The Tudor Vendetta (The Spymaster Chronicles #3) by C.W. Gortner Book Tour

Title: The Tudor Vendetta

Author: C.W. Cortner

Series: 3rd (The Tudor Secret, The Tudor Conspiracy)

Pages: 304

Published: October 21st 2014 by St. Martin's Griffin 

ISBN: 9780312658588

Source: Netgalley for Tour

Description: Upon the death of Mary I (Bloody Mary), Elizabeth I takes the throne and Brendan Prescott is called to aid the young queen amid a realm plunged into chaos and a court rife with conspiracy. London, 1558. Queen Mary is dead, and 25-year old Elizabeth ascends the throne. Summoned to court from exile abroad, Elizabeth’s intimate spy, Brendan Prescott, is reunited with the young queen, as well as his beloved Kate, scheming William Cecil, and arch-rival, Robert Dudley. A poison attempt on Elizabeth soon overshadows her coronation, but before Brendan can investigate, Elizabeth summons him in private to dispatch him on a far more confidential mission: to find her favored lady in waiting, Lady Parry, who has disappeared during a visit to her family manor in Yorkshire. Upon his arrival at the desolate sea-side manor where Lady Parry was last seen, he encounters a strange, impoverished family beset by grief, as well as mounting evidence that they hide a secret from him. The mystery surrounding Lady Parry deepens as Brendan begins to realize there is far more going on at the manor than meets the eye, but the closer he gets to the heart of the mystery in Vaughn Hall, the more he learns that in his zeal to uncover the truth, he could be precipitating Elizabeth’s destruction. From the intrigue-laden passages of Whitehall to a foreboding Catholic manor and the deadly underworld of London, Brendan must race against time to unravel a vendetta that will strike at the very core of his world—a vendetta that could expose a buried past and betray everything he has fought for, including his loyalty to his queen. 

I Give This ...

I have to admit, this series has made me a see a side of Elizabeth that I never really thought about.  While, most of the events of this story are completely fabricated, I still see so many emotions when it comes to her character.

I never doubted for a minute that Brendan would return to Elizabeth's side the minute she took up her throne.  The question would be what his role would be.  Would he be an instrument for the Queen or a pawn for Cecil to control.  I actually think it might have irked Cecil a little that the Queen got to Brendan first.  Interesting that the mission is so personal in nature.  I thought it was odd at first that she would send one nameless man but then throughout this series, Elizabeth has not been on to tell the whole truth.  Brendan's unquestionable loyalty to the Queen is interesting in the fact of who he is.  I imagine that most of people of the time would have jumped on the ability to claim to be from royal birth.  I think Brendan enjoyed the idea of family more.  

I also really enjoy the mystery side of this.  The manor is dark and desolate who so many shadows and secrets, I wondered what Brendan would be able to get from this mission.  Yet ever the Sherlock Holmes, Brendan can see the bigger picture.  What's been hidden for so long, can not be hidden from him.  I wonder if he felt a kindred connection to the child.  It certainly seemed that way in the end.

While Elizabeth was not present through a good portion of this book, I think it shows a young queen afraid of her past mistakes.  She knew she could justly rule England, but was afraid she would never been given the chance.  I think she was afraid of the shadow her mother cast over her.  Plus, her country has been in such upheaval for so long, she had to play her hand exactly right.  She kept her secrets so close, that there was probably not one person who knew them all.  It must have been extremely hard for her during Mary's reign and those first years on the throne.  

I've read another book by this author that I really enjoyed, plus this series has been great.  I have one more book on my shelves I need to read and then I will be sure to watch out for future books!  

 

 About the Author

C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

After an eleven year-long career in fashion, during which he worked as a vintage retail buyer, freelance publicist, and fashion show coordinator, C.W. devoted the next twelve years to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the international success of his novels.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceaux, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. His books have garnered widespread acclaim and been translated into twenty-one languages to date, with over 400,000 copies sold. A sought-after public speaker. C.W. has given keynote addresses at writer conferences in the US and abroad. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding.

C.W. recently completed his fourth novel for Ballantine Books, about Lucrezia Borgia; the third novel in his Tudor Spymaster series for St Martin’s Press; and a new novel about the dramatic, glamorous life of Coco Chanel, scheduled for lead title publication by William Morrow, Harper Collins, in the spring of 2015.

