In the Shadow of Light
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- £1.99
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- £1.99
Publisher Description
In the Shadow of Light is the award-winning magical tale of Vittoria Giordano, a gifted young woman in 17th century Italy. A plague of sinister origin ravages the bustling city of Florence forcing Vittoria to seek safety in the countryside. She inadvertently tangles herself in the Inquisition's web when she uncovers a secret world teeming with danger, deception, and witches.
Devastating heartbreak leads Vittoria to accept sanctuary with a clan of Benedanti Strega. Their mystical influence is a catalyst for exposing the lie upon which her family legacy is built. When Vittoria draws the attention of vengeful Malandanti, the long shadow of the witch-hunting Inquisition creeps ever closer.
As retribution for an unforgivable act against them, the Malandanti intend to cast Florence into darkness and chaos forever. The only one who can summon the power to stop them is Vittoria—she just doesn't know it yet. Until then, her salvation lies in the hands of an unlikely trio of rabble-rousing cousins and a plague doctor.
Readers will enjoy the wonderful blending of historical fiction, magic, and mystery in the first book of the Shadow of Light trilogy.
2018 IPPY Award Winner for Best First Book in Fiction.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Causley's debut, a solid historical fantasy, takes place in 17th century Florence and pits good witches against bad. With the death of her parents from plague in the summer of 1630, 19-year-old Vittoria Giordano flees the city and meets Marcel Barberini at his family villa when she saves him from thieves. The two quickly fall in love. Later, Vittoria meets the Benedanti, her heretofore unknown witch relatives, and from them learns she is the successor to the Benetrix, the representative of the Goddess, the Lady of Light. Back in Florence, Nerezza Ascerbi is the Malatrix, the avatar of shadow, who, in league with the Pope, has spread the plague to increase her own power. Nerezza has a vendetta against the Benedanti, and she launches a plot to ensnare Vittoria and her cousins with false accusations of causing the plague with witchcraft. Occasional modernisms ("Anything you need, you let me know") and some overly florid descriptions mar the prose at times. Nevertheless, this should satisfy historical fantasy fans who like magic and romance. (BookLife)
