THE PRINCE (The Florentine Novella #0.5) by SYLVAIN REYNARD

‘If he could be said to have a lover, her name would be Florence.’

So we had two different perspectives going into The Prince. One of us has read the Gabriel’s Inferno trilogy; the other hasn’t. Therefore, this was a great test as to whether The Prince could be read with new eyes all things considered seeing as Gabriel and Julianne feature. The result; yes it can as both of us were equally intrigued and a tad confused at the same points. For the readers who fell in love with this couple, this new journey is even more special. Both of us were mesmerized!

The Prince is our introduction to The Florentine series in the form of a prequel set in the stunning Florence, Italy. One of the most beautiful and historically poignant places, truly magical in her artistry, musical and poetic romance. The setting, coupled with the absolute emotional beauty of Sylvain Reynard’s writing sealed it. Flawless and stunning – poetic and magnificently interwoven.

“We try to touch the stars, but we always fall back to earth.”

Not all is as it seems when our Professor Emerson and our beautiful Julianne attend an unveiling at a gallery in Florence. They are being watched by the powerful enigma that is The Prince of Florence. The immediate mystery shrouding his character in an otherworldly veil was compelling and also puzzling. This Prince is there to rectify a crime carried out against him when his artwork was stolen over an age ago and has now resurfaced in the unsuspecting hands of Gabriel Emerson. The formidable dark Prince wants his illustrations back and rightly so, by any means possible against the culprit. As one of the most feared and dangerous men from the underworld this will come through revenge, violence and possibly a broken heart. Not necessarily in that order; though you feel he is just in his methods and actions.

‘Too many human beings hoped their deeds would cover their sins and save them.’

So; throw in assassination attempts from other parts of the underworld wanting a revolt which The Prince must fight, a stolen illustration, our much loved couple, a hidden illness and intriguing drama and we’re all set up for the first book in this series, The Raven. We can’t wait to get stuck into this series properly as we were left wanting and needing more. Sylvain Reynard knows how to entice, compel and wow his readers, no question.

“Nothing feels as good as this. This is my glimpse of transcendence.”

**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the publisher for an honest review**