Half-Spanish by birth and raised in southern Spain, C.W. now lives in Northern California with his partner and two very spoiled rescue cats.

For more information please visit C.W. Gortner’s website and blog. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube.

The Tudor Vendetta Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 20

Review at The Maiden’s Court

Guest Post at Mina’s Bookshelf

Tuesday, October 21

Review at Historical Fiction Obsession

Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 22

Review at Back Porchervations

Review at Always With a Books

Thursday, October 23

Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Friday, October 24

Review at Bibliophilia, Please

Interview at Back Porchervations

Monday, October 27

Review at JulzReads

Review at Queen of All She Reads

Tuesday, October 28

Review at Beth’s Book Reviews

Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Wednesday, October 29

Review at Making My Mark

Review at Writing the Renaissance

Guest Post at Bookish

Thursday, October 30

Review & Guest Post at Drey’s Library

Review & Interview at The Copperfield Review & From Meredith Allard

Interview at Writing the Renaissance

Friday, October 31

Review at Book by Book

Monday, November 3

Review at Mari Reads

Review & Gues Post at JM Ledwell Writes

Tuesday, November 4

Review at A Bookish Affair

Wednesday, November 5

Review at One Book at a Time

Guest Post at A Bookish Affair

Thursday, November 6

Review at Booktalk & More

Friday, November 7

Review at Build a Bookshelf

Monday, November 10

Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

Tuesday, November 11

Review at A Book Geek

Review at The Lit Bitch

Wednesday, November 12

Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, November 13

Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Friday, November 14

Review at Book Nerd

Spotlight at Paranormal Book Club

Monday, November 17

Review at Broken Teepee

Review at The Never-Ending Book

Tuesday, November 18

Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Guest Post at What is That Book About

Wednesday, November 19

Review at Kate Forsyth’s Blog

Thursday, November 20

Review & Interview at The Tudor Enthusiast

Friday, November 21

Review at Griperang’s Bookmarks

Monday, November 24

Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Review at The True Book Addict

Tuesday, November 25

Review at Historical Tapestry

Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection

Wednesday, November 26

Review at Flashlight Commentary

Friday, November 28

Review at Books in the Burbs

Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Giveaway

To win a complete set of CW Gortner’s Spymaster Chronicles Trilogy please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on November 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

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Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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Review - The Tudor Conspiracy (The Spymaster Chronicles #2) by C.W. Gortner

Title: The Tudor Conspiracy

Author: C.W. Gortner

Series: 2nd (The Tudor Secret)

Pages: 352

Published:  July 16th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin 

ISBN: 9780312658496

Source: Personal Copy

Description: Winter 1554. Brendan Prescott, spymaster to the Princess Elizabeth, has discovered that he is connected to the Tudors by blood as well as allegiance. Though his secret is known only by a few, it could be his downfall as he is called to London to protect the princess.  Accompanied by his young squire Peregrine, he reluctantly leaves his sweetheart Kate behind - but in the city he discovers that no one is quite what they seem. What fate does Queen Mary intend for her sister? Is Robert Dudley somehow manipulating the princess, even though he is locked in the Tower? And should Brendan trust the alluring Sybilla, Mary's lady-in-waiting, who professes to be on his side? As he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Tudor court Brendan's life will be put in danger many times, and along the way he learns more about his own past. 

I Give This ...

I think this series has done an excellent job of portraying the danger that Elizabeth was constantly in before she ascended the throne.  It's something that I was aware of, but it's never bee such a focus of a story.

I often feel sorry for Queen Mary.  History doesn't portray her in the best light possible.  Her father basically abandoned her, stripped her of her title for most of her youth, among many other things.  She never wavered from her faith, but instead of it being her saving grace she let it warp her into something else.  I often wonder how much of her persecutions were her own doing or someone else whispering in her ear.  I think this book does and great job of showing how easily she was swayed by opinions.  Brendan sees this first hand and how hard it is to change the Queen's mind when she was dead set on something.

It's also interesting to read about Elizabeth in this light.  I understand she had to walk a very fine line when it came to her sister.  She often had to appease her while staying true to herself as well.  But, she honestly had so much of her father in her.  She would play the game and you would never know what she was doing until it was to late.  I'm not sure how much Mary actually had to fear her, or if Elizabeth was truly content with sitting back and waiting.

