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The Last Queen

by C.W. Gortner (Goodreads Author)

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 4,397 ratings · 380 reviews

Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries an enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C. W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the my...more

Hardcover, 368 pages

Published July 29th 2008 by Ballantine Books (first published July 1st 2006)

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Aug 21, 2008 Sara W rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, read-w-book-club, i-own-on-kindle

I gave this book two stars because I personally only thought it was okay, but I can see why other people would like it. This book reenforced my belief that I do not really enjoy reading fiction. I like history, and I like to learn, so I enjoy historical fiction that sticks close to the facts and close to what a majority of historians would agree happened - pretty much non-fiction with dialogue. I do not enjoy historical fiction that sensationalizes history by making things up or that takes a sma...more

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Jul 29, 2008 Amateur de Livre rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Book Synopsis:

Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the berefet widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third...more

9 likes · like · see review

Aug 29, 2008 MichelleCH rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: european-history

I went back and forth on whether this was a two or three star rating for me. The beginning of the book is nicely written drawing the reader into the story as seen through the eyes of a very young Juana. The middle however started to become much too modernized for my personal taste. I felt like the author's writing was too forced and just didn't flow well. Some of the thoughts attributed to Juana were just too contrived and what I felt would have been unrealistic for a Queen of that time period.

A...more

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May 15, 2011 Stephanie Dray rated it 5 of 5 stars

Some readers shy away from male authors writing historical fiction because men sometimes gloss over or are otherwise indifferent to the plight of women in history. Such readers should give Gortner a second look because he approaches women's history with sensitivity, appreciation and respect. The story of Queen Joanna of Castille is a heartbreaking tale of abuse and political manipulation. Like her more famous sister, Katherine of Aragon, Joanna showed remarkable tenacity and strength of will in...more

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Dec 22, 2008 Beneath rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: didn-t-finish

I didn't even finish this one. I guess it is okay but the problem is that I have read so many of this tragic queen books. She's forced by the status of royalty into a marriage; he's awful and cheats on her (as if any royal woman didn't know this stuff went on back then). Power struggle. Yadda yadda. The writing is good, don't get me wrong, I just started to feel like I've read this historical book before.

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Nov 12, 2008 Sophie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An interesting idea, but poorly executed. Juana comes over as much too modern, and the characters a rather two dimensional. The whole thing becomes tedious about a third of the way through.

7 likes · like · see review

Sep 12, 2008 Lesa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who enjoys novels about strong women

If you're an Anglophile, or enjoy biographies of queens, you undoubtedly know the story of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. Catherine's sister was Juana of Castile, known in Spain as Juana la Loca. C.W. Gortner could have called his historical novel, The Last Queen, the lost queen or the forgotten queen. As he says in the outstanding commentary on his website, Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spain, is almost unknown outside of Spain.

It doesn't hurt to listen to his commentary be...more If you're an Anglophile, or enjoy biographies of queens, you undoubtedly know the story of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. Catherine's sister was Juana of Castile, known in Spain as Juana la Loca. C.W. Gortner could have called his historical novel, The Last Queen, the lost queen or the forgotten queen. As he says in the outstanding commentary on his website, Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spain, is almost unknown outside of Spain.

It doesn't hurt to listen to his commentary before reading the book. It's well-done, sets the scene, and begins with the comment that history says she went made with love, but history can be wrong. Gortner's story shows a woman with method behind her madness, a tragic, yet triumphant queen who never ruled Spain.

Juana of Castile, daughter of Isabella and Fernando was an Infanta of Spain. When she was thirteen, her parents conquered Granada, seizing it from the Moors, and uniting Spain. Her mother, who was actually the more powerful of her parents, sent her to Flanders to marry Philip, heir to the Hapsburg empire. There, she was a contented wife and mother. However, when her husband became greedy for power, and sought to unite his duchy with France, she refused to be a party to a union with Spain's enemy. As tragedy after tragedy befell her family, this young woman found herself on the path of destiny. Once she was named heir to her mother's throne, she would find herself pitted against the husband she once loved.

