Historical Fiction Book Tours: The Queen's Vow

Author: C.W. Gortner
Title:  The Queen's Vow
Publisher: Ballentine Books
Publish Date:  June 12, 2012
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the publisher
Book Blurb: No one believed she was destined for greatness—until she became one of history’s most powerful and controversial queens. Young Isabella is barely a teenager when she is thrust into danger. Suspected of treason and held captive, she treads a perilous path, until, at age seventeen, she finds herself heiress of Castile, the largest kingdom in Spain. Plunged into a deadly conflict to secure her crown, she is determined to wed the one man whom she has vowed to love yet is forbidden to her—Fernando, prince of Aragón. As together they unite their two realms under "one crown, one country, one faith," Isabella and Fernando face an impoverished Spain beset by enemies. With the future of her throne at stake, Isabella resists the zealous demands of the inquisitor, Torquemada, even as she is seduced by the dreams of an enigmatic navigator named Columbus. But when a violent, treacherous battle against an ancient adversary erupts, it will test Isabella’s resolve, her courage, and her tenacious belief in her destiny . . . . From the glorious palaces of Segovia to the battlefields of Granada and intrigue-laden gardens of Seville, The Queen’s Vow sweeps us into the tumultuous forging of a nation and the complex, fascinating heart of the woman who overcame all odds to become Isabella of Castile.

Review: I think everyone pays too much attention to the  Queens of England, especially those of the Tudor era, one of which is the daughter of Isabella of Castile. Sure that time period was exciting but Isabella really accomplished a great deal.

The story chronicles her life up til 1492...you know when that Christopher Columbus guy discovered America?

I think most people really know her from all the books about her daughter, Catherine Of Aragon. This is the story of one of Europe's greatest monarchs. That's the extend of my knowledge of Isabella. I think the best picture I had of her so far was in Julia Fox's Sister Queens that I read earlier this year.

I really loved getting to know this woman who was so ambitious and really helped to build Spain.

I think this is a definite must read for people that love historical fiction, especially about royals. Plus it steps away from England where so much of this genre is centered. Yes, there are other royals besides The Tudors!

Rating: 5 flowers