An intricately woven tale filled with thrilling escapades, cunning political schematics, and sizzling romance.
As Mellman’s thrilling sequel unfolds, chaos looms over Nico as a nearby city silently prepares for an attack, sparking an all-out war. The once peaceful city of Padua has launched an undeclared war. Nico, trusted assistant to Venice’s doge, is sent on a secret mission to assess King Louis’ potential support for their enemy. Escorted by Donato, Venice’s top swordsman, Nico struggles with his attraction to him. As war and political turmoil ravage Venice, they must navigate battles and dangerous adversaries while attempting to save their city from Padua and Hungary. But in love and war, things are never as they seem, especially when everything is at stake. Filled with action and adventure, this book at its core is a love story that grows more intense and captivating with each turn of the page. Mellman brings together two endearing protagonists whose interactions spark with chemistry. Despite the familiar starting point, the novel delves into intricate character growth and unravels with eloquently crafted writing and clever setup. While the external conflicts of war and political intrigue drive the narrative forward, it is the undeniable magnetic pull between Nico and Donato that truly captivates readers. The other triumph of the story is the depiction of the era; With vivid and evocative prose, Mellman transports readers to a beautifully crafted medieval world, where Catholicism holds immense importance in both devout worship and bawdy observations of societal norms. Mellman’s expertly crafted prose and sharp dialogue elevate the typical love story trope into a complex exploration of love, passion, duty, and sacrifice. Exhilarating.
The Man With Sapphire Eyes
Larry Mellman
NineStar Press
Pub date May 9, 2023
ISBN 978-1648906565
Price $19.99 (USD) Paperback, $6.49 Kindle edition
