3.5
The Collector of Dying Breaths
By M. J. RosePublisher Description
New York Times bestselling author M. J. Rose’s “wondrously original” (Providence Journal) suspense novel featuring perfumer Jac L’Etoile “combines fascinating history, torrid romance, and a compelling mystery” (Associated Press).
Florence, Italy—1533:
An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become not only the greatest perfumer in the country, but also the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen, Catherine de Medici, to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, René can’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present:
Renowned mythologist Jac L’Etoile becomes obsessed with René le Florentin—who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. Together with her estranged lover, Griffin, they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection, a woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir…and believes the end will justify her deadly means.
Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, this gothic tale zigzags from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first-century France. Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants, raves about the book: “Mysterious, magical, and mythical. What a joy to read!”
Florence, Italy—1533:
An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become not only the greatest perfumer in the country, but also the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen, Catherine de Medici, to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, René can’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present:
Renowned mythologist Jac L’Etoile becomes obsessed with René le Florentin—who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. Together with her estranged lover, Griffin, they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection, a woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir…and believes the end will justify her deadly means.
Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, this gothic tale zigzags from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first-century France. Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants, raves about the book: “Mysterious, magical, and mythical. What a joy to read!”
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities11 Reviews
3.5
Janet U.
Created about 5 years agoShare
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Charlene
Created over 5 years agoShare
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Courtney Tonokawa
Created almost 7 years agoShare
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“This was a book I picked up by chance, not realizing it was part of a series, and despite my typical fanatical need to read in order, I dove in. And it ended up being amazing, with just enough information about the backstories of the characters (some of whom appear in previous installments, based on the synopses) that the reader doesn’t get lost, and is able to focus on what’s going on in the present story.
This is a book that combines all the elements I love into one book: rich historical detail, paranormal elements, lost and rekindled love, and of course, suspense. And these elements come together to form a narrative with a powerful message regarding death and immortality.
Of the two narratives within the story, I found myself more absorbed into the historical one following Rene le Florentin and his work in Catherine ‘de Medici’s court. I had heard rumors about her practice of witchcraft and that she was a formidable woman, and while that is a facet of her character, I like that Rose does not villainize her, but chooses to write from the perspective of someone who was one of her closest confidantes for years.
The modern narrative was not lacking, however. I like how the arcs fit so seamlessly together, with both arcs beginning and ending with death, as a way to present the over-arching message of the story.”
LoreleiReads
Created about 7 years agoShare
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Ellen L.
Created over 8 years agoShare
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About M. J. Rose
New York Times bestselling author M.J. Rose grew up in New York City exploring the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum and the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park. She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz.com and cofounder of 1001DarkNights.com She lives in Connecticut. Visit her online at MJRose.com.
Other books by M. J. Rose
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