Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A truly rich world with everything you could possibly want! Secret society, magic, betrayal, murder. It’s just a wonderfully written piece that Dan Brown fans will love! I really enjoyed this one and the twists and turns were awesome! Strap in for this one, it’s a ride!
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Painter of the Damned is the second book in the Painted Souls Series by Rob Samborn. It follows up from The Prisoner of Paradise (Book #1)- so if you are yet to read the first book, I highly recommend that you do as there is a lot of important details, character information, interconnected elements/threads, and intriguing backstory that you need to know in order to get the ultimate reading experience from this book.
This second addition to the series is everything I could have hoped for, and more. Mr. Samborn didn’t rest on his laurels, he upped the ante and bringing us another well-written, multi-layered, gripping and incredibly vivid story- which is brimming full of action, danger, suspense, twists, adventure, intriguing historical details, secrets, tension, corruption, agendas, complexity, layers, mysteriousness, and that famous painting that we discovered is so much more than it seems.
After everything that happened in book one and only narrowly escaping Venice, Nick and Julia just want to get home and close the door on their nightmare experiences. But fate has a different plan, and instead they find themselves captured and returned to The Floating City. The sinister and ancient order are not done with them yet, believing that Nick can lead them to an ancient and powerful manuscript that they have designs to use to change world order. But does someone have their own agenda? Something so powerful mustn’t fall into the wrong hands. But Nick doesn’t seem to be in any state to help crush their enemy- so will it be up to Julia to save the day instead? But who to trust? Will she unwittingly enlist the help of the enemy? As things unfold, tension mounts to an all-time high- making for a quite a riveting read!!!
The saga is set to continue in Book #3- Bring it on!!!!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Rob Samborn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this sequel and I was definitely not disappointed. Carrying on from the end of the previous story, I would personally recommend reading these novels in order, especially as the storyline is rather intriguing and complex. Nick and Julia O’Connor have escaped Venice with their lives following their nightmare vacation, and are trying to return home. However, before they can reach the American consulate, they are captured by Interpol and then returned to Venice. While Nick is detained, it’s up to Julia to save her husband, but she doesn’t know who she can trust. Especially when it’s the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order, Salvatore della Porta, who’s behind Nick’s detainment.
Della Porta’s order are the ones who controls Paradise, “Tintoretto’s Renaissance masterpiece that’s also a purgatory for thousands of souls, including Nick’s soul mate from the 16th century”. Della Porta is after a mysterious manuscript which can either end his order or bring him world changing power, and he thinks Nick knows the location of this book. Meanwhile, Julia enlists the help of a young artist, Carlo Zuccaro, but is unaware that he is actually the order’s new Painter and warden of the damned. This is a gripping read, which had me hooked from start to finish. The descriptive narrative brings both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. This was an entertaining and engaging read which I would definitely recommend.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book two in the Painted Souls series. Painter of the Damned follows Nick and Julia in Venice trying to save Nick’s soulmate from the 16th century. There is plenty of fast-paced action, love that transcends time, history that jumps from the page with vivid imagery, and characters you can get behind. Book two won’t leave you disappointed!
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved the book that was written prior to this one. I was hooked with this one just as much, maybe even more! The story is a thrill ride, and you never know what will happen next!
First off, I must say visually speaking the book was amazing. The fine details of art and places, really brought the story to life for me, and truly held me to the end. Of course Nick and his spouse were great characters as well. I love how as you read, the story builds, suspense, action, and hope re strong Nick is wanting to free those in need of help. (relation to the first book) and there is danger at every turn. I love the writing and how incredible this book is! Its a divine read, and seriously fantastic! Loved this one!
Wonderful follow up to the first book. This one had its own magic on me as the prior, I could not put it down. A must read for sure! Highly recommend this must read book, author and series!
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Painter of the Damned is the second book after the compelling The Prisoner of Paradise in the Painted Souls series. Our characters find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse only to be ensnared by a powerful and secret Order who will stop at nothing until they get what they want.
This unique historical thriller with its multi layered plot and cleverly entwined threads form a historical thriller like no other except its predecessor. It is rich in history and is a smooth blend of fantasy and magical realism as Robs narrative takes us amongst the beauty and darkness of Venice once again transporting the reader.
With corruption, conspiracies, danger lurking, palpable suspense, immense tension and twisty turns it is a page turner that you can immense yourself in and become lost to another time and place.
If you are a lover of historical thrillers and the wonders Outlander you are going to love this series hands down.
