I really gave this a valiant effort as I love Rachel's Morganville series, but, I'm tapping out on page 170 at about 48% done as they are getting ready to go to the masquerade. And, it's taken me a week to struggle this far into the story.
Honestly, this rating is probably entirely my fault as I am not really a fan of historicals and I made an assumption that there might be some paranormal aspects in the retelling that would make it interesting for me. So far, the only paranormal hint is at a witch working on a potion for revenge, so not really enough to hold my interest.
Honestly, this rating is probably entirely my fault as I am not really a fan of historicals and I made an assumption that there might be some paranormal aspects in the retelling that would make it interesting for me. So far, the only paranormal hint is at a witch working on a potion for revenge, so not really enough to hold my interest.
The houses of Mongague and Capulet compete for power and influence and are thus enemies. The sons marry for money and influence and the daugthers are married for political gain, money and allies. Buth, neither the sons nor the daughters, have any choice about whom they will marry.
The hero of this novel is Benvolio Montague, cousin to Romeo. He is a Montague only through his father so his role is lto assure that his cousin, Romeo, survives to fulfill his destiny for the Montagues. He has another identity as a thief who robs the rich and those whose negative activities affect his friends. Known as the Prince of Shadows, he falls in love with the lovely Rosina, a Capulet. Their romance builds as the novel progresses.
The only son, Romeo, is the heir and promise for the future of the Montagues. However, Romeo is an impetuous and impulsive young man. He falls in love with beautiful women whoever they are. Nevertheless, Benvolio and Romeo are as close as brothers and to Mercutio, son and heir to a lesser house. However, Mercutio has an unnatural love as viewed by the families, the church, the community, and royalty. His love for Tomasso which puts the two in danger should they be discovered. When Ben's sister reveals their love, Tomasso is hung and Mercutio becomes depressed. He cares little happens to him and curses both houses because Ben and Romeo stood by as Tomasso was hanged. Ben must discover how to remove the curse. The tale continues as Mercutio indulges in more and more reckless and dangerous behavior. Ben's strives to protect both his friends as he searches how to remove the curse.
The story is well written and we see how Romeo and Juliet's passion affects those around them. Like the tale we know about them, it is sad. However, Ben at last finds a way to survive. I quite liked this book developed around that famous tale. The Prince of Shadows is a brave hero.
The hero of this novel is Benvolio Montague, cousin to Romeo. He is a Montague only through his father so his role is lto assure that his cousin, Romeo, survives to fulfill his destiny for the Montagues. He has another identity as a thief who robs the rich and those whose negative activities affect his friends. Known as the Prince of Shadows, he falls in love with the lovely Rosina, a Capulet. Their romance builds as the novel progresses.
The only son, Romeo, is the heir and promise for the future of the Montagues. However, Romeo is an impetuous and impulsive young man. He falls in love with beautiful women whoever they are. Nevertheless, Benvolio and Romeo are as close as brothers and to Mercutio, son and heir to a lesser house. However, Mercutio has an unnatural love as viewed by the families, the church, the community, and royalty. His love for Tomasso which puts the two in danger should they be discovered. When Ben's sister reveals their love, Tomasso is hung and Mercutio becomes depressed. He cares little happens to him and curses both houses because Ben and Romeo stood by as Tomasso was hanged. Ben must discover how to remove the curse. The tale continues as Mercutio indulges in more and more reckless and dangerous behavior. Ben's strives to protect both his friends as he searches how to remove the curse.
The story is well written and we see how Romeo and Juliet's passion affects those around them. Like the tale we know about them, it is sad. However, Ben at last finds a way to survive. I quite liked this book developed around that famous tale. The Prince of Shadows is a brave hero.
After reading the Morganville series I thought - WoW! A Shakespearean take on Vampires. I thought perhaps she'd made the Montagues (or at least the Capulets) vampires. Now THERE'S an idea that needs to be written. Would've made this book a tad more exciting!