I loved Brendan's involvement in all of this.  He's puts so much on the line.  It's strange to think how it's a personal stake for him.  His devotion is so much more than a typical subject and their sovereign.  He very nearly loses his head because of this loyalty.  Something that won't be forgiving twice.  

I like how each of these book deals with specific time periods, so I'm really excited for book 3.  

 

Review - The Tudor Secret (The Spymaster Chronicles #1) by C.W. Gortner

Title: The Tudor Secret

Author: C.W. Gortner

Series: 1st

Pages: 327

Published: February 1st 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin

ISBN: 9780312658502

Source: Personal Copy

Description: The era of the Tudors was one of danger, intrigue, conspiracy, and, above all, spies. Summer 1553: A time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, is reared in the household of the powerful Dudley family. Brought to court, Prescott finds himself sent on an illicit mission to the king’s brilliant but enigmatic sister, Princess Elizabeth. But Brendan is soon compelled to work as a double agent by Elizabeth’s protector, William Cecil, who promises in exchange to help him unravel the secret of his own mysterious past. A dark plot swirls around Elizabeth’s quest to unravel the truth about the ominous disappearance of her seriously ill brother, King Edward VI. With only a bold stable boy and an audacious lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths, lies, and murder. 

I Give This ...

I was a little hesitant to jump on board with this book.  I wasn't sure I would like it.  I have no idea why because I ended up really loving this book.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Brendan Prescott.  His story was completely predictable but I love how he manages to work all sides of the fence.  Everyone doubts his true loyalties, but yet they like what he can do for them.  He's willing to put his neck on the line and they are more than happy to let him!  When he learns a little bit of the truth of who he really is, he takes it into stride.  I also think it explains his loyalty.

I enjoyed reading about the conspiracy behind King Edward's death.  It may not have happened exactly like that, but it made for an exciting story. I also enjoyed reading about the plot to put Jane Grey on the throne.  I've never heard it from this type of point of view.  I think most exciting to me was the portrayal of Robert Dudley.  Historical fiction tends to romanticize him, branded the man that Elizabeth could never have.  I have read a few that paint him a little darker.  But, his version of Robert is down right unlikable.  He painted as selfish and conniving and left me doubting whether he really ever cared for Elizabeth. 

A book that fits into my favorites of dramatized Tudor historical fiction.  I can't wait to read the next one!

 

 

Review - The Queen's Exiles (Thornleigh #6) by Barbara Kyle

Title: The Queen's Exiles

Author: Barbara Kyle

Series: 6th (1-4, Blood Between Queens)

Pages: 352

Published: May 27th 2014 by Kensington

ISBN: 9780758273246

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: 1572. Europe is in turmoil. In the Netherlands the streets are red with the blood of those who dare to oppose the brutal Spanish occupation. A vengeful faction of exiled English Catholics is plotting to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and install her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne. But amid the unrest, one resourceful young woman has made a lucrative enterprise ... Scottish-born Fenella Doorn rules like a queen over a privateer's haven on the Isle of Sark. Her success at salvaging crippled vessels affords her gold and security, and it is on one of these ships that she meets wealthy Baron—and privateer—Adam Thornleigh. Secretly drawn to him, Fenella can’t refuse when Adam enlists her to join him in war-torn Brussels to help find his traitorous wife, Frances—and the children she’s taken from him.  But Fenella’s own bold actions have put a price on her head. Now Adam and Fenella’s lives are in peril as they race across Europe in an attempt to rescue his young ones, defend the crown, and restore the peace that few can remember. 

I Give This ...

I decided to continue this series after reading the 5th book.  I was hoping that the fact that I haven't read the previous 4 books wouldn't hinder my enjoyment.  There was a couple small instances that I felt I might have better understood certain connections, but overall I like the events and character.

One thing I've noticed through out literature is the complete devotion that people showed to Queen Elizabeth.  Those who were on her side, were willing to do anything for her.  They risked it all, even their own lives to make sure her place on the throne was secure.  Such is the case with Adam Thornleigh.  He's willing to lose his family and spend his life pirating on the seas for the Queen.  Granted his wife made her choice as well.  I sometimes wonder if these people truly believed in the cause, or if it was all political (or how often it was both).  

I enjoyed Fenella.  It's always refreshing to have a female character who is holding her own without a man in her life.  Especially when inhabiting a world dominated by men.  Fenella is doing just that.  But, the minute Adam lands on her doorstep she wrapped in a world she should have stayed far away from.  But, Adam has that kind of draw for.  I loved her wits and how she handled all the situations thrown at her.  

