The Brilliant Death

By: Amy Rose Capetta

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Teodora di Sangro is used to hiding her magical ability to transform enemies into music boxes and mirrors. Nobody knows she’s a strega - and she aims to keep it that way.

The she meets Cielo - and everything changes.

A strega who can switch outward form as effortlessly as turning a page in a book, Cielo shows Teodora what her life could be like if she masters the power she’s been keeping secret. And not a moment too soon: The ruler of Vinalia has poisoned the patriarchs of the country’s five controlling families, including Teodora’s father, and demands that each family send a son to the palace.

If she wants to save her family, Teodora must travel to the capital - not disguised as a boy, but transformed into one. But the road to the capital, and to bridling her powers, is full of enemies and complications, including the one she least expects: falling in love.

©2018 Amy Rose Capetta (P)2018 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"A delicious and magical intrigue too tempting not to devour." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"A highly original magic system and a protagonist who is as ruthless as she is fiery make for a fast-paced adventure." (School Library Journal, starred review)

“A unique mashup of fantasy, historical fiction, and queer romance...the kind of book you won't be able to stop talking about.” (Bustle)

Fun story

I liked the magic and world building and that it used an AU Italy. Loved the main characters. Not aure how I feel about the ending, hopefully the sequel clears up some loose ends.

Amazing genderfluid love story!

The Brilliant Death is a touching piece about love, death, and finding your identity. While not all of us have strega magic to help us change, we still hold the power to be who we want to be. The role life hands you never has to be the one you accept, which Teo teaches us beautifully.

Amazing in so many ways!

Let's start with the narrator, because that is make or break for me. She was excellent, and the Italian accent was wonderful. She made me believe that she WAS the character she was reading at all times.
On to the story! What a captivating universe Amy builds for you!! So many moments had me stopping everything else I was doing, riveted and waiting to hear what happened next! There was a quote very close to the end that gave me absolute chills!!! I can only hope that there is more where this came from, because I absolutely loved the whole story!!!

what an amazing book!

I absolutely loved this book! the love and adventure that happened made me want to keep going. every chapter brought me into a deep trance, as if I was the character. what made it even better what the magic, making my imagination spark. I recommend this book to anyone!

I had high hopes and they were met!

Politics. Magic. Intrigue. Murder. Shapeshifters. This book had so many things I love, and combined them in a lovely Italian-inspired fantasy world. As a genderfluid person myself, I felt seen as the main character discovered it for themself too. And Cielo is a lovely person who I enjoy immensely. I’m going to need more of these characters and this world. And, like many genderfluid people, I will live with the jealousy that they can change their forms lol

wow wow wow

Both the story and narration were fantastic. My genderqueer heart is overflowing <3 Beautifully written, amazing story, just wow

Missed potential.

The first hour is a fast-paced ride, and the following 8 hours are a stuttering dull staccato.

A friend read this story and wanted to discuss, and I have to agree that this COULD have been a lovely story.

The 'brilliant' details first introduced fall away and you're brought on a journey that is blandly described. A beautiful ball, a chance to paint a picture isn't even partially described. The main character and their interactions with their ally were the only things that pushed me to finish. It was at least 7 hours wasted.

Dialogue is great, but the depiction of the world and settings leave me wanting (yes still wanting).