Thanks to Random House for my copy of this wonderful book.

I've been on a English monarchy kick for a while now but have never read historical fiction about the Spanish monarchy. After reading Gortner's awesome new novel, I am excited to read even more about Isabella and Fernando and the empire they created. I was sad to see this novel end - I feel like there could be a complete second novel, but have yet to read The Last Queen, so maybe the story will pick up and continue there (I am hoping, as it is next on my list!)

I truly love most any historical fiction if it is written well, and now I have found a new author to look forward to reading past and future novels.