Rob Samborn's gift for vivid narrative, world-building and edgy suspense is brilliantly showcased in this immersive, time-traveling thriller infused with Gothic horror, supernatural danger and twisty suspense.

“The Prisoner of Paradise, is a winner. Combining romance, historical, metaphysical, and conspiracy elements into a thriller that supersedes several of today's best-selling authors is no easy task. However, Samborn's writing style indicates a writer whose skill shines through its smooth flow, akin to that of the great names in thriller fiction from Poe to Ludlum, Koontz, Child and, yes, Dan Brown." 

     - Lex Allen, Readers Favorite Reviewer

“Wow! I picked this book because of the reviews, but even they didn’t prepare me for the grandeur of the novel. ...an epic well worth reading."

       - Doug Y., NetGalley Reviewer  

“ A beautiful arrangement woven together to create a story of theft, betrayal, transgressions, even love.” 

     - Kathy, Our Town Book Reviews

“...this book is brilliant! The plot is fantastic... unlike anything I've previously read. A fast-paced story, full of action, intrigue, religion, art and a secret order, you name it, this book has it!” 

     - Amy McElroy, Book Blogger

“Wonderful plot and an innovative time travel mechanism, a step up the literature ladder from Dan Brown.” 

     - Susie Helme, Reedsy Discovery Reviewer

“Riveting. Period. The Prisoner of Paradise is absolutely fabulous, a masterpiece.” 

     - Kathy, Goodreads Reviewer

"Combining the heart of Outlander and the thrill ride of the Da Vinci Code series this book took my breath away with its classic descriptive prose, intense heart pounding action scenes and all encompassing love story."

     - Linda McCutcheon, Instagram Book Reviewer

“The city of Venice soaks into your bones in Rob Samborn’s THE PRISONER OF PARADISE. As the painting comes alive, so does every word from the page in this gripping and transportive read.” 

     - EJ Mellow, bestselling author of SONG OF THE FOREVER RAINS

“Samborn writes vivid, cinematic prose, deftly penning scenes of Venice that feel so alive you might start speaking Italian while sipping espresso. This spectacular thriller will capture you - heart and soul!” 

     - Avanti Centrae, international bestselling author of the VANOPS thriller series

“A truly evocative and finely-woven tale reminiscent of Dan Brown and Gwendolyn Womack. Rob Samborn’s The Prisoner of Paradise slips effortlessly between present day and 16th century Venice with intriguing characters, clever plotting, and deft pacing that makes this book difficult to put down. Filled with stunning writing, the Venetian art world, and well-researched and vivid historical detail, this thrilling story captivates until the very last page.”

       - Charissa Weaks, author of THE WITCH COLLECTOR 

“THE DA VINCI CODE meets THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE. In this imaginative thrill ride, Samborn transports the reader between modern day and Renaissance Venice unraveling conspiracy in the pursuit of destiny. I was dazzled from beginning to end. This ambitious debut does not disappoint.”

       - Robert Gwaltney, author of The Cicada Tree

“Wildly imaginative and richly detailed, THE PRISONER OF PARADISE is a spellbinding debut. It’s an alchemy of mystery and intrigue that reaches deep inside the human heart and emerges with a propulsive story that manages to span centuries while leaving the reader breathless. Rob Samborn is an author to watch!”

       - Ellen Meister, author of THE ROOFTOP PARTY, THE OTHER LIFE, and FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER

“Rob Samborn’s THE PRISONER OF PARADISE is an immersive, otherworldly tale of forbidden love, a dangerous brotherhood, and a most unusual purgatory. Spanning four centuries from Renaissance Venice to modern-day, Samborn invites his readers to unravel a vast conspiracy of secrets, murder, and trapped souls, in this rousing and thought-provoking thriller perfect for fans of Dan Brown.” 

     - Shanessa Gluhm, author of ENEMIES OF DOVES

"A tale of ill-fated lovers that transcends time, THE PRISONER OF PARADISE never fails to impress. The intriguing mix of history, scheming cults, and the high art of Venice blend together, creating a gripping story that will leave readers hungry for more."