Gortner allows Juana to tell her story, looking back at her life. Her visit to her dying grandmother, who had been imprisoned for her madness, foreshadows the last years of her own life. For Juana, in pitting herself against her husband, and other men, became a target for the powerful men who wanted her throne. Her determination to save Spain led to her own downfall, but it kept the country intact for her son.

This book would be an excellent choice for book clubs, with its exploration of a life not really known in this country. It's as fast-paced and riveting as any thriller. The Last Queen is a beautifully written, well-researched story of an unknown queen. Gortner brings her to vivid life, as a lusty, strong-willed woman. Was Juana of Castile, Juana la Loca, really mad? Gortner says history isn't always kind to women. However, he gives voice to a strong woman, and allows her to proclaim her story.

C.W. Gortner's website is www.cwgortner.com

The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner. Ballantine Books, ©2008. ISBN 9780345501844 (hardcover), 352p. (less)

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Mar 22, 2013 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-chick-lit, soap-opera

I gave this three stars because I do respect the incredible amount of research C.W. Gortner has clearly put into bringing forward the life of Juana, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain and sister to Henry VIII's first wife Katherine. She is a painstaking scholar who has devoted much time and energy to painting as accurate a portrait of Juana as the historical record will allow.

The problem? Juana just isn't that interesting. At least not at the time of her life that Gortner chooses to fo...more

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Sep 12, 2008 Carey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain spent a lifetime winning their country back from the Moors. They finally succeeded in 1492 with the fall of Granada. They would use their four daughters to cement alliances with other European countries in order to obtain peace for themselves and their people.

Juana of Castile is like any other princess of the time, bound up in duty to her family and her country. At sixteen she is married to Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. It is difficult for her to leav...more Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain spent a lifetime winning their country back from the Moors. They finally succeeded in 1492 with the fall of Granada. They would use their four daughters to cement alliances with other European countries in order to obtain peace for themselves and their people.

Juana of Castile is like any other princess of the time, bound up in duty to her family and her country. At sixteen she is married to Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. It is difficult for her to leave the land of her birth but she never gives a thought to being an heir to the Spanish throne. She has both a brother and an older sister who will come before her. As she departs for Flanders she never expects to set foot in Spain again.

At first things in Flanders go well. Philip is handsome and Juana is surprised to find herself happy in her new life. She feels pampered and loved, she gives birth to two children and grows used to the luxury of her life as an Archduchess. It is a far cry from the austerity that the royalty of Spain believes in. In her happiness she allows herself to forget the lessons of her parents and her childhood.

When tragedy strikes repeatedly in Spain, killing in quick succession Juana's brother, older sister and baby nephew, Juana is suddenly the heir to the Spanish throne. She becomes the pawn in every power scheme for the crown and is betrayed by nearly every man that she has ever known and loved. They will stop at nothing. They accuse her of madness in order to show her inability to rule in her own right. The oldest trick in the book, used to wrest power from women down through the ages. She uses all her wits to fight them, will it be enough to save her throne?

With the great number of historical novels written about British royalty lately, I was happy to immerse myself in a story whose history I knew little about. Mr. Gortner does a wonderful job bringing sixteenth century Europe to life and explaining the convoluted politics of the time. I fell in love with Juana of Castile, who was as trapped in her life as any prisoner in a cell, though she fought valiantly to escape it. It is the wrenching story of a strong woman who had to face tremendous obstacles. (less)

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Sep 07, 2008 Elena rated it 5 of 5 stars

