HFVBT Review: The Queen’s Vow:A Novel of Isabella of Castile by CW Gortner

The Queen’s Vow:A Novel of Isabella of Castile
CW Gortner
Ballantine Books
June 12, 2012
400 pages
Amazon|BN
provided by publisher
RBM’s Disclaimer
5/5 Books

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.

About The Author:
C.W. Gortner is the author of The Last Queen, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici and The Tudor Secret. He holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall and experienced life in a Spanish castle. His novels have garnered international praise and been translated into thirteen languages to date. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

He’s currently at work on his fourth novel for Ballantine Books, about the early years of Lucrezia Borgia, as well as the third novel in his Tudor series,The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles (US) or Elizabeth’s Spymaster (UK).

Half-Spanish by birth, C.W. lives in Northern California.

Connect With The Author:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

My Review:
CW Gortner is back and stronger than ever with his newest historical novel release. This book is the best on yet, in my personal opinion. It’s a strong plot line with rich historic detail mixed with stunning characters that will grip your heart and squeeze it. From start to finish, this novel will keep you captivated!

The Queen’s Vow is the complex story on Isabella’s raise to becoming Queen. A detailed novelization of her time as a young princess, struggling with doing what’s right and what’s in her heart. Wanting to make a promise to all to help Spain and to make decisions that benefit everyone, Isabella’s rise was a wonderful journey. Her story is filled with so much more than a simple princess rising to higher achievements.

Isabella’s story is filled with romance, deep passion for wanting something others would think beyond reach. Dictating and decision making fall heavily on the young woman’s shoulders, and as she grows to womanhood and motherhood and taking the Court seat of Queen, Isabella sweeps the reader off their feet and into the center of Spanish courts and controversy.

This is most definitely one of my favorite Gortner novels and will forever have a seat on my bookshelf. This is one of those novels that you need time to sit down and devour. With a bit of intriguing suspense, Gortner rounds the story out perfectly making this historical novel and this beautiful Queen 5 Books worthy and one that I highly, highly recommend with two thumbs up! Fantastically done, Mr. Gortner and I am anxious for your next novel!