I look forward to reading what happens next. 4 stars

NAVOLA by Paolo Bacigalupi is fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction of a different history than the one we know,, but overall, a very intricately woven tale of a time and place that feel much like our own and also not. I don't typically read books like this one with its complex politics and disturbing violence, but this story held me with beautiful writing, lush description, and the way the writer evoked a world set in the past that feels like the one I know. I admit to feeling some sections dragged for me and speeding through them; the book clocks in at 576 pages which is a serious commitment in time, effort, and attention, but worth it for those who love plunging into dark histories and political machinations. I don't know that the story would have worked if it had been more tightly constructed, but for the ones who love this type of story, it will be a perfect read while for me, it was too long and so off-putting in parts that I didn't want to dwell in it that long. I received a copy and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi is an incredible political fantasy.
An action packed story that was utterly compelling!
The cast are very detailed and engaging. This book was absolutely phenomenal! I was hooked right from the start.

Thank You NetGalley and Knopf for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

You can measure the quality of a book in how much sleep it causes you to lose, in how it makes you not mind long train journeys. I lost a lot of sleep to this book, both in the reading of it and in the thinking about it when I was done.

This is an intense book. A lot happens, and it makes you feel a lot of ways about it, and it doesn't really let up. It's very much the first book of a series, but the impressive thing is that for almost all of it it doesn't feel like it's just setup. I found that the ending was telegraphed by about the 85% mark and I spent a while waiting for what I knew was inevitable, but I can see the way that if that section was skipped or overly shortened, the conclusion would have been unearned.

More than anything, this book reminded me of The Lies of Locke Lamora, both in the way that it had a quasi-Italian setting, but also in some important structural ways that I can't really discuss without spoiling this. The one difference is that there is precious little magic in this world, and it felt like a much more grounded world. That world-building was a real strong suit of Navola: the mechanisms and economics of the world felt real and plausible in a way that is very, very hard to get right. I suspect this is because it really felt like it had been informed by real history, which gave every little detail a lived-in feeling. I love it when politics are made interesting, and this book hit the sweet spot in terms of how many of the political solutions were solvable by the reader; I didn't feel like things were being made up whole-cloth to solve the problems, but nor did I feel that the answers were being spoon-fed to me.

Perhaps most importantly, this book did a really good job of depicting the mind of the narrator and making a difficult type of character sympathetic and interesting. I find that characters that struggle to act are often a struggle to read, and I hate the sensation of wanting to yell "just do the damn thing" to a character that feels like they're not acting because it would be inconvenient to the author. Here we have a main character that can struggle to act, but because we can see his thoughts (and because those thoughts were interesting) we can forgive it. Bacigalupi does a good job of depicting the way that Davico cannot make his own mind behave the way he wants it to. He's a bit of a shit, but he knows that and it's not for lack of trying to be better. I think that any book that spends as much time dealing in misery and difficulty as this one does needs to justify why it has chosen to do so, and in this case I think that the psychological portrait it is constructing is that justification.

The problem with reading ARCs is that now I have to wait a very long time to find out what happens. I'm looking forwards to seeing where the story goes next!

I was excited about this book but have sadly DNFed it. I had every intention of reading it when I requested an ARC but politics and graphic violence are just not my thing. (I DNFed the first Game of Thrones book for the same reason.)

Turns out I should have taken Holly Black's cover quote as a warning ("Reading Navola is like slipping into a luxurious bath full of blood.") I'm sure Navola is well written and I'm sure there are readers who will love it, but I'm out.

I did not finish an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

(Netgalley requires a star rating so I gave it one but I did not finish the book so the star rating is not accurate.)

My main problem with this book is it is too long. I like the setting, city-state, Medici-esque, Renaissance era Italian vibes. If you know me, you know I love that. But I think the fantasy aspects are lacking. And the main character is quite boring. I think I was just bored for so much of the book. I found myself having to make myself pick it up to finish it, even though I wasn't hating it.

This was slow and while the story sounded promising, it took far too-long to get there. It was slow and I just couldn’t get into it. Which is annoying because i wanted to like this but it seems the story just wasn’t for me. Maybe Ill go back and try to reread this later but for now the story is slow and disenchanting. I DNF’’d it.