"The Last Queen" by C.W. Gortner is a historical novel which gives a fresh perspective on the life of the enigmatic Queen Juana of Castile. Gortner skillfully weaves together the loose threads of fact and fiction into a rare and subtle tragedy. The story of the daughter of Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, known to history Juana la Loca, is usually told with the emphasis on the passion between Juana and her faithless husband, Philip of Flanders. While Gortner’s retelling captures Juana’...more
"The Last Queen" by C.W. Gortner is a historical novel which gives a fresh perspective on the life of the enigmatic Queen Juana of Castile. Gortner skillfully weaves together the loose threads of fact and fiction into a rare and subtle tragedy. The story of the daughter of Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, known to history Juana la Loca, is usually told with the emphasis on the passion between Juana and her faithless husband, Philip of Flanders. While Gortner’s retelling captures Juana’s passionate nature as never before, he also gives a fuller picture of her unique calamity by going beyond her relationship with miscreant Philip to the larger scope of the situations enveloping her. Until reading this book I had not fully grasped the fierceness of the political intrigues, the familial tug-of-war, and the basic struggle of good versus evil which rent Juana’s heart, mind and soul. Gortner realistically but sensitively paints her gradual descent into agony as she fights to keep herself from unraveling.

"The Last Queen" combines riveting action with a compassionate portrait of a woman haunted by mental illness. While some fleeting love scenes may not be suitable for very young readers, the gist of the story far surpasses the realm of mere sensuality but takes on the vast range of political, cultural, and spiritual issues that were at stake. Renaissance Europe springs to life in this carefully researched novel, replete with colorful details about the various historical characters. Of course, Juana upstages everyone else. The more wild the incident, the more one can be certain that it truly happened.

Particularly vivid is the portrayal of Queen Isabel; her personality comes through so strongly in the book so that I almost feel that we have met face-to-face. Other than the fact that she was a queen and a matron, Isabel reminds me of the great St. Teresa of Avila, possessing similar determination and luminous faith. Juana’s father Ferdinand is a complex character. One cannot help but love him like Juana does, which makes his later actions all the more disturbing.

Outraged in every way, Juana’s ordeal encompasses the full gamut of suffering so as to have universal relevance. Hers was a dauntless courage. Her love of her people caused her not to flinch from any sacrifice. I marvel at her tenacity and greatness of heart, qualities shared with her mother Queen Isabel, and with her sister Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England. Juana, like Catherine, had a long battle with the powers of darkness incarnated in a turncoat spouse. Like Catherine, Juana’s greatest love became her greatest foe and betrayer. Each queen had to endure disgrace and isolation for refusing to compromise on essentials. It is difficult to say which sister had the most complete immolation. They take their place with other tragic Catholic queens of history, such as Mary Queen of Scots and, of course, Marie-Antoinette.(less)

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Oct 15, 2008 Janae rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book and will now seek out other books by this author. He paints a wonderful picture of "Juana the Mad". Through reading it, I only could wonder was she really mad, or did her husband and father, and those she loved and trusted create the fallacy that she was mad in order to take the thrown that was rightfully hers after her sister and brother's passing?

This book was very eloquently written. The author makes, what could be very difficult to understand, comprehensible for even the m...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Annie rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the most memorable books I've ever read--I have read it three times and may read it again to get all that history settled in my brain. Put me there in 15th and 16th century Europe. Took me into that terribly important piece of history often missed because it falls under the shadow of our diversion towards Henry VIII. I now have a little clearer understanding of the connections between England and the rest of Europe during that time. I understand where Catherine of Aragon came from. After...more

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Mar 18, 2011 Kate. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: royalty, group-and-br-s, 2011-read, favorites

History writes off the infamous Juana 'la loca' as the insane Queen of Castile. However, C.W. Gortner finally gives voice to this courageous woman and the possibilty that her madness was not inherited but a result of years of torment, abuse, isolation and the final cruel blows of betrayl by the men she loved and trusted.
Books such as this are a subtle reminder that ''His''tory can be a clever instrument to suppress the truth of the greedy and ambitious.

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Feb 24, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: france-italy-spain, historical-fiction, 4-stars, read-in-2012

Rating: 4.5 stars

This is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read.

