For fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, a gripping novel that follows the extraordinary life of young Lucrezia Borgia, the legendary Renaissance Pope Alexander’s beautiful daughter. Was she the heartless seductress of legend? Or merely an unsuspecting pawn in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and her own survival?
Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias became Italy’s most ruthless and powerful family, electrifying and terrorizing their 15th-century Renaissance world.
To this day, Lucrezia Borgia is known as one of history’s most notorious villainesses, accused of incest and luring men to doom with her arsenal of poison.
International bestselling author C.W. Gortner’s new novel delves beyond the myth to depict Lucrezia in her own voice, from her pampered childhood in the palaces of Rome to her ill-fated, scandalous arranged marriages and complex relationship with her adored father and her rival brothers—brutal Juan and enigmatic Cesare.
This is the dramatic, untold story of a papal princess who came of age in an era of savage intrigue and unparalleled splendor, and whose courage led her to overcome the fate imposed on her by her Borgia blood.
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook
Pages: 400
Genre: Historical Fiction
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND
Praise
“Assiduously researched and expertly crafted . . . . This unholy
plunge into Rome’s darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing.” – Allison
Pataki, New York Times bestselling author
“A spider web of Renaissance intrigue with a legendary cast . . .
Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization make
for a fascinating read.” – Margaret George, New York Times bestselling
author
“Elegantly written and deeply researched . . . Renaissance Italy is
vividly brought to life. I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s
take on the controversial Borgias.” – Alison Weir, NYT bestselling
author
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.
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 visit C.W. Gortner’s website and blog. You can also find him on Facebook, Twittter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube. Sign up for C.W. Gortner’s Newsletter for updates.
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This sounds fantastic!! I know the author has a Tudor spy series, which I haven't read yet, but this book sounds really intriguing. And I can't resist a Margaret George blurb haha. Too bad I'm so behind on commenting that I missed the giveaway! :P Hope you loved the book if you read it already!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh Morgan I think you would really like the Tudor spy series by this author. They're quick and easy but pretty detailed and atmospheric!
DeleteSorry you missed the giveaway! Next time I'll be sure to @ you on twitter :)