C. W. Gortner (1964–2025)
Author of The Last Queen
About the Author
C. W. Gortner was born and raised in Spain. He moved to the United States when he was a teen-ager. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco and a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing from the New College of California. He soon show more found his passion for writing and became an author of historical fiction. His titles include: The Last Queen, The Confessions of Catherine De Medici, The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile, Mademoiselle Chanel, and Marlene. He was named one of the top ten historical novelists by The Washington Independent Review of Books. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Works by C. W. Gortner
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Gortner, Christopher Willis
- Birthdate
- 1964-07-24
- Date of death
- 2025-10-25
- Gender
- male
- Education
- New College of California (MFA/Writing, MA/Renaissance Studies)
- Awards and honors
- Shortlisted for the Heathrow Travel Award: Travel Read, Fiction 2009
- Agent
- Jennifer Weltz (Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc.)
- Short biography
- C.W. GORTNER’s novel THE LAST QUEEN is a Marin Independent Journal bestseller and is currently being translated into eight languages. He holds a MFA in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. A regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society, C.W. is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Málaga, Spain, he is half-Spanish by birth and lives in Northern California. Visit him at: www.cwgortner.com
- Nationality
- USA
- Places of residence
- San Francisco, California, USA
Spain - Associated Place (for map)
- California, USA
Members
Reviews
In the final book of the Spymaster Chronicles trilogy, Elizabeth I has finally ascended to the throne. However, Brendan Prescott's job of protecting her is no less crucial at this stage in the game. As William Cecil states, "She's less safe now than she ever was."
Gortner has a definite skill of bringing the reader right into the story. I felt like I was part of it, like I was seeing the action through Brendan's eyes. And I must touch on Robert Dudley in the context of this series. Never show more have I read him portrayed as such an utter miscreant. Oddly though, it fits. Perhaps it's because the reader can't help but adore Brendan and so, any enemy of his...well, you get the idea.
The great thing about the Spymaster Chronicles is we get the perfect combination of thoroughly researched historical fiction and intriguing historical mystery. The treacherous times of Tudor/Elizabethan England are brought to the page palpably. The effect for the reader is exciting, edge-of-the-seat reading.
I have said this before and I'll say it again. Gortner should be one of your go-to authors for historical fiction. If you have not read his books, you really must...and soon. I recommend you start where I did, with his incomparable novel about Juana the Mad, The Last Queen. And then, don't stop there. show less
Gortner has a definite skill of bringing the reader right into the story. I felt like I was part of it, like I was seeing the action through Brendan's eyes. And I must touch on Robert Dudley in the context of this series. Never show more have I read him portrayed as such an utter miscreant. Oddly though, it fits. Perhaps it's because the reader can't help but adore Brendan and so, any enemy of his...well, you get the idea.
The great thing about the Spymaster Chronicles is we get the perfect combination of thoroughly researched historical fiction and intriguing historical mystery. The treacherous times of Tudor/Elizabethan England are brought to the page palpably. The effect for the reader is exciting, edge-of-the-seat reading.
I have said this before and I'll say it again. Gortner should be one of your go-to authors for historical fiction. If you have not read his books, you really must...and soon. I recommend you start where I did, with his incomparable novel about Juana the Mad, The Last Queen. And then, don't stop there. show less
The luxurious Chanel brand is iconic -- the perfume, the fashion, its founder -- and I'm surprised Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel hasn't been featured in a historical novel before. Her hist fic debut comes from C.W. Gortner, whose sublime The Queen’s Vow humanized Isabella, and this novel has set the high water mark for any future reads that attempt to tackle the notorious Chanel.
Born at the end of the 19th century in abject poverty, Gabrielle Chanel was turned over to a convent where she show more mastered sewing. Rather than taking vows to become a nun, Gabrielle instead became a seamstress and more daringly, a club singer -- where she earned her nickname Coco. Quickly, through her skill, ambition, and some fortuitous relationships, Chanel managed to project herself to fame over the decades as her once radical designs -- corset-less, trim, daring, modern -- set the standard for chic fashion. Weathering World War I and II, as well as devastating heartbreaks and notorious love affairs, Chanel lived a life that knew deprivation and luxury in equal part.
While the subject of this book is fascinating -- not just Coco herself, but the world she lived in -- the novel is made by Gortner's writing. Occasionally, I eye-roll when biographical novels use the first person viewpoint, as I find it makes the narrative all tell and no show, and allows the author off the hook when it comes to thornier details.
In Gortner's hands, however, Coco articulates her life with the spare, artistic verve of her designs. (He took his hand away. Not with harshness. His fingers just unraveled from mine, like poorly spun threads., p11) Even more delightfully, Coco's voice grows as she does, rather than remaining static throughout the book.
And the clincher: Gortner dealt with the ugly stuff. I was most curious about how Gortner would handle the allegations that Coco was a Nazi collaborator and spy. It's obvious from this sympathetic novel that Gortner admires Chanel, and his suggestion of how the fashion designer became embroiled with the Nazis is sympathetic. But he offers characters who question her motives, her contradictions, allowing the reader to voice their doubts, too -- and like Coco's friends, we have to decide if we believe her. I found Gortner's articulation of Coco so solid that while I clucked at her choices, I understood why she made them.
