Set in Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans is an epic tale of sibling rivalry, ambition, politics, art, and love. Isabella d’Este is the primary point of view character. She is incredibly talented, beautiful, and shrewd. She is pleased with her betrothed until she realizes that the betrothed of her younger sister, Beatrice, is not only a better match for her in intellect and passions, but is also the patron of the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Isabella’s obsession with art makes her consumed with the desire for a sitting with Leonardo so that his hands might immortalize her. In a tale that spans decades, Isabella plots and connives to control her fate and to make Italy a mecca for culture and wealth. Isabella is a beguiling and fascinating protagonist. Despite her schemes, I couldn’t help but enjoy her. Essex does a masterful job of showing the maturation of flawed characters, and the changing fates of the sisters play like an intricate chess game. Essex’s research and attention to historical detail are impressive but never oppressive. Leonardo’s Swans is historical fiction at its finest. It is the perfect blend of story and history and sent me searching the internet for hours afterward to learn about the characters and the works of Leonardo da Vinci.