Perfection. Quinn does a fantastic job of creating a fulfilling narrative that both feels historically accurate but also triumphant. For the majority of this book, our three protagonists are scattered throughout Italy. They have to learn that what they thought they wanted is different than what they need. They each grow while simultaneously being pushed to their limits before finally being rewarded in a blaze of glory.

While Carmelina, Leonello, and Giulia are scattered, readers still get a front seat view to the demise of the Borgia family. The death of Juan is satisfyingly dramatic while both Lucrezia and Cesare's hearts harden to anything outside their own desires. Savonarola is also brought to his end while Rodrigo Borgia becomes intoxicated with hubris. Quinn does a good job of showing just how far the family has come without indulging in the lurid rumors that surround them. I felt like a learned a lot about the Italian Renaissance with this duology, and I know there's a lot more to uncover.

Everything I love about Quinn is on full display here: lush descriptions of fashion and food, complex characters who are harboring their own secrets, not to mention an absolutely epic declaration of love near the end of the novel. I've reread the last couple of chapters repeatedly because it's just so romantic. That said, I won't rush to recommend this duology to everyone. In order to get to the satisfying ending, the characters go through some pretty dark times. After all, this is the Italian Renaissance, a time known for its brutality as much as its beauty. However, if you can read through it, you will be justly rewarded. I know I can't wait for my next reread. ( )

Just OK - probably a better series for the female reader. ( )

As soon as I finished the previous book, the Serpent and the Pearl, I went to find this in the library, got too impatient to put it on hold, and bought it for my Kindle.
Then I stayed up far too late reading it. Loved the blend of history, murder, intrigue, romance, sexiness, and getting inside historical and fictional characters' heads.
( )

The 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. ( )

A 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! ( )