Review: The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner (historical fiction)

Synopsis: (from the book)

In this stunning novel, C. W. Gortner brings to life Juana of Castile, the third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, who would become the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne. Along the way, Gortner takes the reader from the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England.

Born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify and strengthen their kingdom, Juana, at the age of sixteen, is sent to wed Philip, heir to the Habsburg Empire. Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her dashing young husband, and at first she is content with her children and her married life. But when tragedy strikes and she becomes heir to the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it costs her everything.

My opinion:

The Last Queen is set in the Late 1400 and early 1500 in and about Spain. It is the haunting tale of "Juana the Mad". This is the story of a child struggling to be what she has been called. Fighting against all odds, Jauna longs to the the best for her country and herself.

This is such a beautifully written story based on the "real-life" queen that is often unheard of. This poor woman was thrust into something she didn't understand, and was betrayed by almost everyone that she put her trust in. She faced such hardshis and loss. Finally, forced to battle those she loved most after being denied a voice she is deemed "mad". What an amazing story, and well researched. This is fiction told from Juana's point of view. It is most unsettling to learn how she meets her demise.

This book captivated me from the first page, and didn't let me go until the last word. It is wonderful. Be wary, there are more than a few sex scenes, minor adultery, and betrayl beyond belief. I loved every bit of this book. I can not recommend it enough.

5 stars all the way. A must read!

THE LAST QUEEN is now available in trade paperback by Ballantine Books. As a Random Readers Circle edition, it includes discussion questions and Q&A with C.W. Gortner. Readers can visit him at http://www.cwgortner.com and take a tour of Juana’s 16^th century world.