Gritty, grimy, decadent and compelling * SUNDAY TIMES *
The political intrigue is handled with dexterity, springing surprises and plot twists fuelled by the Machiavellian cast. Grimwood delivers a page-turning read and offers a neat twist on the Vampire theme * GUARDIAN *
This is dark majestic stuff . . . * FINANCIAL TIMES *
This is a book full of mysteries that remain unsolved and outcomes that remain cloudy. Grimwood creates a fascinating world and involving characters - most importantly, he makes us want to read the next two volumes of the trilogy * INDEPENDENT *
The writing is elegant, the dialogue is sharp, the characters economically but well drawn, the action unrelenting . . . Hits all the right notes * SCIFI NOW *
A twisted, Machiavellian, complicated and ornate book about survival and the terrible lengths people will go to for power * PORNOKITSCH *
Brilliant, haunting, dark, gothic historical fantasy... This is the best vampire novel written since The Vampire Lestat, while simultaneously being very different and original * CIVILIAN READER *
Known for his near-future SF, such as the suberb ARABESK trilogy, Grimwood's new novel still features his trademark alternate timelines. His attention to detail and skillful weaving of fact with fiction make this a fine beginning to his new series * BOOKS QUARTERLY *
A hugely enjoyable, gritty, violent and dark fantasy * BOOKCHICKCITY *
A novel you can gorge yourself on; a fast-paced, swashbuckling adventure of the old school, full of fire and brimstone thrills and rich flavours * SALON FUTURA *
Grimwood's prose sparkles with the flash of fangs and the slash of daggers in the night . . . It is beautifully written, the characters are well-drawn, the plot twisty and layered . . . a tantalizing tale that culminated in some truly fantastic revelations and, above all else, a deeply haunting, deeply lovely vision of Venice * ROBWILLREVIEW.COM *
Reinventing the Vampire myth. Never let it be said that Jon Courtenay Grimwood lacks for ambition * SFX *
Grimwood adroitly combines a satisfying complexity with visceral detail and bouts of astounding violence, knit together by suitably Machiavellian intrigue. Pounce on this one * KIRKUS (STARRED REVIEW) *
Grimwood's well seasoned skills with storytelling and dialogue makes this opening instalment of the series both delightfully colourful and compellingly readable * BOOKLIST *
A well-written novel that features a fully realized setting, engaging characters, and a gripping story rife with complex politics and heartbreaking drama . . . * FANTASY BOOK CRITIC *
Sharp as a stiletto, dark and dazzling as a masquerade. Grimwood's Venice is totally compelling * Mike Carey *
A truly captivating book . . . full of complex people and ever-changing allegiances. The author manages to weave an accomplished tale of unfulfilled desires, unrequited love and uncertain humanity. The climax is quick moving and vivid -- this is a real page-turner * ROMANTIC TIMES *