Juana, sister of Catherine of Aragon, became Queen of Spain, but her story is shocking and heartbreaking. Although queen in her own right, she was horribly betrayed by the men she loved. I was incensed reading about their treatment of her, particularly at the final betrayal by (view spoiler) How dare he? How could he? Juana was strong and courageous despite her enemies, but ultimately, as a w...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Jerelyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I don't know why it took me so long to read this book it has been on my shelf for at least 2 years. I saw the accolades about C.W. Gortner The Last Queen. Several of my favorite authors had said it was a lovely book, beautifully written, about a Queen little known in the U.S. I just have to say that I didn't pick it up for a number of reasons. The main reason I just don't have much interest in the history of Spain. The second being that the time period the rise of the Tudors, hell the Tudors the...more

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Oct 28, 2011 Michelle/ The True Book Addict rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, read-in-2011, favorites

There is a reason why historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book is one of them. An author that can take an historical figure, write a book about him/her based in fact, and make it historically accurate and entertaining at the same time is truly gifted. I have been interested in Queen Juana since I watched a brilliant Spanish film based on her life called "Juana La Loca" (or "Mad Love"). Not quite sure how accurate the film was, but my interest was piqued and I wanted to know more abo...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Allison Macias rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist

Juana, Infanta of Spain, is the third child and a daughter, never expected to inherit the Castilian Throne. Instead, an impressive marriage is made for her. Juana is sent to marry the dashing heir of the Hapsburg Empire, Phillip the Handsome. Their marriage is marked with passionate love and hate. Tragedy befalls the Spanish Catholic Majesties, with the deaths of Juana's brother, sister and nephew. Juana in turn is named heir to her mother's throne. To complete her mother's wishes she returns to...more Juana, Infanta of Spain, is the third child and a daughter, never expected to inherit the Castilian Throne. Instead, an impressive marriage is made for her. Juana is sent to marry the dashing heir of the Hapsburg Empire, Phillip the Handsome. Their marriage is marked with passionate love and hate. Tragedy befalls the Spanish Catholic Majesties, with the deaths of Juana's brother, sister and nephew. Juana in turn is named heir to her mother's throne. To complete her mother's wishes she returns to Spain, relishing in returning to her homeland. After learning the Castilian Ways, Juana returns to her husband to find him duplicitous in both love and power. After her mother's passing, Juana must fight her husband for her title and right to wear the crown. She turns to her adored father, hoping that he will support her. Ferdinand breaks her trust, forming an uneasy alliance with Phillip. Using Juana's past anger, they declare that Juana is unstable, and therefore unable to rule. Trying to combat this tactic, Juana fights on. After Phillip's sudden death, Juana thinks the battle is over. Her battle for her freedom and crown are just beginning.

This is a wonderful story of one woman's struggle for her rights and crown, chronicling the life of the ill-fated queen from her younger years to her death. While I knew a little about "Juana La Loca", Gortner introduces the reader to a Juana far different that that found in the pages of history. I was amazed at her tenacity, standing up to her husband, his mistresses, the French Monarch, her mother's corrupt advisers and even her adored father. I hated the way that the men in her life used her reactions to situations, as well as her gender to deny her the throne and her freedom. Terribly used and ruled by her husband, father and son, Juana's life was full of hardships and sadness. The Last Queen perfectly captures the Queen and Woman that Juana was. I highly recommend this book to loves of historical fiction and those who just want a good read. Gortner doesn't disappoint!!(less)

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Sep 06, 2008 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Leah by: European Royalty Group read. Aug.15- Sep.15

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-with-group

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 15, 2009 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, historicalfiction

With all the hype about the Tudor dynasty these days, more and more stories are coming out of the historical closet to be told. This is a fictionalized account of Juana of Castile, the daughter of Isabella and Ferdinand and sister to Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII. Juana was married to Philip, the Archduke of Flanders, and their early life was very happy and passionate. But when the succession of Spanish heirs dies out leaving Juana the heir to the Spanish throne, Philip becomes g...more

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Jan 10, 2010 Marylou rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-novel

EThis is a fun and enjoy read. After reading so much nonfiction it has been enjoyable to read about the infante Juana of Spain who married Phillip of Flanders. It explains many relationships among European royalty as they all intermarried. Gortner does not think Juana was crazy.

