The Dark Secrets of Oliveto (from the Oliveto Universe)

i enjoyed this book. the author is unusually detailed in a lot of the book and initially i found that a little stifling. at first his descriptions were so detailed that it interfered with my normal process of "warchng a movie in my mind" of what is happening, but at some point that changed for me and i was able to create my mind movie using his descriptions, and i liked it.at first, i found nico a little uptight and his relationship with sofia a little old fashioned, but again those aspects that kept me at arm's length initially are what I found particularly charming by the end.i used to finish books in a day or 2, but it's been a really long time since then. these days i often only manage a few pages a day. a lot of books don't stay interesting when read like that, but this one did great. i think might be, because the author is so detailed that i didn't have to worry about forgetting details while reading through it so slowly. by the end, i was craving my mini trips to oliveto. I'm gonna miss it. i hope i don't have to wait too long for the sequel.i was blown away with how clearly the author "saw" his story. he created an idyllic little town which was the perfect combo of the kinds of goodies found in a real tourist town and a rich history of magic.i want to live in his house and visit the establishments in town he describes. his descriptions of the bank took me back to when i was a little kid and our bank was a magnificent old building downtown with marble floors that were deliciously cold in the summer and i remembered how special i felt going with my grandmother to access her safe deposit box. i wish banks still felt like that. well, they do in oliveto.I'd describe some of my other favorite parts, but i don't want to spoil your discovery of them.i enjoyed this book, and now that the author has "built" his oliveto and his brand of magic in my mind, i want to visit again and again.btw i didn't notice any typos of other editing flaws. sadly, that's not true for a lot of other books. this author is meticulous.

I finished reading this lovely novel around a week or so ago and have wanted to take my time with respect to expressing my thoughts of it, as I wanted to do it justice.I am widely read in science fiction and fantasy, but fantasy has upon my heart the greater calling. I've loved works by Le Guin, Tolkien, Andre Norton, Jordan, Phillip K Dick, Eddings and Martin, to name a very few. Friends have often asked me who it might be among authors who stands highest in my appreciation? The question is rather silly, though, as each has his or her own gifts to offer the rest of us.The Dark Secrets of Oliveto, then, stands on its own merits, and beautifully so. I started reading it, not knowing what exactly to expect, because it represents the author's first venture into story-telling; and so it was that I met Nico and his dear and close friend Sofia, and was drawn into their lives.I was taken right off by the loveliness of the tale, by the banter between the two and by their exploration together of what was to prove a mysterious world full of wonder.The telling of the tale is gentle and simple in most respects, a style that reinforces a sense of abiding charm and makes it easy to learn to love the characters in a natural way. Nico, in particular - I find myself thinking it would be easy to share an afternoon with him, and tell tales oItsf our lives to each other, and laugh together over dinner by the sea (something Italian, of course). There is just that kind of authenticity that inspires a similar response.And about the Storyline, I find myself hoping for a sequel.I know I have not commented upon the particulars of the Storyline, but that is deliberate. I'd rather not announce for anyone reading this review, what specific things they might expect, as that might be not fair to either author or reader; but I hope you find my thoughts helpful in the way of assuring you of an enjoyable read, as that is precisely what I experienced, myself.So ... about that sequel :)

I felt like I was an invisible bystander to all of Nico and Sophia's adventures in the delightfully weird, yet spooky Oliveto. Such an original story with well crafted characters and places. I want to learn more about the family legacy that Nico must fulfill and hope to join them on another adventure soon. I know I will forever look at ravens, gnomes, fairy doors and mannequins with a wistful wonder, curious if there is more there thank meets the eye. I highly recommend this book to fans of magical adventures, spooky tales and lore.

What a fun read! Wonderful characters and the story keeps you engaged from beginning to end. This has to be the next book you read.

I was thoroughly impressed by Stefano’s character and plot development. It is not often that you have an author write an excellent first book! A must for your collection.!

I loved it! Kept me wanting to read more!

I didn’t know what to expect from this book since this is the author’s first novel. I was very pleasantly surprised. I was on the edge of my seat and didn’t want to put the book down! I loved following the adventures of Nico and Sofia and felt as if I was right there with them, never quite knowing what was coming next. I found myself intrigued by the eeriness and mystified by the magic. The author is very descriptive and allowed my imagination to envision the little town and it’s enchanting qualities. I’m ready for the second novel!

A must for your collection.