Press Releases
The King's Agent by Donna Russo Morin
- 28 January 2012
- Donna Russo Morin
(January 2012) Acclaimed award winning author Donna Russo Morin releases her edgiest historical fiction novel yet. THE KING’S AGENT (Kensington Publishing; 9780758246820; on sale date Feb. 28, 2012) is based on the real life of Battista della Palla—a patriotic plunderer, a religious rogue—of the 16th century, a lifelong friend to the great Michelangelo. To some he is an avid art collector, or perhaps a nimble thief. In reality, the cunning Italian is an agent for François, the King of France, for whom he procures the greatest masterpieces of the day by any means necessary. When François sets his sights on a mysterious sculpture, Battista’s search for the elusive object leads him to a woman with a mission of her own.
As the cloistered ward of the Marquess of Mantua, the Lady Aurelia is a woman with a profound duty, and a longing for adventure. In search of the relic, Battista and Aurelia cross the breathtaking landscape of Renaissance Italy. Clues hide in great works of art—symbols that speak of other worldly forces—political forces collide, secret societies and enemies abound, and danger lurks in every challenge, those that mirror the passages of Dante’s Divine Comedy and take inspiration from those throughout The Legend of Zelda. It is an adventurous quest with undercurrents of the supernatural, powers that could change the balance of supremacy throughout Europe.
Donna Russo Morin’s books have received both critical and commercial success and some of the industry’s most prestigious awards. The Courtier’s Secret(2009) A National Readers’ Choice Award Finalist, Winner: Best First Book, RWI-RWA; The Secret of the Glass (2010) Finalist: Historical Fiction, Best Booksof the Year, USA Book News, Winner: Single Titles Reviewers’ Choice Award; To Serve A King (2011) Outstanding Choice 2011, Book Illuminations. In addition to writing and teaching, Donna dabbles as a model and actor. She lives near the shore of Rhode Island with her two sons.
The King’s Agent
By Donna Russo
Morin Kensington Books/Kensington
Publishing ISBN: 075824682X ISBN 13: 9780758246820 .00/Trade Paperback 438 Pages
On Sale: February 28, 2012 Publication: March 2012
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