The Stars Compel

The Stars Compel (1999) Michaela Roessner

First things first… WAH! This was supposed to be book two of a trilogy–however, the third book was never published, and since The Stars Compel was published in 1999, it doesn’t look like I’m going to get the third book any time soon. Hence… WAH!

On the bright side, the story arc of this book was completed, so I wasn’t left completely hanging. But, I still want to know what happens to the characters, and it seems like I’ll never find out. (I searched her website looking for any information on a sequel but came up blank.)

However, as the sequel to The Stars Dispose, I found The Stars Compel well worth reading. Tommaso and Caterina were sent to Rome, so that Caterina can remain under the watch of her uncle, Pope Clement, who wants to marry her of to increase his power. However, Caterina and Ippolita have other plans, and Tommaso is drawn in both consciously and unconsciously.

Tommaso has gone to Rome as Caterina’s personal chef, but continues his education in the kitchens of the Salviati home, where the master carver Marcus Gavius Spada and master baker Bindo Ramerino and their families were in charge of the kitchen, and also with the famous cook Bartolommeo Scappi, and also with the goldsmith Benevenuto Cellini.

Tommaso also discovers Roman branch of his family, learns more about his family’s past–and his own, and begins to come to terms with his family’s magical heritage.

As with the first book, the writing is excellent, and the characters are vivid and fascinating. And as with the first book, some of the tone reminded me a bit of Ellen Kushner’s books. There is detail–of lavish feasts, of daily meals, and of preparation of meals of all sorts–and there are a handful of recipes in the back, some of which look interesting, although I’ll skip the pork recipe.

Although there is no conclusion to the series, I still have to recommend this book for it’s wonderful writing and story telling, and because it gave me more time to spend with Caterina and Tommaso.
Rating: 8/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Every Which Way But Dead » »
• « « Prophecy