Waiting in anticipation of what Rob brings us next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Incredible sequel! Nick and his wife are still on their adventures in Venice, Italy. They would love to get home to Boston but Interpol is wrecking their plans. The adventure, drama, and intrigue are amazing. This book sucks you right back in. You can’t put it down. You have to follow to find out what’s going to happen. Nick is still trying to help free those in the Paradise painting. I love this series and hope to see more. I devour these up and hope to get my husband hooked on them.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
A soul mate trapped in purgatory.
Dangerous alliances.
The quest for ultimate power.
After escaping Venice with their lives, Nick & Julia O’Connor have one goal: return home so they can end their nightmare vacation. But before they reach the American consulate, they’re captured by Interpol and returned to Venice.
Behind Nick’s detention is Salvatore della Porta, the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order that controls Paradise, Tintoretto’s Renaissance masterpiece that’s also a purgatory for thousands of souls—including Nick’s soul mate from the 16th century.
Della Porta believes Nick’s previous life knows the location of a book lost to the ages. This mysterious manuscript will bring him world-changing power—or topple the order.
As Nick’s link to the past consumes him, it’s up to Julia to save her husband and crush della Porta. But with friends in short supply, she must enlist Carlo Zuccaro, unaware the young artist is the order’s new Painter and warden of the damned.
Don’t miss the standalone follow-up to Rob Samborn’s award-winning, bestselling debut The Prisoner of Paradise!
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn
Rob Samborn is the award-winning and bestselling author of The Prisoner of Paradise and The Swordsman of Venice. In addition to being a novelist, Rob is a screenwriter, entrepreneur and avid traveler. He’s been to forty countries, lived in five of them and studied nine languages. As a restless spirit who can’t remember the last time he was bored, Rob is on a quest to explore the intricacies of our world and try his hand at a multitude of crafts; he’s also an accomplished artist and musician, as well as a budding furniture maker. A native New Yorker who lived in Los Angeles for twenty years, he now makes his home in Denver with his wife, daughter and dog. For more information visit www.robsamborn.com.
Author Interview with Rob Samborn
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amazing! I’ve never been to Venice (always dreamed about going one day) but the descriptions the author gave us made me feel like I was there! I loved all the mysteries that kept me guessing the whole time. I had a hard time putting this book down and having to do adult things! You should check this one out immediately!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel is best described, in my opinion, as interesting. The plot is not at all what I originally anticipated, but it did not disappoint. The anticipation truly kept me on edge until the very end. The only complaint I have about this book is that I could not connect with the characters. Nick is a very determined but selfish man, married to Julia who is independent yet selfless. I have no idea how these two got married and have such an amazing connection, but if Nick was my husband I would divorce him in a split second after the trip he put Julia through.
Aside from the characters, I did quite enjoy the plot. It was intense and left me guessing until the end. If you enjoy thrillers, I would recommend picking up this novel. Just because I did not connect with the characters does not mean you won’t!
Review by @aware
The cover is very misleading. I thought this book would be a quick smash read while reading other books. This is not the case. I love time travel books, but this is more. This is a romance in the present and the past in two different lifetimes. The story takes place in Venice where Nick and Julia visit a museum. Nick begins to hear a voice, a faint voice, calling to him, from a very well-known painting. His wife Julia, is beside herself with confusion and worry for Nick. Throw in a conspiracy and mystery, romance and time travel, and you have yourself one of the best books ever to read. The characters in this story are so easy to get attached to. I loved this book. I cannot wait to read more about them in the coming books.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nike and Julia head to Venice for vacation. While visiting the palace, Nick finds a painting he really likes by Tintorento. It’s intriguing because Nick hears the voice of a woman speaking from the painting. Then to make it even better, he can understand Venetian and finds he has memories of a past life.
This takes Julia and Nick into finding the story of the past which alerts the Venetian Order, who wants the eliminated from the story.
The story is full of danger and suspense and reminded me of reading Dan Brown.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Julia and her beau Nick take a trip to Venice. The city of romance, art, wine. All the things. Julia is there for the art, Nick seems to be more into the drinking aspect of their trip until they go look at paintings. Nick starts hearing a voice, Julia thinks he needs to be checked for a head injury.
Or does he? This book just kept going and it was such a great read.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Totally unique storyline in this book! I was engrossed with the dual timelines, the incredible visuals, and the intrigue.
