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Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman
Stravaganza:
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Talia, a world similar to sixteenth century Earth, where science is what we would call magic, exists in parallel to our own. All that connects the two are travelers known as Stravaganzas, only distinguishable by their lack of shadow in their opposite world.
In Talia, Arianna risks death to leave her family, masquerade as a boy, and become a mandolier. But her plans are interrupted by a lost boy in the square who seems to know nothing about Talia or why they’re both risking death by being in the city of Bellezza when all visitors are banned.
Lucien was dying from Leukemia in London, yet when he falls asleep and awakens to find himself in the city of Bellezza, he is free of his illness. Now he has a new life, but his parents are still in our world where he is still dying.
The two teens make quick friends and their journeys begin, filled with intrigue, politics, betrayal, lost families, and royal assignations. Both teens will have their identities challenged and find new lives that they never expected.
I love a good political intrigue book with hints of romance, and this book fulfilled all my needs. Story lines wove together in a way that let the reader see different plots, yet didn’t give too much away. The hinting was also well done—I figured out what was about to happen at the perfect times, early enough to see it coming, but not so early as to make me think the characters were idiots for not seeing it.
As the first book in a trilogy series, I must also compliment it for ending at an excellent place. The story was over, it could have stayed as one book, but there is certainly enough character development that I can easily see enjoying more books with this cast. Yet, if I’d been forced to wait a year for the next book (as opposed to the length of the car ride to my nearest bookstore), I would have felt satisfied enough by this book to wait. Sadly though, I started reading the next book, and so far it doesn’t have the same main characters. I know the characters of the first book show up in the second, but not as far as I’ve gotten.
The ending of the book kind of surprised me. It ended in exactly the way it needed to, but it was a difficult ending, and I wasn’t sure the author was going to go through with it. It’s always good to see a book end as it should.
One of the best elements of Hoffman’s writing is her attention to detail. I would be very surprised if she hadn’t lived in Italy, because her description of the country, architecture, and culture feels right on. Granted, I haven’t been lucky enough to go there yet, but reading this book only strengthened my desire to go to Venice. Especially during Carnival. Also, I don’t feel like Venice is actually used as much in YA fantasy books as it could be (just given the innate beauty of the setting), so it still feels new and magical, even if Hoffman is drawing off of true traditions.
Ratings Reasons:
Action: 4 1/2 - The book had a good pace and kept me readng, as well as a decent amount of traditional action.
Romance 4 - Decent romance set up, but it didn’t quite follow through as much as I’d like. Maybe it’ll finish up in the following books.
Characters 5 - I enjoyed all the characters and felt that they were pretty well fleshed out and complete.
Overall 5 - I’d easily recommend this book to others, especially those enchanted by Italy.
Extras:
Mary Hoffman has written a few books about Medieval Italy. I originally picked up her book The Falconer’s Knot, which was beautiful in its descriptions, but rather lacking in complexity or plot. I’m sure sooner or later I will review it.
There is also a nice site devoted soley to the series, by the UK publisher. It also annouces:
“Exciting news!! The much-awaited fourth title in the bestselling Stravaganza series, City of Secrets, will be available as a paperback original in 2008″
I was first introduced to Venice and Carnival by an audio story called "Vivaldi’s Rings of Mystery," which is designed to introduce children to Vivaldi’s music. While I did learn to appreciate his music through this tape, I fell in love with the idea of Venice via the tale.
Parents: 13+ Nothing too rough, though one of the main characters is dealing with Leukemia and the idea that he might die soon from the disease. That element might spark a conversation with younger readers. Some implications of sex.
I’m glad you enjoyed this! The romance *is* finished later on, as most of the characters make appearances in future books. And also, so you know, each book centers on a new character with the old ones stravagating back to Talia for some reason. Unfortunately a lot of the characters are similar once you get into the series further–for instance there’s usually a handsome young man with dark curls (apparently 99% of people in Talia are especially good-looking). That’s probably the worst part of the entire series–in my opinion, anyway.
BTW, iit’s not a trilogy, it’s a series of–so far–undetermined length and after City of Masks and City of Stars, it’s City of Secrets (to be released June 24th, 2008).
crichoux reply on March 6th, 2008:
I will change the trilogy comment then! For some reason, I thought it was over, I guess cause the author had an independant book come out.
Yeah, I started the next book, but I just didn’t care as much about the two main characters. I think I just liked Arianna and Lucien a lot and didn’t feel like switching! I’m sure I’ll get back to it though. I hope.
I loved this book, too!
Ah, I can’t believe I forgot to add City of Flowers in there after City of Stars! You probably knew that already, but it made me feel kind of dumb.
This sounds good!
I have The Falconer’s Knot on my bookshelf, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
crichoux reply on March 7th, 2008:
I felt tricked by it, because all the praise on the back of the book was actually for the Stravaganza series, but I didn’t realize that before. Its cover is beautiful. and she describes the scenery wonderfully, but I just didn’t care about any of the characters. And the ending was a massive let down.
I’ve read this book so many times and each time i love it even more
you wont regret getting it
i know i wasn’t
and the next boks are even batter