Juana, daughter of Queen Isabel & King Ferdinand of Spain was raised to be a pawn. She was betrothed as a toddler to Philip of Flanders, heir to the Hapsburg throne, to improve political alliances with Spain.
At 16 she was sent with her attendants to Flanders, to marry Philip. She did not want to go but knew it was her duty. Once she met Philip and saw how handsome he was, she fell in love with him. Their first years together were romantic and happy one’s. Juana had a daughter and then a son, which made Philip very happy.
Juana was given an education, as a child she was raised to be a good wife and to gently persuade her husband to agree with Spain on issues that may arise. However, after a few year of wedded bliss, Juana’s brother and the sister and nephew died. She was next in succession to the Spanish throne.
Though she was not raised to be Queen, she knew it was her duty. However, this created a power struggle with her husband. She also had to struggle with other men of power to take her rightful place as Queen.
This is an enthralling story of greed, lust, power, loyalty, and friendship. C.W. Gorther keeps the story going in perfect pitch! His vivid re-telling of the last Queen of Spain is quite believable and you can tell he really did his research to keep historical facts accurate.
I could not put this book down and it kept me up into the wee hours of the morning. I highly recommend this wonderful book. If you love historical fiction, you must read this book!
5/5
This trailer For The Last Queen is really good. There is some good backround information. Check it out:
This sounds really good…especially if the author didn’t stray from the facts!
I really enjoyed this one too! I think C.W. Gortner did a masterful job. I was very impressed with his rendering of Juana’s character and use of historical detail to make the story accurate but also exciting.
Every review I’ve seen of this book has been great! Sounds like a wonderful book.
This sounds fantastic! I’m definitely adding it to my TBR list!
I just started this. Glad to see that 5/5 rating.
Thank you so much for this lovely review and for hosting me on the blog, and thanks to all of you who’ve commented. I hope to visit again soon, and hope you enjoy the book. You can always visit my website to learn more about Juana and her world, as well as my work, at http://www.cwgortner.com
This is on my to be read soon list!
Ooh, I’ve looked this book up before but haven’t gotten it. I think I have his previous book on my shelf. Somewhere…
I adored this book. One of my favorite reads. Glad you enjoyed it.
I really want to read this one, I have heard so many glowing comments about the book that it’s just a must-read.
Sounds like you enjoyed this book just as much as I did. I CANNOT wait to read more by this author 🙂
I think I’ve only seen good reviews of this one!
I’m so happy to see more good reviews of this. I recently added the audio version to my ipod, although I’m not sure when I’ll get around to listening to it.
J.T., it was wonderful!
Meghan, exactly!
Kathy, Michelle, Dolly, Aarti, Lilly, Melissa, and SuziQ; IMO this is a must read for historical fiction lovers!
Booklogged, I hope you are enjoying it!
Christopher, thasnks so much for stopping by. You are very welcome! This will be on my top ten books read in 2009!
Sam, I can hardly wait to read more of him either!
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! It was very well written and completely captured my attention. It is definitely in my top 5 for the year.
(Here through the Carnival!)
It’s at the top of my favorites for 2009 too Heather.
Spanish history is so complicated and dramatic. And it is always good to see a strong woman making an appearance in our history.
Esther, Juana was a very strong woman. I loved reading about her.
I adored The Confessions of Catherine Medici so definitely need to sink my teeth into this novel…
Jo, this is a must read. I know you will love it!
Is this book about Juana the Mad? Catherine of Aragon’s sister?Pinned it.