     - D.W. Gillespie, author of ONE BY ONE and THE TOY THIEF

“An engrossing tale that spans centuries of Venetian history, art, and social mores, Rob Samborn's THE PRISONER OF PARADISE is full of intrigue and angst, focusing on the heroic choices we strive to make, the sins we feel compelled to pursue, and the gray area of right and wrong that bridges all of our crucial decisions about life and love.”

     - Kathy Ramsperger, author of THE SHORES OF OUR SOULS and A THOUSAND FLYING THINGS 

“Not to be out shadowed by the historical and conspiracy thriller writing luminaries of our time, Rob Samborn shines as a brilliant debut novelist to watch for. Immediately catapulted out of 1589 Renaissance Venice in The Prisoner of Paradise, you hit the ground running with Nick O’Connor as he navigates both present and past with orders to release imprisoned souls, including his own soul mate."

     - Ruthie Marlenée, Author of AGAVE BLUES

 "From 16th century Venice to modern Madrid, Painter of the Damned splashes bright history, dark arts, crimson action, and shape-shifting twists onto an epic canvas to create a genre-bending masterwork."
     - David L. Robbins, New York Times bestselling author of THE DEVIL'S WATERS and ISAAC'S BEACON
 

"Rob Samborn delivers with his latest thriller... You will want to read Painter of the Damned. Period!"
     - Yasmin Angoe, bestselling author of HER NAME IS KNIGHT
 

"Impossible to predict and equally impossible to put down... ...lush prose and fascinating historical detail while plumbing a powerful love story that crosses time itself. Nothing ordinary, here's a mystery thriller that brings history alive through fully animated characters and a brilliant, vibrant background that plunges the reader from the past to the present with equal ease." 
     - Jane Thornley, bestselling author of THE AGENCY OF THE ANCIENT LOST & FOUND historical mystery thriller series

"A truly unique thriller blending elements of mystery, suspense and loads of action, Painter of the Damned takes readers on a journey unlike any other. Strap in for a heady adventure that delivers on all levels."
     - Andrew Clawson, author of THE ARTHURIAN RELIC and THE HARRY FOX series

"In this soulful sequel, hop into a Venetian gondola for the ride of your past life. Death stalks the shadows of every arched footbridge. Expect only the unexpected." 
    - Avanti Centrae, eight-time award-winning author of the international bestselling VANOPS thriller series

"...manages that rare feat: weaving strands of the other world, history, art, and an ancient, secret order into an entrancing tale you just cannot put down. Fans of Dan Brown and Umberto Eco would love this lyrical, cinematic, yet fast-paced thriller that captures present-day and Renaissance Venice with equal ease."
    - Damyanti Biswas, author of THE BLUE BAR and YOU BENEATH YOUR SKIN

"Cleverly using time itself as a central theme, Painter of the Damned is an uncommonly intelligent, shrewd and deftly paced thriller, crafted with such lush language and provocative narrative that it kept me turning pages throughout the long nights." 
- Gary McAvoy, bestselling author of THE MAGDALENE CHRONICLES and THE AVIGNON AFFAIR

"The edge-of-your-seat action continues... Full of detail and the idiosyncrasies of medieval Venice, Samborn's skill with prose and the fantastical world his characters inhabits shines in this thrilling sequel."
- Laura Kemp, award-winning author of THE LANTERN CREEK Series

"...a plot that never stops twisting. Samborn's narrative shifts seamlessly between past and present, with a cast of realistic characters that either attract or repel as in real life. Nick and Julia are the perfect duo for this sweeping drama that has the reader turning the last page to look for more." 
    - Mike Krentz, author of DEAD ALREADY and ANGELS FALLING

