Fools' Gold (3) (Order of Darkness)

Author: Gregory, Philippa

Edition: Illustrated

Number Of Pages: 384

Details:

All that glitters may well be gold in the third book in the Order of Darkness quartet filled with intrigue, mystery, and romance, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory. Tasked to expose a coin counterfeiting scheme, Luca and Isolde travel to Venice just in time for Carnival. Amid the masks, parties, and excitement, the romantic attraction between the two reaches a new intensity that neither can deny. Their romance is interrupted by the arrival of the alchemist, who may be the con artist they’ve been looking for. But as Luca starts to investigate the original charge, the alchemist reveals his true goal—he plans to create the Philosopher’s Stone, a mystical substance said to be capable of turning base metals into gold and producing the elixir of life. With pounds of undocumented gold coins and an assistant who claims to be decades older than she appears, all evidence points to the possibility that the alchemist has succeeded in his task. But as Luca and Isolde get closer to the truth, they discover that reality may be more sinister than they ever could have imagined. From School Library Journal Gr 9 Up—In the third installment of this quartet, Isolde and Luca find themselves in Venice during Carnival, tracking an alchemist and pounds of undocumented gold coins. From Booklist Luca and crew are back for this third Order of Darkness tale, set in Venice in 1454. This time, our young hero is tasked by his secret religious order to look for signs signaling the end of days and to find out about counterfeit gold that could threaten Venice’s economic stability. Series fans can expect a potent blend of suspense and romance as the cohort goes undercover and investigates a money-making operation, traveling deep into secrets of alchemy and political intrigue. Gregory’s strong characters and well-paced surprises make for lively action in a vibrant historical setting, building a strong foundation for the final book in the series. Grades 8-11. --Anne OMalley

About the Author:

Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including The Other Boleyn Girl. She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She founded Gardens for the Gambia, a charity to dig wells in poor rural schools in The Gambia, and has provided nearly 200 wells. She welcomes visitors to her website PhilippaGregory.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Fools’ Gold RAVENNA, SPRING 1454 The four horse riders halted before the mighty closed gates of the city of Ravenna, the snow swirling around their hunched shoulders, while the manservant Freize rode up to the wooden doors and, using his cudgel, hammered loudly and shouted: “Open up!” “You won’t forget what to say,” Luca reminded him quickly. Inside, they could hear the bolts being slowly slid open. “I should hope I can—though naturally truthful—tell a lie or two when required,” Freize said with quiet pride, while Brother Peter shook his head that he should be so reduced as to depend on Freize’s ready dishonesty. The gateway pierced the great wall that encircled the ancient city. The defenses were newly rebuilt; the city had just been occupied by its conquerors: the Venetians, who were spreading their unique form of government—a republic—through all the neighboring cities, fueled by gold, driven by trade. Slowly the little sally-port door opened and a guard in the bright livery of the victors presented arms and wa...

EAN: 9781442476905

Release Date: 11-02-2014

Languages: English

Item Note: Good shape with typical wear. Has a remainder mark. Hardcover Used - Very Good Ships fast! 2014

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood

Binding: Hardcover