Gortner, C.W.

A solid recommendation for readers of historical fiction, especially those who favor the lives of kings and queens. [July 16 marks the centennial of the murder of Tsar Nicholas and his family by the Bolsheviks.—Ed.]

Historical fiction readers looking for insight into World War II Paris should try Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, and nonfiction readers will get more nuanced insight from Ronald C. Rosbottom's When Paris Went Dark. [See Prepub Alert, 9/22/14.]

Gortner's latest historical novel after The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is set at the beginning of the extremely popular Tudor era (Isabella's daughter Catherine marries Henry VIII), but it feels fresh owing to his choice of subject and the focus on events in Spain rather than England. It should thus have strong appeal for historical fiction fans looking for a new perspective on a favorite time period; if they like this title, they might also try Gortner's The Last Queen, about Isabella's other daughter, Juana the Mad.

Not worth the money, but as it is part of a series, this title may need to be reconsidered should the second book prove more entertaining. Strictly for the author's most ardent readers and Tudor fiction fans.