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The Borgia Betrayal by Sara Poole

The Borgia Betrayal

A Poisoner Mystery Novel

by Sara Poole

  • Critics' Consensus (3):
  • Readers' Rating (41):
  • Published:
  • Jun 2011, 400 pages
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There are currently 41 reader reviews for The Borgia Betrayal
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Patricia S. (Chicago, IL)

The Borgia Betrayal
The Borgia Betrayal is the sequel to Poison by Sara Poole, the first book about Francesca Giordano, but readers who start the series with the second one will have no trouble picking up the story, as it really stands alone. I was surprised that a series based on a female Italian poisoner was not about Lucrezia Borgia, but although she makes several appearances in the book, she is thirteen and waiting for her wedding, that may or may not actually take place. Francesca is the personal poisoner and protector of the Borgias, Lucrezia, Cesare (her lover) and Pope Alexander VI and is trying to protect them and, at themore
Carol G. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ)

The Borgia Betrayal
After watching The Borgias TV series I wanted to read this book. I'm only sorry that I didn't read Poole's Poison first for some insights and info on Francesca and her family.
I've read so much about the Tudors and now continuing on to the Borgias now. This detailed historical novel gives much insight into this powerful Renaissance family that many probably are not aware of.
I am looking forward to the third installment of this series as the conclusion of this book promises additional conflict.
This book was a compelling read from the first page and I would bet that any lover of historical fiction would bemore
Judy B. (Santa Fe,, NM)

The Pope's Poisioner
The continuation of Sara Poole's character, Donna Francesca, the Pope's Poisoner, is an action-packed novel with handsome knights, ordinary citizens of 15th century Rome, smugglers of the world below that city, a priest who is not very holy, and Pope Alexander VI who is conniving and cunning and wishes to barter his daughter's hand in marriage to retain his office as Pope. Donna Francesca must find the priest who wishes to kill the Pope before he does so and in so doing determine which of the pope's sons is a loyal subject. This is a very well researched "page-turner" of the highest form and you are learningmore
Mary D. (Claremont, CA)

The Borgia Betrayal
Excellent book! The storyline was intriguing and it drew you in right away. Even though I had not read the first book in this series, Poison, there was enough background information given so this book stands alone easily. (I did buy a copy of Poison and am reading it now.) The characters are well-drawn and all very interesting, although not all are likeable. Sara Poole has done great research into the time period both historically, especially dealing with the way Jews were treated and looked upon at that time and in the way the Roman Catholic Church tried to discourage education among the masses, and in terms ofmore
Carol P. (Mendham, NJ)

The Borgias and treacherous times
I tend to gravitate to historical fiction so although I may be biased, I thought Sara Poole did a wonderful job providing a view of a very turbulent time in Italy and around the European continent. Her narrative brings you into the intrigues, and lust for power being taken by the aristocracy and the church. At the same time however, you are able to envision the city of Rome, the streets and back alleys and all the sights and sounds of a city in tumult. The main character Francesca, a woman poisoner, brings to life the family story of Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, his sons Cesare, Juan and his daughtermore
Marsha S. (Nags Head, NC)

The Borgia Betrayal
Sara Poole has created a cracking good tale, filled with intrigue, mystery, plots twists, and romance told by the heroine Francesca Giordano, poisoner to Pope Rodrigo Borgia. I loved it that the central character is an interesting, independent woman, living a life unlike most other women of her time, yet made believable by the setting and circumstances created by the author.

Set in 1493 just after the discovery of the New World by Columbus, it brought me a new perspective on and interest in the effects of that discovery on the European world, and the power struggles it set into motion. Francesca deals with hermore
Alyce T. (San Antonio, TX)

The Borgia Betrayal
I had read Poison first but that was not necessary.The Borgia Betrayal is a stand alone book. I just loved this book and Sara Poole's style of wrting. The characters are so real that you could reach out and hug them. Francesca,the main character, is fictional. It is a historic novel and most of the book centers around real people who lived in the Borgia Era. It really helped fill in some gaps in my education of the period. I could not put the book down after after I started it. The events move swiftly and keep your attention. I was happy to find out that Sara will be publishing more books following Francesca'smore
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 aboutmore

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