Thursday, July 23, 2009

Book Alert: The Devil's Queen

Summary: From Jeanne Kalogridis, the bestselling author of I, Mona Lisa and The Borgia Bride, comes a new novel that tells the passionate story of a queen who loved not wisely . . . but all too well.

Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story—that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.

Born into one of Florence’s most powerful families, Catherine was soon left a fabulously rich heiress by the early deaths of her parents. Violent conflict rent the city state and she found herself imprisoned and threatened by her family’s enemies before finally being released and married off to the handsome Prince Henry of France.

Overshadowed by her husband’s mistress, the gorgeous, conniving Diane de Poitiers, and unable to bear children, Catherine resorted to the dark arts of sorcery to win Henry’s love and enhance her fertility—for which she would pay a price. Against the lavish and decadent backdrop of the French court, and Catherine’s blood-soaked visions of the future, Kalogridis reveals the great love and desire Catherine bore for her husband, Henry, and her stark determination to keep her sons on the throne.-- St. Martin's Press


Today at BJ's Wholesale Club, I discovered a book that I'm dying to read. It's called THE DEVIL'S QUEEN; and it's the story of woman with whom I have always been interested -- Catherine de Medici. THE DEVIL'S QUEEN is written by Jeanne Kalogridis, author of I, MONA LISA and THE BORGIA BRIDE so I'm sure it's a treat. So many of my family and friends have just raved about her writing.

St. Martin's Press is so excited about the release of THE DEVIL'S QUEEN that they have created a bonus mini e-book to complement it! This e-book is filled with Catherine de Medici's "black magic" spells and dark charms. I read through the mini e-book and it has definitely piqued my interest in this exciting new novel!

If your book club is anything like mine, then you enjoy reading and discussing good historical fiction. I can only imagine how many groups will be reading THE DEVIL'S QUEEN in the next few months; and I was excited to see that there is already a reading guide available.

I absolutely can't wait to read this book, and I have a feeling that I'm not alone. Is THE DEVIL'S QUEEN a book that you're planning on reading?

11 comments:

Laura's Reviews said...

This book looks fantastic - I can't wait to read it!

Kelly said...

It sounds really interesting!

Carolina Gal's Literary Cafe said...

I am planning to read it. I just finished reading about Elizabeth I. I understand she is somehow related to Mary Queen of Scots. So it will be a interested read when I get a copy.

Marg said...

I am definitely planning on reading this one! I loved Borgia Bride, but haven't read any of her other books, something that I am intending to change shortly.

Lezlie said...

I just started it last night. It's really good!

Lezlie

Karlie said...

I read I, Mona Lisa and really enjoyed it. I can't wait to check out The Devil's Queen. Thanks for the heads up.

Serena said...

wow "Catherine de Medici's "black magic" spells" I'm all over that one. Thanks for popping this up on my radar.

SuziQoregon said...

Oh this sounds good!!! I love this kind of historical fiction and I've also long been interested in Catherine de Medici. Thanks so much for the heads up.

bermudaonion said...

You know me and historical fiction. I think I'll wait to see how "girly" this one is.

Beth F said...

I'll have to look for it. Sounds like it could be a winner.

Sheila DeChantal said...

It looks like I am planning ot read this now! :)

Your preview of the book is very good. I really enjoy historical fiction and this one sounds wonderful!

I am currently reading Pope Joan and I can hardly put it down!