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May 03, 2009 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-books, historical-fiction, 2009-reading-journal

I found this fictionalized account of Juana of Castille, the daughter of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, and sister to Catalina otherwise known as Catherine of Aragon, first wife to Henry VIII, absolutely fascinating. Most of what I've read about Juana has been in relation to her sister, Catherine of Aragon. All of what I've read has referred to her as mentally unstable.

The story of her childhood, marriage to Philip of Flanders and claim to the Spanish throne is riveting. The trials th...more

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Apr 23, 2009 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

I recommend this to all of my friends who like Philipa Gregory historical novels. Remember Henry's first wife, Katherine of Aragon? This novel tells the story of Katherine's older sister who is married off to the Hapsburg line. Although similar in subject matter to the stories of all the Tudor wives (arranged marriage, husband is power-hungry cheater, pressure to get pregnant, etc.), I really got into this story a lot more than I did with the Gregory books. I had much more empathy with this char...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Regina Lindsey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Of the King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella children, Catalina (Catherine of Aragaon) is most remembered. However, Juana ("The Mad") of Castile is a fascinating character whose life tragedies exceed even those of her better known sibling. In much the same vein as her other sisters, Ferdinand and Isabella arrange her marriage to Phillip ("The Handsome) of Burgandy to strengthen political alliances for Spain. As her nickname suggests, Juana's life, although becoming heir to the throne and eventually...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Wendy J. Dunn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ah - the magic spell of a powerful, wonderfully written historical novel like The Last Queen! Treading on the edge of my consciousness even when forced to put the novel down, The Last Queen invaded my dreams, taking me over both night and day.

Welding history into believable and well crafted fiction takes not only writing talent, but also the ability to keep a reader so engrossed in the story they remain time travellers, oblivious to all the research needed to write a good historical novel. It is...more Ah - the magic spell of a powerful, wonderfully written historical novel like The Last Queen! Treading on the edge of my consciousness even when forced to put the novel down, The Last Queen invaded my dreams, taking me over both night and day.

Welding history into believable and well crafted fiction takes not only writing talent, but also the ability to keep a reader so engrossed in the story they remain time travellers, oblivious to all the research needed to write a good historical novel. It is not an easy feat to achieve, but C.W. Gortner is an author whose skill as a story-teller makes it seem easy. Passion for history firing his every written word, C.W. Gortner draws his reader into his historical worlds with all the certainty of a skilled magician. .

Gortner's second novel The Last Queen tells the story of Juana, the mad Queen of Spain. Written in the style of historiographic metafiction, the narrator recounting a story from history, Gortner's Last Queen hooked me from the very first page until the very end. It refuses to release me even now.

Gortner's narrator is Juana herself - a vivid, forceful and haunting character. The second, and most beautiful, daughter of Isabel of Castile, Juana is the daughter most able to take upon herself the mantle of her mother, one of the most powerful and competent Queens known in history. Here lies the seeds of Juana's doom - those closest to her would rather see Juana broken rather than let her succeed her mother. They want to keep the power in their own hands.

Juana displays her attributes for Queenship from girlhood. For her beloved country, she is willing to sacrifice and serve. Juana's first sacrifice happens at just sixteen, when the needs of Castile call for marriage to Philip the Fair, taking her far from family and home.

For a time, this sacrifice proves a happy one. Juana falls in love with her young, magnetic but also very flawed husband. Juana's love is strong enough to withstand his unfaithfulness and political games taking him further away from her.

The years pass. Philip no longer sees Juana other than a daughter of Spain and his captured political pawn - to do with what he wills. It means nothing to him that he destroys her love for him. Betrayed over and over, increasingly used and abused, her body treated as a means to end, controlled and weakened by sex, pregnancy and childbirth, by the time Juana reaches her early twenties she must do all that she can just to survive. She becomes the ultimate queen by thinking first to safeguard Castile.

