Navola

A fantasy of alternative history where Renaissance Italy meets The Godfather and Game of Thrones.

Davico di Regulai is the heir to an immensely wealthy banking family that secretly controls the finances and, through them, the power in the flourishing city-state of Navola. Both his father and grandfather were distinguished by their extraordinary ability to manage complex intrigues and behind-the-scenes struggles, and to discern true intentions beneath human pretence. Young Davico is supposed to take over their commercial, political and military empire, but... Even with the best teachers, can he measure up to his predecessors?

Bacigalupi's expansive novel is set in an alternative Renaissance Florence, surrounded by rival neighbouring states and statelets, and facing threats from other kingdoms and empires. And although it doesn't shy away from magic, swords, power schemes and conflicts, unlike most fantasy books, it also delves into finance and trade. Thanks to the author's persuasiveness, the reader will soon be surprised to find that the intrigues surrounding bank loans, contracts and lending are just as dramatic as tournaments or wars.

The novel's di Regulai family owes much to medieval banking dynasties like the Medici or the Fuggers. However, beneath the subterfuge and falsehood, something deeper and more treacherous always lurks—just as ancient magical power lies dormant in the petrified dragon's eye that sits on the desk in Davico's father's study.

Reading Navola is steeped in poison, betrayal, and debauchery, like slipping into a lavish bath full of blood.
— Holly Black, author of The Cruel Prince series

Politics, passion, poison, blood, and betrayal combine in a masterful fantasy epic filled with relentless tension that begs for a sequel. All of Bacigalupi's fan-favourite elements are here: thorough character development and stunning world-building, this time with added dragons.
— Booklist

Bacigalupi's new fantasy is a coming-of-age story in a powerful family rife with intrigue, betrayal, and a lust for power, status, and money. It will thrill readers who enjoy fantasy full of political and family machinations, like George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones, as well as those who have enjoyed tales of a young person's life battles, such as Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind.
— Library Journal