Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Venice, 1407. The city is at the height of its powers. In theory, Duke Marco commands, but Marco is a simpleton so his aunt and uncle rule in his stead. They seem all powerful, yet live in fear of assassins better than their own. On the night their world changes, Marco's young cousin prays in the family chapel for deliverance from a forced marriage. It is her misfortune to be alone when Mamluk pirates break in to abduct her--an act that will ultimately trigger war. Elsewhere Atilo, the Duke's chief assassin, cuts a man's throat. Hearing a noise, he turns back to find a boy drinking from the victim's wound. The speed with which the angel-faced boy dodges his dagger and scales a wall stuns Atilo. He knows then he must hunt him. Not to kill him, but because he's finally found what he thought was impossible--someone fit to be his apprentice.
The Fallen Blade: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
Parents should know this book contains explicit violence including on-page throat-cutting and a vampire drinking from a victim's wound. Themes include assassination, kidnapping, and forced marriage in a dark historical Venice setting.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include murder, kidnapping, and blood (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to the fast-paced vampire assassin story set in Renaissance Venice with dark intrigue and action.