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ink_squid's review against another edition
4.0
***Won book in goodreads giveaway***
The Queen's Vow is narrated by Isabella de Castilla from her childhood through her marriage, children, wars, Columbus and everything along the way. She is a strong woman who will fight endlessly for her family, country and faith.
I enjoyed the book and never felt I was reading a man's words. It is rare than a man can speak from the perspective of a strong but realistic woman which Gortner achieves. Despite disagreeing with many of her choices I was left with an understanding of why she chose the paths she did.
The Queen's Vow is narrated by Isabella de Castilla from her childhood through her marriage, children, wars, Columbus and everything along the way. She is a strong woman who will fight endlessly for her family, country and faith.
I enjoyed the book and never felt I was reading a man's words. It is rare than a man can speak from the perspective of a strong but realistic woman which Gortner achieves. Despite disagreeing with many of her choices I was left with an understanding of why she chose the paths she did.
wordsofclover's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
booktalkwithkarla's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Queen’s Vow was recommended to me by two friends because of its setting in Spain. The three of us are traveling there soon. I picked it up because of their recommendation and my fascination with Spain, which captured my heart a few years ago. This is a story about Queen Isabella and her life and reign.
C.W. Gortner penned a story rich in detail, history, and narrative drive. His research and faithfulness to the humanity of these historical figures made the novel compelling and interesting. It was also very entertaining and engaging.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The map and family tree were super helpful in anchoring me to the past, freeing me to be carried along by the story and writing. I am even more excited for my trip to Spain and seeing some of the places with historical eyes. I appreciated the nuance and depth Gortner added to Isabel beyond bullet points of her misdeeds or accomplishments. This is a rich novel and well worth reading and I’ll be reading his other novels set in Spain.
ks2_alwaysreading's review against another edition
3.0
Was a nice summary from Isabel's POV and fit nicely in with what I learned in my Spanish history class in college. It was a slow read, though, in my opinion.
corbanleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mrs_wojo's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kellygoesgeocaching's review against another edition
3.0
Isabella is an inspirational queen and it was great to read a book about her. I've enjoyed reading about her daughter, Catherine of Aragon, previously and it was nice to build on that knowledge with more background information. I'm also familiar with some of the Spanish locations featured in this novel which helped. As a novel, it was full of well-developed characters and a fast-moving plotline which I enjoyed.
Although I do not share Isabella's religious furvor, I can understand how it led her into some horrific choices which dampened the gilt on her reign. The author has lent her a very sympathetic portrayal however all historical fiction must have some prejudice stamped on it by the author, like history itself.
Although I do not share Isabella's religious furvor, I can understand how it led her into some horrific choices which dampened the gilt on her reign. The author has lent her a very sympathetic portrayal however all historical fiction must have some prejudice stamped on it by the author, like history itself.
nessieread's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
aromo720's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0