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There are currently 41 member reviews
for The Borgia Betrayal
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Charla W. (biloxi, mS)
The Borgia Betrayal
This is the 2nd book in the series. The first book was "Poison". But, you need not have read it to enjoy this one. It is a stand alone story. I have not read Poison, and never felt I was missing anything while reading this one.
I loved that the main character was a woman, not just any woman, but a woman doing a mans job in the year 1493. Francesca Giordano was the Poisoner for Pope Alexander VI, aka Pope Roderigo Borgia. Francesca's father had been his poisoner until he was murdered. Then Francesca killed the man that was supposed to take her father's position. She became the poisoner because she knew more about her father's job than anyone.
Francesca's life is overflowing with potential danger to her life. She is part of a group called Lux. The members of the group are interested in Science, and if they are discovered reading and learning, it may be deemed as heresy which is punishable by death. Not just any death, but by being burned at the stake. Her affiliation with this group is very dangerous since she is so close to the Pope and her job is to protect the Pope at all costs.
Francesca is also sleeping with Cesare Borgia, the pope's oldest son. It is rumoured that Pope Alexander VI will make Cesare a Cardinal, which would put him in line to putting down a foundation for a dynasty of Borgia's to rule all of Christendom. The fear of this possibility increases the opposition to Pope Alexander's rule. The main threat is from Morozzi, the mad priest. Morozzi is a threat to the Pope and Francesca is hell bent on killing him with her own hands.
Not only is Francesca's life filled with danger, but it is also filled with romance. There is one steamy love scene in the Papal office that is unforgettable. There is man that lives near Francesca who is a glass blower. He has a son, but his wife has died. Francesca realizes that she has feelings for this man. His name is Rocco and his son's name is Nando. Rocco and Francesca have feelings for each other, but Francesca will not admit to her feelings for him. Rocco wants a mother for Nando. He gives Francesca the opportunity to voice her feelings, but she will not. He tells her that he is going to marry Carlotta d'Agnelli. Inside, Francesca is very sad and longs to be the kind of woman that could be a mother and wife.
This story is full of intrigue, romance, and adventure. Most historical fiction novels are centered on the Kings and Queens of the era. The view in this book is from the opposite side-the Church. It is an interesting view that I have explored very little. The people of the church were as corrupt as anyone could ever be. The Popes had mistresses and dozens of illegitimate children. They were not beyond murder or anything else in order to keep their positions.
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Rebecca G. (havertown, pa)
Intriguing Historical Fiction
Intriguing and ruthless characters, compelling plot twists and turns, and a healthy dose of gossip about people long dead. These are the elements, along with historical facts, that, to me, make for great historical fiction. Sara Poole's new book has plenty of these and more. Well written, well researched, this book kept me interested until the end. There are many references to past occurences that left me wondering if the end would provide explanations. It wasn't until I did some research that I discovered that this book is a follow up to the book Poison. It isn't necessary to read that book first but it would help to fully explain the actions of the main character and her past relationships. This is a book that should be read by anyone who enjoys historical fiction as much as I enjoy it.
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Tracy B. (New Castle, DE)
The Borgia Betrayal
This is not in my usual book genre but as I continued to read I enjoyed the unique situation of the heroine. The plot of suppression of a group (new to me), the friendships, freedom and sneakiness, religion and an evil element are just a few things going on. All of this kept my interest.
Personally I would not read more of this author. I would recommend it to others interested in historical novels. The ending really pulled together with excitement and intrigue.
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Mary L. (Madison, MS)
Interesting Series
I enjoyed this book for the history and strong female character. This is the second in a new series. Although, you do not need to read the first, I did go back and picked it up. Some scenes were a bit over the top but hey it is a novel. I would recommend for light, historical reading.
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Barbara R. (Fort Myers, FL)
The Borgia Betrayal
Francesca, the poisoner, is in charge of keeping rodrigo Borgia, pope Alexander safe. She is consantly facing intrigue, death and deceit. his book is full of facinating history of 1490's Rome. All of which is used to thwart Francesca in her attempts to keep the Pope Safe. You can't be sure your friends are your friends. There is romance, murder, lies and all kinds of deception. This is Sara Poole's Second. Have to read her first book and then wait for her third.
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Phyllis R. (Rochester Hills, MI)
The Borgia Betrayal
Against the Renaissance backdrop of Rome after 1493 and the return of Christopher Columbus when Italy was not united, but was several city states who vied for power, Francesca Giordano, is the intriguing and beautiful heroine. She is a "court poisoner" for Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, which means she not only concocts poisons, but must examine all food, wine and gifts presented the the Pope and protect this important family which was featured in the TV series,"The Borgias." Author,Sara Poole, richly details this historical period and deftly weaves several threads involving romance, religion, and politics.
This is the second in a series featuring Giordano and the ending is open-ended for the continuing saga.
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Valerie C. (Chico, CA)
Good Historical Fiction
I like historical fiction from this era, and the strong female lead in this novel is an added plus. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who has enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's books.
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