Sicilian Avengers Book One, Luigi Natoli
Sicilian Avengers Book One, Luigi Natoli
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Sicilian Avengers: Book One

Author: Luigi Natoli, Stephen Riggio

Narrator: Edoardo Ballerini

Unabridged: 18 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/05/2024


Synopsis

A thrilling Sicilian saga about the legendary secret sect purported to be forerunners of the Mafia, translated into English for the first time.

Emerging from the dark streets and subterranean caves of Palermo, the Beati Paoli, masked and hooded, mete out their own form of justice to counter the unfettered power and privilege wielded by the aristocracy. For the voiceless, weak, and oppressed, the Beati Paoli are defenders and heroes.

Reminiscent of a Dumas novel, Sicilian Avengers is a vibrant, atmospheric fresco of early eighteenth-century Palermo. Onto the stage of the ancient city, Blasco da Castiglione, a bold, brash, orphan adventurer, arrives on a quest to discover his origins and seek his destiny. But this fearless, swashbuckling D’Artagnan-esque hero unwittingly gets caught up in a devious and murderous succession plot involving a powerful noble family.

When the Beati Paoli hear about this plot to usurp a rightful inheritance, they spring into action. Their shadowy machinations entangle the charismatic Blasco, who crosses paths with a cast of characters that test his loyalty and resolve in the pursuit of his true identity.

The historical accuracy of the novel is complemented by the most meticulous description of Sicily’s capital city ever written. Action-packed and laced with intrigue and chivalrous duels, Sicilian Avengers is a tale of love and hatred, friendship and betrayal, suffering and retribution.

As French critic Jean Noël Schifano said, Natoli's novel is “the fifth historical monument of contemporary Italian literature.”

Book 1 of 2 that includes an afterword by Umberto Eco.

About The Author

Luigi Natoli (1857–1941) born in Palermo, was a teacher, journalist, and historian. His rich literary output included the publication of thirty-one adventure and historical novels, most published in serial form under the pseudonym William Galt, including I Beati Paoli.Stephen Riggio is the former chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble. For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce, book publishing and video games. Riggio has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board. He and his wife live in New York City.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jacob on March 08, 2025

So glad to have stumbled upon this, especially having read so much Sciascia. Riveting to see the threads of Sicilian fiction that come from Natoli. A swash-buckling part one! Definitely leans more popular novel than political literature, but for those looking for an accessible and engrossing introduc......more

Goodreads review by Judy on September 22, 2024

This is a fascinating book with so many characters. It definitely pulls you into the story immediately with so much intrigue and darkness. There were moments when I thought I could not finish because at times it just seemed to drag without encounters and actions that didn’t serve to move the story f......more

Goodreads review by ManOfLaBook.com on October 25, 2024

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: [URL not allowed] Sicilian Avengers: Book One by Luigi Natoli is a historical fiction about the Beati Paoli, a secret society of masked avengers in the Kingdom of Sicily. These books are considered to be Italian classics. The book tells of the confli......more

Goodreads review by Doug on September 04, 2024

Excellent historical fiction catches the reader wondering if it really could be true. The research done to produce this thrilling story keeps the reader entranced and amazed. The words on the page create pictures and thrills throughout the story. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGall......more

Goodreads review by Michael on November 25, 2024

Fantastic read. So much depth and may not be for everyone, but I throughly enjoyed the ride......more