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Graceless Heart is historical fantasy set mostly in Florence in the time of the Medici’s. In this version, there are witches and fae and a seemingly immortal Pope set on eradicating magic. There is also a mysterious immortal family tasked with protecting the Medici legacy. And thrown into the middle of everything we have Ravenna. A young woman sculptress with magic she does not want, willing to do anything to save her soul and her family in a world in turmoil. We also get the Luni family – Saturnino Luni in particular as Ravenna’s foil. Perhaps her unwilling savior?

The tension and the pacing kept me riveted, turning the page to see what came next in a story full of people making threats and bargains to save themselves and the ones they love. This is a story that sets religious power against magic, that exposes (yet again) how those with any power will seek to hold onto it by any means.

Graceless Heart is also a story about love. Love that is born of distrust and confusion and wary glances. Love that comes with sharp barbs and a heavy price. Love that might just change the balance of power.

If you like The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, this book has similar threads woven throughout. Forbidden magic, wary alliances, and desperation to hold onto something of yourself when everyone else is tearing you apart in their own scramble for the top.

I read this book early as an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher. All opinions are my own. Book is available now.