Synopsis: In 1501, Anne of Brittany devises the perfect match for her only child by Louis XII, King of France. Their daughter will become the most powerful woman in Europe if she marries the future Holy Roman Emperor. But Louis balks. Instead, he wishes her to marry his successor. How else to keep his own bloodline on the throne?
Anne is incensed. Why should her daughter not rule Brittany one day as her successor? Better to be a decision maker as ruler of Brittany, where women are not forbidden to rule, than only to sit next to France’s future king as queen-consort, bereft of political power.
Anne wants Louis to stay out of Italy, but Louis is determined to gain a foothold there for France. Joining Ferdinand of Spain in a secret pact to partition southern Italy, Louis soon discovers, with devastating results, the age of chivalry is over.
As lovers, Anne and Louis are in accord. As rulers, their aims differ. Who will prevail?
Book Three of the Anne of Brittany Series, of which Anne and Charles is Book One, and Anne and Louis is Book Two.
Unfortunately, this was not for me.
I gave it two stars for tackling someone other than Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth I, or whoever is the current flavour of the month with historical fiction authors. I am familiar with this period and the style of narrative just did not drawn me in and the characters left me flat. I could easily have left this unfinished but decided to persevere to the end. For continuity purposes, I suggest reading the first two and the prequel, especially if new to this period and the characters.
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