Juana's story is one of heartbreak and tragedy. In Gortner's extremely competent hands, Juana's breakdown into a brief time of madness is not one of genetics (as her enemies claimed) but one brought into being by the last shattering betrayal. An unforgettable novel, The Last Queen forcefully depicts the corruption of power and how it erodes away at humanity until nothing is left but pure evil. (less)

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Jun 26, 2012 Betty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just finished reading Gortner's new book "The Queen's Vow" which is the story of Juana's mother and father and their fight to unite Spain into one great country. I thought the writing was amazing in that book.

This book is a sequel and follows their daughter Juana's life as she is sent to Flanders to marry the Archduke Philippe. The story is a heartbreaking series of events that sends the young princess eventually into madness. Or does it? Gortner only hints at such a condition.

According to t...more

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May 19, 2012 Irisheyz77 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, library, library_book, historical, spain

***Originally posted on my blog TickettoAnywhere.net: http://www.tickettoanywhere.net/2008/... ***

This book tells the story of Juana of Castille, the third child of Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain. Those two infamous monarchs have been remembered in the history books for many reasons, one of which was that their marriage united Spain into one country. It was there dream that they would found a dynasty. But the reality was far from that. Isabella and Ferdinand spent most of their lives at war. Th...more ***Originally posted on my blog TickettoAnywhere.net: http://www.tickettoanywhere.net/2008/... ***

This book tells the story of Juana of Castille, the third child of Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain. Those two infamous monarchs have been remembered in the history books for many reasons, one of which was that their marriage united Spain into one country. It was there dream that they would found a dynasty. But the reality was far from that. Isabella and Ferdinand spent most of their lives at war. They did succeed in driving out the moors but there was turmoil in the country throughout their reign. Throughout all this, they managed to raise a royal family. Advantageous political alliances were arranged for all. Including Isabella, their first born began Queen of Portugal, Juan was married to Hapsburg Princess Margaret (daughter of Maximillian I, the Holy Roman Emperor) and all of history knows about Catalina, better known to the world as Queen Katherine of England first wife of Henry VIII.

But what of their third child Juana? What is known about her? This Spanish Princess who would come to be known as Juana the Mad...this woman who once gave brith in a privy chamber. I must admit that before reading this book I knew little of the Spanish royals....with the exception of Catalina. So this book sounded really interesting. Juana, third in line for the throne of a unified Spain was never thought to inherit. She was married to Archduke Philip of Flanders, son and heir to the Holy Roman Emperor. Through a series of tragedies both her brother, her older sister and her nephew all died leaving Juana as heir to the throne. Her life had never been easy but what had come before would serve her well to help her through what was to come. She ended up fighting with her husband, her father, and all the lords of Spain in order to keep her thrown. Her children were taken from her, she was imprisoned, and though told all would be restored to her if she just renounced her crown she never did.

I found Juana to be a fascinating women and loved the portrait that C.W. Gortner painted of her. His writing was well researched and well done. He really brought to life the sights, sounds and smells of 16th Century Spain. I felt that I was Juana as I read this book. I felt everything that she did and even though I knew how the story would end (I admit I googled her before finishing the book) I still hoped that her courage and her strength would prevail and that events would turn out differently. I was engrossed in this story from the first page and I didn't want it to end. The Last Queen is a story rich in history, prose and informative about a time in history that I didn't know much about. This is a book that I would highly recommed to anyone who loves stories about royalty and to anyone who loves a good historical story.

***Originally posted on my blog TickettoAnywhere.net: http://www.tickettoanywhere.net/2008/... ***(less)

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Mar 02, 2012 Ben Kane rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read The Last Queen some time ago, and although I meant to post a review of it, it slipped my mind. Prompted by the discovery that C.W. Gortner is to release a new novel this summer, I thought I would post this. To be perfectly frank, the time period and subject matter are not my normal choice, but from the first chapter I was drawn in by the excellent portrayal of the time, but mostly of course, by Juana herself. Soon, I couldn't put the book down. Other reviewers have given excellent descrip...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Tahmeena rated it 3 of 5 stars

I usually like reading historical fiction so I was expecting to really like the book...unconditionally. Alas, it was not to be!!! My feelings about the book are pretty ambiguous. I really enjoyed parts of the book while other parts put me in a stupor.