I liked how the story was still based in Tudor history, but had more to do with what was going on in world beyond England.  I confess to not knowing much about that.  It was intriguing to learn about how dangerous of a game Elizabeth was playing when it came to pacifying her constant stream of suitors.  And how hard it must have been to have the rest of the world take her seriously when there were always those trying to bring her down.

I'm sure I will continue this series and eventually plan on going back and reading the first books in the series. 

 

Madame Picasso by Anne Girard Virtual Book Tour

Title: Madame Picasso

Author: Anne Girard
Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 432
Published: August 26th 2014 by Harlequin MIRA
ISBN: 9780778316350
Source: Arranged tour for honest review



Description: When Eva Gouel moves to Paris from the countryside, she is full of ambition and dreams of stardom. Though young and inexperienced, she manages to find work as a costumer at the famous Moulin Rouge, and it is here that she first catches the attention of Pablo Picasso, a rising star in the art world.  A brilliant but eccentric artist, Picasso sets his sights on Eva, and Eva can't help but be drawn into his web. But what starts as a torrid affair soon evolves into what will become the first great love of Picasso's life.  With sparkling insight and passion, Madame Picasso introduces us to a dazzling heroine, taking us from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of one of the most enigmatic and iconic artists of the twentieth century.

 I Give This ...

 

I must admit that I know next to nothing about Picasso.  I know he's a famous painter, and that's it.  Art is not really my strong point, so it's almost embarrassing to say that I didn't know were or when he lived, or could even name a painting.   But, I really enjoyed this book.

I enjoyed Eva's character right from the start.  This was a period of great change for the world.  War was on their front door step, women were finding their place in the world, and their was an explosion of knowledge going on.  It's not wonder that Eva wanted a piece of all that.  She wasn't content to an arranged marriage and living her life exactly like all the women before her had.  While I wish she wouldn't have just run off to Paris, I understood why she did.  I think what made her even more refreshing is that she wasn't looking for love.  It almost seemed like she was desperately trying to avoid it.  She may have worked at the Moulin Rouge, but she was in charge of her own love life.

Picasso was very interesting to read about.  He seemed to tackle love just like he did everything else in life...with reckless passion.  He had no problem with entering into numerous affairs despite his long term commitment to Fernande.  Perhaps it's the very issue that makes Eva that much more attractive to him.  She's not easily persuaded into becoming the mistress on the side.  In his game to pursue her, he realizes that she might just be the muse he needs both for his soul and for his art.  But, how do you untangle the web you've already woven?

 

I found their whole love story to be extremely interesting.  I never felt Eva caved into Picasso, instead she pushed him to be a better person.  It must have been so hard for him to choose her over Fernande and disrupt his entire life.   He was completely committed to her once he choose to marry her, eventually choosing her over long term friends.  Sadly, their story would not last long.   Strange to think Picasso had such a fear of death, that it almost contributed to Eva's own death.  I seriously wonder if she would have been willing to go to the doctor sooner if she might have lived.

A wonderful story that introduced me to a figure in history that I knew nothing about.  I always enjoy that experience.  I love this author's works!

READ AN EXCERPT.

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Praise for Madame Picasso

"Early twentieth century Paris and Picasso's lost love come to enchanted, vivid life in Madame Picasso. With a deft eye for detail and deep understanding for her protagonists, Anne Girard captures the earnest young woman who enthralled the famous artist and became his unsung muse." - C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of THE QUEEN'S VOW

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About the Author

Anne Girard was born with writing in her blood. The daughter of a hard-driving Chicago newsman, she has always had the same passion for storytelling that fueled his lifelong career. She hand-wrote her first novel (admittedly, not a very good one) at the age of fourteen, and never stopped imagining characters and their stories. Writing only ever took a backseat to her love of reading.

After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature from UCLA and a Master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a chance meeting with the acclaimed author, Irving Stone, sharply focused her ambition onto telling great stories from history with detailed research. "Live where your characters lived, see the things they saw," he said, "only then can you truly bring them to life for your readers." Anne took that advice to heart. After Stone's encouragement twenty years ago, she sold her first novel. When she is not traveling the world researching her stories, Anne and her family make their home in Southern California. When she is not traveling or writing, she is reading fiction.

