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From Monsters and Critics.com Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Book Reviews Duncan revisits his historical fantasy world introduced in The Alchemist’s Apprentice with another fast-paced romp through 16th century Venice as narrated by Maestro Nostradamus’s quick witted apprentice, Alfeo Zeno. After using his crystal ball to divine the location of Counselor Zuanbattista Sanudo’s missing daughter, Nostradamus sends his apprentice to find her. Alfeo finds the errant young woman along with the unexpected surprise of a husband, a well known gigolo with a propensity for dirty dealings. The Council of Ten hires Nostradamus to locate a foreign spy in their midst who passes along government secrets in an indecipherable code. In short, order, Nostradamus discovers an evil force attached to the code and what’s more, Saudi’s home appears to be touched by that same evil. Alfeo's attempt to lift the curse results in drawing the unwanted attention of the Chief Inquisitioner. All Alfeo’s wit, swordsmanship and personal magic will be required to survive as murder, magic and betrayal weave a spellbinding tale with a masters touch. Enjoy a fun, fast read with plenty of action, magic and enough twists and turns to hold interest to the last page, Duncan has conjured up another winner.
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