Poison (The Poisoner Mysteries, #1)

Aug 05, 2011 Nancy added it · review of another edition

Historical fiction/suspense set in the late 15th century. I'm a little rusty on my late 15th century history, but I always found in fascinating in school, especially the parts about the church and it's corrupt members. I'm not sure how much of this is historical, and how much is fiction, but at least the main characters were real people. The story centers on Francesa, the poisoner, and her attempts to keep Rodrigo Borgia in the running for Pope, while also trying to protect the Jews from a mass...more

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May 20, 2013 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been a fan of historical fiction for years, and have found that the authors who embody this genre vary greatly as to the ability to bring a concept to life in a way that leaves you riveted from beginning to end. Sadly, many fall short of achieving that goal.

Sarah Poole's 'Poison' has no such issue.

The story, set in the year 1492, is told from the view of a young woman Francesca Giordano, who succeeds her father in the position of 'Poisoner' for Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, head of one of the m...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Ms.pegasus rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone interested in fast-paced historical fiction with an emphasis on plot

Shelves: fiction, history, thriller

Poison … ivy? ...oak? Poisoner …. Add the word 'Renaissance', and it could only be the Borgias! But there's a twist. The poisoner is not one of the Borgias. Her name is Francesca Giordano. She is the daughter of Rodrigo Borgias' late servant, whose job it was to protect the household from would-be poisoners, as well as to effect, on command, the poisoning of Rodrigo's enemies. The year is 1492 and Francesca has surprised not only Rodrigo Borgia, but the reader as well. She is introduced to us as...more Poison … ivy? ...oak? Poisoner …. Add the word 'Renaissance', and it could only be the Borgias! But there's a twist. The poisoner is not one of the Borgias. Her name is Francesca Giordano. She is the daughter of Rodrigo Borgias' late servant, whose job it was to protect the household from would-be poisoners, as well as to effect, on command, the poisoning of Rodrigo's enemies. The year is 1492 and Francesca has surprised not only Rodrigo Borgia, but the reader as well. She is introduced to us as someone who is sickened by the blood sport of a bull's sacrifice. Turn the page, and she reveals she is the unrepentant poisoner of her father's successor. The story is told in the first person, past tense. The viewpoint allows Francesca to expose her most intimate and conflicted thoughts, and allows the reader to sympathize and even admire her. Substituting a 3rd person narrative, and the cold scrutiny of some of the acts she must contemplate might be less likely to elicit that sympathy. Even as we experience ambivalence about liking her, we are forced to admit that Francesca is interesting. Her apprenticeship to her father's trade was so complete that she is able to create new poisons; her mind runs in relentless rational progression; and, she is patient. She also has a mordant sense of humor. When Lucrezia insists that her brother Cesare has “a good heart,” Francesca thinks to herself, “If she meant a heart that beat strongly and gave its possessor no trouble, she was certainly correct. Apart from that --”

The plot suggests innumerable popular references (the Sopranos and Dexter have been mentioned by other reviewers). I will add that for my part, I could not avoid visualizing Jeremy Irons as the Cardinal during my reading of this book. The supporting characters, likewise, felt quite alive: Impulsive, lascivious, and yet, charismatic, Cesare, gruff, discrete, and pragmatic Vittoro, and the stalwart glassblower and close friend of Francesca's late father, Rocco. Far from being an impediment, the derivative elements lend a modern sensibility to the characters. Their actions, ruled by fear, vengeance, avarice, and ambition, are all too familiar and bridge the gaps of time and place. At the same time, Poole never resorts to over-simplification. To merely dismiss these characters, particularly the Borgias, as hypocrites would be to miss their ambivalent perceptions of a world on the brink of convulsing change.

Poole touches on historic events such as the Inquisition, the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, and the conditions of the Jewish ghetto in Rome. She gives us a unique view of Rome, ancient layer piled upon ancient layer. She also gives us a look at the Vatican politics that elected Pope Innocent the VIII. She even finds occasion to mention the word play of Domini canes (the Dominicans as the Hounds of the Lord). Short chapters, suspenseful situations, frantic races against a ticking clock and vivid writing propel this story. When Francesca and Cesare fall into a sewer-like moat, the slime and stench are visceral sensations. When the fetid summer air is described, its almost enough to make the reader gasp for air. Much to my surprise, Poole has created a fast-paced historical thriller.

