A killing 37

This is the first novel of the author, master stroke for less, featuring an existing character in his work: Benvenuto Gesufal seen in the new "bad deal" drawn from Janua vera.
He was awarded the "imaginal" (to reward each year the best works within the fantasy) in 2009 French novel category.

We are in a world, of course imaginary, but that relies heavily on the period of the Italian Renaissance (late 14th early 16th), crossbred for the political side of the Roman Republic. Guns are totally absent, the currency is the florin (international currency at the time) and you immediately think of Venice to characterize the Republic of Ciudalia. For Fantasier all, there will be some elves and a little magic, but all integrated so easily, we have been able to do without it in the end.
Benvenuto Gesufal is an emeritus assassin guild whisperers and spymaster of His Excellency the Podesta of the Republic: Leonide Ducatore. In the novel, he will be tossed in marine galleys, war, diplomatic, prison, political and adventures of diehard.

One thing for sure is that with Benvenuto gift, despite almost 1,000 pages of the book, we are not bored. From the first battle, we take the size of the character. A black to be, but right with a cheeky, with a verve by his words and his good words, who pass the feat of being both convoluted and well turned, make us aware of the intelligence devious character. And what about his master ...
One would think, reading the fourth Uncover and even other critical users, the novel is very cerebral. Think again. Yes it is well written, so you swim in the dirty tricks in politics, cunning devious and cynical, but it also gives pride to the action, adventure, fighting and chases, all with humor. Black of course the humor.

It's cruel, dirty, realistic, believable, funny, Machiavellian. It is strong. Very strong.
A must read.