A wonderful look at the city of Florence and its contemporary enemies, allies and arcana during the Italian Renaissance! And an engrossing fantasy, too. The main character, a cook, describes food in such a magical way that you can nearly smell the aroma, see the steam rising over the dish, and almost taste the savory morsels. This is a very tasty read!
From back cover: Ruggiero the Old, astrologer to Lorenzo de Medici, says, 'The stars dispose, but they do not compel...'
Here is the tale of young Tommaso de Befanini, whose family has practiced the secret magics of the kitchen and hearth through many generations of the Medici dynasty. Trained in the culinary arts, befriended by the great Michelangelo himself, Tommaso seems destined for a life as master chef. But when war and intrigue threaten the city's future, Tommaso finds himself playing a crucial role in a grand and intricate mystical design.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY quote: Rarely has Renaissance Florence seemed more vibrant than in this delectable historical fantasy. . . Studded with nuggets of period lore and arcane magic, the book is a lode of rich historical detail . . . Roessner has done an exquisite job of preparing a feast for the literary palate, even including a glossary and recipes for several of the more memorable dishes discussed.
From back cover: Ruggiero the Old, astrologer to Lorenzo de Medici, says, 'The stars dispose, but they do not compel...'
Here is the tale of young Tommaso de Befanini, whose family has practiced the secret magics of the kitchen and hearth through many generations of the Medici dynasty. Trained in the culinary arts, befriended by the great Michelangelo himself, Tommaso seems destined for a life as master chef. But when war and intrigue threaten the city's future, Tommaso finds himself playing a crucial role in a grand and intricate mystical design.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY quote: Rarely has Renaissance Florence seemed more vibrant than in this delectable historical fantasy. . . Studded with nuggets of period lore and arcane magic, the book is a lode of rich historical detail . . . Roessner has done an exquisite job of preparing a feast for the literary palate, even including a glossary and recipes for several of the more memorable dishes discussed.
Conflicts among the Medicis in 16th-century Florence, told from the perspective of the family of servants who run the court astrologer's kitchen. Hints of earlier goddess-based religion, plus visitors from other dimensions juxtaposed to a corrupt papacy.
