The Popes Man was a terrific addition to the backdrop of 16th century Rome power dealing. I loved reading about a different aspect of Michelangelo and his turbulent relationship with the Pope and with Rome. Rovere as the main character with a mystery and thrilling situations moved the story very quickly. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

"The Pope's Man" presents the tale of a fictional illegitimate son of the very real Pope Juilus II, and how said illegitimate son served his father (temporal & spiritual, it turns out).

Francesco della Rovere is a papal legate, and is tasked by Pope Julius II with convincing Michelangelo (yes that Michelangelo) to return to Rome to paint the Sistine Chapel. Along with this, which he had to enlist help to accomplish, Francesco has to deal with the machinations going on at the papal court. Two advisors to the Pope jockey for power greater than the other. Then there is the ongoing feud between the Colonna and Orsini. Finally, secrets are discovered and revealed...all of which profoundly impact Francesco.

I enjoyed reading this books for a few reasons:
1. it was the right blend of historical fact, fiction, art, tangled family dynamics, violence, dry humor, and inappropriate sexual behaviors to keep me interested and intrigued;
2. some of the events were very interesting to read about: the discovery of the Laocoon statue, the rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo, and the tunnel where Cesare Borgia hid money and a golden cat objet d'art;
3. the art work itself mentioned in the book - the author was kind enough to list them at the start of the book, as well as the names of the real historical figures in the book (this was very helpful).

I give this book two thumbs up. Excellent writing that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley, Tarpley Jones, and Luminare Press for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is an excellent book covering the story of Pope Julius' legate, Francesco della Rovere, and the artist Michelangelo. It's the story of the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the politics and intrigue surrounding it. I found the story to be intriguing, and could not put the book down. It had it all, suspense, romance, historical information.
I am eagerly awaiting the author's future works!

Unfortunately, I was unable to download this book to the library so was unable to read it.

What a pity!!

Good luck with the book.

This is an intriguing historical fiction set in the early sixteenth century in The Vatican, Rome, and Florence during the papacy of Julius II. It’s the first decade of the century and the pope commands Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. But Michelangelo protests and refuses - he’s a sculptor not a painter - and flees back to his hometown of Florence. Francesco della Rovere, the pope’s man and a relative of the pope is dispatched to bring the elusive Michelangelo back to The Vatican. Throw in some intrigue, mystery, skirmishes, battles, Michelangelo-Raphael jealousy, and family rivalry - all ingredients that made for a fast-paced enjoyable trot through the pages. I loved the Renaissance setting with its sense of place and time, as well as the Rovere-Felice interaction. The politics of The Vatican are in full display from the pope himself and his inner circle to references in other parts of Europe. All in all an enjoyable read and I liked the somewhat endearing Francesco della Rovere character - a Franciscan friar. I hope there is a sequel since I was not satisfied with how the book ended and hope the author intents to release a follow-up book sometime soon! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An imaginative novel focusing on Julius II's legate, Francesco della Rovere, & Michelangelo. Rovere is dispatched first to bring the artist back to Rome, then to act in his stead during the Pope's siege of Bologna. Full of historical characters, lots of detail, and plenty of action, it's a wonderful book.