Anne also writes historical fiction under the name Diane Haeger. For more information, visit www.dianehaeger.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Madame Picasso Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 25

Review at Flashlight Commentary


Tuesday, August 26

Review at Historical Fiction Notebook

Interview & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary


Wednesday, August 27

Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Interview & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Notebook


Thursday, August 28

Review & Giveaway at Words and Peace

Review & Giveaway at Kinx's Book Nook


Friday, August 29

Review at Scandalous Women

Review at Curling Up by the Fire


Monday, September 1

Review at A Bookish Affair

Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past


Tuesday, September 2

Review & Giveaway at Luxury Reading

Interview & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair


Wednesday, September 3

Review at Gobs and Gobs of Books

Spotlight & Giveaway at Susan Heim on Writing


Thursday, September 4

Review & Giveaway at The Maiden's Court


Friday, September 5

Review at To Read or Not to Read


Monday, September 8

Review at Book of Secrets

Review & Giveaway at Mina's Bookshelf


Tuesday, September 9

Review at A Chick Who Reads


Wednesday, September 10

Review at Books in the Burbs


Thursday, September 11

Review at Ageless Pages Reviews



Friday, September 12

Review at Caroline Wilson Writes

Review at The Book Binder's Daughter


Monday, September 15

Review at Layered Pages

Review at Carole's Ramblings



Tuesday, September 16

Review at She is Too Fond of Books



Wednesday, September 17

Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books



Thursday, September 18

Review at One Book of a Time


Friday, September 19

Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Monday, September 22

Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee


Tuesday, September 23

Review at The Librarian Fatale


Wednesday, September 24

Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Review at WTF Are You Reading?


Thursday, September 25

Review at Kincavel Korner


Friday, September 26

Interview at Kincavel Korner

Review - The Immortal Crown (Age of X #2) by Richelle Mead

Title: The Immortal Crown

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: 2nd (Gameboard of the Gods)

Pages: 432

Published: May 29th 2014 by Dutton Adult

ISBN: 9780525953692

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion. Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity. Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret. 

I Give This ...

  I wasn't completely sold on Gameboard of the Gods, so I'm not entirely sure why I picked the second in the series up for review.  Perhaps it simply because I'm draw to Gods and Goddesses and it still had some potential.  In this case, I'm glad I didn't give up because it was better than the first one.

I think I liked Justin and May's interactions more.  They are trying so hard to pretend they aren't completely head over heals for each other, that sometime a lot of it just gets in the way.  But this time around, they are required to pose as a couple.  I think it forces them to think and act in ways that they've spend forever repressing.  Plus, it was interesting to learn about their personal God and Goddess and how they related to each other.  The big picture is much more intertwined than I thought.

I'm curious as to Lucian's involvement in this whole thing.  For most of the first book I wrote him off as just a person in the background.  But, I think he is a far bigger player than anyone knows.  He's way to subtle, but he may have tipped his hat when it came to this big trip into Arcadia.  He's looking for more than just an age to push over the top in politics.  I have not quite pegged if he's going to work out to be the bad guy.  I hope not, because I think he's far more useful in Justin's corner.

I liked the drama with Tessa.  I knew that getting mixed up with the reporter was a bad idea.  I think she knew it deep down as well.  But, she was determined to prove her worth and couldn't possibly imagine what Justin could be mixed up in that would be beneficial.  But, most of the time it's always about who you know.    

I'm hooked now, so I am eagerly awaiting book 3.  There is something big in the works and the gods and goddesses aren't done playing games yet.  They have been so subtly through most of the series, that I'm waiting for that big moment!

 

Review - The Boleyn Reckoning (The Boleyn Trilogy #3) by Laura Andersen

Title: The Boleyn Reckoning

Author: Laura Andersen

Series: 3rd (The Boleyn King, The Boleyn Deceit)

Pages: 416

Published: July 15th 2014 by Ballantine Books 

ISBN: 9780345534132

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Elizabeth Tudor is at a crossroads. After a disastrous winter, the Duke of Northumberland has been executed for treason while his son, Robert Dudley, claims from the Tower that the true traitor has not yet been caught. And though her brother, William, has survived smallpox, scars linger in the king's body and mind and his patience is at an end. As English ships and soldiers arm themselves against the threat of invasion, William marches to the drumbeat of his own desires rather than his country's welfare. Wary of this changed royal brother, Elizabeth assembles her own shadow court to protect England as best she can. But William, able to command armies and navies, cannot command hearts. Minuette and Dominic have married in secret, and after an ill-timed pregnancy, they take to flight. Faced with betrayal by the two he loved most, William's need for vengeance pushes England to the brink of civil war and in the end, Elizabeth must choose: her brother, or her country?  