NOTE: The publisher has done the book a disservice by featuring a buxom beauty on the cover. I was expecting a romantic pot-boiler. This book is far more interesting than that, and well-written. For those interested in botanical poisons, monkshood is in the section on “Aconite” in Amy Stewart's WICKED PLANTS. The paternoster pea is called the rosary pea in WICKED PLANTS. The Star of Bethlehem is part of the family described in the “dreadful bouquet” section. I mention WICKED PLANTS because of the entertaining anecdotal treatment it gives to various poisonous plants.(less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-fav-authors, fiction

I love historical fiction but was weary of Tudor England books. Along comes a new author writing about the Catholic Church in Rome, in the year 1492, and the political maneuverings of those at its highest levels.

Italy in that time was a collection of city states and principalities--all vying for power and leadership roles. This was a time when vendettas were expected and required to maintain family honor if it was besmirched or insulted. And if a family member was murdered....

This is the story...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Lett' rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://letteraturaa.wordpress.com/201...

La période de la renaissance m’a toujours intéressé, le moment où la religion chrétienne est à son apogée est très complexe surtout parce qu’il y a beaucoup d’intrigues politiques et religieuses qui donnent très envie. Donc, Francesca était le livre qu’il fallait que je lise et il s’est avéré vraiment bien même si j’ai été quelque peu déçu de quelques points.

Alors, premièrement l’intrigue est tout simplement exceptionnel,le je n’en attendais pas autant, ma...more http://letteraturaa.wordpress.com/201...

La période de la renaissance m’a toujours intéressé, le moment où la religion chrétienne est à son apogée est très complexe surtout parce qu’il y a beaucoup d’intrigues politiques et religieuses qui donnent très envie. Donc, Francesca était le livre qu’il fallait que je lise et il s’est avéré vraiment bien même si j’ai été quelque peu déçu de quelques points.

Alors, premièrement l’intrigue est tout simplement exceptionnel,le je n’en attendais pas autant, mais là, c’est vraiment bien étudié. Cette intrigue contient tout ce que je voulais, intrigue, soif de pouvoir, religion, damnation, et encore bien d’autres domaines. J’ai trouvé qu’elle était finement ciselé, elle contient un peu de tout, elle correspond tout à fait aux problèmes de l’époque. Mais aussi, elle est en accord avec ce que l’on peut entendre par thriller historique. Donc, une superbe intrigue qui va conduire vers beaucoup de choses, où l’on va découvrir la traitrise, l’amitié, l’amour… tout ce que vous voulez quoi !

Le personnage de Francesca commence très fort, parce que quand on la voit, on s’aperçoit qu’elle a tué quelqu’un pour pouvoir s’imposer devant le Cardinal Borgia. J’ai beaucoup apprécié sa façon d’agir, de se juger, de parler, de passer à l’action… en fait, j’ai un peu tout aimé chez elle ! Elle est vraiment une femme forte et puissante, un peu différente des femmes de son époque, elle se permet d’être dans une fonction importante comme l’empoisonneuse des Borgia.La façon dont elle peut être une femme de sang-froid et après se juger personnellement, c’est vraiment excellent. J’adore ce personnage qui est le centre du récit ! C’est vraiment la femme parfaite pour une héroïne de roman historique !

Alors, sinon on a la famille Borgia et à sa tète le Cardinal Borgia qui peut paraitre comme sympathique par rapport aux autres,mais par la suite on voit que ce n’est qu’un personnage qui est le moins pire, et que ce n’est pas un saint, au contraire ! J’ai trouvé très intéressant de montrer la hiérarchie du mal et de la corruption. Voilà un personnage tout de même très imposant, que j’ai toutefois apprécié.

Le contexte historique est superbement bien décrit et présenté ! Je suis en adoration devant ce siècle avant la Renaissance où tout est possible, où l’argent et le pouvoir est roi, et aussi où tout les complots sont imaginables. Tout le monde imagine de tuer l’autre, la chrétienté n’est qu’un objet pour acquérir ce que l’on veut. J’adore voir (je suis sadique !) à quel point le monde est en déclin, soit il en sortira meilleur, soit pire,et comme on connait la suite, j’aime bien voir à quel point les gens sont vils et méchants !

