An absolutely stunning novel that breathes life into the fascinating world of the Borgias and their connections to the Church and the royal world. Fans of the various television series about the families will love this version of the story. Recommended.

This novel sweeps the reader away to Rome, and the papal court of Pope Alexander. His beloved daughter, Lucrezia, is a prize many aspire to. But Alexander is careful in who he trusts. Lucrezia's life is full of triumph and sorrow. But through it all, she perseveres, even when her family falls.

This book is gorgeously written. Lucrezia is not a one dimensional character, but a strong woman. I loved Gortner's take on her twisted familial politics.

This was a fascinating look at a time period I haven't read to much about so I really enjoyed this book as I do with all CW Gortners books! I did buy this for the library and recommend it often!

First Impressions:

The Vatican Princess by C.W. Gortner is an intriguing narrative of the Borgias. There is drama, backstabbing and poison all tied up in one neat package. I was immediately entranced.

What I Liked:

The pacing of the novel was fantastic. I was on the edge of my seat waiting upon the next conniving move to be made.
Lucrezia Borgia was a very likable person despite the atmosphere she grew up in. I thought C.W. Gortner did a good job portraying her innocence and naivete. As she was only 13 when she wed her inexperience in all aspects of life was an interesting look and I enjoyed seeing her mature and using her instinct to manipulate situations.
Despite her family being horrible I quite liked the interactions between them, no matter how dastardly. However, just when you thought blood was thicker than water I was proved wrong time and time again.

What I Didn't like:

There were three sex scenes that I didn't care for. The first, while the act of cheating served a purpose and set wheels in motion, I didn't care for how it was done. I thought it was a little too explicit and I would have prefered an "end scene" route. The second, I knew was coming the minute Lucrezia married. Her husband forced himself on her. It just gave me a bad taste in my mouth and was glad it ended quickly. The last involved incest, it was a little too Princess Daisy for my taste and could have been skipped over.

Audio Impressions:

I did listen to part of this on audio and really enjoyed Julia Whelan's interpretation of it. She is fast becoming a go-to narrator as she enhances the vibrant words being read.

Final Impressions

This was my first book by C.W. Gortner and I know it won't be my last. He is so descriptive I could picture the very stones Lucrezia walked on. The author was also so meticulous in bringing these characters to life that they could only be compared to Pinocchio becoming a "real boy". The Borgias were vivid creatures and were as alluring and deceitful as the Tudors. Lucrezia's story is one I will not forget anytime soon.

*My review is currently available on Goodreads and will be posted to my blog, First Impressions Reviews on August 26.
http://www.firstimpressionsreviews.com/

History has not been kind to the Borgias much of which is well deserved. It is very sad, however, that Lucrezia got sucked into the mix. It is difficult remembering that she was merely 13 yrs old when the events of this novel occured. This poor girl endured more tragedy in her adolescence than most people experience in a lifetime. Gortner, again, does a brilliant job in personalizing his characters and bringing them to life. 4.5 stars.