The Borgia Bride: A Novel

I LOVED this book. I read it in two sittings. If you like the works of Philippa Gregory, Karleen Koen, Sarah Dunant, Anya Seton, Susan Carroll, and Alison Weir you will enjoy this novel immensely.

The Borgias were probably one of the most dysfunctional and fascinating families in history. Ms. Kalogridis, most famous for her family Dracul trilogy, does a masterful job describing the era and bringing the characters to life. Pope Alexander and his children were formidable forces - Cesare to me is the most sensual villians in history - and The Borgia Bride portrays each character with the spark each deserves. A definite must read not only for Kalogridis fans, but history fans, and those who crave well written works - Highly recommended.

This was the first novel that I have ready by J. Kalogridis. I couldn't put it down. I never knew what to expect when I turned the page. The book was fast paced, exciting and I found it fascinating to learn about the Borgia family.

It's a compelling read. I wanted to devour it all at once, but forced myself to make the book last. It captures the essence of a strong and intelligent woman surviving the twists of a powerful and corrupt papal government and the equally evil and depraved actions of the pope's family. It stirs an interest in this fascinating piece of European history and makes you cheer for strong women of every era.

Seventeen years old Princess Sancha de Aragon, the illegitimate daughter of Naples King Alfonso II, is forced to marry into the powerful Borgia family to Jofre, a man younger than her. As such she leaves her home to live in the Vatican where Jofre's father is Pope Alexander VI. However, she is shocked to observe the depravity of the papal court including her new spouse who beds women including several at the same time with an insatiable lust yet ignores his new bride. Stunned and disillusioned Sancha befriends first Jofre's sister Lucrezia and then his older brother, the seemingly caring Cesare. Not knowing yet how Lucrezia eliminates anyone interested in her brother Cesare, they have an affair until she concludes he is as debauched as his father and two siblings. With nothing to lose as life is worthless in the Borgia pit, Sancha vows to destroy her spouse and in-laws before they obliterate her loved ones back in Naples. This Borgia era historical fiction is an insightful look at late fifteenth century politics mostly in Rome and the Vatican, but somewhat in Napes that makes the Congressional ethics questions of Congress seem like an elementary school spitball fight. The story line brings to life real persona in which the depraved Borgia brood was violent predators. Fans of Roberta Gellis especially her work LUCREZIA BORGIA AND THE MOTHER OF POISONS will appreciate this powerful historically detailed novel. Harriet Klausner