‘Under Palombo’s skillful hand, the entangled world of the Borgias comes vividly to life, exposing the dark facets of class structure and the all-consuming greed that comes with ambition–and love.” – Heather Webb, internationally bestselling author of Last Christmas in Paris and Meet Me in Monaco During the sweltering Roman summer of 1492, Rodrigo Borgia has risen to power as pope. Rodrigo’s … risen to power as pope. Rodrigo’s eldest son Cesare, forced to follow his father into the church and newly made the Archbishop of Valencia, chafes at his ecclesiastical role and fumes with jealousy and resentment at the way that his foolish brother has been chosen for the military greatness he desired.
Maddalena Moretti comes from the countryside, where she has seen how the whims of powerful men wreak havoc on the lives of ordinary people. But now, employed as a servant in the Vatican Palace, she cannot help but be entranced by Cesare Borgia’s handsome face and manner and finds her faith and conviction crumbling in her want of him.
As war rages and shifting alliances challenge the pope’s authority, Maddalena and Cesare’s lives grow inexplicably entwined. Maddalena becomes a keeper of dangerous Borgia secrets, and must decide if she is willing to be a pawn in the power games of the man she loves. And as jealousy and betrayal threaten to tear apart the Borgia family from within, Cesare is forced to reckon with his seemingly limitless ambition.
Alyssa Palombo’s captivating new novel, The Borgia Confessions, is a story of passion, politics, and class, set against the rise and fall of one of Italy’s most infamous families–the Borgias.
more
Travel back in time to Renaissance Rome and slip into the skin of one of history’s most fascinating villains, Cesare Borgia. I never thought I would look forward to seeing the world as Cesare Borgia saw the world, but I did look forward to opening this book and reading every chapter. It flips back and forth between chapters narrated by Cesare and chapters narrated by a servant in his household, Maddalena. A story about the powerful and the powerless, men versus women, and the drama of Renaissance Rome, you won’t be able to put this one down.
This book is so good! It is intriguing, lustful, suspenseful, sensual, and has a really great mixture of fact and fiction. Every time I picked up this book, I felt like I was truly in the world of the Borgias.
This is the first book I have read by Alyssa Palombo, and I can’t wait to read more! You can tell she did an incredible amount of research, and she really knows her subject. Her writing is extremely vivid and poetic. She truly brought the time period, characters, and places in her novel to life, and I could envision everything very clearly.
If you love historical fiction and / or the Borgias, I highly recommend this novel! I could not wait to see what happened chapter after chapter! I also really enjoyed the switching of the two points of view, and felt this was perfectly planned for what was needed where to enhance the story.
Thank you so much to St. Martins Press for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard a ton about the Borgia’s. What information I knew had been picked up in other books. So, when I was approached to the blog tour for The Borgia Confessions, I was intrigued. The blog painted the book as a romance set in Renaissance Italy. Then I read the book and man; it is more than what I thought. And I mean that in the absolute best way!!
The Borgia Confessions is told from the viewpoint of Cesare (1st person) and Maddalena (1st person). I am not a fan of dual storylines, but in this case, it was needed.
The pacing of The Borgia Confessions was fast-paced. It needed to be, considering the author was writing about a time where wars ended politics and people being murdered was commonplace. There were no dropped storylines, no dropped characters, and I didn’t have any issues keeping up with the plotline. What I enjoyed is that even though the plotline was fast-paced, I didn’t have to go back and reread chapters. That was a massive plus for me.
I will admit that I did some research into Cesare Borgia after I read the book. The author did a great job of keeping to who Cesare was. He was not a nice man. He murdered, bribed, and man whored. There was a hint of the scandal between him and Lucretiza. But, the author only let it stay a hint. The majority of the book focused on Cesare, his issues, and of course, his romance with Maddalena.
I did like Maddalena, and I loved the insight that her character gave to what was happening behind the scenes. But I found her almost too pious. Her constant praying and thinking about sin got on my nerves. I also wasn’t a fan of how two-sided she was. She was quick to condemn Cesare when he was sleeping with his brother’s wife. But when she was sleeping with him and was condemned by the other servants, she was hurt. I kept thinking to myself, “Can’t have it both ways, buttercup.”
I did think Cesare was a manwhore. Him being a Cardinal didn’t slow him down. He went after anything in skirts. That included his own brother’s wife. I was expecting Maddalena and him to hook up, but I wasn’t expecting it to be as late in the book as it was. Honestly, I was glad. I liked that Cesare and Maddalena were able to form a relationship before they got involved. Did I believe that Cesare loved Maddalena? Yes, I do. I do think that in his way, he did.
