The Queen's Vow

Isabella of Castile, the intelligent and fiery Spanish queen best remembered today for funding the voyages of Christopher Columbus, begins this historical novel as a mere pawn in the decadent court of her weak older brother. When controversy arises over the legitimacy of her brother's heir, Isabella's tenacity and ruthlessness allow her to seize the throne with the help of her beloved Ferdinand of Aragon. After she is crowned, however, Isabella faces continued threats to the security of the realm not only from outside sources but also from Ferdinand's own pride and arrogance. Gortner pays particular attention to the religious issues Isabella confronted during her reign, portraying her as a complex figure who only reluctantly adopted measures such as establishing the now-infamous Spanish Inquisition and expelling all Jews from Spain after agonizing over the potential consequences.