Medici ~ Ascendancy

Giovanni de Medici's death has left a slew of bitter enemies in his wake, and there are whispers that his demise wasn't accidental. With the Medici family's wealth in the hands of his untested sons, Cosimo and Lorenzo, there are those who feel it's the time to strike and destroy the upstarts and seize their holdings. This is the first in an award-winning, bestselling quartet charting ten generations of rise to power.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 416 pages
\n Publication date: 03 September 2020
\n Publisher: Head of Zeus
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Florence, 1429: The world of Giovanni de Medici, a man who rose from a humble money-lender to the pinnacle of Florentine society through a combination of shrewd investment, strategic alliances, and cunning manipulation, is forever changed. However, his success has not come without its consequences, as he has amassed a formidable list of bitter enemies who are determined to see him brought down. The air is thick with whispers that his untimely demise may not have been an accident, but rather the result of a carefully orchestrated plot.


A Nest of Vipers: Florence, a city teeming with intrigue and power struggles, becomes the stage for a treacherous game of chess. With the Medici family's wealth now in the hands of Giovanni's untested sons, Cosimo and Lorenzo, the stage is set for a battle for dominance. Those who have been marginalized by the Medici's rise to power see this as their chance to strike, to destroy the upstarts and seize their holdings.


Ten Generations of Rise to Power: The story unfolds over a span of ten generations, as the Medici family navigates the treacherous waters of political power and personal ambition. From the rise of Cosimo de Medici to the fall of Lorenzo de Medici, the novel follows the intricate web of relationships, betrayals, and conspiracies that shaped the course of Florentine history.


Praise for Matteo Strukul: Matteo Strukul, the author of this captivating quartet, has emerged as one of the most important new voices in Italian crime fiction. His brilliant style and rare imagination transport readers to the heart of Florence, where the shadows of the past loom large and the stakes are higher than ever.


Tim Willocks: "Strukul has a brilliant style and a rare imagination," writes Tim Willocks, "and he brings a fresh perspective to the genre of historical crime fiction. This quartet is a must-read for anyone who loves intricate plots, complex characters, and a vivid sense of place."


Joe R. Lansdale: "One of the most important new voices in Italian crime fiction," praises Joe R. Lansdale, "Strukul's novels are a thrilling blend of history, mystery, and suspense. I eagerly await his next installment in this captivating series."

In the aftermath of Giovanni de Medici's death in 1429, Florence, a city known for its intricate power dynamics, descended into a state of uncertainty. The Medici family, who had risen to prominence through a combination of shrewd investment, strategic alliances, and cunning manipulation, left behind a legacy of wealth and power that was coveted by many.


However, the death of Giovanni also created a power vacuum, as his untested sons, Cosimo and Lorenzo, took the reins of the family business. While Cosimo was known for his diplomatic skills and ability to navigate the treacherous waters of Florentine politics, Lorenzo was characterized by his ruthlessness and ambition.


As the Medici family's wealth continued to grow, so did the envy and resentment of their rivals. Many saw the rise of the Medici as a threat to their own interests, and they began to plot against them. The whispers of conspiracy grew louder, and it became clear that there were those who were willing to do anything to seize the Medici's holdings.


The first sign of trouble came when Lorenzo's younger brother, Giuliano, was assassinated in 1458. The murder was widely believed to have been orchestrated by Lorenzo's rivals, who saw it as an opportunity to weaken the Medici family and seize their wealth.


Despite the setback, Lorenzo continued to pursue his ambitions, and he soon became the de facto ruler of Florence. He was known for his lavish parties, his love of art and literature, and his ruthless tactics in dealing with his enemies.


However, Lorenzo's thirst for power and his disregard for the rules of society eventually led to his downfall. In 1492, he was betrayed by his closest allies, and he was forced to flee Florence. He died in exile in 1494, leaving behind a legacy of corruption, violence, and political instability.


The death of Giovanni de Medici marked the end of an era in Florentine history, and it paved the way for a new period of political and social upheaval. The Medici family's wealth and power were seized by their rivals, and the city was plunged into a period of chaos and uncertainty.


However, the legacy of the Medici family and their contribution to Florentine culture and society would endure. They were known for their patronage of artists and writers, their support of the Renaissance, and their role in shaping the political landscape of Europe.


Despite their flaws and mistakes, the Medici family remains a fascinating and complex figure in Florentine history. Their rise to power, their fall from grace, and their impact on the city and the world are still studied and debated by historians and scholars to this day.


In conclusion, the death of Giovanni de Medici in 1429 marked the end of an era in Florentine history and the beginning of a new period of political and social upheaval. While the Medici family's legacy is complex and multifaceted, their contribution to Florentine culture and society cannot be denied. Their rise to power, their fall from grace, and their impact on the city and the world are still studied and debated by historians and scholars to this day.

\n Weight: 306g\n
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786692115\n \n