Description

1489—When Giulia Farnese came to Rome to make an arranged marriage with young noble Orsino Orsini, she dreamed of learning and power in the glittering city of the Renaissance popes. However, her mother-in-law seems frightened, and her husband refuses to consummate the marriage at the direction of the head of his family, Lord Bracciano. But Giulia herself has a secret: she sees visions in mirrors and hears the whispers of spirits, the gifts of an ancient sibyl in an age when magic is heresy punishable by death. Is this ability the reason Bracciano has trapped her in this sham of a marriage?

As she struggles to unearth answers, Giulia finds herself drawn to her mother-in-law’s cousin, Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia. Ruthless, sophisticated, and old enough to be Giulia’s father, Rodrigo is a humanist, a collector of pagan art and heretical writings, and a loving father to his illegitimate children. He is a bright spot in Giulia’s chilly life—but to Bracciano, he’s a political rival to be removed. Bracciano’s dark rites to summon demons may make Giulia the instrument of Rodrigo’s destruction.

Dealing with demons is a mortal sin. Refusing Bracciano would be a fatal mistake. And Giulia’s growing attraction to Rodrigo might be her downfall—or the key to her salvation. To defy the demon’s power and seize control of her life, Giulia will need to cross the line between innocence and dangerous knowledge. And once she’s descended into that underworld, she is not coming back unchanged.

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Praise for A Blackened Mirror:

Graham (Black Ships) recalls the legacy of Taylor Caldwell and Mary Renault in this smart series launch, humanizing history from the perspective of deeply imagined, unironically presented characters. // … this slow-building introduction to complex intrigue will please readers looking for vivid historical fare with just a touch of magic. —Publishers Weekly

Ancient Greek and Roman rituals lie like a palimpsest beneath the streets of a Rome resplendent in full Catholic regalia in this tale of ambition, desire, intrigue and enchantment. La Bella Farnese is a compelling heroine, and author Jo Graham casts her Renaissance spell with a deft hand. —Jacqueline Carey, award-winning author of the Kushiel Universe series

An addictively rich, vivid and lushly written Renaissance fantasy // Jo Graham’s writing style is beautiful, as always, and her story-telling is utterly compulsive from beginning to end. —Stephanie Burgis, author of Masks and Shadows and Snowspelled

Once again, Graham proves herself a master of historical fantasy—this time, the Italian Renaissance, portrayed in all its glorious complexity. Giulia Farnese is the ideal protagonist, ardent, ambitious, sharp of wit and tongue, willing to risk everything. I devoured the book, and cannot wait for the rest of the series. —Melissa Scott, legendary pioneering SFF author and winner of multiple genre awards

Jo Graham returns to magical history with a fresh take on some of Rome’s most notorious. Witty and loving, with sharp edges in all the right places. —E.K. Johnston, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Jo Graham skillfully brings life in Renaissance Rome and Italy to life… // It is a highly enjoyable read, perfect for those who want to get to grips with the skullduggery of life in Renaissance Rome and the Curia. —Dr. Katharine Fellows, Oxford University, author of “Diplomacy, Debauchery and Devils: the ecclesiastical career of Rodrigo Borgia”

Jo Graham’s A Blackened Mirror showcases the breadth of her writing talents… // Graham gives us a fresh and underappreciated perspective on the life and times of late 15th century Rome, with a strong heroine, rich worldbuilding and language; clever, refined and immersibly readable. —Paul Weimer, SFF book reviewer and Hugo finalist

Vivid characters, especially the charming and indomitable young Giulia Farnese herself, bring to life a story of conspiracy, intrigue, and Renaissance magic—Jo Graham’s A Blackened Mirror is a wonderful adventure. —K.V. Johansen, author of the Gods of the Caravan Road epic fantasy series

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A Blackened Mirror
by Jo Graham
Published by Candlemark & Gleam, March 2023
304 pages
ISBN: 978-1-952456-14-5
eISBN: 978-1-952456-15-2
Cover artist: Alexael
Series: Memoirs of the Borgia Sibyl #1