The Medici Seal

I absolutely loved this book. It took me a while to get into it at first; I dont think I was paying much attention the first time round But once I got into it, I was hooked. The descriptions were so accurate and so detailed that it caught my interest immediately. I went on the net and looked up the Da Vinci paintings mentioned in the book, as well as looked up the history of that time period. It certainly sparked a new interest of mine. As soon as I was done, I recommended it to the rest of my f [...]

Fleeing from an attacker, a young boy named Matteo falls into a river and is saved from drowning by none other than Leonardo Da Vinci, whose assistant he subsequently becomes. Travelling with Da Vinci, he gets to observe much of the great man's work, both artistic and scientific, as well as his dealings with Cesare Borgia, who employs him at the time Matteo encounters him in 1502. But the story Matteo tells his new master and other acquaintances about himself is not the whole truth, nor is Matte [...]

This was a DNF on page 90.I was looking forward to reading this, but I wasn't really into the story and didn't really get what it was about. Not that it is a bad book or anything.I'll probably re-read this sometime this year.Until then

It is impossible to feel impartial towards the plight and experiences of Matteo, an intelligent, inquisitive ten-year old who barely escapes death in Renaissance, Italy. As the story proceeds, we are ingeniously led through omniscient eyes, to view as this boy becomes a man. Although initially faced with death under the hand of the single-dimension mercenary Sandino, Matteo is fortunately found and taken under the wing of the meticulous yet caring tutelage of one of the most famous artisans know [...]

*REVIEWED FOR PUBLISHERS*Theresa Breslin is one of the most highly respected writers fro children and young adults working in Britain today and it’s easy to see why! The historical framework of The Medici Seal has been meticulously researched so that fictional characters sit comfortably alongside actual historical figures and does it so well that you can’t see the join. This story has everything you could possibly want; murder, mystery, secrets, action, drama, love, hate and all that lies in [...]

Sort of like Dan Brown for the younger set: very fast read (especially given that it clocks in around 500 pages) with fun historical tidbits. Normally, I'm not a big fan of giving major roles to real people in historical fiction books because I think they tend to come out as caricatures, but I like the way Theresa Breslin portrays Da Vinci. While everything seems to get wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste in the last 50 pages or so, this book is a fun way to get to a conclusion even when [...]

Wow, what a beautiful book! This is an amazing insight into the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci and the Medici and Borgia families. It took me long time to finish this book because I didn't want to finish it. This will forever be one of my favourites.

Some of my favorites paragraphs:Matteo: "there are matters that men will never discern. There are things that cannot be explained"Leonardo: "all things can be explained"Matteo: "not everything"Leonardo: "All things can be explained"Matteo thinks "Heresy", and he says "the monk at Averno said there are things that are not given to men to understand".Leonardo: "I say there are things that men do not understand because we have not yet developed the tools to do so. In past years we were unable to lo [...]

I admit, I didn't even finish reading this. Somewhere in the beginning, there is a fairly significant editing error in the chronological events (an event suggests that a previous event did not take place - I think the scenes were originally reversed in the timeline and the editor advised to swap them but the author never rewrote it to make chronological sense). It annoyed me to the point where I didn't continue reading it. On another note, this is a childrens book?! I'm certain I didn't find it [...]

I picked this in, of all the places, the Uffizi in Florence when I was in Tuscany two years ago. Theresea Breslin is one of those historical authors that knows how to bring a bring a period of history to life, though she uses rather less language than Philippa Gregory, rather letting the characters and scenery do the talking for her, which appeals to perhaps younger readers. It's a very full snapshot, taking in every stratum of society and some very prominant historical figures, Leonardo da Vinc [...]

I loved this story of a runaway boy, Matteo, who ends up in the company of Leonardo di Vinci. As I read this I was sure I'd already read it and a prequel - but I couldn't find one on the web anywhere! The whole book seemed familiar. Maybe I read it years ago? A fascinating trip into history with lots of detail of life and politics in da Vinci's era and, of course, his numerous forward thinking inventions and ideas. Adventure and intrigue abound as Matteo, a character that is adventurous, naive a [...]

Interesting story of a supposedly gypsy being chased by malefactors, is rescued by Leonardo da Vinci's friends and is offered respite in the Master's household as a servant boy. The story gives some insights into Da Vinci's talent and profound generosity and plans to educate the boy suspecting in the way he looked at his eye that he was of Medici descent. This is discovered towards the end of the story when everything seems to come together during the last chapter. Interesting story but would no [...]

I enjoyed it very much!Breslin manages to insert the little well known facts and quirks of Da Vinci, and the effect is making the story believable, not too fictious--well at least until the last part where Matteo's real identity becomes known--then it starts to become telenovela-ish. Of course we are all glad for a happy ending, Matteo deserves it, but--i dont know. I am torn. Over all, a good book to read, very enjoyable. I didnt finish it in one sitting, but i kept coming back to finish it (if [...]

It did take a while to get into the story, but I was interested because of my love of the Medici chapel, which by the way was never mentioned. A young boy is rescued Leonardo da Vinci friends and taken into their home. He is a gypsy boy, but pretends not to be, he has stolen the Medici Seal. Not knowing what has, he is chased through the book by an outlaw. At the end of the story, their is a very nice twist, and everyone lived happily ever after.

It took me quite a while to get into this read because the style was a little confusing at the beginning, but as soon as the first pieces fall into place it gets really interesting. I kept on guessing at the truth behind all the stories the narrator tells. And as I always have been interested in da Vinci it was pretty neat to observe how the author took that story and wove her plot around it.

Overall a very well written book, the plot and the context were great. The only thing that ruined this book for me was the ending. It felt forced and rushed after all that had happen in the book - it was big reveal then they all lived happily ever after ending. Being such a big book I would have thought that room would be left for an ending worthy of this great book.

This was one my son read because the author came to his school. It was a fun combination of a little historical fiction (using Leonardo Divinci), set in Europe, with a tale of intrigue. It was fun and I think we both learned a bit!

Parfait! Theresa Breslin signe ici un roman historique d'un intérêt certain, avec une bonne intrigue et des anecdotes historiques pertinentes. Même si l'histoire est ici romancée, l'auteure est parvenue à rendre les Guerres d'Italie à la portée de n'importe quel lecteur.

not as enjoyable because reading it after the pillars of the earth, which is super packed with details

Italy 1502. A young boy is saved from drowning by Leonardo da Vinci and stays at his side. Leonardo is employed by the head of one of Italy's leading families. An authentic story of Renaissance and a fascinating glimpse into the world of Da Vinci.

A great holiday read. My daughter recommended this to me, and I found it unpouttdownable. Matteus' story is intertwinned with Da Vinci, just a very easy, pleasant read.

Interesting and fascinating story set in Italy with the Medici and Borgias at war. Great wealth of detail and a hero you can identify with. Enjoyed very much

Loved the story! it takes you to another world full of adventure. a journey in a book, with wonderful characters such as Leonardo da Vinci. love it

A great book. Find I spend more and more time in the children's section of the library checking out the new reads! Haven't read any of Breslin's adult work actually, must try some.

A good read with an okay plot. Not the most riveting but a nice book.

I enjoyed the story - it wasn't a happy story as lots of characters die but I guess I just like Matteo. There were some major story errors I can't believe the editor let pass by. I moved pretty fast.

Great book!!I recomend it to everyone!!

Barely 3 Stars, just for school -.-

Narração envolvente, não queria parar de ler.

this book was completely amazing when I finished it I was upset because I wanted more.