About Wheel of Fortune
by Julia Talbot
101 pages / 28500 words
ISBN: 1-933389-02-8, 978-1-933389-02-8
Available file types - lit, pdf, prc
Fortunato is a mute lad, making his way in the shadowy world of Renaissance Venice. Angelo is the scribe charged with his education in reading and writing, all at the order of the mysterious Master Riccio. These reluctant allies come to know each other better than anyone could imagine and as Fortunato is dragged into a world of deceit and danger, Angelo is the only one he can trust and with any luck, love. Romantic historical suspense that begs for more at every cliffhanger.
Review
Wheeler Scott, writer of The Floating World and Honor Bound, writes:
Set in Renaissance-era Venice, Julia Talbot's wonderful historical novel Wheel of Fortune tells the story of Fortunato and Angelo. Fortunato is a mute, who, as the novel opens, has been placed by his father in service to the city's ruler, the Doge, as an entertainer. Angelo, one of the Doge's scribes, is ordered to teach Fortunato how to write by Master Ricco, who is in charge of entertainment for the Doge's household. Angelo and Fortunato are attracted to each other, and over time the two eventually begin a passionate affair even though they both know it is forbidden.
Wheel of Fortune has lovely descriptions, and Talbot has created a world you can't help but fall into. You can also tell she's done her research, as the sections dealing with the creation of illuminated manuscripts and swordplay are detailed and incredibly interesting reading.
Fortunato is a compelling character, and I was utterly charmed by him, as well as moved by the story of his life prior to his service with the Doge. Angelo is the perfect hero--smart, sexy, and desperately drawn to Fortunato almost in spite of himself. Their early scenes crackle with tension, and the bond that grows between them had me on the edge of my seat. Their first sexual encounter is blisteringly hot, and there's also a scorcher of an encounter between Fortunato and two of his fellow apprentices that will leave you breathless.
Throw in a suspenseful plot involving Master Ricco's plans for Fortunato, which puts the love he's found with Angelo at risk, along with Angelo's life, and engaging secondary characters -- Lorenzo, in particular, is wonderfully well-drawn--and you have a first-rate read.
Sample
The Five of Cups: Sorrow, loss, disillusionment, the end of a relationship.
Unlike most of the rest of the people who served the Doge, the scribes had little enough reason to leave their little section of the palazzo. Their supplies were brought to them upon request, and they took their meals together in a small hall that separated the scriptorium from their monk like living areas. Little did most of his peers know that the neat little rooms with their floor rugs, wall hangings and feather stuffed pillows were a far cry from the starkness of an abbey.
One way or the other, walking out into the rest of the Palazzo made Angelo blink owlishly and tuck his ink-stained hands into the wide sleeves of his over tunic. His work for today had included a miniature portrait of his grace, the Doge, in a richly colored red robe, and Angelo's hands looked rather bloody.
The hustle and bustle in the corridors served to remind him that the palazzo wasn't just a residence, but the center of Venetian politics. There must be a meeting in the council chambers today, because a score or more of bored serving men in widely varied livery milled about, staring curiously at him as he passed. Times like that made Angelo pine for his noviate's robes, so he could hide behind a nice, anonymous hood.
No one in the servants halls knew of a new boy named Fortunato. The practice rooms were empty. And the one boy he knew could probably tell him, sweet, nosy Leonardo was out in the piazza on an errand for Mater Riccio. Which meant he'd have to go to Master Riccio himself, and Angelo unconsciously straightened his back and adjusted his floppy chaperon. According to a round little maid he'd never seen before, Master Riccio was in chamber, and Angelo would have to beard him there. He could only hope the man's mood had improved.
Master Riccio was indeed in his rooms. Angelo heard his deep, rich voice rumble within as he stopped outside. He'd just raised his hand to knock when he heard someone else begin speaking, and he decided to be more polite than the Master of entertainment would in his place, and await his turn outside. From the strident sound of the other man's speech, it wouldn't be long before Riccio kicked him out anyway.
Settling into a squat and leaning against the wall, Angelo disposed himself to wait. And almost had a seizure for the second time since prime when the heavy door banged along the other side of the wall at his back. Only someone as strong as Master Riccio could make that plank rebound in such a way, and indeed, only he could send stumbling the man who came flying out into the hall in a most undignified manner.
'' I think,'' Riccio rumbled from the doorway, ''that you should leave now.''
'' But my family!'' The other man had picked himself up and brushed down his filthy clothes. ''My daughter, she has a sick baby. My mother wastes away from sickness. Why shouldn't the boy help us? Look how he lives here!''
Master Riccio stepped into the hall, towering over the other man, arms crossed over his chest. ''He lives as all apprentices of the Master of Entertainments does. And as I believe you said when we came to collect him, he could best help you all by being well rid, and one less mouth to feed. Now if you do not leave, I will summon the guard and have you removed.''
The man backed away, and with a foul curse, turned down the corridor and scurried away, towards a servants' entrance. Frowning thoughtfully after him, Master Riccio stroked his stubbled chin and made contemplative noises until Angelo cleared his throat, which made the Master jump. And made Angelo hide a smile, as that placated him somewhat for his torn proclamation.
'' Good afternoon, maestro,'' Angelo said. ''May I have a moment of your time?''
'' Better you than him, I suppose.'' A flick of his beefy fingers accompanied a jerk of the head, indicating that Angelo should follow him into his rooms. If you could call such chaos ''rooms''. Every bit of available space was crammed with objects, from bottles to musical instruments to cloth balls for juggling. The array made his fingers twitch and his nose wrinkle. It wasn't dirty, just cluttered, but Angelo's orderly nature cried out to him to fix it. What truly pained him though, was the stack of precious parchments on the desk, scribbled and blotted with musical notation in a terrible, unsteady script.
''Well, boy? What is it? You're the scribe aren't you?''
''Yes, signore. I have two questions for you regarding the young Fortunato.''
''What?''
''First, where am I most likely to find him? And secondly, I am not sure I understand why he must learn to read. Surely he can learn to read music without learning letters.''
Heavy brows drawn down over his eyes, Riccio pointed a think forefinger at Angelo. ''I have plans for the boy that are none of your concern. He's bright. He will learn quickly. Teach him. As for where he can be found, try the music room. Or the workshop. Maestro Conti was teaching him how to make a drum. Is that all?''
''Si.''
''Then go. And be good to the lad. Did you see that sorry, vermin-ridden scum that just left?'' At Angelo's nod, Riccio grunted. ''That was the boy's father. So I imagine he will respond eagerly to a little care and kindness.''