I Give This ...

I've really enjoyed this series so far.  I love the play on "what if."  Considering that Queen Elizabeth I is one of my favorite people in history, I was also extremely curious how this would come full circle.

The author has done a fabulous job at creating a monarch that mimics so many of the characteristics of Henry VIII and Queen Anne.  I also see some of his sisters in him.  I thing his biggest flaw is what ultimately brought down his mother and lead to his father having so many wives.  He knew what he wanted and would stop at nothing to make sure he got it.  It got in the way of his friendships, his family, and in the end ... his kingdom.  Sad as it was, none of his actions surprised me.  I held my breath every time he flaunted Minuette in front of everybody.  I wish he could see how much she hated it.  As a person whose job basically demands that you be able to read people, he was horrible at it.

I loved Minuette throughout this.  She's playing a delicate game and one that she has to know might cost her everything.  She may not come right out and tell William how she really feels, but I think she does it in lots of subtle ways.  I was happy when she finally confided in Elizabeth.  It was slowing eating at her to keep such a huge secret.  I was kind of surprised at how Elizabeth reacted.  But, at this point I know she's setting up her chess pieces to win the game. 

The court is just as treacherous in the alternate reality as it was in history.  People still were tried for treason, just not the ones that I was expecting.  William never became the king destined to rule the kingdom in all its glory.  That right was reserved for Elizabeth.  I don't think she ever betrayed her brother.  She just played the hand better.  Perhaps Elizabeth was always meant to rule the Golden Age, no matter what reality you look at.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.  It was almost like this was how it really happened.  I laughed, I cried, but most of all I just enjoyed the ride to get there.  I'm looking forward to what Laura Andersen produces next!

 

  

Review - The Agincourt Bride (Catherine de Valois #1) by Joanna Hickson

Title: The Agincout Bride

Author: Joanna Hickson

Series: 1st

Pages: 578

Published: January 3rd 2013 by HarperCollins 

ISBN: 9780007446971

Source:  Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: When her own first child is tragically still-born, the young Mette is pressed into service as a wet-nurse at the court of the mad king, Charles VI of France. Her young charge is the princess, Catherine de Valois, caught up in the turbulence and chaos of life at court. Mette and the child forge a bond, one that transcends Mette’s lowly position. But as Catherine approaches womanhood, her unique position seals her fate as a pawn between two powerful dynasties. Her brother, The Dauphin and the dark and sinister, Duke of Burgundy will both use Catherine to further the cause of France. Catherine is powerless to stop them, but with the French defeat at the Battle of Agincourt, the tables turn and suddenly her currency has never been higher. But can Mette protect Catherine from forces at court who seek to harm her or will her loyalty to Catherine place her in even greater danger? 

 I Give This ...

I've read another book recently about  Catherine de Valois.  Given that Tudor England is perhaps my favorite period in history, I've been eager to read more about the women who started it all. This was an interesting addition to my knowledge of the time period.

The beginning is almost depressing to read.  I think one always thinks of the grandeur part of royalty.  But, these children lived in horrible conditions as barely an after thought of the King and Queen. It's not until the children become a pawn in some way or another that they are given any thought what so ever.   Mette feels she is the only stable figure in Catherine's life and forms a deep bond with the child.  This was the only part of the story that troubled me.  Mette seems to be willing to go to great lengths for Catherine, more so than even her own family.  She gives reasons, but just couldn't agree with them.

I found the history to be the most interesting part of this story.  Catherine had to witness a lot in her lifetime which I think explains a lot of how she reacted later in life.  Her mother had little care for her.  Her father didn't know she was most of the time.  She was sent away in her early years to be given the proper upbringing when her mother was influenced by one of the Dukes.  It seems it was always noticed what Catherine could do for France.  She was often used as a bargaining tool for King Henry V to stop warring with France.  In the end she was forced to choose between her brother the rightful heir to the throne and King Henry declaring war on France.  