Au fait, aujourd’hui, quand on parle de fanatisme religieux, on a en tète le fanatisme islamique, mais là, il n’est même pas mentionné puisque le fanatisme chrétien est autant horrible que celui qui est islamique, les projets sont nombreux pour effacer les juifs de l’Europe, c’est vraiment horrible. J’ai aimé voir cet aspect de la chrétienté à travers une bonne intrigue qui montre aussi l’administration papale et aussi, on assistera au conclave (que je viens d’apprendre que ça existait !). C’est vraiment très instructif surtout au niveau de l’administration, mais pas des dogmes qui sont un peu à l’arrière plan;

Alors, sinon un des points noirs est l’écriture, elle est un peu bizarre même si j’ai aimé le fait que Francesca nous racontent cela à partir du futur, donc parfois, elle nous donnent quelques détails sur le futur, ce qui est vraiment intéressant ! Cependant, il y avait quelque chose de vraiment lourd dans l’écriture que je n’ai pas vraiment compris, mais tout de même, cela ne dérange pas d’apprécier le livre et ce n’est pas toujours comme ça !

Pour finir, malheureusement je termine avec un point faible de ce livre, c’est que le milieu du livre est un peu comment dire, faible ! Il ne se passe pas grand chose, et c’est un peu ennuyant, voilà tout comme défaut qui est assez dérangeant, mais quand on le dépasse, le début large et la fin large est excellente ! Je vous assure, il faut lire ce livre !!! Attendez, avant d’oublier, les 40 premières pages sont vraiment pas superbes du tout, je sais pas si c’était parce que j’étais pas dans le coup, mais je n’avais pas du tout aimé.

Donc, en parlant de la fin, je l’ai adoré !!! Elle est vraiment comme je l’attendais d’un coté, mais de l’autre, j’ai pu apercevoir le talent de l’auteur puisqu’elle a bouleversé toutes les théories des personnages en créant quelque chose de très alambiqué, mais j’adore sa façon de tout bouleversé. De plus, j’ai beaucoup aimé la petite touches sentimentales à la fin !

Donc, un super livre, que je vous conseille surtout si vous aimez la Renaissance et la famille des Borgia !!!(less)

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Sep 30, 2011 Kelly rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book is probably a 2.5 star for me. I enjoyed the overall story, and the main character is very likable, but the author's writing style made it very hard for me to get through this book. I felt the flow of the story was disjointed, like one scene didn't always flow into the next. I often found myself rereading the same passage to try and figure out what was happening, only to see the author explaining what was going on a few paragraphs down. She would often make references to things that wi...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Brianna Mulligan rated it 3 of 5 stars

I went into this book expecting a duller version of Philippa Gregroy. I have little fascination with Rome and am a little disilluminated by the Catholic church. However, I was pleasantly surprised! The action packed plot and adult language were very interesting (although not usually my style.) The best part of Sara Poole's novel was her portrayal of the main character, Francesca. Rarely, even in current-day fiction, do you see independently courageous and feminist characters. Francesca held a po...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

With the overly crowded sea of Tudor fiction out there, it's refreshing to see something just a little different. Newcomer Sara Poole takes on the deadly Borgias, an Italian Renaissance dynasty that ruled in Rome, primarily through their papal connections. The Borgias, though not often explored in fiction, offer a fertile ground of murder, intrigue, sex, lies, incest and all kinds of juicy things for authors to explore. It's the perfect backdrop for a soap opera complete with cutthroat power gam...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Nancy added it

Historical fiction/suspense set in the late 15th century. I'm a little rusty on my late 15th century history, but I always found in fascinating in school, especially the parts about the church and it's corrupt members. I'm not sure how much of this is historical, and how much is fiction, but at least the main characters were real people. The story centers on Francesa, the poisoner, and her attempts to keep Rodrigo Borgia in the running for Pope, while also trying to protect the Jews from a mass...more

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Oct 14, 2010 Robyn Hawk rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The whole idea of "Poisoner" as heroine...begs the comparisons to the like-able serial killer Dexter. But in the Renaissance Era, the setting for this debut novel from Sara Poole, that is a legitimate profession.

