wildwolverine's review
5.0
Perfection. Quinn does a fantastic job of creating a fulfilling narrative that both feels historically accurate but also triumphant. For the majority of this book, our three protagonists are scattered throughout Italy. They have to learn that what they thought they wanted is different than what they need. They each grow while simultaneously being pushed to their limits before finally being rewarded in a blaze of glory.
While Carmelina, Leonello, and Giulia are scattered, readers still get a front seat view to the demise of the Borgia family. The death of Juan is satisfyingly dramatic while both Lucrezia and Cesare's hearts harden to anything outside their own desires. Savonarola is also brought to his end while Rodrigo Borgia becomes intoxicated with hubris. Quinn does a good job of showing just how far the family has come without indulging in the lurid rumors that surround them. I felt like a learned a lot about the Italian Renaissance with this duology, and I know there's a lot more to uncover.
Everything I love about Quinn is on full display here: lush descriptions of fashion and food, complex characters who are harboring their own secrets, not to mention an absolutely epic declaration of love near the end of the novel. I've reread the last couple of chapters repeatedly because it's just so romantic. That said, I won't rush to recommend this duology to everyone. In order to get to the satisfying ending, the characters go through some pretty dark times. After all, this is the Italian Renaissance, a time known for its brutality as much as its beauty. However, if you can read through it, you will be justly rewarded. I know I can't wait for my next reread.
While Carmelina, Leonello, and Giulia are scattered, readers still get a front seat view to the demise of the Borgia family. The death of Juan is satisfyingly dramatic while both Lucrezia and Cesare's hearts harden to anything outside their own desires. Savonarola is also brought to his end while Rodrigo Borgia becomes intoxicated with hubris. Quinn does a good job of showing just how far the family has come without indulging in the lurid rumors that surround them. I felt like a learned a lot about the Italian Renaissance with this duology, and I know there's a lot more to uncover.
Everything I love about Quinn is on full display here: lush descriptions of fashion and food, complex characters who are harboring their own secrets, not to mention an absolutely epic declaration of love near the end of the novel. I've reread the last couple of chapters repeatedly because it's just so romantic. That said, I won't rush to recommend this duology to everyone. In order to get to the satisfying ending, the characters go through some pretty dark times. After all, this is the Italian Renaissance, a time known for its brutality as much as its beauty. However, if you can read through it, you will be justly rewarded. I know I can't wait for my next reread.
krispet's review
emotional
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
robynrussell's review
4.0
I loved this series and was so pleased with the conclusion! Watching the Pope's total decent from decency and Giulia's realization that love is much greater than a man simply wanting her for her body, the whole thing was perfect. Also I was just super happy that the two love stories I was pulling for came true in the end.
dja777's review
5.0
Loved this book so much I stayed up past 1 AM to finish it! It definitely moved quicker than the prequel -- although that one I listened to in audiobook form and I wasn't crazy about the narrator.
bookowl's review
1.0
Just couldn't get into it. I adore Kate Quinn's other series, but this one just wasn't for me. I can't put my finger on why. The characters were interesting and well-developed. I liked the ending. Just not something I'd read again.
wildweasel105's review
4.0
Having read "The Serpent and the Pearl", this sequel (thankfully) deftly picks up where the first book stops...and Kate Quinn doesn't disappoint in her story line as she continues the saga of Giulia Farnese and her ersatz marriage to Pope Alexander VI, better known as Rodrigo Borgia.
This novel continues examining the excesses of the corrupt Roman aristocracy in contrast to the struggling poor. The scandals, the political intrigue with France, the attempted reformation of the church by Fra Savonarola and the ultimate deterioration of Rodrigo Borgia's family all play a part in this novel. One cannot help but ask, "How did this Pope get away with so much, for so long?"
The characters are more developed in this sequel, and I would be remiss to discuss them or the ending in this entertaining story. Too bad my history classes in college weren't like this!
This novel continues examining the excesses of the corrupt Roman aristocracy in contrast to the struggling poor. The scandals, the political intrigue with France, the attempted reformation of the church by Fra Savonarola and the ultimate deterioration of Rodrigo Borgia's family all play a part in this novel. One cannot help but ask, "How did this Pope get away with so much, for so long?"
The characters are more developed in this sequel, and I would be remiss to discuss them or the ending in this entertaining story. Too bad my history classes in college weren't like this!
areagle1112's review
5.0
I loved it! Kate Quinn has done it again. She created a wonderful book that made history come alive right off the pages! I just wish there could be a third novel about the Borgias because it was all so mesmerizing. And the ending was amazing as well. Quinn has this powerful talent in her novels where they don't just end or the ending is less than the rest of the book; instead, they are wrapped up perfectly.
I can't wait until her next novel!
I can't wait until her next novel!
find10's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
lermaline's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0