The Vatican Princess

A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia

By: C. W. Gortner

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 16 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

For fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, best-selling author C. W. Gortner effortlessly weaves history and drama in this captivating novel about one of the world's most notorious families.

Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized 15th-century Renaissance Italy, and Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynasty's ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival?

With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, a new era has dawned in Rome. Benefitting from their father's elevation are the new pope's illegitimate children - his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter, Lucrezia - each of whom assumes an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her family's fortunes.

But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment's notice as Italy's ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia's father faces challenges from all sides, the threat of a French invasion forces him to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood.

Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezia's coming of age in her own voice. What results is a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.

©2016 C.W. Gortner (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Elegantly written and deeply researched, with a pacy style and a fine eye for contemporary detail.... The world of Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life - I'm captivated by this knowledgeable author's take on the controversial Borgias." (Alison Weir, New York Times best-selling author of Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen)

"A spiderweb of Renaissance intrigue with a cast of legendary characters, The Vatican Princess tells Lucrezia Borgia's story in her own words. Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization of these turbulent times make for a fascinating read." (Margaret George, New York Times best-selling author of Elizabeth I)

"Here is a marvelously evocative portrait of a young woman caught in a bewildering web of jealousy, family rivalry, vengeance, and papal politics. This is historical fiction at its best, written by a master of the genre." (Patricia Bracewell, author of Shadow on the Crown)

Excellent!!! I highly recommend it.

This book is so well written and read that you will live and feel what happens to each character.
I was transported to the late 1400 and literally could see what they wore could hear the way they spoke and even feel the happiness and pain that each one endured.
I highly recommend this book. I will definitely look for other books narrated by Julia Whelan.

Pretty good book.

I this was a version of the borgias I had not heard before. it was interesting

Enthralling!

Beautifully written (and read). I loved this book! The kind you never want to stop listening to.

riveting

couldn't put it down! very sad when the story ended. the narrator was amazing! must read!

A Masterpiece

Brilliantly crafted, masterfully researched and artfully performed. The Vatican princess is one of the top five historical fictions I have listen to.

Loved It!

The plot picked up very quickly, and once it did, I had difficulty pausing it to go about my daily life. Performance was excellent! Will definitely listen again.

Worth Listening To

It took me a couple of chapters to get into the novel, but once I did I could not stop listening. The only complaint I have is the speaker's male voicing- I found it a bit annoying.

I skipped threw about half of the book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Vatican Princess to be better than the print version?

I have no idea

What was most disappointing about C. W. Gortner’s story?

Really graphic rape scene just want to warn other listeners

Which scene was your favorite?

her second wedding

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

no

Fantastic, Full of Love and Intrigue

The extent of my knowledge of Lucrezia Borgia was what most of us have heard about her. This novel is the perfect way to learn a bit more about her and the history of her times and family; of course, it should not be replaced by proper historical literature but it is indeed a very nice option.
The narrator does a great job and to be frank, I wanted the book to last longer.
I will surely listen to it again and can't wait to read something else by the same author.
I highly recommend The Vatican Princess!!
#historicnovel #intrigue #love #gripping #greatnarrator #iwantedmore #cantstoplistening #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Could not put this down, even to sleep.

Loved it, great storyline, intriguing, but so sad. Hoped for a happy ending for this sweet person, but not to be!!!