American Library Association's Booklist Magazine review of The Lion of St. Mark, by Thomas Quinn:
"Quinn introduces his new series chronicling a family feud set in Renaissance Venice. As conflict churns within and between the noble Soranzo and Ziani clans, Venice itself is threatened by a possible invasion of Ottoman Turks. Though Giovanni Soranzo vows revenge against Antonio Ziani, the man he holds responsible for the death of his brother, the two must join forces in an epic maritime battle against the infidel Turks. In an ironic twist of fate, the avowed enemies end up saving each other from certain death as they unite in a common cause. Although everything looks rosy at the end, the stage is cleverly set for the next chapter in this multigenerational quarrel. Chock-full of the type of political and personal intrigue that characterized life in the Venetian city-state, this seafaring saga is drenched in local color and accurate historical detailing."
The Lion of St. Mark is set in fifteenth century Venice between 1452 and 1472. As the Italian renaissance nears its apogee, Venice reigns supreme as she controls many of Europe's key trade routes and commodities. She is rich, powerful and full of pride.
Click the "News" link to find out about the second book in the Venetians series — "The Sword of Venice" due out in Fall 2007.
"The Bucintoro at the Molo on Ascension Day" By Canaletto*
*By Permission of the Trustees of Dulwich Picture Gallery
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