Karleen Koen

I read this book originally two years ago and just listened to it again, this time as a book on tape. It's wonderful historical fiction and probably paints the best picture of court intrigue during the time of Louis XIV of any book I've read.

The book covers four pivotal months in Louis's reign, when he is 22 and eager to assume complete power after growing up under the shadow of his mother and Cardinal Mazarin, who has recently died when the book begins. Louis's queen is expecting their show more first child, he becomes infatuated with his brother's new wife, Henriette, and the mystery of the man in the iron mask is about to unfold. The book also covers the early days of Louis's love affair with Louise de la Valliere, who is the clear heroine of the book in my mind.

But what's wonderfully described is the environment of deceit that surrounds the King, as people try to gain royal favor. Friends, relatives, even confessors -- very few can be trusted. The side stories of the building of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the fall of finance minister Nicolas Fouquet are both delicious. The reader gets the clear sense of how lonely it truly is to be a king. show less

Wow...I could read this one again. What vivid detail of human weakness and passion. I didn't care for the orgy scenes and the four times God's name was used in vain. Otherwise, the story-telling is masterful. The love stories, especially Barbara's, were tragic; Barbara's transformation from teen bride to worldly woman was heart-wrenching; the opulence and sins of the times were eye-opening and disgusting; my relief at knowing my own life is not nearly that complicated is immense. Powerful show more reading on a humanistic level. show less

I read this book originally two years ago and just listened to it again, this time as a book on tape. It's wonderful historical fiction and probably paints the best picture of court intrigue during the time of Louis XIV of any book I've read.

The book covers four pivotal months in Louis's reign, when he is 22 and eager to assume complete power after growing up under the shadow of his mother and Cardinal Mazarin, who has recently died when the book begins. Louis's queen is expecting their show more first child, he becomes infatuated with his brother's new wife, Henriette, and the mystery of the man in the iron mask is about to unfold. The book also covers the early days of Louis's love affair with Louise de la Valliere, who is the clear heroine of the book in my mind.

But what's wonderfully described is the environment of deceit that surrounds the King, as people try to gain royal favor. Friends, relatives, even confessors -- very few can be trusted. The side stories of the building of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the fall of finance minister Nicolas Fouquet are both delicious. The reader gets the clear sense of how lonely it truly is to be a king. show less

My first worry upon starting this book was that the Duchess of Tamworth might no longer be with us......she is! Alive and kicking and more astute and ornery than ever.

In this book, new characters are introduced and old characters take on more dominant roles. We start out with Barbara's New World adventures, which could be subtitled 'Lady Devane Grows Up'. Barbara is at last pitched forcefully from the cocoon of her sheltering life and her focus on her own needs and desires. She becomes a show more socially conscious young woman and begins to take an active role. She learns much about life and love, as well as land and tobacco crops and slave labor. She experiences a tragic loss. She returns to England.

We also have the treat of a fascinating historical backdrop for the action. Back home the throne of George I is being threatened by rumors of invasion; the Stewart claimant to the throne is said to be putting together an army to come to England. The situation is tense, as no one truly knows which side anyone else might be aligned with. Barbara soon finds herself in a precarious situation; she has to balance her position at court with her love for a Jacobite spy; meanwhile her mother, Diana, is sharing her bed with Robert Walpole, a man who poses great danger to Barbara.

Barbara's childhood friend, Jane Ashford Cromwell, along with Jane's husband, Augustus Cromwell, and her father, Sir John Ashford come to the forefront of the action in this book. Their story is action packed and very good; although not tragedy free.

For me the true stars of this novel were Alexander "Lumpy" Pendarves and Louisa, Lady Shrewsbury. Their December romance is funny and sweet. And how about that reveal.....I wanted to high-five Aunt Shrew at the end of the book; what an awesome crazy old broad she was!

From here we have a prequel of sorts in "Dark Angel", which tells the tale of Lady Alice Varney as a young lady at the court of Charles II. Good, because I'm not sure I would want to read any books in this series without her......she should always be a character. show less