This makes my second top ten read of 2015. Even if you're not a fan of fashion, consider grabbing this book, as it really is the story of a self-made woman, a visionary who imagined the way women wanted to live that differed from what society said. There are tawdry details brushing shoulders with heavier themes, armchair escape to early 20th century France, and some delicious name dropping that sent me into Wiki rabbit holes. At this point, I want Gortner to tackle every fashion designer -- like Chanel's nemesis, Elsa Schiaparelli -- but regardless of who he tackles next, I'm there. show less
Born at the end of the 19th century in abject poverty, Gabrielle Chanel was turned over to a convent where she show more mastered sewing. Rather than taking vows to become a nun, Gabrielle instead became a seamstress and more daringly, a club singer -- where she earned her nickname Coco. Quickly, through her skill, ambition, and some fortuitous relationships, Chanel managed to project herself to fame over the decades as her once radical designs -- corset-less, trim, daring, modern -- set the standard for chic fashion. Weathering World War I and II, as well as devastating heartbreaks and notorious love affairs, Chanel lived a life that knew deprivation and luxury in equal part.
While the subject of this book is fascinating -- not just Coco herself, but the world she lived in -- the novel is made by Gortner's writing. Occasionally, I eye-roll when biographical novels use the first person viewpoint, as I find it makes the narrative all tell and no show, and allows the author off the hook when it comes to thornier details.
In Gortner's hands, however, Coco articulates her life with the spare, artistic verve of her designs. (He took his hand away. Not with harshness. His fingers just unraveled from mine, like poorly spun threads., p11) Even more delightfully, Coco's voice grows as she does, rather than remaining static throughout the book.
And the clincher: Gortner dealt with the ugly stuff. I was most curious about how Gortner would handle the allegations that Coco was a Nazi collaborator and spy. It's obvious from this sympathetic novel that Gortner admires Chanel, and his suggestion of how the fashion designer became embroiled with the Nazis is sympathetic. But he offers characters who question her motives, her contradictions, allowing the reader to voice their doubts, too -- and like Coco's friends, we have to decide if we believe her. I found Gortner's articulation of Coco so solid that while I clucked at her choices, I understood why she made them.
This makes my second top ten read of 2015. Even if you're not a fan of fashion, consider grabbing this book, as it really is the story of a self-made woman, a visionary who imagined the way women wanted to live that differed from what society said. There are tawdry details brushing shoulders with heavier themes, armchair escape to early 20th century France, and some delicious name dropping that sent me into Wiki rabbit holes. At this point, I want Gortner to tackle every fashion designer -- like Chanel's nemesis, Elsa Schiaparelli -- but regardless of who he tackles next, I'm there. show less
Queen Mary has died and the time has finally come for Elizabeth to take the throne. However, her ascension comes with much turmoil with yet another change in religious views and many subjects who do not believe that Elizabeth is the rightful heir. With her rise, Elizabeth's loyal spy, Brendan Prescott has also been summoned out of exile and back into Elizabeth's service. An early attempt on Elizabeth's life along with the disappearance of Elizabeth's favored lady-in-waiting, Lady Parry, show more spurs Elizabeth to send Brendan on another life-threatening mission to a secluded estate in Yorkshire. Brendan will have to uncover a secret of the Queen's as she finds the truth about Brendan.
A perfect Tudor intrigue plot with mysteries within mysteries. I loved the view into Elizabeth's first days on the throne and her relationship with Robert Dudley. Brendan is the perfect character to carry out Elizabeth's missions, he is well trained with a secret of his own that will keep him loyal to Elizabeth. There were many plots and conspiracies that were artfully brought together in The Tudor Vendetta that made this a fast-paced, entertaining read. I just had to know what happened to Lady Parry?, who is the hidden boy?, is Brendan's nemesis still alive? When I first picked up this book I didn't know it was part of a trilogy and I hate reading books out of order, but I did not feel lost at all, enough background information was given throughout the story and it did not feel like a huge info-dump. I have already picked up the first two books from the library to see where the story begins!
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less
A perfect Tudor intrigue plot with mysteries within mysteries. I loved the view into Elizabeth's first days on the throne and her relationship with Robert Dudley. Brendan is the perfect character to carry out Elizabeth's missions, he is well trained with a secret of his own that will keep him loyal to Elizabeth. There were many plots and conspiracies that were artfully brought together in The Tudor Vendetta that made this a fast-paced, entertaining read. I just had to know what happened to Lady Parry?, who is the hidden boy?, is Brendan's nemesis still alive? When I first picked up this book I didn't know it was part of a trilogy and I hate reading books out of order, but I did not feel lost at all, enough background information was given throughout the story and it did not feel like a huge info-dump. I have already picked up the first two books from the library to see where the story begins!
