From the author of the beloved Josephine B. Trilogy, comes a spellbinding novel inspired by the true story of a young woman who rises from poverty to become confidante to the most powerful, provocative and dangerous woman in the 17th century French court: the mistress of the charismatic Sun King.1660, ParisClaudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood … 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.
Set against the gilded opulence of a newly-constructed Versailles and the War of Theaters, THE SHADOW QUEEN is a seductive, gripping novel about the lure of wealth, the illusion of power, and the increasingly uneasy relationship between two strong-willed women whose actions could shape the future of France.
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“The Shadow Queen” is an atmospheric historical novel offering a glimpse into a world of the Sun King’s most long-standing mistress, Athenaïs de Montespan, told from the perspective of her confidante, Claudette. From the very first page you’ll feel immersed in a fascinating world of theatre, courtiers, ordinary Parisians, and Louis XIV himself. …
I’m a big fan of Sandra Guilland — loved her three novel series about Josephine Bonaparte. This was also a quick and very enjoyable read!
Although this book is advertised as being about the court of Louis XIV and his mistress, Athenais de Montespan — both are more peripheral, though important characters. The central protagonist is Claude des …
I read this when i was writing my own novel on the Affair of the Poisons. It’s a different take on many of the same characters but very intriguing and atmospheric. I was completely sucked in by the story.
If you like good historical fiction, this is a fascinating read by Canadian author Sandra Gulland who has sold over one-million copies of historical fiction set in Europe. It explores a different side of life than her best-selling Josephine B. trilogy, and focuses on the relationships of a girl from poverty who became the confidant and companion …
thought provoking
This book is actually (as others have said) more about the theater life than the palace life but it is still interesting. Some of the characters are historical, while others are fictional but they all work well together.
This book was a little slow paced, but was an interesting story. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Worth reading!