For the first time in one volume, Jean Plaidy’s duet of Borgia novels brings to life the infamous, reckless, and passionate family in an unforgettable historical saga.Madonna of the Seven Hills: Fifteenth-century Rome: the Borgia family is on the rise. Lucrezia’s father is named Pope Alexander VI, and he places his daughter and her brothers Cesare, Giovanni, and Goffredo in the jeweled … Goffredo in the jeweled splendor—and scandal—of his court. From the Pope’s affairs with adolescent girls, to Cesare’s dangerous jealousy of anyone who inspires Lucrezia’s affections, to the ominous birth of a child conceived in secret, no Borgia can elude infamy.
Light on Lucrezia:
Some said she was an elegant seductress. Others swore she was an incestuous murderess. She was the most dangerous and sought after woman in all of Rome. Lucrezia Borgia’s young life has been colored by violence and betrayal. Now, married for the second time at just eighteen she hopes for happiness with her handsome husband Alfonso. But faced with brutal murder, she’s soon torn between her love for her husband and her devotion to her brother Cesare… And in the days when the Borgias ruled Italy, no one was safe from the long arm of their power. Not even Lucrezia.
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I loved reading this as Inwas watching the series on Netflix.
This book was intriguing. It gave a new insight into the Borgia family, particularly Lucrecia Borgia. I think many view her as just an evil vain woman, but this book sheds new light on her life. I would highly recommend this book
Family Bonds or Chains?
This work puts together two novels about the infamous Borgias, dubbed in a cable television series as “The First Crime Family.” A family history is presented here of Patriarch Pope Alexander IV and his offspring, of which there were many. As pope, Alexander arranged murders, political intrigue, sired a number of bastard …
I really liked the way the author wrote her characters. Really liked it.
An entertaining and (almost) incredible narrative. Nearly all of the characters are ruthlessly ambitious. Their behavior is so shocking that it’s hard to believe these people actually existed. With family members like The Borgias, who needs enemies?
Interesting view of historical facts, adding wonderful characterizations
It was a novel, I have read others about the Borgia’s. It was a totally different take on the daughter. She is usually portrayed unfavorably. In this case they are more forgiving.
This happened then this and then guy came along then this woman…I am afraid I could not get far enough because of this type of narrative.
I enjoy historical fiction and I liked hearing this different view of the Borgia family, but it got a bit long, dragged in parts.
Repetitive motif
An OK read, but some of the characters seemed a little flat.
This book has a different twist of the historic perception of Lucrezia Borgia. Portrayed her as innocent and fearful of her family. Although there is sufficient character development, I found it lacking in contemporary world events, especially those related to the impact of the Borgias.
A wonderful books. Learned a lot of history from reading it. Would highly recommend…even though it is an 8 hour read.
Gave a clear and horrifying look into the strange, fiercely cruel personalities of this powerful clan. Probably, criminals – regardless of the times – have such ways of thinking. Yikes!!
Interesting how the church manipulates politics and controls people’s lives. Twisted duality.
I was hoping to find more about Caterina Sforza, but otherwise intriguing.
The first book was more interesting and flowed better than the second. There was a tiring repetition of physical description of main character.
One of the best books I have read.
I have read several different books on the Borgias, but never have I read anything so sad and tragic. She was a pawn, being used by both her father, the pope; and her beloved brother. During that age, women had no say over their lives at all. They were not people but pawns to be sold (figurative). All she was, was a broodmare, to have children, …
Jean Plaidy is the Queen of Historical fiction.