I fear the thing that really drug this book down was it's length.  Granted I know this is a huge time period to cover, but it was very slow in parts and it seemed like the pages would drag on.  However, that won't stop me from reading the next book in the series. 

 

Review - The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin

Title: The Fortune Huntter

Author: Daisy Goodwin

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 480

Published: July 29th 2014 by St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 9781250043894

Source: Publisher for honest review

Description: In 1875, Sisi, the Empress of Austria is the woman that every man desires and every woman envies. Beautiful, athletic and intelligent, Sisi has everything - except happiness. Bored with the stultifying etiquette of the Hapsburg Court and her dutiful but unexciting husband, Franz Joseph, Sisi comes to England to hunt. She comes looking for excitement and she finds it in the dashing form of Captain Bay Middleton, the only man in Europe who can outride her. Ten years younger than her and engaged to the rich and devoted Charlotte, Bay has everything to lose by falling for a woman who can never be his. But Bay and the Empress are as reckless as each other, and their mutual attraction is a force that cannot be denied. 

I Give This ...

I've had Daisy Goodwin's first book on my to read list for awhile.  So, when the opportunity to review this one came up I jumped on it.  Now I see I need to make it a priority to read her first work.  I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

I love period books.  I often think and how I would act in a time period were women aren't allowed the liberties they are today.  I would think that I would be a lot like Charlotte (or other character similar to here).  While many is social circles found her odd, I thought she was charming.  Yes, she may have been a little bit naive at times.  She was young and probably been sheltered a lot due to her heiress status.  But, she had a quick tongue on her that told others what she was thinking.  Plus, I loved her love and talent for photography.  I think that it would the only think that kept her mind of things.  

I wasn't sure what to think of Bay for quite awhile.  I never thought he was a fortune hunter.  He seemed to be a man who loved to be in love.  He fell easily and often.  He had a charm about him that made women fall just as easily for him and not care about the risks associated with their affairs. I think he was also drawn to strong women, hence his attraction to the Empress.  I think he realized way to late in the game that what he felt for Charlotte was real while what he had with the Empress was just infatuation.  Unfortunately, it proved how deep he had gone that the Empress would not let him go to easily.  In the end, I felt sorry for him.  I don't think he deserved half the ridicule and shame he got, even if the situation was of his own making.

Our two royal figure were starch contrasts of each other.  Our older Queen Victoria is so hard to grasp.  She's has a way of lifting people up but at the same time making sure they know their place.  Empress Sisi is almost reckless by comparison.  Granted, she's not English so I don't think she ever thinks twice on how her favor of Middleton is seen by others.  All she knows is that he makes her happy and she will have him no matter what the cost.

I completely enjoyed how this story played out.  I enjoyed all our characters and how they interacted in both conventional and unconventional ways.  I loved how the horses, hunt, and the Grand National Race were included.  Now, I must read her first book!

 

 

 DAISY GOODWIN, a Harkness scholar who attended Columbia University’s film school after earning a degree in history at Cambridge University, is a leading television producer in the U.K. Her poetry anthologies, including 101 Poems That Could Save Your Life, have introduced many new readers to the pleasures of poetry, and she was Chair of the judging panel of the 2010 Orange Prize for Fiction. She and her husband, an ABC TV executive, have two daughters and live in London. After the success of her first novel, THE AMERICAN HEIRESS, she wrote THE FORTUNE HUNTER.  Please visit Daisy Goodwin's social website's for more information!

 

Review - The Shadow Queen by Sandra Gulland

Title: The Shadow Queen

Author:  Sandra Gulland

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 336

Published:  April 8th 2014 by Doubleday

ISBN: 9780385537520

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Claudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood wandering the French countryside with her family’s acting troupe, Claudette finally witnesses her mother's astonishing rise to stardom in Parisian theaters. Working with playwrights Corneille, Molière and Racine, Claudette’s life is culturally rich, but like all in the theatrical world at the time, she's socially scorned.  A series of chance encounters gradually pull Claudette into the alluring orbit of Athénaïs de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV and reigning "Shadow Queen." Needing someone to safeguard her secrets, Athénaïs offers to hire Claudette as her personal attendant. Enticed by the promise of riches and respectability, Claudette leaves the world of the theater only to find that court is very much like a stage, with outward shows of loyalty masking more devious intentions. This parallel is not lost on Athénaïs, who fears political enemies are plotting her ruin as young courtesans angle to take the coveted spot in the king's bed.  Indeed, Claudette's "reputable" new position is marked by spying, illicit trysts and titanic power struggles. As Athénaïs, becomes ever more desperate to hold onto the King's favor, innocent love charms move into the realm of deadly Black Magic, and Claudette is forced to consider a move that will put her own life—and the family she loves so dearly—at risk. 