"Rob Samborn has done it again! With cinematic action and exquisite writing, Painter of the Damned is a sweeping sequel that exceeded all my expectations. Combining classical art, rich Venetian history, compelling characters, and a centuries-old conspiracy, Samborn weaves an intelligent, intricate story with nonstop momentum that will leave you breathless. Engrossing, mysterious, romantic, and altogether original ...a literary triumph that cleared the extremely high bar set by its predecessor." 
    - Shanessa Gluhm, author of ENEMIES OF DOVES and A RIVER OF CROWS

"Gripping. Rob Samborn can give Dan Brown a run for his money. He weaves a story in a web of psychological intrigue that takes his readers on a roller coaster ride with an ancient order, a framed couple, and a Renaissance painting with an eerie secret. But it doesn't stop there. Samborn has eloquent prose that gives a level of sophistication to a story with a broad mass appeal. If you are into enigmatic thrillers, this book will leave you wanting more."
 - Readers' Favorite review

"An incredibly imaginative, page-turning tale bursting with twists and turns like the alleys and canals of its setting of Venice, Painter of the Damned keeps you on your toes and shows how love never dies." 
    - C. D'Angelo, author of THE DIFFERENCE and THE VISITOR

"Medieval and modern Venice collide in ways you simply wouldn't expect. I'll never view a Tintoretto in quite the same way again!" 
    - KM Kelly, author of THE SLEEPERS
 

"Deftly interweaving art history and fantasy into story that bridges time ...takes the reader into a Venice filled with mysteries from both the past and the present. With its complex plot, vivid characters, and adventuresome twists, Painter of the Damned is a page turner from start to finish." 
    - Carolyn Korsmeyer, author of CHARLOTTE'S STORY and LITTLE FOLLIES 

 "Rob Samborn is an effortless storyteller. I slipped right into this story like a warm jacket on a cold day. With characters you’ll fall in love with and a plot that will keep you turning the pages, never sure what twist or turn is coming next, it’s utterly enchanting, totally unique, and simply unputdownable. I’ve never read anything quite like this, which meant I had no clue what was coming and I was here for it. My advice: crack open this book and prepare to devour it!"
     - Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Arrangement Trilogy

"Master of the Abyss is the riveting conclusion to the Painted Souls trilogy, the ultimate conspiracy thriller series. The novel is infused with heart and drama. The action comes at warp speed and the writing is cinematic. This is masterful world building combined with an elegantly woven plot and characters that come alive on the page." 
     - Jayne  Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author

"An electrifying finale that masterfully ties together the intricate threads of fate, belief, and cosmic destiny. This isn't just the close of a series; it's the capstone on a narrative masterpiece that challenges the very notions of good and evil. A pulse-pounding quest from Venice to Asia, replete with ancient artifacts, dark villains, and heroes who never lose their moral compass. The Painted Souls series ends not with a whimper, but a universe-altering bang!"
     - Gary McAvoy, bestselling author The Magdalene Chronicles and Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers
 

 “Master of the Abyss is a high concept and action-packed thriller that captivates from start to finish. With engrossing historical details and polished descriptive writing, Samborn has a unique way of transporting not just his characters around the globe, but his readers as well.  The stakes are high, the plot threads brilliantly woven, and the twists and turns riveting in this stunning conclusion to a truly masterfully crafted series. Samborn saved the best for last.”

     - Shanessa Gluhm, author of Enemies of Doves and A River of Crows

“Rob Samborn raises the stakes, the tension, and the conflict to a tantalizing crescendo in this masterful, multinational, multi-timeline finale to the Painted Souls series. Unputdownable, with an ever-twisting plot populated by a diverse cast of true-to-life characters. A winner in many ways.” 

    - Mike Krentz, author of the award-winning Dr. Zack Winston series

“Master of the Abyss is a literary triumph that combines fantastical elements with historical depth and meticulous research. It's a series that not only entertains but also educates, and it begs to be adapted for the big screen. For fans of adventure, mystery, and richly detailed storytelling, this book is a must-read, and the Painted Souls series as a whole is a journey well worth taking.” 

     - Ty Keenum, author of The Little Church series and The Coincidence of Birth