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less
I love reading historical fiction, as well as watching it on film, especially the Tudor era. "The Tudor Secret" was my first exposure to C. W. Gortner and I could not be happier with the introduction to this Author.
For the most part, this is a coming of age story. Brendan is a very young man, more a boy, thrust into the inner circle of King Edward VI's court which was a place full of intrigue and danger. We find out very early on that Brendan is intelligent and resourceful, and he manages show more to hold his own. It was such a joy to read, see and feel a twist on a history through Brendan's eyes. He finds himself a pawn in Dudley's conspiracies and gets recruited by William Cecil as a spy. The Author pulls in characters like William Cecil and Frances Walsingham to give us a great view of how spying had started. I've asked myself if it's believable that a boy such as Brendan would be able to approach the royals to the extent that he did, and the answer was yes. After all, he was not a stranger to some of the major players, notably Robert Dudley, his brothers and his entire family. He grew up with those men, and their mother wanted him in court for a specific reason which was THE "mystery" of Brendan's birth. When all the pieces fall into place, and Brendan confronts Cecil, my heart just brakes as I see him age before my eyes...
"I was beyond reason. An abyss opened beneath my feet, full of horrors I did not want to see....... How could she have left me in ignorance, all these years? How could she have not realized that, in the end, what I did not know might be the one thing used against me?"
"I thrust out a hand,'No more. Please, I - I cannot bare it.'"
From the first chapter of this book, you can't help but be drawn to his story. It is one bumpy ride for our Hero and I loved every minute of his journey. I was inside Brendan Prescott's thoughts; feelings and footsteps as he walked, ran and rode to his destiny. His voice was loud and clear through the book and I got to like the boy and I'm eagerly anticipating watching him grow into his own in the second installment which will be published sometime in 2012.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the secondary characters which are just delightful, fun and witty. I do hope we see more of Peregrine and Fitzpatrick. With them by his side our Hero became more real to us. I'm also looking forward to learning more of "Robin" Dudley, Queen Elizabeth's Favourite, and often thought to have been her lover. And lets not forget Master Shelton who our Hero needs to face in regards to the "Secret".
C. W. did an awesome job of incorporating historical facts with fiction of the era. Historical figures of that time were so accurately painted with words that I found myself there in the midst of their intrigues.
If you're looking for a hot romance, you might be a bit disappointed, but that should not detract you from enjoying this book. Please don't misunderstand. There is a love story within, lust as well, but not as much as some might prefer.
At the end, the Author gave us a well written, captivating, complicated, enjoyable, richly told and very interesting story which I heartily recommend.
Melanie show less
For the most part, this is a coming of age story. Brendan is a very young man, more a boy, thrust into the inner circle of King Edward VI's court which was a place full of intrigue and danger. We find out very early on that Brendan is intelligent and resourceful, and he manages show more to hold his own. It was such a joy to read, see and feel a twist on a history through Brendan's eyes. He finds himself a pawn in Dudley's conspiracies and gets recruited by William Cecil as a spy. The Author pulls in characters like William Cecil and Frances Walsingham to give us a great view of how spying had started. I've asked myself if it's believable that a boy such as Brendan would be able to approach the royals to the extent that he did, and the answer was yes. After all, he was not a stranger to some of the major players, notably Robert Dudley, his brothers and his entire family. He grew up with those men, and their mother wanted him in court for a specific reason which was THE "mystery" of Brendan's birth. When all the pieces fall into place, and Brendan confronts Cecil, my heart just brakes as I see him age before my eyes...
"I was beyond reason. An abyss opened beneath my feet, full of horrors I did not want to see....... How could she have left me in ignorance, all these years? How could she have not realized that, in the end, what I did not know might be the one thing used against me?"
"I thrust out a hand,'No more. Please, I - I cannot bare it.'"
From the first chapter of this book, you can't help but be drawn to his story. It is one bumpy ride for our Hero and I loved every minute of his journey. I was inside Brendan Prescott's thoughts; feelings and footsteps as he walked, ran and rode to his destiny. His voice was loud and clear through the book and I got to like the boy and I'm eagerly anticipating watching him grow into his own in the second installment which will be published sometime in 2012.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the secondary characters which are just delightful, fun and witty. I do hope we see more of Peregrine and Fitzpatrick. With them by his side our Hero became more real to us. I'm also looking forward to learning more of "Robin" Dudley, Queen Elizabeth's Favourite, and often thought to have been her lover. And lets not forget Master Shelton who our Hero needs to face in regards to the "Secret".
C. W. did an awesome job of incorporating historical facts with fiction of the era. Historical figures of that time were so accurately painted with words that I found myself there in the midst of their intrigues.
If you're looking for a hot romance, you might be a bit disappointed, but that should not detract you from enjoying this book. Please don't misunderstand. There is a love story within, lust as well, but not as much as some might prefer.
At the end, the Author gave us a well written, captivating, complicated, enjoyable, richly told and very interesting story which I heartily recommend.
Melanie show less
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- Works
- 23
- Members
- 4,137
- Popularity
- #6,083
- Rating
- 3.9
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- 363
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