I Give This ...

It's a personal of mine to read a little bit more historical fiction that is not set in England.    I was intrigued by this one because of Versailles mainly and the idea of a mistress rising to such power.

I always wondered about how Claudette managed to catch the eye of Athenais.  It often seemed more like an attraction on both of their parts more than anything.  And being part of the world that Claudettee is, it would seem like their paths would very rarely cross.  I think Claudette intrigued Athenais and used her own powers of persuasion (and money) to bind Claudette to her.

I loved the inclusion of the theater world in this.  I've always loved the theater, playrights and the different world they lived in.  I think they gave up a lot to do what they loved.  The people came to see them and favor of the royalty created intense rivalries.  Yet, they had many of their basic privileges taken from them.  They lived on little despite their packed playhouses.  I admired their devotion.

Now I've obviously never been someone's mistress, but Athenais really put a lot of time and effort to catering to the King.  If I've learned anything in the many books I've read is that King's fancies can change on a whim.  Perhaps that is why she turned to spells and potions.  She knew her hold on him would never last but she was determined to be his named Queen.

I actually learned quite a bit from this book about the time period in France.  I loved being able to piece together pieces of history that I knew nothing about.  I actually went and looked up more information concerning Athenais and Louis XIV.  The book was a bit slow at times, but at only 300+ pages, it was easy to get through.

 

Review - The Red Lily Crown: A Novel of Medici Florence by Elizabeth Loupas

Title: The Red Lily Crown

Author: Elizabeth Loupas

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 418

Published: April 1st 2014 by NAL Trade 

ISBN: 9780451418876

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: April, 1574, Florence, Italy. Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici lies dying. The city is paralyzed with dread, for the next man to wear the red lily crown will be Prince Francesco: despotic, dangerous, and obsessed with alchemy.  Chiara Nerini, the troubled daughter of an anti-Medici bookseller, sets out to save her starving family by selling her dead father’s rare alchemical equipment to the prince. Instead she is trapped in his household—imprisoned and forcibly initiated as a virgin acolyte in Francesco’s quest for power and immortality. Undaunted, she seizes her chance to pursue undreamed-of power of her own.   Witness to sensuous intrigues and brutal murder plots, Chiara seeks a safe path through the labyrinth of Medici tyranny and deception. Beside her walks the prince’s mysterious English alchemist Ruanno, her friend and teacher, driven by his own dark goals. Can Chiara trust him to keep her secrets…even to love her…or will he prove to be her most treacherous enemy of all? 

I Give This ...

Elizabeth Loupas has become a must read historical fiction author for me.  She's introduced me to characters I knew nothing about and has branched out my historical fiction reading.  This addition to her collection was no exception.  

I found Chiara to be fascinating.  I think as lot of that had to do with her knowledge of alchemy, which is a subject I know very little about but am very intrigued by.  I also found her to be very strong for a female in her time period.  She sets out to track down the Prince knowing that she has what he wants.  She barely bats an eye at the tests he puts her through.  I do have to say that I'm not sure if she was doing this for her family or more for herself.  She finds herself wanting to learn more about alchemy and push the limits of what she can do.  However, she also never forgets to provide for her family and thinks of their safety constantly.       

The part of the story that drew me in the most was how messed up the Medici family was.  I knew nothing of this family before reading this book.  Afterwards, I had to go look up information because I wanted to know how much of the events were fabricated.  Francesco was awful to his wife and flaunted around his mistress, whom I flat out despised by the end of the novel. The novel may present Francesco's involvement in his sister's death as fact, but no matter how you look at is I doubt his hands were clean in the matter.  Especially when you consider that their cousin died in a very similar manner only a week before.  When Francesco and Bianca are poisoned and die, I felt no better about the new Grand Duke.

I was happy to see Chaira escape from under this family.  I can't imagine being caught up in the kind of treachery on a daily basis.  It's no wonder that she had the rest of her family escorted out of the city to safety.  In the end she found love and perhaps a little peace, but I bet she always watched her back.