by Sarah Dunant
First published 2017
Florence, 1502. Young diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli arrives at the papal court to witness history's most notorious family in their final act. Pope Alexander VI, the corrupt Rodrigo Borgia, clings to power while his brilliant son Cesare grows increasingly unstable and ruthless. Lucrezia Borgia, twenty-two and thrice married, begins to discover her own political strength beyond being a pawn in her father's schemes. Machiavelli finds himself drawn into Cesare's world, learning harsh lessons about power that will later shape his masterwork, The Prince. As the pope battles age and his son's erratic behavior threatens their dynasty, the Borgias face enemies closing in from all sides. The family that built an empire through corruption and violence must now fight for survival. In this deadly game of Renaissance politics, Lucrezia emerges as the most cunning player of all.
Genres: historical, historical-fiction, political-thriller, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, political-intrigue
Setting: Florence, Papal Court
Period: 1502
453 pages · Hardcover · VIRAGO