The Swordsman of Venice (2024)

I loved The Swordsman of Venice. The story hooked me right away and kept me hooked. This was a genuinely fun read – no dull moments whatsoever – and felt a little like Jason Bourne meets the Renaissance. Seriously can't wait to read The Painter of the Damned, the next installment in this joyride of a series from Rob Samborn. These aren't the kind of books I usually read, but I'm enjoying every word.

A page-turner from the dramatic beginning to the breath-holding ending. Superb writing, fast-moving plot, and complex protagonist on a twisting, tension-packed hero's quest. The romantic sub-plot transcends mortality while it adds a compelling dimension the main plot. Stellar work by a talented author.

Rob Samborn has done it again. He's crafted a thrilling stand-alone adventure sure to propel readers to his longer novels, The Prisoner of Paradise and Painter of the Damned. Delivering excitement and romance in abundance, The Swordsman of Venice helps keep swashbuckling alive.

"Without Isabella a part of him was ripped out..."

If you haven't started the Painted Souls book series by Rob Samborn you are missing out on a pulse pounding adventure other worldly romantic historical fiction thriller that is a mash up of The Da Vinci Code and Outlander.

The first book, The Prisoner of Paradise, a previous 5 star review from me, establishes that in our current time line concussion suffering hockey player Nick, while vacationing with his wife in Venice, has a paranormal experience at the world's largest oil painting Tintoretto's Paradise. He hears the voice of Isabella, who in the 16th century was the soulmate to Angelo, a premiere swordsman, but she was married to a powerful abusive man. They kill her husband and Isabella is sentenced to eternal hell in the painting with other lost souls. What follows is a whirlwind adventurous thriller filled with political deviousness, a love story spanning centuries and just a page turning good time.

The novella The Swordsman of Venice is Angelo's story and the start of how he tries to save Isabella. There are awesome swashbuckling sword fights, intriguing escapes and a man determined to get his woman even if it takes several lifetimes. Angelo is Nick in a previous life and I can't wait to see both their stories continue in book two Painter Of The Damned which is out now. Look for my review of book two on Thursday 11/10/22 as part of the Book And Wine Lovers book tour.

The Swordsman Of Venice by Rob Samborn (Pub.Date 9/27/23) is out now and available on Kindle Unlimited or just 99 cents on Kindle. It's a great companion book giving insight to Angelo's motives, love and fearlessness. It also leaves me with hope of how much of Angelo is still in Nick as he fights for his past and current loves.

Another gread read by Rob Samborn.

This book is a spin-off novella from his trilogy and goes in deeper in the life of Angelo Mascari, one of the main characters in the books. It is great to read more about his life and struggles.

I read it after I read all 3 of the books from the trilogy, opposed to reading it in between as planned. But even after having read the conclusion of the trilogy it is still a great book and a wonderful stand alone read, so go ahead and try it, even if you haven't read the other books!

Rip Roaring Adventure!

Great period escapism with some romance. Who doesn't love a hero after the mode of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., who has put his wronged lady fair on a pedestal? Then he must flee from his home with the corrupt villains in hot pursuit!

We don't need deep philosophy ALL the time, do we?

Travel through time

This book is better than a movie! A fated love affair and murder in the City of Venice occur back in the days before the Renaissance. I felt like I was a mouse in his pocket as he flees Venice. The culture, the etiquette, the language pulled me into his fight for survival as he travels to the New World with the hope of saving Isabella.

A story that grabbed me from the start and I could not stop reading. I was transported to Venice as I followed Angelo's journey. I could not put it down and can't wait to read more of his mysterious journey!!!

Great story with a ton of high energy, compelling action.

The Prisoner of Paradise is a brilliant dual time novel with an ending that left me wanting more. The Swordsman of Venice picks up just where we left off and continues with Angelo desperate to save Isabella but how?
His ally gave him a destination to head towards but exactly how will he do that with powerful men chasing him?

This novella is the first part of Angelo's journey, Samborn has pulled out the stops to create a fast paced story with violent bursts and unexpected events.

For a novella I was pleasantly surprised how much happens, from drunken chats, friendship and violence as Angelo attempts to reach his goal.

There are moments of humour, sadness and cheering on Angelo during the action packed story. Personally, having been waiting for Painter of the Damned, the next instalment in the Painted Souls series, this was the perfect way to get back into the story.

The Painter of the Damned is out on the 25th October and I can't wait especially after reading this brilliant novella.

The Swordsman of Venice is a compelling story of love, loss, and revenge. The dialogue convincingly captures the history of 16th century, and the characters come vibrantly alive on the page. The journey of Angelo Mascari made for an engrossing and exciting companion novella.

Vivid with historic details and expertly plotted, Samborn weaves an entertaining prequel that can be enjoyed by fans of the Painted Souls series and new readers alike.

This novella that maybe be short on pages but big on adventure and excitement. It was based on one of the central characters from his book The Prisoner Of Paradise. Angelo has many problems but how he handles himself is astonishing. He gets knocked down but comes up swinging. It’s a very good in between book and now I’m looking forward to reading book 2. Book 1 and this novella are very entertaining and intriguing.