Sybil’s review of Immortal by Traci L. Slatton
Historical fiction released 29 Jan 08 by Delta

I honestly have NO clue what not only had me open this book but read it in just about one sitting. Although it might have had something to do with having just read The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum and needing something completely different to get me to stop thinking about it. Or it could be that it came in the same day, I am lazy, and it was close at hand.

Like that shocks anyone… with that here is our next ROB Review brought to you by the letter S and the number 2.

I should have known from the use of the word “religious” on the back this was not the book for Sybil. If that didn’t tip me off, the first page, hell the first line, “My name is Luca and I am dying” should have worked. The thing is, as depressing as the book is (and OMG I thought it was depressing), I don’t think that was the point the author was trying for and it is a very well written book.

This is FICTION. If fiction is not your bag, baby, just move along now. Still here? OK if “harm to children” is at all a book-killer for you, just move along now. Still here? If you must have a HEA… oh, uh, well hell. See? This is the thing. I honestly ‘think’ the author meant the book to end on a good note. This is where I point up to that line up there that says, “I should have known from the use of the word “religious” on the back this was not the book for Sybil.”

Immortal seems to have a feeling of “on earth to suffer but oh goody we get to par-tay in the next life.” This is so not a spoiler when it shows up in the first line. If you do enjoy historical fiction, which I do, you might enjoy this novel. If you do love to read about 14th-century Florence, which I do (I know, I seriously need to make note of when the whole Inquisition thing happens), Immortal could really be a great read for you. And, hey, if you have no want to step outside of romance, go check out the site anyway, you know you are curious now ;).

So why did I read this? Why am I telling you about it? Honestly for a fiction novel, for historical fiction, this is a fascinating book, and I could have enjoyed it on that level. The thing that kills it for me is the ‘romance’ and, people, this. is. NOT. a romance. novel. It is not mislabeled. So, even though I really, really, really did not like that aspect of the novel – AT ALL – I don’t think I can give the book lower than a C.

It isn’t like the book FORCED me to read it. So I will leave you with the summary. If you would like more info or spoilerishness feel free to ask away in the comments. And if you have read Immortal, I would LOVE to hear what you think of it.

Grade C

Summary:

     In an age of wonderous beauty and terrible secrets, one man searches for his destiny…

     In the majestic heart of Florence, a beautiful golden-haired boy is abandoned and subjected to cruelty beyond words. But Luca Bastardo is anything but an ordinary boy. Across two centuries of passion and intrigue, Luca will discover an astonishing gift—one that will lead him to embrace the ancient mysteries of alchemy and healing and to become a trusted confidant to the powerful Medicis…even as he faces persecution from a sadistic cabal determined to wrest his secrets for themselves.

     But as the Black Death and the Inquisition wreak havoc on his beloved city, Luca’s survival lies in the quest to solve two riddles. One is the enigma of his parents and his ageless beauty. The other is a choice between immortality and the only chance to find his one true love. As Luca journeys through the heights of the Renaissance, befriends Giotto and Leonardo Da Vinci—140 years apart—and pursues the most closely guarded secrets of religious faith and science for the answers to his own burning questions, his remarkable search will not only change him…but will change the course of history.

     Read an excerpt.