The Last Queen

A Novel of Juana La Loca

By: C. W. Gortner

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

One of history's most enigmatic women tells the haunting, passionate story of her tumultuous life. Juana of Castile is just thirteen when she witnesses the fall of Moorish Granada and the uniting of the fractured kingdoms of Spain under her warrior parents, Isabel and Fernando. Intelligent, beautiful, and proud of her heritage, Juana rebels when she is chosen as a bride for the Hapsburg heir - until she comes face-to-face with Prince Philip the Fair, a man who will bring her the greatest of passions, and the darkest despair.

When tragedy decimates Juana's family in Spain, she suddenly finds herself heiress to Castile, a realm prey to scheming lords bent on thwarting her rule. The betrayal of those she loves plunges Juana into a ruthless battle of wills - a struggle of corruption, perfidy, and heart-shattering deceit that could cost her the crown, her freedom, and her very life.

©2008 C.W. Gortner (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A novel of ravishing power....With compassion and deep respect, Gortner brings Juana la Loca to vivid life." (Malaga Daily)

ended too soon

learned alot about the history of Spain. enjoyed the fully developed characters. A good read.

A grate book

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The reader was wonderful. I have never heard much of Joanna before, and I pittyed her. Her story was sad. Also, it was very interesting to hear about Catherine of Aragon??
as a child. I heard a lot of her as a queen.

Hard to stop listening!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book...vivid details brought it all to life and the narration voice was perfect!!

Fascinating! Intriguing! Captivating!

Fascinating era! Intriguing storyline! Captivating characters! Brilliantly written! Pleasingly performed!
I didn't want it to end!

Excellent excellent excellent!!!!

This book is absolutely fascinating. I hear it mostly while running, and many times I ran much more than usual just to keep on hearing the story. I will give an A+ to the story, the performance and the narration was superb A++.

A Must Read!

CW Gortner has written an unbelievably fascinating novel bout a woman who has been largely forgotten and branded as a lunatic. Historically called Juana La Loca, or Juana the crazy, this woman suffered tremendously. Yet it is her sister Katherine of Aragon that is far more remembered. (Henry VIII's first wife)

From an innocent girl in love, to a prisoner held hostage by the ambitions of men, Juana was brutally betrayed by her husband, her own father and even her sons. It's heart-breaking and terrifying. But very addictive reading!!

Although Juana of Castile is one of the more tragic historical figures I've come across, the author writes her story beautifully and concisely, and with respect and dignity.

A captivating story that is impossible to put down. I stayed up all night, finishing it in one sitting! That is rare for me with this type of book!

Highly recommended!!

Ending was rushed

This book was very engaging until the last hour. Juaa's final return to Spain and imprisonment seemed rushed and tacked on. Until the I was interested in her life and what was or wasn't going to happen.

Juana La Loca

I enjoyed the storyline very much. Knowing full well that many of the intimate details were liberties that the author took, I felt that they could very well be true. This kept me going chapter to chapter. What I did not like was the spanish pronunciation. It irked me when I heard the spanish words being butchered. Surely there must have been someone that could have corrected the reader or get someone that actually speaks spanish.

A Taste of History

I remember reading about Queen Isabel but had no knowledge of her children. This is a must read for anyone who loves history.

Excellent!

One of the best books I've listened to in ages! Moved quickly, held my interest, learned a part of history I wasn't familiar with. Highly recommend.