The Serpent and the Pearl

Borgias, Book 1

By: Kate Quinn

Narrated by: Leila Birch, Maria Elena Infantino, Ronan Vibert

Length: 16 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Rome, 1492: The Holy City is drenched with blood and teeming with secrets. A pope lies dying and the throne of God is left vacant, a prize awarded only to the most virtuous - or the most ruthless. The Borgia family begins its legendary rise, chronicled by an innocent girl who finds herself drawn into their dangerous web....

Vivacious Giulia Farnese has floor-length golden hair and the world at her feet: beauty, wealth, and a handsome young husband. But she is stunned to discover that her glittering marriage is a sham, and she is to be given as a concubine to the ruthless, charismatic Cardinal Borgia: Spaniard, sensualist, candidate for Pope - and passionately in love with her.

Two trusted companions will follow her into the Pope's shadowy harem: Leonello, a cynical bodyguard bent on bloody revenge against a mysterious killer, and Carmelina, a fiery cook with a past full of secrets. But as corruption thickens in the Vatican and the enemies begin to circle, Giulia and her friends will need all their wits to survive in the world of the Borgias.

©2013 Kate Quinn (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Epic, sexy.” (Publishers Weekly starred review)

“Deeply passionate.” (Kate Furnivall, New York Times best-selling author)

“A riveting plunge into an ancient world.” (C. W. Gortner, author of The Vatican Princess)

Some glitches

The book skipped in many places and at one point, they clearly edited and the voices sounded noticeably different and there are no chapter titles- the ending was unfulfilling - in that it left so many things hanging. The woman who read the part of julia had a strange pace and paused the sentences in weird places. Her voice was beautiful (albeit her “T’s and S’ drove me a little batty) overall a good story, well written and captivating. My problems were more with the production.

Another masterful tale by Kate Quinn

Would you listen to The Serpent and the Pearl again? Why?

I would certainly listen to this again. While the narrator had a pronounced accent, it served only to enhance the flow of the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Serpent and the Pearl?

The most memorable moment is when Leonello steps fully into his role of the hero of this tale.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Leonello takes on the French army by himself.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many moments in this book that moved me however the moment when Angelina decides to take on her new apprentice and the moment when the broken body of Leonello is taken to the French Camp were my favorites.

Any additional comments?

I really have to say it's refreshing to hear a book where a dwarf is a protagonist hero. It happens only rarely. It's great to hear a book where a member of this typically maligned community triumphs.

Historic, romance and intrigue...perfect balance

This was the second novel I have read by Ms. Quinn. The first was the Alice Network. Completely different genre, but equally as wonderful.

I have never been a fan of the type of period piece. That has changed. I was completely captivated with this novel. The characters - their dialogue and their stories. I cannot wait to begin another book by Ms Quinn!!

Carried me away - great escape. The performances were equally as compelling! Excellent!!

Great Historical Fiction Novel

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. I loved it! The cover is misleading and the fictional characters added so much to the story. They give a perspective of the time period you rarely read. I’m about to start the next novel. When this novel ended, I wasn’t ready for it to end, and I want more.

Great take on historic events

The only distraction is all the British slang. It confuses a historic style story bringing to current language style. The rest is fabulous.

Good Story & Performance

Any additional comments?

I am currently listening to this audiobook and am really enjoying it. I've been a big fan of the Studio Canal & Showtime productions of the Borgias and am enjoying the alternate POVs from non-Borgia characters.
I was disappointed that there weren't any more Kate Quinn books available on Audible yet. I hope they plan to release more of her novels in Audible format.

Great Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved the story and the way Kate Quinn took you inside the Borgia life. She didn't do as most and immediately go for the incest story. As a matter a fact, it was briefly mentioned.

What did you like best about this story?

The three narrators made the story interesting and kept it from being another male narrator trying to pull off a female voice.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Loved them all!

If you could take any character from The Serpent and the Pearl out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Carmelina. I don't know why. :)

Any additional comments?

I wish Kate Quinn's other books were in audio too.

Great Borgia Story delivered from 3 differing POVs

Would you consider the audio edition of The Serpent and the Pearl to be better than the print version?

The audio was brilliant, this story was brought to life by the actors portrayal of the characters images lit up in my head.

What other book might you compare The Serpent and the Pearl to and why?

Wuthering Heights it is classic drama at it's best

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

Each character activated my imagination. The performance was wonderful!

If you could rename The Serpent and the Pearl, what would you call it?

I had to charge you a fee for that service ;)

extraordinary glimpse into Papal court life 1400's

I lo Ed the story line and the extraordinary escapades of members of the Papal court. the debauchery, mistresses and exotic bahaviours. however the female voices were not very good , and ruined the flow of the story

A totally different view of the Borgia Family

I've read several historical novels (and watched a video series) about the Borgia family. This book takes a totally different point of view and made the family seem totally different. Plus Kate Quinn gives a very different view of what life was like at that point in time for both the overwhelmingly rich as well those who come from more meager circumstances. Quinn's attention to history as well as her richness of descriptions made listening to this book a wonderful experience.