I didn't know anything about Juana or Philip or Spanish history for that matter. Hence, I didn't realize how tragic Juana's life was. I believe that contributed in part to the ambiguity of my feelings regarding this book. I am a sucker for "happy"...more I usually like reading historical fiction so I was expecting to really like the book...unconditionally. Alas, it was not to be!!! My feelings about the book are pretty ambiguous. I really enjoyed parts of the book while other parts put me in a stupor.

I didn't know anything about Juana or Philip or Spanish history for that matter. Hence, I didn't realize how tragic Juana's life was. I believe that contributed in part to the ambiguity of my feelings regarding this book. I am a sucker for "happy" endings and [SPOILER ALERT!!!] this one was too tragic to contemplate. Not the author's fault obviously!!!

I probably should not have read this book and "The Lady Elizabeth" by Alison Weir back-to-back. I found the two books disconcertingly similar and it was difficult to appreciate Juana when I kept on thinking about Elizabeth and making comparisons. Both were strong and intelligent women who continually struggled for their place in a power-obsessed, misogynistic society where they were basically treated like meat. Granted, Juana's story is a much more tragic and gut-wrenching one compared to Elizabeth's.

A general observation that I have about the female protagonists in historical fiction is that they are all portrayed along the same lines. I am beginning to find that a little, for lack of a better word, cliched. While I understand that these women probably did have similar upbringings and experiences and ambitions and such, it seems strange that all of them had such similar personalities. Really, sometimes I even got Juana and Elizabeth mixed up and had to remind myself which book I was reading. Having said that, I am definitely not a historian and these authors obviously spent a lot of time and effort researching the women! I guess I have to remind myself that there is actually history involved in historical fiction!!!

Overall, I think this book is definitely worth a read if one enjoys authors like Philippa Gregory or Alison Weir. I genuinely liked Ms. Weir's book on Queen Elizabeth I and it makes me wonder if I would have liked "The Last Queen" better if I'd read it prior to reading "The Lady Elizabeth". But be warned that you will feel pretty dejected and sad at the end if you are like me and take things to heart!!! (less)

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was incredibly difficult for me to find this book. Due to the current popularity of Tudor-era novels, and, spilling off from that, similar-era historical fiction/romance, I thought it wouldn't be too difficult to find. But after several recommendations and countless glowing reviews, I tracked The Last Queen down at the library.

I was engrossed from the very first page -talk about a good find -until the very end. Gortner's tale about Juana of Castile is thoroughly well-written, well-researched,...more It was incredibly difficult for me to find this book. Due to the current popularity of Tudor-era novels, and, spilling off from that, similar-era historical fiction/romance, I thought it wouldn't be too difficult to find. But after several recommendations and countless glowing reviews, I tracked The Last Queen down at the library.

I was engrossed from the very first page -talk about a good find -until the very end. Gortner's tale about Juana of Castile is thoroughly well-written, well-researched, filled with great historical detail, a fabulous plot and above all, highly compelling, complex characters that keep readers riveted to every chapter -every sentence -of this amazing novel.

When you read as much as I do, you tend to get alot of crap, but every now and then you get a real diamond. The Last Queen is one of these diamonds. I was up late devouring this book for two nights straight (even with going to work!) and was ready to pick up every subsequent Gortner novel (a new one about Catherine de Medici is slated to be released in May..) -yes, it's just that good.

