The Competition

A Da Vinci's Disciples Novel

by Donna Russo Morin

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date Apr 25 2017 | Archive Date Jun 16 2017

Diversion Books

Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers

Description

Donna Russo Morin returns with a follow-up to Portrait of a Conspiracy, called “a page-turner unlike any historical novel, weaving passion, adventure, artistic rebirth, and consequences of ambition,” by C.W. Gortner.

In a studiolo behind a church, six women gather to perform an act that is, at once, restorative, powerful, and illegal. They paint. Under the tutelage of Leonardo da Vinci, these six show talent and drive equal to that of any man, but in Renaissance Florence they must hide their skills, or risk the scorn of the city.

A commission to paint a fresco in Santo Spirito is announced and Florence’s countless artists each seek the fame and glory this lucrative job will provide. Viviana, a noblewoman freed from a terrible marriage and now free to pursue her artistic passions in secret, sees a potential life-altering opportunity for herself and her fellow female artists. The women first speak to Lorenzo de’ Medici himself, and finally, they submit a bid for the right to paint it. And they win.

But the church will not stand for women painting, especially not in a house of worship. The city is not ready to consider women in positions of power, and in Florence, artists wield tremendous power. Even the women themselves are hesitant; the attention they will bring upon themselves will disrupt their families, and could put them in physical danger.

All the while, Viviana grows closer to Sansone, her soldier lover, who is bringing her joy that she never knew with her deceased husband. And fellow-artist Isabetta has her own romantic life to distract her, sparked by Lorenzo himself. Power and passion collide in this sumptuous historical novel of shattering limitations, one brushstroke at a time.

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781682308066
PRICE	$14.99 (USD)
PAGES	268

Additional Information

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Featured Reviews

Nikkia A, Reviewer

Thanks Diversion Books and netgalley for this ARC

This is one of my favorite series set in the Renaissance! Strong unapologetic women artists who don't back down from a challenge, and expand of knowledge and minds with each novel. Will make you want to do more, shout from the rooftops, and research the period for more inspiration.

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NikkiZoe n, Reviewer

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Margaret C, Reviewer

The Competition is the second book in the Da Vinci's Disciples Series by Donna Russo Morin. I have read the first book and highly recommend doing that first, even though this one could work as a stand alone it's nice to understand references to previous events. I got to know who these women, their past and present situations which I feel enhanced my reading of this book.

One of the things I loved about The Competition is how it was steeped in time. With vivid descriptions of Florence, the culture was brought to life. Add the world of art it wasn't hard to get a clear sense of how seriously the men felt that it was a man's world. These women were brave enough too risk so much to break into their domain.

There were times I found myself frustrated with the obstacles put before them as well as the treatment they received. The author did a great job of portraying these events and I think it's great when a writer can make her reader feel the frustration, anger and disappointment along with her characters..

I found this book to be entertaining and a series I highly recommend. Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and HFVBT for the opportunity to be part of this tour.