Poison: A Novel of the Renaissance begins as our heroine, Francesca Giordano, takes over her father's job as head poisoner for the Borgia family (YES - those Borgias'). Cardinal Borgia wants to become pope, so this could be a deadly position that Francesca finds herself in. With her fat...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Kam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, thriller

I've said many a time before that I am thoroughly enamored of the Italian Renaissance. It's one of my favorite periods in history - among many, to be sure, but this is one particular time period in which my interest borders on the obsessive. I will read as much about it as I can get my hands on; I will watch movies, TV shows, and documentaries set in the period; I will even look for traces of it in the fiction I read. However, while my interest in the period is broad enough to span almost its en...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Lauren Fidler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: abusive-relationships, art-history, books-i-can-read-in-under-3-hours, medieval-sort-of, medieval-italian-mafia, borgias, poison-but-not-the-band, predictable-villain, secret-shame, smutty-historical-fiction

this is exactly the type of book i needed - total smut disguised as genuine historical fiction.

poole creates an interesting depiction of 15th century rome here - all the borgias are here, natch - but while the history is authentic enough the characters all feel a bit too modern.

didn't bother me, but it might bother some.

delicious death:
1. while poole honors the history surrounding her fiction, she never becomes a slave to it. it's a fine line to dance and she does it well.
2. francesca is just ba...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Nenia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: x-2010s, x-series-bk-1, historical-wotsits, i-burn-i-pine-i-perish, court-intrigue, beautiful-words-lets-swim-in-them, girls-rule-boys-drool, pedobear-seal-of-approval, reviewed, assassins, crème-de-la-crème, the-butler-did-it

If Poison Study had been written by Philippa Gregory and taken place in Renaissance Italy, you would get something fairly close to Poison. I've been searching for a book like this for quite a while, actually. It features some of my favorite fictional motifs: butt-kicking female protagonist, assassins, herbalism, court intrigue, and whodunnitry. In other words, pure awesome.

Francesca Giordano ends up becoming Cardinal Borgia's new poisoner/taste-tester when she kills off her competition in a dram...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sadly as I have found with a lot of the books I have been reading this summer I couldn't wiat to start it and then I couldn't wait to finish it. I think I even found myself saying one night that I needed to "work" on finishing my book. Reading should never be "work".

When it comes to Poison I am a little torn. I love to read books about history, even more so when they are fiction but with foundation on a historical background. I sadly don’t love it when the plot is going along all fine and dandy...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

The year is 1492 and Innocent VIII is pope. He is about to sign an edict that would wipe out all of the Jews in Christiandom. Francesca Giordano has just proven herself worthy of taking her father's previous position as Cardinal Rodrigo's poisoner. Her only wish in taking upon such a role is to avenge the death of her father. Soon she becomes involved in a plot to kill the current pope in order to pave the path for Cardinal Borgia. It is her responsibility, as was her father's before her, to cre...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Janel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cannonball-read-ii-finitio

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 1492 Rome, Italy. Pope Innocent VIII is very ill and about to sign an edict to wipe out all the Jews within all Christiandom. Francesca Girodano just proved her worth as a poisoner and agrees to serve Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and ultimately avenge her father's death.

Francesca's mission is to create a poison that looks like the person died from natural causes. Her father was working on such poison before he was murdered. While seeking help from an apothecary in the Jewish quarter, Francesca finds...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Christie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 15th-century, historical-fiction, italy, kick-ass-heroines, mysteries

First Sentence: "The white bull charged down the chute into the piazza."

Francesca Giordano's father has just been murdered and she vows to avenge his death. She becomes the poisoner in Rodrigo Borgia's household, a post her father held until his death. She not only poisons the Cardinal's enemies, but also protects the household from assassination attempts. Her quest for her father's murderers leads down some unexpected paths from the Jewish ghetto to the Castel Sant'Angelo. Francesca finds hers...more

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Aug 30, 2010 SenoraG rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, crazy-book-tours, fiction

I started this book knowing enough about the Borgias to be able to feel like I could follow the story. What I learned along the way was not so much more.

The books starts with a bang, a murder and a daughter's vow to avenge her father. About midway through it lost it for me. I felt it was a bit too long.

The characters on the other hand were great. Francesca comes across as a very strong, brave young girl who is not afraid to stand up for herself. I enjoyed the interaction between her and Cesare B...more

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May 02, 2011 Tiffany Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, series

I don't read a lot of adult fiction these days, but I am so glad that I picked this one up. From the first page we start right into the action, with a man dead. From there, we watch as Francesca Giordano rises to fill her father's recently vacated position of poisoner for Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, one of the most powerful men in Rome. As his poisoner, it is her job to keep him alive. However, several other powerful men do not want to see her accomplish her job. This book has almost everything I l...more

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May 16, 2013 Ivy Read rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Le roman commence fort avec l’assassinat d’un homme dans le palais des Borgia. C’est comme ça que l’on rencontre Francesca, l’héroïne de ce roman car elle n’est autre que la meurtrière de feu le nouvel empoisonneur de la famille de Rodrigo. Elle, une femme, donc bien peu considérée par les hommes à cause de cela, souhaite prouver par cet acte qu’elle est autant capable qu’un homme d’exercer le métier d’empoisonneuse. Force est de constater qu’elle a extrêmement bien réussi puisqu’elle a empoiso...more Le roman commence fort avec l’assassinat d’un homme dans le palais des Borgia. C’est comme ça que l’on rencontre Francesca, l’héroïne de ce roman car elle n’est autre que la meurtrière de feu le nouvel empoisonneur de la famille de Rodrigo. Elle, une femme, donc bien peu considérée par les hommes à cause de cela, souhaite prouver par cet acte qu’elle est autant capable qu’un homme d’exercer le métier d’empoisonneuse. Force est de constater qu’elle a extrêmement bien réussi puisqu’elle a empoisonné un empoisonneur - triste ironie n’est-ce pas ?

Pour être honnête, la première partie a été assez agréable à lire mais ne m’a pas vraiment convaincue, je l’ai trouvé un peu trop lisse avec une sorte de côté un peu jeunesse qui ne convenait pas, de mon point de vue, à la sulfureuse réputation des Borgia. De plus, l’intrigue de base m’a paru bien simple et fut trop facilement réalisée. Je l’ai lu avec plaisir mais sans avidité, ayant l’impression de m’être un peu fourvoyée dans mon choix de lecture, moi qui cherchais quelque chose de plus adulte et plus complexe que ce que j’ai lu dernièrement.

J’ai bien cru que cette intrigue toute simple était la principale du roman, et c’est bien là que je me suis trompée car, une fois cette intrigue-ci apparemment close, elle se complexifie et devient vraiment intéressante. Je peux vous dire que j’ai dévoré la seconde partie en un rien de temps ! Parce qu’on a beau se douter de comment l’histoire va plus ou moins finir, la tension monte et on panique quand même avec l’héroïne de savoir ce qui va advenir par la suite.
Focalisé sur le meurtre qui doit irrémédiablement être commis au début, on se rend compte petit à petit que la véritable intrigue se trouve ailleurs, pas loin du tout en fait, juste sur un autre détail de celle-ci qui va s’amplifier et nous faire craindre les évènements à venir.

De plus l’ambiance de l’époque est bien restituée, il y a eu de la recherche et ça se sent, on apprend au détour d’une phrase pas mal de choses intéressantes sur certains évènements historiques. Pas de craintes de s’embrouiller à ce niveau là, tout est clair et précis, il n’y a pas trop de détails qui pourraient perdre le lecteur en cours de route, ni trop peu pour que l’on puisse apprendre tout en se divertissant ! Le point de vue d’autant plus intéressant ici est bien évidemment la dimension religieuse et surtout de voir la manière dont étaient traités les juifs à l’époque, de bien saisir la précarité de leur situation et d’en comprendre l’horreur ainsi la stupidité de ceux qui leur font subir tout cela pour des excuses qui, à notre époque, me semblent bien faibles et injustifiés.

Lire ce livre juste après la série Borgia m’a un peu perturbée au début, quelques descriptions comme le fait que Guilia est blonde dans ce roman et brune dans la série mais, rien de bien dramatique au final. J’ai juste un peu tiqué sur l’absence de Juan Borgia, étant donné qu’il avait un an de moins que Cesare il m’a semblé étrange qu’il ne se trouve pas avec ce dernier et leur soeur Lucrezia mais, peut-être était-ce surtout pour éviter une surcharge de personnages.

La façon dont Francesca s’adresse à Rodrigo m’a paru pas mal effrontée par moment, surtout pour l’époque et pour une jeune fille de son âge. Son comportement était assez déplacé par moments mais il est vrai que cela fait partie de son caractère. Francesca est un personnage bien complexe, se disant hantée par les ténèbres tout en montrant qu’elle a un coeur d’or, elle est vraiment attachante.
J’ai également apprécié Rocco et Vittoro, prêts à l’aider dans tout ce qu’elle pourrait entreprendre, armés d’une compassion étonnante et d’un courage remarquable, ils m’ont fait une très bonne impression et je me suis surprise à m’attacher à eux. Quant à Cesare Borgia, j’ai eu un peu de mal au début du livre, son comportement ne coïncidait pas avec ce que j’avais en tête mais je m’y suis habituée et je l’ai retrouvé un peu plus loin dans le roman (cf. la citation de la fin qui m’a arraché un gloussement ridicule).

En tout cas, pari réussi, ce livre est un bon thriller historique ni trop simple, ni trop complexe pour qu’on puisse s’y retrouver, qui met en place une ambiance très agréable, des personnages hauts en couleurs et une intrigue que l’on dévore en moins de deux !

http://plume-ivoire.overblog.com/fran...(less)

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May 15, 2013 Brittany rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, fiction

(1.5 stars, because to its credit it is a functioning novel with a mildly coherent narrative.)

One of my primary grievances was the antagonists. They were are all over the place. The Big Bad is the anti-Semites! No, it's Pope Innocent! No, it's (view spoiler)! No, it's (view spoiler) Because of this, it's hard to find a central conflict and the pacing suffers severely for it.

The plot is a giant...more (1.5 stars, because to its credit it is a functioning novel with a mildly coherent narrative.)

One of my primary grievances was the antagonists. They were are all over the place. The Big Bad is the anti-Semites! No, it's Pope Innocent! No, it's (view spoiler)! No, it's (view spoiler) Because of this, it's hard to find a central conflict and the pacing suffers severely for it.

The plot is a giant deus ex machina. Characters appear just in time, of course it is (view spoiler), of course that person was hiding in the shadows during that conversation, etc. etc. etc.

Something that other reviewers have touched on which drove me up the wall: the narration. I'm hesitant towards first-person in general, and the fact that I was often being directly addressed by Francesca ruined atmosphere. She would point out how symbolic or ironic something was when it was obvious enough. I struggle to find character development in Francesca because of her heavily biased narration. Some of the language was hair-pullingly frustrating: Italian is used for words and phrases that have perfectly good English translations ("Ay, dios mio!" = "Oh, my God!"), and at the same time painfully anachronistic terms are used ("blasé" was one that made me physically reel away from my eReader).

Francesca's emotions and attitude are hyperconvenient. She never makes a mistake, and when she does she is praised for it as it had unforseen benefits. Francesca certainly fails to live up to what she calls her "inner darkness". She doesn't take actions which are morally questionable but incredibly beneficial and practical, and a chapter later insists to the reader that she is a "creature of the dark". I would love to read about Francesca being genuinely Chaotic Neutral or something of that nature, but she's not. She doesn't own her actions. There isn't a character who doesn't like her, and if they don't like her, they're sexually attracted to her. It's ridiculous. A magnetic protagonist? I'm down with that. But I don't believe a protagonist can be magnetic when she appears to not know her own identity.

There are so many male characters that I struggle to differentiate them beyond their names - they all seem to lack personality. Almost all of them are used as symbols, and the fact that Francesca needs to choose a man to properly self-actualise is again, ridiculous. I love female-centered fiction, but that's not the case here. The only female consistently relevant to Francesca's situation is Lucrezia. The characterisations are appalling bad: in one chapter Cesare is superstitious and devout, in another he insists that God be left out of important decisions. Francesca's faith appears to have the same habit of flip-flopping.

Poole discards certain rumours (Cesare and Lucrezia, for example - Francesca states outright to the reader that the rumours of the two are incorrect, and the two never interact on-page) and encourages others. A particularly foul one involving Pope Innocent VIII is used repeatedly for a reason I can't quite discern beyond making Rodrigo look like a desirable Pope. Which.. isn't the point of Rodrigo becoming Pope. At all.

I can't see myself reading the rest of this trilogy, not even as a quick read - with this one I found myself thinking "Is this book over yet?!" at every chapter.(less)

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Jan 11, 2012 Alvi Harahap rated it 4 of 5 stars

Poison shocked me a bit. I knew there was corruption in the Catholic church, especially during the Renaissance, but I was unprepared for the blatant use of power, money, and also beautiful women to get what was desired.

And, in this case, what was desired was to be the Pope. Poole tells the story through the perspective of Francesca Giordano, who has taken over after her father's death to serve the position as poisoner to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia. Francesca's only goal is to avenge her father's de...more

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Dec 03, 2010 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Sara Poole's novel brought hope that there will be a sequel, because it definitely left me wanting more. I found that Francesca, the main character, reminded me a lot of one of the great all-time literary heroines in Elizabeth Bennet. Both women trapped in their stations in life at the time, but not letting it bridle their wit and spirit, while still being very aware that they're considered lesser beings for being women, yet being held in great estimation in the eyes of those around them, regard...more

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Aug 07, 2010 Val rated it 4 of 5 stars

Poison is an intriguing Historical Young Adult novel set in Rome during the year 1492. Shortly after the death of her father, Francesca decides to take matters into her own hands and bring about justice to the murderer. What Francesca doesn’t know is that the murder of her father is only a glimpse at what some of the most powerful men in Rome will do to keep their secrets hidden.

In order to find out more about the murder of her father, an infamous Alchemist. Francesca decided to take the positi...more
Poison is an intriguing Historical Young Adult novel set in Rome during the year 1492. Shortly after the death of her father, Francesca decides to take matters into her own hands and bring about justice to the murderer. What Francesca doesn’t know is that the murder of her father is only a glimpse at what some of the most powerful men in Rome will do to keep their secrets hidden.

In order to find out more about the murder of her father, an infamous Alchemist. Francesca decided to take the position of Poisoner for Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia. Who just happens to be the head of the deadliest family in Italy.

The closer she grows to Cardinal Borgia the deeper the secrets lie. In a city where death, deceit and poison are all too common what will Francesca do to avenge her Father’s death.

I have not had too big a passion for historical novels, however this book really intrigued me. I was able to fully appreciate the way the author, Sara Poole can really put you in the mind of Francesca. Her fears become yours as well as her struggles. I loved the use of language in this book. Everything the characters say has thought and emotion behind it. The author is really able to show what each minor character is thinking and feeling without letting you into their direct thoughts.

This novel really reminds me of present day gangs and mobs. It was really intense to see everything the Romans did to get power. In the Acknowledgments sections Sara Poole talks about all the research and rumors that went into making this novel.

I really felt pity for Francesca and her struggles throughout the entire novel. From the very beginning all she wants is to bring justice. However the more she learns the more she must sacrifice. She must kill to keep her position and make her power known as a woman in a man’s role. The internal struggle of saving her soul or saving the Jews of Rome is captivating and menacing.

This book was well written and very knowledgeable. There were some areas where I began to lose interest and wanted to skip lines. Overall I enjoyed it, and was happy with the outcome. However I don’t know if I would continue with the series. I don’t think Historical Novels are really for me unless it has to do with College Credit.

I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 Stars. If you enjoy Historical Novels than you will probably consider this to be worthy of more points.

The plot was pretty intense but it wasn’t one of those novels I read in one night. I did love that my vocabulary expanded just by reading this novel.

This was sent to me by Around The World ARC Tours.
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Jun 27, 2010 Jann Rogow rated it 5 of 5 stars

Poison Sara Poole

The problem with historic fiction - especially a book set some five centuries ago - is melding believable characters with a plausible story line.

In Poison, Sara Poole has done so admirably.

