Historical fiction as its best covering characters and a time of great interest to me. I loved it even when it became a bit ridiculous. ( )

Are the Borgias ever not fun? This novel, told from the perspective of Cesare Borgia and a maid in the Vatican Palace, Maddalena, offers two viewpoints on the papacy of Alexander VI. While pope, Alexander VI had affairs, promoted his illegitimate children, played politics, and waged war across much of Italy. And, of course, there's plenty of murder too. This novel ends a few years before the Borgia papacy does (there's definitely more to this story!), but it does provide a highly readable novel of this notorious family and hints at what is to come for the historical characters. ( )

A well-written novel from the point of view of Cesare Borgia and his sister's maid Maddalena who became his mistress. From the time Cesare becomes a cardinal, his father continues plotting to keep his family on top and increase their influence as he is now Pope. The thinking that goes into each action made by Rodrigo with Cesare's help or disappointment of the decisions is shown as is the softer side of Cesare when Maddalena becomes his mistress.

I truly enjoyed this historical novel. The writing was phenomenal. I loved the two points-of-view. Seeing how each one saw what was happening and how they interpreted it was fascinating. Cesare did not always do right but I liked how he would say what he felt needed said to his father. Sometimes it came from a place of jealousy but other times he was right especially about his brother Juan. I liked the connection between the Borgia family and how they helped and protected and promoted each other except for Juan.

I loved Maddalena. I liked that she was on the outside and could see the truth about them but could also admire the family on certain things. I liked that she could question her actions and Cesare's also. I felt the honesty between them although they, especially Maddalena, could not always speak it to each other but at times their roles reversed on absolution.

I did not like the abrupt ending. I wanted to see where Cesare would go in his ambition and how he would justify it while I wanted to see what happened to Maddalena. I hope Ms. Palombo will do a sequel and finish her story of Cesare and Maddalena. ( )

Anyone that reads a fair amount of historical fiction (ah-hem) has more than likely bumped into a tale about the Borgias. History has not been kind to them and as per usual the truth is most likely somewhere between the extremes of the rumors and the glowing tales the Borgias told. In this new novel from Alyssa Palombo the lives of the Borgias are explored in a well researched and very well written tale.

Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) has been elected Pope and he feels he is now at the pinicle of power. Now he sets about securing his legacy through his children for this esteemed priest didn’t exactly follow the rules regarding celibacy. He has arranged for his son Cesare to follow him into the church, his other son Juan will cement relationships with Spain and his precious daught Lucrezia will marry to settle a debt from his election. For what good are children if not to be useful to their father. But while Juan and Lucrezia bow to their father’s will Cesare feels he is wasted in the Church. He longs to lead an army.

While the book deals with all four Borgias it’s really Cesare’s story. He was a man of power and charisma. There is some indication that Machiavelli’s The Prince was modelled on his life.

This book is the kind of detailed, engrossing tale that I love to get lost in. It grabbed me and I found myself immersed in Vatican politics and the lives of the people surrounding the schemers living in Rome. It was a turbulant time as Italy was not a united country but rather a series of city states. Cesare wanted to unite them so as to have a stronger defense against her enemies but without a strong leader it was not going to happen and he was stuck in the church. He feels his father is wasting his talents. The Pope has plans for Cesare to follow after him as Pope and continue the Borgia rule but Cesare feels contrained in his role.

I devoured this book over the course of two days. It is a book of substance so it isn’t really one that I could read in one day. It was full of great characters – both those based in real life and the fictional ones added for effect. The little details that come from all of the research really bring you into time and place. This is a great book for any one who loves history, strong characters and a really good story. Ms. Palombo takes you on a thoroughly exciting trip to Renaissance Italy. ( )

It is 1492 and we meet Rodrigo Borgia - Pope Alexander VI who has four children and a mistress.

The children must do what their father says so the Borgia family can become more powerful.

His son, Cesare, must become a cardinal when he really wants to be in the military.

His son, Juan, must go to the military when he really isn't suited for it.

His daughter, Lucrezia, is thirteen and must marry a man 20 years older than she is so two powerful families can advance together.

The fourth child, Jofre, was too young to even consider for anything to help his powerful reign increase until he decided it would be in the family's best interest to find a marriage partner for him at the age of 12.

It seems as if marrying into another powerful family would make your family more powerful, and that seemed to be the Pope’s main concern.

Ms. Palombo did extensive, amazing research for THE BORGIA CONFESSIONS and gave us a detailed account of the activities at this time. What a wonderful history lesson with information that was new to me.

Learning how life in the Vatican was in the 1400’s was quite interesting especially how they married off their children at such a young age and did everything for gaining status and power.

I enjoyed the family interaction, but the military planning and political undertakings were not of much interest even though these facts were the gist of the story line and marvelously told.

Also be aware that there are some graphic romantic scenes.

Did the public really know what went on in the castles with these holy men?

What a time to live, and what a family.

It seems that there was a lot of greed, scheming, murders at their whim, and other sins to confess. :) 4/5

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )