Teodora is a strega, a kind of witch with the magical ability to turn humans into objects: pillows, music boxes, china plates. Ever since discovering her skill as a child, she's used this power to secretly transform the enemies of her family, one of five that exerts control over the Italian-inspired realm of Vinalia. Except: her father doesn't know, merely pleased over the timely disappearances of those that threaten his financial security or the safety of his family.
Teodora enchants, by equal turns fascinated and frustrated by the unexplained magic coursing in her veins. Though girls are not afforded the same opportunities as their brothers, she has been an attentive and loving pupil of her father's, absorbing every lesson on power, control, and benevolence. Her conflicted feelings towards the darker aspects of the DiSangro family's role in Vinalia manifests in her own actions as its unknown enforcer. Justifying her transformations with the excuse that she hasn't killed anyone—never mind that she doesn't know how to turn them human again—cements Teodora's moral quandary, one that makes her engaging and sympathetic from the start.
Capetta writes in an accessible yet imaginative style, often opening new chapters or sections with such frank descriptions of the odd or exceptional that you cannot help but continue reading. Drawing on the vibrant history of Italy, Vinalia is both unique and almost instantly recognizable. It's the perfect setting for magic that turns men into music boxes and girls into boys, all against the backdrop of cutthroat politics and a desperate struggle for power. The Brilliant Death glitters and shines on every page, a thrilling mix of fantasy and thriller that enchants from the first lines.
Teodora enchants, by equal turns fascinated and frustrated by the unexplained magic coursing in her veins. Though girls are not afforded the same opportunities as their brothers, she has been an attentive and loving pupil of her father's, absorbing every lesson on power, control, and benevolence. Her conflicted feelings towards the darker aspects of the DiSangro family's role in Vinalia manifests in her own actions as its unknown enforcer. Justifying her transformations with the excuse that she hasn't killed anyone—never mind that she doesn't know how to turn them human again—cements Teodora's moral quandary, one that makes her engaging and sympathetic from the start.
Capetta writes in an accessible yet imaginative style, often opening new chapters or sections with such frank descriptions of the odd or exceptional that you cannot help but continue reading. Drawing on the vibrant history of Italy, Vinalia is both unique and almost instantly recognizable. It's the perfect setting for magic that turns men into music boxes and girls into boys, all against the backdrop of cutthroat politics and a desperate struggle for power. The Brilliant Death glitters and shines on every page, a thrilling mix of fantasy and thriller that enchants from the first lines.