I requested this purely based on the cover and the inclusion of da Vinci, so I was unsure how my reading experience would go . What I found was a well-written historical drama that highlights the period when gay men like Leonardo were frequently punished while examining the goals of three individuals who achieve success in their attempts. This book's writing is simply beautiful, and I was always in awe of how realistic and vivid everything seemed, especially the chapters where da Vinci’s work is described. The characters are intriguing and multifaceted, showing their weak sides and touching on human emotions. I was totally engrossed in every chapter that included Leonardo, more so than those with Lorenzo de' Medici or Francesco Salviati, probably because I didn't know much about their historical significance beforehand. I believe I would have been more interested from the beginning if the novel had concentrated more on him, with Salviati and Medici acting as supporting characters. Naturally, though, that wasn't Melanson's vision, and I admire the innovative decisions he made. It is a slow read and it takes time and understanding to piece together all the plot lines, stories, and characters so it won’t be for everyone, but I am glad I took a chance on it. Thank you to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title