Immortal

January 28, 2008
This debut novel combines history and fantasy, encompassing 200 years in Renaissance-era Florence through the life of one unusual man. Born in the early 14th century, Luca Bastardo was left to make his way alone in the world at an early age. Blessed with unearthly beauty, supernatural longevity, psychic abilities and unpredictable healing talents, he is nevertheless beset throughout his long life by the vengeance of the Silvanos, descendants of the brothel owner he killed in order to escape a life of prostitution. Luca is waiting to meet the great love of his life, glimpsed in a vision and destined to both grant him happiness and spell his doom. Meanwhile, he searches for the truth about his long-lost parents and encounters many of Florence's notables-Giotto, Petrarch and da Vinci among them. The novel aspires to be a sweeping epic, but the plot lacks the heft and narrative flow to succeed. The ending, clearly foreshadowed, is meant to be spiritually uplifting, but some readers might find it pointlessly grim. Slatton provides some effective descriptions and interesting scraps of philosophy, which may bear fruit in a sophomore effort.

February 1, 2008
Adult/High School-Living on the streets of 14th-century Florence at age nine, Luca is abducted by a cruel brothel keeper who holds him captive for many years. Slatton paints a rich, skillfully crafted portrait that immediately draws readers in to the beauty and depravity of Florence over two centuries as she unveils Luca Bastardos mystical and mysterious life, continuing through the rebirth of the arts and sciences. In his search for his origins, Luca meets an alchemist who answers some of his questions while raising many more. When the Plague comes to Florence, he learns more about his special gifts, and the course of his life changes. He is befriended by the powerful leader and patron of the arts Cosimo de Medici, his ruthless grandson Lorenzo de Medici, the painter Giotto, the brilliant young Leonardo da Vinci, Boticelli, alchemists, philosophers, and "physicos", as well as by many beautiful women. He inevitably comes face to face with the fanatical Savonarola. "Immortal" is a fulfilling treat. It could enhance an art-history or world-history class, the study of philosophy, or be read for pure pleasure. An outstanding debut."Ellen Bell, Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 3, 2008
This debut novel combines history and fantasy, encompassing 200 years in Renaissance-era Florence through the life of one unusual man. Born in the early 14th century, Luca Bastardo was left to make his way alone in the world at an early age. Blessed with unearthly beauty, supernatural longevity, psychic abilities and unpredictable healing talents, he is nevertheless beset throughout his long life by the vengeance of the Silvanos, descendants of the brothel owner he killed in order to escape a life of prostitution. Luca is waiting to meet the great love of his life, glimpsed in a vision and destined to both grant him happiness and spell his doom. Meanwhile, he searches for the truth about his long-lost parents and encounters many of Florence's notables-Giotto, Petrarch and da Vinci among them. The novel aspires to be a sweeping epic, but the plot lacks the heft and narrative flow to succeed. The ending, clearly foreshadowed, is meant to be spiritually uplifting, but some readers might find it pointlessly grim. Slatton provides some effective descriptions and interesting scraps of philosophy, which may bear fruit in a sophomore effort.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.