Winter, 1564. Beautiful young Princess Margot is summoned to the court of France, where nothing is what it seems and a wrong word can lead to ruin. Known across Europe as Madame la Serpente, Margot's intimidating mother, Queen Catherine de MÈdicis, is a powerful force in a country devastated by religious war. Among the crafty nobility of the royal court, Margot learns the intriguing and unspoken rules she must live by to please her poisonous family. Eager to be an obedient daughter, Margot accepts her role as a marriage pawn, even as she is charmed by the powerful, charismatic Duc de Guise. Though Margot's heart belongs to Guise, her hand will be offered to Henri of Navarre, a Huguenot leader and a notorious heretic looking to seal a tenuous truce. But the promised peace is a mirage: her mother's schemes are endless, and her brothers plot vengeance in the streets of Paris. When Margot's wedding devolves into the bloodshed of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, she will be forced to choose between her family and her soul. MÈdicis Daughter is historical fiction at its finest, weaving a unique coming-of-age story and a forbidden love with one of the most dramatic and violent events in French history.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND
Advance Praise
"This is Renaissance France meets Game of Thrones: dark, sumptuous historical fiction that coils religious strife, court intrigue, passionate love, family hatred, and betrayed innocence like a nest of poisonous snakes. Beautiful Princess Margot acts as our guide to the heart of her violent family, as she blossoms from naive court pawn to woman of conscience and renown. A highly recommended coming-of-age tale where the princess learns to slay her own dragons!" --Kate Quinn, Bestselling author of LADY OF THE ETERNAL CITY"The riveting story of a 16th century French princess caught in the throes of royal intrigue and religious war. From the arms of the charismatic Duke of Guise to the blood-soaked streets of Paris, Princess Marguerite runs a dangerous gauntlet, taking the reader with her. An absolutely gripping read!" --Michelle Moran, bestselling author of THE REBEL QUEEN
"Rising above the chorus of historical drama is Perinot's epic tale of the fascinating, lascivious, ruthless House of Valois, as told through the eyes of the complicated and intelligent Princess Marguerite. Burdened by her unscrupulous family and desperate for meaningful relationships, Margot is forced to navigate her own path in sixteenth century France. Amid wars of nation and heart, MÈdicis Daughter brilliantly demonstrates how one unique woman beats staggering odds to find the strength and power that is her birthright." --Erika Robuck, bestselling author of HEMINGWAY'S GIRL
my thoughts:
Brilliant. This is what I call a "WOW" book.
I've read several novels about the unscrupulous Valois family, most of which make Margot a lesser character. This book centered on her and her various relationships with her difficult family members. This is a well written historical fictional tale of French history. Sophie Perinot has created a wonderful tale revolving around an incredibly dysfunctional family, led by Queen Mother Catherine de Medici, (aka la Serpente..yes THE SNAKE)
Unlike many historical fiction novels, this book doesn't read like a history book, but like a fantastic tale. We have a front row seat to several sixteenth century events, including the St. Bartholemew's Day Massacre and the religious upheaval in France. We glimpse life inside the French court during the reign of the Valois.
Interesting story, but not a quick read, plan to spend a great deal of time reading this absorbing novel. The time spent will not be wasted. You will become enthralled as you read, I promise.
As a reader, and a lover of history, I was fascinated by this novel.
I give it 5/5 teacups.
PS. I have re-read this book not once but TWICE, it's that good!!!
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Monday, November 16 Review at The Mad Reviewer Review at Peeking Between the Pages Tuesday, November 17 Review at Just One More Chapter Wednesday, November 18 Review at The Maiden's Court Thursday, November 19 Review at The Eclectic Reader Friday, November 20 Review at The True Book Addict Monday, November 23 Review at Broken Teepee Guest Post at A Literary Vacation Tuesday, November 24 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Wednesday, November 25 Review at A Literary Vacation Friday, November 27 Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection Monday, November 30 Review at leeanna.me Tuesday, December 1 Review at To Read, Or Not to Read Wednesday, December 2 Review at Bibliophilia, Please Thursday, December 3 Review at The Book Binder's Daughter Friday, December 4 Guest Post at Bibliophilia, Please Monday, December 7 Review at Flashlight Commentary Tuesday, December 8 Interview at Flashlight Commentary Wednesday, December 9 Review at Curling Up By the Fire Thursday, December 10 Review at The Readers Hollow Friday, December 11 Review at Reading Lark Monday, December 14 Review at A Book Geek Tuesday, December 15 Review at The Lit Bitch Wednesday, December 16 Review at CelticLady's Reviews Friday, December 18 Review & Interview at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Monday, December 21 Review at Bookish Tuesday, December 22 Spotlight at Passages to the Past Wednesday, December 23 Review & Guest Post at Historical Fiction Obsession Monday, December 28 Review at Unshelfish Tuesday, December 29 Interview at Unshelfish Thursday, December 31 Review at The Reading Queen
