The art of alchemy is in the transformation. The
third book in Lee’s alchemically-based series set
in a magical Venice follows this theme closer
than the other novels in the series. It starts
out as dark as imaginable. Feuding families,
dark secrets, supernatural vendettas. But the
novel changes, from a black-hearted to tragedy to
a twilight-hued romance. The novel follows the
fates of people involved in a particularly cruel
prank—and all manner of comeuppance—not excluding
forgiveness—is played out. It’s a mélange of
gothic horror, morality fable, and historical
romance as only Lee can tell it. Her usual
strengths are on display—fever dream imagery
(“The eels leapt through the lagoon, like silver
whips, fracturing the mirror-moon…”), erotica,
devilish twists of fate and the odd historical
anecdote. It is a bit more phantasmal than
usual, but that’s hardly a sin.

--Craig

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