This is the first book I've read by this author and I very much enjoyed it. The story is an interesting one which reflects well the time in which it's set. I especially liked the internal struggle between logic and reaction from the main character, Luca; it would be very easy to give into the superstitions of the time rather than work out the truth behind the situations in which he finds himself, and has to give judgements on. Luca has been well chosen for his 'quest' as he does question everything, and I very much liked the way his story is unfolding, and the way in which he and the other characters play off each other. Looking forward to book 2 in the series.