" From the national bestselling author of The Serpent and the Pearl comes the continuing saga of the ruthless family that holds all of Rome in its grasp, and the three outsiders thrust into their twisted web of blood and deceit . . .
As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from overand now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexanders thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.
Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissances most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask . . ."
I could only rate this a 4 * on account of basically the first six chapters (except for the very beginning) was just so hard and difficult to wade through. It was also boring enough that I kept falling asleep. I did continue along with the story and from Chapter Six on the book was just great! I liked the few "normal" people in the book and all the Borgia family was just thoroughly evil, disgusting, selfish and just plain wicked. I guess there was just the super-rich and the super-poor people of the world. There were so many murders I lost track of them all! The rich got away with whatever they wanted to do or had done. Basically whatever they wanted they just took! People's lives had little value - ex: Pope got pissed because someone had insulted his son at a party so he had him hung right there at the party, on the spot -- no trial no nothing. The whole community would dash to hangings, punishments, branding or burning of criminals (who half were really not) as if to a great big fun event.
Once I got into the story I couldn't put it down: the customs, society, culture all weaved together like a wonderful great big colorful tapestry! The ending made me smile, often chuckle and was worth the read!
As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from overand now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexanders thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.
Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissances most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask . . ."
I could only rate this a 4 * on account of basically the first six chapters (except for the very beginning) was just so hard and difficult to wade through. It was also boring enough that I kept falling asleep. I did continue along with the story and from Chapter Six on the book was just great! I liked the few "normal" people in the book and all the Borgia family was just thoroughly evil, disgusting, selfish and just plain wicked. I guess there was just the super-rich and the super-poor people of the world. There were so many murders I lost track of them all! The rich got away with whatever they wanted to do or had done. Basically whatever they wanted they just took! People's lives had little value - ex: Pope got pissed because someone had insulted his son at a party so he had him hung right there at the party, on the spot -- no trial no nothing. The whole community would dash to hangings, punishments, branding or burning of criminals (who half were really not) as if to a great big fun event.
Once I got into the story I couldn't put it down: the customs, society, culture all weaved together like a wonderful great big colorful tapestry! The ending made me smile, often chuckle and was worth the read!