The end of The Borgia Confessions was rather abrupt. I was left wondering what happened to Maddalena and Cesare. The author’s note, afterward, did clear up any questions that I had. The author, in her note, also explained why she didn’t touch upon the rumors that surrounded Cesare, Lucretiza, and Pope Alexander’s incestuous relationship. She also told why she changed Joffre and Juan’s names. In real life, they were Gioffre and Giovanni.
Alyssa Palombo’s deft and delicate prose makes a gorgeous contrast against the visceral and cutthroat world of the Borgias. Dark and decadent, The Borgia Confessions is mesmerizing from start to finish.
Handsome. Intriguing. Dangerous. Seductive. [This] is everything you want in a book — it’s a romance, a page-turner, and a ride deep into the sumptuous and tumultuous time of Renaissance Italy.
Palombo has crafted a sweeping and surprisingly sympathetic portrait of Cesare Borgia, one of history’s most notorious “bad boys,” and the world surrounding him. [A] dark Renaissance parable about the intertwining of lust and power. If you’re as fascinated with all things Borgia as I am, you won’t want to miss this one!
Under Palombo’s skillful hand, the entangled world of the Borgias comes vividly to life, exposing the dark facets of class structure and the all-consuming greed that comes with ambition — and love. I was utterly engrossed from page one. A colorful and suspenseful novel, The Borgia Confessions is packed with complex characters and political intrigue, and will leave readers hungry for more.
Rich, fascinating, and immersive!
The Borgia Confessions is a compelling, informative tale set in Rome from 1492 to 1498 that tells the story of Rodrigo Borgia’s children, primarily Cesare, the Archbishop of Valencia who entered the church to please his father against his own true passion for battle and desire to become a condottiere; as well as that of Maddalena, a pious, palace servant who was not only loyal and friendly but a temptation too strong to resist.
The prose is vivid and alluring. The characters are bold, ruthless, and driven. And the plot is a sweeping saga that gives an insightful view into the sacrifices, struggles, hopes, fears, treachery, and entangled relationships of one of the most powerful families of Renaissance Italy.
The Borgia Confessions is, ultimately, a story about life, loss, love, politics, power, war, corruption, greed, fervour, desires, and sacrifice. It’s a perceptive, absorbing, well-written tale by Palombo that does a beautiful job of highlighting her impressive research and considerable knowledge into the infamous House of Borgia and their undeniable influence on both the Vatican and Italian history.
It has been a long time since I dove into a true historical fiction… you know the ones that take actual events and characters from history and throw in a few fictional one and then take you on a behind the scenes ride through history. AHHHHHH—I forgot how much I loved this genre!!
I really enjoyed Alyssa Palombo’s writing style. The book was easy to read despite the wealth of facts and information that created the backdrop to this family drama. Because when you boil it all down that is what this is. The story behind the Borgia family drama as told by the son Cesare and of course to make the book that much more interesting also from one of the servants in the Borgia household, Maddalena.
These were not glorified perfect people. Oh my, everyone in this book is so far from perfect! These were seriously flawed characters. But for me that is what made the book so captivating. All of these people acting out, manipulating, bending wills to their way… but even though you could see this ugly side of them and their ambitions we also got a peek into their hearts. And though ambition, greed and pride drive so many of their actions, so does love. And seeing that love added beauty to this tale.
The Borgia Confessions was everything that I didn’t realize I was missing. It was chock full of history, drama, scandal, intrigue and passion.
The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo is a thrilling, intricate, and intriguing historical fiction novel that rotates between Cesare Borgia and one of the maids that worked for the family, and eventually his lover, Maddalena Moretti. While the character of Moretti is fictional, the author used that perspective to give the reader a further look into the thought process and steps leading up to the “creation” of what we know of Cesare Borgia. It gave us wonderful insights into his family, and what we would think would have been going on during that time.
The novel spans from 1492-1498. I find the timeframe and how she ended the book, appropriate, fascinating, and perfect. I would love to read a follow up in the next step of Cesare’s life.
Fabulous read 5/5 stars.
It is 1492 and we meet Rodrigo Borgia – Pope Alexander VI who has four children and a mistress.
The children must do what their father says so the Borgia family can become more powerful.
His son, Cesare, must become a cardinal when he really wants to be in the military.
His son, Juan, must go to the military when he really isn’t suited for it.
