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There are currently 41 member reviews
for The Borgia Betrayal
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Elinor S. (Loudonville, NY)
The Borgia Betrayal
I liked the book. It appealed to my criteria for an enjoyable book: Learning something (about history), entertaining me and enjoying the way it was written. Since I had not read Ms. Poole's previous book on the Borgias, I'm anxious to read "The Poisoner". I would recommend it to my friends, especially those who have enjoyed Philippa Gregory's books.
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Julia A. (New York, NY)
Poisoner extraordinaire
Much as I wanted to dislike the heroine of "The Borgia Betrayal," since she is essentially a murderer, I could not do so. Francesca is an engaging narrator, even when she is recounting how she has poisoned or stabbed someone. As the Pope's poisoner, she is also charged with ruling on the safety of all foods and other materials that come into the Papal household, so some of her doings are good rather than evil. Even when she is being "evil," it is for the protection of the Pope and the persons she acts against are depicted as pure evil themselves. The historical research into the period (the year is 1493) is impressive. i learned a lot, in addition to being captivated by the political/religious intrigue of this era. I had difficulty putting the book down, once I got past the first 50 pages or so. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction.
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Martha L. (Warner, NH)
Another Fascinating Book by Sarah Poole
Another fascinating book. The Borgia Betrayal/b by Sara Poole was riveting. Francesca, the poisoner was busy in the house of the Pope, Alexander VI. She was working to keep the Pope and his family safe from harm. Cesare, the Pope's oldest son was back as well, as Francesca's lover. There are threats all around the Pope with people wanting to kill him for a variety of reasons, mostly political gain. Conspiracies, treason, political maneuvering, a sociopath and family are all part of this book and this was all centered around a Roman landscape in the late 1400s.
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Maggie P. (Redmond, WA)
The Borgia Betrayal
The Author has a way of pulling you in to want to find out what happens next. I hadn't read the first book in this series Poison, but felt I still understood all the going-ons in the book. I found the story interesting and I would recommend it to individuals or book clubs.
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Susan W. (Chocowinity, NC)
The Borgia Betrayal- Sara Poole
This sequel to the author's debut novel "Poison" follows the life of Francesca Giordno, the poisoner for the House of Borgis and Rodrigo Borgia who is now Pope Alexander VI. The year is 1493 and forces are converging in Rome, bringing with them threats to the Pope. Decision to partition the New World, a split within the Princes of the Church for control and the rise of the Renasissance provide for suspense, intrigue and fear for Francesa as she is driven to revenge her father's murder. Historical events and characters blended with political ambitions, evil deeds, gossip, love and lust keep the storyline moving and believable.
I reccomend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction as a picture of Roman life at a critical historical time.
I find one weakness at the conclusion of the book. It seems to resolve the conflict too quickly with little depth to support the storyline.
Overall it is an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next novel.
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Vicky R. (Cumming, GA)
The Borgia Betrayal
I absolutely love historical fiction and Sara Poole's novel, The Borgia Betrayal, is one I'm happy I took the time to read. In the beginning of the book I struggled some as the characters developed...I thought the story lacked energy and vitality, but as I stuck with it, it began to pick up the pace. Once the stage was set, the book began to reveal action and intrigue and I found myself wholly immersed. Secrets began to uncloak themselves and I found myself in the wee hours of the night..still with book in hand. Having read The Borgia Betrayal, I will now go back and read Ms. Poole's first book about this character, "Poison".
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Mary G. (River Forest, IL)
Good Read, Poor Company
It's OK historical fiction, but I had a problem with Francesca's first person narrative. While the story moved along and there was enough history to rate it a long way above a bodice-ripper, I had a problem "listening" to a woman I simply didn't like. Not only did I not like her, after almost 400 pages I still didn't know her. Poole has written a prequel called "Poison", though the author says each book can be read independently. I'm intrigued enough that I've had "Poison" Kindled my way just to see if I Francesca comes through better when she's first introduced. Strange case of not liking something and going back for more, right? Just can't fight my curiosity.
