City of Magic
Scholastic, 2022
Renaissance Mysteries, Book 3 of 3
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audio book narrated by
Barrett Leddy
Renaissance Mysteries
if you liked this book, try:
What’s this book about?
In Italy, 1492, King Claudio sends Mangus the Magician and his faithful servant boy, Fabrizio, to Venice to steal a manuscript that explains a revolutionary way of accounting—double-entry bookkeeping. The manuscript is written by the most famous mathematician in the world, the Franciscan Friar, Luca Pacioli. And gaining knowledge of this bookkeeping method could secure one great profits.
But Venice is a dangerous place, full of informers, prisons, and harsh punishments for those who steal its secrets. When Mangus is snatched away into prison, it is up to Fabrizio—and his mysterious new friend, Bianca—to navigate the countless islands and foggy canals to find Friar Pacioli before their enemies do, and to save Mangus from being executed.
Story Behind the Story
Perhaps you’ll recall Fabrizio, the street-smart, snappy-talking servant of Mangus, the philosopher magician from the earlier books. This book is Fabrizio’s telling, and concerns, believe it or not, finding the secret of double-entry bookkeeping. If you think that’s a dull subject, think again, because the essay in which that accounting method was first published—in Renaissance Venice—has been called, and I quote, “The most important piece of writing in the history of capitalism.”
Reviews
“The novel’s pace is quick, and tension is often high, particularly during the chase scenes. Readers who have followed Fabrizio’s perilous journey will find the story’s ending completely satisfying. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Avi is a pillar of kid’s historical fiction, and this companion to a beloved series is sure to attract his stalwart fans.” (Booklist, starred review)
“It’s a story of suspense, with healthy doses of wisdom, set in a fascinating and complex city, and it’s based on a real book, over 500 years old, that changed history. Another smart and compelling novel from one of our best children’s writers.” (Tim McCarthy, Boswell Book Company)
buy the book
Renaissance Mysteries
if you liked this book, try: