Medici ~ Legacy #3
General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
Head of Zeus
01 Sep 2021
Netgalley
Maybe
The third installment in a prize-winning series charting the rise of the House of Medici as they become Masters of Florence and progenitors of the Renaissance.
Fontainebleau, 1536. Francis II, Dauphin and heir to the French throne is dead. Poisoned. The royal court believes Catherine de' Medici to be the murderer. Catherine's husband Henry will now be the next King of France – and the Medici are known to stop at nothing in the pursuit of power.
But not yet queen and without an heir, seventeen-year-old Catherine cannot be sure of securing her family's legacy. To ensure the conception of an heir, she will need to seek help from an unexpected ally: Nostradamus, the reclusive astronomer and purported seer. Dismissed by most as a charlatan and a heretic, Catherine knows he will be her only hope in becoming a mother to the future king.
Amid court intrigues, betrayals, and humiliations, Catherine waits. She awaits the death of her father-in-law, King Francis, and the birth of a son to carry her name. For once she is queen, Catherine de' Medici's power will only grow.
“Medici: Legacy” by Matteo Strukul is a captivating historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the intrigue, power struggles, and Renaissance splendor of the Medici family. Let me share my positive thoughts about this book:
In the third installment of the Masters of Florence series, Strukul masterfully transports us to Fontainebleau, 1536. The death of Francis II, the dauphin of France, sets the stage for a gripping tale. Poisoned and surrounded by court intrigues, the royal court suspects Catherine de’ Medici of foul play. As the next King of France, her husband Henry stands to ascend the throne, but Catherine’s family is determined to secure their legacy.
The novel weaves together historical accuracy with vivid storytelling. Strukul’s portrayal of Catherine is both compelling and multifaceted. She grapples with power, motherhood, and the weight of her family’s name. Amid betrayals and humiliations, Catherine seeks an unlikely ally: the enigmatic Nostradamus, the reclusive astronomer and seer. Their alliance becomes her hope for an heir and securing her family’s future.
“Medici: Legacy” delves into the complexities of ambition, love, and sacrifice. Strukul’s prose transports readers to the opulent courts of Renaissance Europe, where every decision carries consequences. The tension builds as Catherine awaits the birth of a son who will carry her name—a legacy that comes at a heavy cost.
As a lover of historical fiction, I appreciate Strukul’s meticulous research and ability to breathe life into iconic figures. The Medici saga unfolds with richness and depth, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by the Renaissance era.
In summary, “Medici: Legacy” is a triumph—a tapestry of ambition, intrigue, and the indomitable spirit of Catherine de’ Medici. Strukul’s storytelling prowess shines, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating series.