Her chief character, the woman poisoner of the title, Francesca, is a member of the Borgia court who took over her slain father's position.

Other members of the court, and the area, are equally believable.

The true star of the book is the struggle of the Catholic Church to defend its power durin...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, renaissance, borgia

My impression of this book went back and forth as the story progressed. The storyline itself was very good and the author put a great deal of work and research into developing it. The problem I had were the comments by the author that would just appear randomly throughout the story yet there was nothing in the storyline to support those interruptions. I kept checking to make sure I wasn't reading Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. At least in that story the personal commentaries were appro...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I truly wanted to give this book 5 stars, but it ended up more like 3.5. Poole's writing is both intriguing and annoying. Throughout the book the main character will be describing detail or involved in conversation and then suddenly, there will be a break in the flow during which time the narrator draws attention to the reader. I like to immerse myself and become lost in the world of the story, but could not because of all the interruptions of the narrator.

I also find that Francesca, the title...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was impressed with this, a first in a trilogy, historical fiction novel that seemed like a cross between "The Da Vinci Code"; "Poison Study"; and one of Philippa Gregory's books (maybe even a little Indiana Jones too)!
The heroine, Francesca, is a poisoner for the powerful Borgia household in 15th century Italy - responsible for the protection of the Borgia Cardinal, and also acts as his "hitman". With the Cardinal being in the running for the papacy, danger is everywhere.
Bent on revenge for...more

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Mar 31, 2011 Cara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, book-club

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I’m on the fence about this book. I want to like it. I think the premise is intriguing: a daughter taking on the reins of her father, a Poisoner for Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia (during a period where women really had no place outside the hearth) and her hopes to avenge her father’s murder. I must have missed why I should care about this girl, her father or the Borgia’s.

The boldness that Francesca’s story begins with, poisoning the Spaniard so she could assume her father’s position, gave me the impr...more I’m on the fence about this book. I want to like it. I think the premise is intriguing: a daughter taking on the reins of her father, a Poisoner for Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia (during a period where women really had no place outside the hearth) and her hopes to avenge her father’s murder. I must have missed why I should care about this girl, her father or the Borgia’s.

The boldness that Francesca’s story begins with, poisoning the Spaniard so she could assume her father’s position, gave me the impression that she was capable of great things, and she was on a mission. And, I think Francesca held up pretty well in the first half – up thru the Pope’s death. She was settling into her new job, realizing the responsibilities she now had…it seemed a good start. One lucky break later she succeeded in her first big task. I was good with the first half.

Then it all fell apart for me. Each plot twist was predictable based on an earlier setup. Francesca was in over her head, admittedly so, and I lost my faith in any prowess I thought she had with Poisons. Luckily, she had very good instincts (Epiphanies? Spidey sense? Lucky guesses?) when it came to being a detective, that always led her to Morozzi, and to finally to catch up to him. I almost think the main character in this story was Luck.

Apparently Francesca’s story is to be part of a series, which should help with all the loose ends from the first book (revenge on Morozzi , the Rocco/Cesare debacle that is sure to come, the mystery of the Lux), but it really bugs me that Francesca’s blackouts weren’t more defined by the end of the first book. I can’t tell if they’re helpful or allow her evil side to take over. Perhaps Francesca will redeem herself in the next part of the series, which is due in 2011: The Borgia Betrayal: A Novel

Considering the research that Sara Poole went through to try to make the book as historically accurate as possible, I’m surprised there isn’t very much about the Borgia characters or the shape of their world. I do wonder if I knew more about the historic timeframe and the Borgia’s, if I might have enjoyed the story more or if it would have made more sense. (less)

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Aug 20, 2010 JG (The Introverted Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, 4_stars, fiction, historical_fiction, read_in_2010, reviewed, setting_italy, strong_females

"The Spaniard died in agony. That much was evident from the contortions of his once handsome face and limbs and the black foam caking his lips. A horrible death to be sure, one only possible from that most feared of weapons.

Poison."*

What an opening to a page-turner of a book! Especially when the protagonist, Francesca Giordano, immediately admits that she's the one who killed him.

Francesca's father was Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia's poisoner. When he dies, Francesca vows to have her revenge, and the...more

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Poison (The Poisoner Mysteries #1)

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