SFF

A Portrait in Shadow

by Nicole Jarvis
Titan. May 2023. 432p. ISBN 9781803362342. pap. $16.95. FANTASY
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Jarvis (The Lights of Prague) jumps right into the action with this dark historical fantasy novel featuring 17th-century painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Reeling after the trial of her rapist in Rome, Artemisia begins a new life in Florence. She is determined to succeed as an artist at all costs and gain entry into the famed Accademia delle Arti della Magica, where only men have ever been members. Artemisia’s magical skills allow her to imbue paintings with healing power, much in demand in a post-plague society. But instead of saving lives, she plans to use her powers to get revenge on her rapist. Can friends like Galileo convince her otherwise, before she destroys herself?
VERDICT Jarvis brings the city of Florence to life, including many of its well-known residents. However, fantasy readers will wish she had spent more time building the magical aspects of her world. A good choice for fans of historical fiction authors such as Susan Vreeland and Tracy Chevalier.
Reviewed by Laurel Bliss , Jan 01, 2023
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