His daughter, Lucrezia, is thirteen and must marry a man 20 years older than she is so two powerful families can advance together.
The fourth child, Jofre, was too young to even consider for anything to help his powerful reign increase until he decided it would be in the family’s best interest to find a marriage partner for him at the age of 12.
It seems as if marrying into another powerful family would make your family more powerful, and that seemed to be the Pope’s main concern.
Ms. Palombo did extensive, amazing research for THE BORGIA CONFESSIONS and gave us a detailed account of the activities at this time. What a wonderful history lesson with information that was new to me.
Learning how life in the Vatican was in the 1400’s was quite interesting especially how they married off their children at such a young age and did everything for gaining status and power.
I enjoyed the family interaction, but the military planning and political undertakings were not of much interest even though these facts were the gist of the story line and marvelously told.
Also be aware that there are some graphic romantic scenes.
Did the public really know what went on in the castles with these holy men?
What a time to live, and what a family.
It seems that there was a lot of greed, scheming, murders at their whim, and other sins to confess. 🙂 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“What is in your heart is of no use to me, nor to this family”..”It is what is in your mind that will serve us, and what I intend to make us of..”
I don’t seek out novels set in the Renaissance era so this was an unusual read for me. I wanted to go out of my comfort reading zone and am very glad that I took a chance on The Borgia Confessions. A wonderful read about the rise of power of the Borgia family and how the ambition and lust for power affected the family. Cesare is the center point character as we see his rise through the church ranks though his desire is to be a soldier. The historical events in this novel really happened as well as most of the characters mentioned are real. One exception being Maddalena who is a servant girl in the Vatican Palace who finds herself woven into Borgia family. Her point of view, along with Cesare’s make an intriguing read. I was entertained, I learned some history I wasn’t aware of, and I now will seek additional info on the Borgia family, especially Cesare. Fantastic writing, engaging characters, with history brought to life in a fascinating and engaging way to captivate the reader. A novel which has stuck with me after I have read it – that is what makes a 5 star read for me. I am not quite ready to let it go yet! Excellent read.
“The Borgia Confessions” is a vibrant, intimate portrait of the lust for political and religious power and influence across the glorious tapestry of Renaissance Italy. Alyssa Palombo also skillfully depicts the strictures of love and class, and consequently happiness and heartbreak. For those who love history, you won’t be disappointed.
The Borgia Confessions has it all: politics, religion, money, power, sex….Alyssa Palombo takes us on a rollicking romp during the Borgia papacy. Rodrigo Borgia has become pope and he immediately sets to making the most of it for himself and his family. His son Cesare is made Archbishop (but what he really wants is to lead the papal army); his elder son is given the army despite a complete lack of experience and an inability to understand anything about the military; daughter Lucrezia is a pawn to gain the loyalty of this family and that by marriage; and aren’t popes supposed to be celibate? Rodrigo’s luscious young mistress Giulia joins the Borgia family.
The characters are richly developed, and Alyssa Palombo has largely avoided the villainization and titillating rumors (generally unfounded) so common in novels about the Borgias, particularly Cesare and Lucrezia, who are portrayed as pawns in their father’s game, with the same human foibles as the rest of us. A talented but under-appreciated son; the incompetent but favored elder son; the treasured daughter, are all part of this elegant tapestry of history, where politics, treachery and family loyalty rule the day.
The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo
Series: No
Format: Paperback
2 Star
Recommend: No
Would Reread: No
“The Borgia Confessions, is a story of passion, politics, and class, set against the rise and fall of one of Italy’s most infamous families–the Borgias.”
This book started out good but quickly fell flat. Starting around page 150 to 200 I started to loss interest and by 230 I was done. I had no emotional attachment to any of the characters and there was not much of a story plot. But I made myself finish it anyway.
I really wanted to love this book it was so beautifully written but it was just boring.
I received an ARC from a goodreads giveaway.
I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.
For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspot.com/
A well written, well researched book! The book alternated chapters and I found each storyline interesting. I enjoyed the book and liked the characters even tho I didn’t agree with the things they did. Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s press for the early copy.
I love historical fiction and reading new authors. The Borgia Confessions is the best book about the Borgias that I have read so far. While it is a fiction book a lot of it is factual. Alyssa Palomar did some amazing research. The story is told by Cesare Borgia and Maddalena. I enjoyed reading this book and had a hard time putting it down! I look forward to reading more books by this author. If you’re a fan of historical fiction then you have to read this! Highly recommend!