The Lion and the Rose
Written by Kate Quinn
Narrated by Leila Birch, Maria Elena Infantino and Ronan Vibert
4.5/5
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Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
From the national bestselling author of The Serpent and the Pearl comes the continuing saga of the ruthless family that holds all of Rome in its grasp, and the three outsiders thrust into their twisted web of blood and deceit . . .
As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from over-and now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexander's thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.
Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissance's most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask . . .
Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of Southern California, she attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance before turning to the 20th century with The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, and The Diamond Eye. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in California with three black rescue dogs.
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Reviews for The Lion and the Rose
10 ratings5 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The way Kate Quinn incorporates the fictional characters into the lives of the non-fictional characters is so clever. They are entwined in the story, but manage to just stay on the sidelines and tell the big picture story. Leonello is still my favorite character in this series.I also appreciate that Ms. Quinn takes the time to recount where she took liberties and tells you a little of the real history and where she got the story. I was surprised to read that Bartolomeo was a real person. I like that she has included these lesser known people into the story.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I received The Lion and the Rose as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Told from the points of view of three characters (one historical, two fictional), The Lion and the Rose is a look at the dark and sometimes dysfunctional Borgia family. Giulia Farnese, the mistress of Rodrigo Borgia (better known as Pope Alexander VI), keeps at bay Rodrigo's four scheming adult children, their mother, her own husband Orsino Orsini, while trying to keep her own daughter Laura safe. Interwoven with her narrative are the fates of her cook Carmelina, an escaped nun, and Leonello, a dwarf and her loyal bodyguard. The latter characters have their own struggles to face--Carmelina fights a forbidden passion, while Leonello's skill in combat involves him in dark deeds.
With the TV series, the Borgia family is experiencing a renaissance (no pun intended) of interest, not unlike the Tudors of England. The cover and "look" of the book might lead one to believe it's a romance, but it's not--at least, not fully. The POV characters are beautifully drawn and multifaceted. No one's an Mary Sue-esque angel (who could be, in that court?), but no one is completely evil (okay, perhaps there's one exception). Lovers of Renaissance-era historical fiction will enjoy.
Recommended. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5There are some authors who always deliver...Katie is definitely one of those. with the rich backdrop of Borgia Rome and a Vatican full of intrigues, reading how Giulia manages to survive and endure it...yes. this is a delightful read! (Full review when I am not. mobile)
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A great follow-up to Kate Quinn's first novel about the scandalous Borgia family. Alongside Giulia Farnese, the fictional but endearing characters of the cook Carmelina and the dwarf Leonello return in this novel to experience the tumult of Rome under the Borgia Papacy. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the era to live and creating sympathetic characters whose fates the reader can truly care for. And, of course I won't give anything away, but I loved the ending!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Warning: This book will make your mouth water for gourmet cooking!!!!