Nick O’Conner suffered a head injury in a hockey game, but he and his wife Julia decide to take their dream trip to Venice, regardless. Julia wants to see Tintoretto’s painting “Paradise”, the largest oil-painting in the world. When they see it, Nick starts to hear a voice – a woman’s voice. Julia is sure he is suffering repercussions from his head injury, but Nick becomes obsessed with Isabella, the woman from the painting.
Isabella is Nick’s soul mate from the past, when he was known as Angelo. While Nick researches to find more information about he and Isabella, he also discovers The Order, those responsible for imprisoning peoples souls in the painting over the centuries. Thousands of them! While Nick is only concerned about releasing Isabella, releasing her would release all of the souls trapped in this eternal Purgatory.
Meanwhile, Julia doesn’t know what to think, but she DOES know she seems to be losing him to this soul mate from his past – or this head trauma, whichever it ends up being. Her position on it doesn’t protect her from those that are a danger to them, nor does it protect her from the possibility of losing her husband in this century. Will Nick succeed in freeing Isabella? Will he choose his past love or his current love? Will they all be able to evade those that pursue them?
I loved the mystery, the thrill, the danger, the romance, the back and forth, pulling you in both directions for both relationships – I never quite knew where this story would go next. I am thrilled for another novel in this series and pursuing this unique style of story!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Intriguing
This dual timeline thriller had me engaged from the start. It is a multi-layered story, centred on soul mates and discovering events from the past. I loved the descriptiveness, the imagery of Venice and the pacing of the adventure. The relationship between Nick and Julia was not overly done and felt a bit forced at times but that could be due to the contrast to the soul mate connection. This is book 1 and it will be interesting to see where book 2 goes.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Any novel that combines art, history, mystery and action is my kind of book. Add in a love story that involves time travel (but much more than your average time travel!) set in the beautiful city of Venice and you have one of the best debut novels that I’ve ever read. The author does such an amazingly beautiful job of describing Venice that you truly feel like you are there. The characters are well developed, and I became invested in them from the beginning. All of this plus a surprise ending- don’t miss out on this one. As one reader stated, “think The DaVinci Code meets Outlander”.
Great adventurous book. It will capture your heart and mind for the first chapter. It has it all history, love and art. Fast read and will keep you wanting to see what is going to happen next. This is mixture of thriller, suspense and mystery. I am looking forward to next book.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great adventurous book. It will capture your heart and mind for the first chapter. It has it all history, love and art. Fast read and will keep you wanting to see what is going to happen next. This is mixture of thriller, suspense and mystery. I am looking forward to next book.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nick and his wife Julia go to Venice on a dream trip. When Nick starts to hear voices coming from a painting, his wife assumes it has something to do with a head injury from a hockey game. As Nick dives deeper into the voices he hears, he discovers that he is connecting to a past life and the voices are from his lover from that time. Secret orders are discovered revealing that souls have been trapped in the painting. Secrets, romance, and mystery, what more can you ask from a book?!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise
Love through the ages. I was hooked from the start and could not wait to see how the story of Nick and Julia would unfold. Suspense, adventure, history, and a but of mystery. I am anxious to see what will happen in Book 2!
The Prisoner of Paradise, Painted Souls Series, Rob Samborn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Thriller, Historical
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fantastic read! It was very well written, and the story telling was so vivid. It was a little confusing at first, but everything fell together eventually so it’s definitely worth pushing through the confusion at the beginning. I found myself having trouble putting this book down. I was in awe of the rich history woven throughout the story. I’m really glad I picked this one up and I can’t wait to read the next book!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was an interesting read. It was set in present-day and 16th-century Venice. This was very different from my normal reads but I liked it and I am glad I took the chance on it. It was a Suspenseful thriller and had historical notes that made it interesting. I would recommend it to a friend and I wouldn’t mind reading more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This thriller was a jaw-dropping adventure that never let up throughout the entire book. I can’t believe I read through this so quickly, but that’s what happens when you forgo sleep to reach the end. I am absolutely thrilled that this is going to be a series!
As you stare down two different timelines throughout the book, the author does an amazing job weaving the two together with such intricate yet seamless detail. Nick is finally taking his wife to Venice, her dream trip, not long after he is injured. During their trip, a painting seemingly reaches out to him and the voice he hears is soul-stirring. Julia is terribly worried about her husband, but Nick believes that the voice is his love from a past life. Will he be able to serve what he believes is justice for the past souls or will his injury prove too much for his current wife to take?
