Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan

Book Blurb

Welcome to Florence, 1517, a world of intrigue and opulence, murder and betrayal.
Sharp-witted conwoman Rosa Cellini arrives in the city the same day that the Medici Pope, Leo X, returns to take up the reins of power. This is not a coincidence. The new Pope is extorting a mountain of indulgence money from the people of Florence to bolster his power and standing, and Rosa has a plan to take it back.

To pull off the Renaissance’s greatest robbery, she’ll recruit a team of highly skilled misfits: Sarra the tinkerer, Khalid the fighter, and Giacomo, the irrepressible master of disguise. But as the authorities draw closer and the Medici’s noose pulls tighter around the land, old secrets resurface and tensions in the group start to flare. What began as a robbery could be the key to saving the city itself – if Rosa and company don’t destroy each other first.

My Review
Medici Heist is the debut novel from Caitlin Schneiderhan published on August 6th. Set in Florence 1517 this is the story of a set of misfits who decide to rob from the most influential family in Florence, the Medici. Action, adventure and romance with loveable rogues make for an enthralling read, think of Sinatra’s Ocean’s 11.

I really don’t know where to start with reviewing Medici Heist as there is just so much I loved about it. Considering the period it is set in I liked that the leader of the heist was a woman Rose. Rose had been pulling tricks and scams since she was a child with her mother and with fellow thief, Sarra and her father, but this is her biggest scheme by far. Anyone reading this book will take Rosa to their heart, she is alone in the world after the death of her mother, and this has made her focused and determined to take on Pope Leo X, also known as Giovanni de’ Meici. Rosa can come across as cold and aloof, and due to the nature of this heist she has trust issues, leading to her bringing in people in whom she knows she can trust. Sarra, aka the Tinkerer, is like a sister to Rosa and well known as an inventor. Giacomo is a thief who uses disguise and prosthetics to keep his identity hidden, and Khalid whom she brings to Florence from Genoa is a fighter. The fifth person was a surprise, but a fascinating one in Il Divino, Michelangelo himself, their way into the Medici Palazzo. I actually loved all of these characters, all had a difficult past and secrets that could leave them vulnerable but all show solidarity to their group.

This is a brilliant piece of debut fiction from Caitlin Schneiderhan, balancing a compelling plot, likeable characters and historical facts. Her detailed prose brought early sixteenth century Florence to life, from the beautiful palazzos with their luxurious decors, stunning art work and general opulence, to the more humble living conditions with people like Sarra and her brother living above their print shop to the dirty and stinking river Arno. She also captures the political feeling of Florence at this time, the citizens wanting to go back to a Republic rather than have the self effacing Medici in charge The tension ramps up as the date of the heist draws near and of course problems arise, putting them all in danger which adds to the suspense of the plot. I will admit that I really wanted them to succeed, the David to the Goliath of the Medici (like Michelangelo’s statue), whose corruption is well known.

I found Medici Heist to be an immersive and compelling read. I love the idea of the book, these young adults, thieves and con artists, taking on the power of the Medici family; good versus evil. The larger than life characters, each with their own intriguing backstory, are at the heart of this book, with their loves, losses and personal grievances. This is a fast paced read, with plenty of action, a touch of romance, friendship and revenge that will keep you entertained and turning the pages late into the night.

I would like to thank Little Brown Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book in return for my honest review.