The Last Queen follows the life of Juana of Castile, the oldest daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain around the Tudor era. Juana is a proud, headstrong protagonist who is sent off to Flanders to marry the Hapsburg Philip in one of the typical political marriages of the time. While the marriage starts out filled with romance, things change when Juana becomes pregnant and Philip takes a lover. When it looks like Juana and Philip have finally settled into royal married life with children, Juana's older brother dies, making her the heir to the Spanish throne, particularly that of Castile.

The plotting and intrigue quickly ensue, forcing Juana to fight against her own husband to keep her throne and protect the ideals and heritage of her homeland. Ambition and betrayal slowly drive Juana into madness (many historians believe she actually suffered from schizophrenia or another mental illness), as her family members are used as leverage against her and her husband schemes with those who would see Juana disposed.

Exploring the tragic and highly engaging life of this little-known queen was incredibly enjoyable and refreshing. The Last Queen stands out as one of the best historical fiction novels I've read so far this year. Fans of historical romance and Phillipa Gregory beware though -there is little romance to be had here, and it's over within the first 100 pages. If you're looking for a bodice-ripper, this book isn't for you, but you want solid political intrigue and amazing historical characters, The Last Queen is perfect.(less)

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Aug 02, 2010 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cannonball-read

It was the dark of night and the last e-ink page had been turned, leaving me staring anxiously at a list of books that had either already been read or didn't interest me at the moment. I began to tremble, sweat sprang from my forehead with all the vigor of Victoria Falls. I had failed to line up my next book and I was already suffering withdraw, literary DTs. Blindly, I scrambled with my Kindle, flipping frantically through Amazon's Kindle Store. A historical fiction novel lept out at me, though...more It was the dark of night and the last e-ink page had been turned, leaving me staring anxiously at a list of books that had either already been read or didn't interest me at the moment. I began to tremble, sweat sprang from my forehead with all the vigor of Victoria Falls. I had failed to line up my next book and I was already suffering withdraw, literary DTs. Blindly, I scrambled with my Kindle, flipping frantically through Amazon's Kindle Store. A historical fiction novel lept out at me, though I had sworn to stay away from them for a few days. It was empty calories, a quick fix, a potential shot to the veins. And it was well praised by Amazon reviewer. I pressed "buy" with all the desperation of a back alley junkie.

And I read. When I finished, I put my head down and cried.

Screw you, you foul Amazon review bitches.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from C. W. Gortner's The Last Queen, but I got what I deserved: pap, plain and simple. It's not that it wasn't thoroughly researched, because it seemed to be. It just kills me that I couldn't be more drawn into a book about Juana the Mad, which should have been terribly exciting. Think about it: the daughter of the Catholic Kings of Spain is sent to marry a Flemish archduke, who eventually ends up being a royal douche. She then stands to inherit the the combined kingdoms of Aragon and Castile as all of her older siblings drop dead. Eventually, she stalks her husband's casket all around Spain while trying to hold on to the throne. I ask you, how can this not be interesting?

My answer would be that the fault doesn't lie with Juana's story; it's with the storytelling. Gortner spends an entire novel trying to establish a character that is truly grounded and a fighter against impossible odds-- a woman at the mercy of the machinations of men. This Juana is calculating and shrewd, though a little too trusting when it comes to her family. Then, suddenly, she's insane for about three pages. Then she's back to her old self again, never to relapse. It's a weird, uneven characterization that just doesn't work.

I've got a dozen other petty complaints with which to waste a reader's time, but I'll spare you the details. Instead, I can let you know that I am seeking therapy-- no person should have to suffer from poor reading material, no matter how desperate they are for the warm velvet of literature. Don't do it, guys. It's not worth it.(less)

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About C.W. Gortner

C.W. Gortner holds an MFA in Writing, with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies. Raised in Spain and half Spanish by birth, he currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.

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Books by C.W. Gortner

The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile

The Tudor Secret (The Spymaster Chronicles, #1)

The Tudor Conspiracy (The Spymaster Chronicles, #2)

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“You may come as a proud prince today young Habsburg. But you shall travel many more roads in Castile in death than you ever will in life” — 6 people liked it

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