Rob Samborn has released such a brilliant start to the Painted Soul Series! I am already pre-ordering the second book now. You won’t regret this elaborate time-travel experience.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The history in this book was beautifully written. I am a big fan of mixed timelines and past lives. This book hit the mark! Some very beautiful love notes and quotes in this story which kept it captivating. The ending left enough for the reader to wonder and need to know what happens next!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful novel that brings you along on a journey and the dual timelines were easy to follow.
Nick and Julia were on holiday to Venice…..taking it all in sightseeing and coming upon a famous painting that would lead Nick into hearing voices from a woman from long ago. He is driven to find out about this voice he hears from the past…..Isabella…and what this painting has in store for the action and suspense with trying to free Isabella but knowing that other entrapped souls can be impacted and that The Order will have something else to say about that.
Wow what a story….I love the intrigue and adventure that this author took me on as I turned the pages and I am looking forward to reading book 2!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really loved this story. I wasn’t to sure at the start as I know little about art or history in Venice but that didn’t matter. The author does an amazing job of making the story enjoyable for everyone. The writing and description of the events and areas and characters really brings the story to life.
I especially love the mix of the past and the present and the feeling of love lasting through decades, that was a very heartwarming touch. This story has everything from danger and mystery, to romance and heartbreak. It had historical and mystical elements that make the story unique. I especially loved how even years after the fact the spirit of the lover that escaped lives on and is still set on setting his lover free from the painting.
However that spirit is now with a guy called Nick, and while on holiday with his wife his life gets turned upside down when he hears a voice call to him from the painting. Is it real or his imagination? Who is it? Why are they calling to him?
With the help of his wife Julie they set out to uncover the secrets and set free the souls trapped there but there are people that don’t want that to happen and they are set to stop Nick and Julie anyway they can.
It becomes a race against time to.unravel the story and free the souls before the people behind the painting capture Nick and Julie.
It was a fast paced Thriller that I couldn’t stop reading.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was like nothing I have read before. It’s a passionate, haunting, mysterious, thrilling suspenseful tale with so much what if attached. The anticipation and twists were unpredictable. Nick and Julia were amazing. The story itself was front seat to explore history, religion, and faith. It was hard to put down and was pure excitement every step of the way!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The book got me hooked in the first section taking place in 1589 A.D. in Venice. Angelo Mascari is fleeing his city and never expected to see a nobleman sacrificing his life to get Angelo away safely. As he is fleeing in a boat, Angelo is trying to make sense of what happened to his lover.
The author does a great job of world building, bringing us to imagine being in Venice with all its old world architecture and museums. The story is interesting in that it connects generations of family through a painting that using magic is keeping people hostage. Nick & Julia are visiting current day Venice and touring art throughout the city. Angelo and his lover Isabella are connected to the Americans in a way I didn’t expect.
I enjoyed reading this book and hope to find books by this author in the future.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Maryn Belling
Entering this book with high expectations is unfair to the author & the story. Save yourself the disappointment. Instead, you can enjoy this book by forgetting everything you know about Venice, history, art, civilization, or historical fiction. Infuse yourself with “the girl has no name” Arya Stark storyline from Game of Thrones; layer in Beasts of the Frozen Sun (book 1 of Frozen Sun Saga), and a heaping portion of The Lost Apothecary.
If you enjoyed Lauren Groff’s Matrix or Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, this book is for you. If you’re old enough to have read Time Traveler’s Wife in the mid-aughts when it first was published, you’ll probably do well with this text. If you’re more a reader of Sarah Dunant or Tracy Chevalier’s style of historical fiction, perhaps this book is better suited for other readers.
An admirable first in a series that’s sure to expand the libraries of ambitious readers.
The Prisoner of Paradise, Painted Souls Series, Rob Samborn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Thriller, Historical
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise is a love story that crosses space and time, combining art and history, and a refreshing unique plot. There are vivid descriptions of Venice that pull you into the story as if you were there. At the beginning I was thrown by the dual timeline, and play-by-play action scenes, but as the story progessed I found myself drawn to the mystery surrounding the characters and the painting. The plot builds as Nick and Julia uncover age old secrets. The end leaves you wanting to know more. I’m sure book two will be just as good!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Venice, a beautiful city and a trip that anyone would want to take. After a head injury, Nick and his wife, Julia still embark to the city that they have always wanted to visit. Things start to get a little weird after they see the painting “Paradise.” Nick swears he hears a voice in the painting, Julia thinks he is hallucinating. Nick believes that he is living another life right now and that his past life needs to be fixed. Will Nick be able to rescue his long lost love and return to life he knows now or will he lose his current love?
This book was action and romance all in one. What a wonderfully written book that draws you right in, pun intended. 😊