Princess Margot, daughter of the famous Catherine de Medici and sister of three kings, is a fascinating figure. She was the subject of an excellent French film. But instead of the promiscuous royal of the film, this historical novel shows us Margot as a vulnerable teenager growing into womanhood in a treacherous Valois court. I liked the balance between family drama and personal growth.

This was so enjoyable, following the life of Princess Margot, the daughter of Catherine de Medici, in 1564's France. Excellent historical fiction inspired by true events.

When dealing with challenging historical periods, it's easy for a novel to take on the appearance of a narration, but Perinot doesn't allow that to happen. Neither does it become a soap opera. Following the story of Margot, the daughter of Catherine d 'Medici. Margot is as most women were in the 1500's basically a pawn used in creating alliances through marriages. Margot narrates her own story and she is very clear about what her mother and brothers are up to. The only quibble I have is perhaps the editing could have been a little tighter.

Marguerite de Valois and her formidable mother Catherine de Medicis. Kings and Queens and Princesses and Dukes. As a fun historical romp through a turbulent period in French history, this can’t really be faulted. The author has obviously done her research, and she manages to convey the often fraught atmosphere at the French court, with its intrigues, jealousies and betrayals. But as a work of serious historical fiction I found it lacking in many respects. The writing is febrile at times, and drama often becomes melodrama. There’s a heightened sense of romance and passion and desire, and the first-person narration by Marguerite de Valois herself too frequently sounds like the petulance of a teenager in a strop. The political events are really there just as a backdrop to the court intrigue, whereas I would have preferred to learn more about them. This is the time of the Wars of Religion and the horrific St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, events which seem to me to be of more importance than Margot’s infatuations. However, take it for what it is, a romantic historical novel about an interesting group of characters, and an exploration of the upbringing of a royal princess, then there’s much to enjoy here, and something to learn as well.

*I never got around to reading and reviewing this book. I may do so in the future*

Margot, a Princess of France, is summoned to her mother's court in 1564. At court, her widowed mother, Catherine de Medicis, rules over a country divided by religion. Margot easily makes friends of her mother's women spies, but finds that she must follow a different set of rules. Margot easily falls in love with the Duc de Guise, leader of the Catholic faction at court, but is betrothed to Henri of Navarre, her uncouth cousin to seal a truce. Margot sees behind the illusion of peace and begs her brother, King Charles, to spare her husband. The night that follows sets France and Margot's family into a path of chaos and destruction.

This book was amazing. Margot is a perfect character. She is smart, caring and a little bit stubborn. I loved her evolution from a fresh convent girl to a Princess of France. Her family dynamics were captured with amazing clarity, even down to the most minuscule detail. Catherine's rule was far stretching and absolute, but Margot challenges her. A perfect book. I knew I'd love it as much as I loved Perinot's first book, Sister Queens.

Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.

Set to be published on 3/1/17.

As a reader who greatly enjoys history, I can say I enjoyed this book. The story is about Marguerite de Valois, the daughter of Catherine de Medici, who later married the King of Navarre. It takes a close look at a young girl who would become queen twice in her lifetime, immersing yourself in a rich and dangerous time period of history. Faced with hard choices throughout her life, Marguerite really comes into her own by the end of the novel. The writing style of this novel truly allows the reader to enjoy the voice of Marguerite telling her story.