The Lion and the Rose

By Kate Quinn

Book Overview

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Briar Club comes the continuing saga of the ruthless Borgia family that holds all of Rome in its grasp, and the three outsiders thrust into their twisted web of blood and deceit...

As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from over--and now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexander's thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.

Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissance's most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425268764
• ISBN13: 9780425268766
• Release Date: January 2014
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A front seat to the demise of the Borgia clan

Everything I love about Quinn is on full display here: lush descriptions of fashion and food, complex characters who are harboring their own secrets, not to mention an absolutely epic declaration of love near the end of the novel. I've reread the last couple of chapters repeatedly because it's just so romantic. That said, I won't rush to recommend this duology to everyone. In order to get to the satisfying ending, the characters go through some pretty dark times. After all, this is the Italian Renaissance, a time known for its brutality as much as its beauty. However, if you can read through it, you will be justly rewarded. I know I can't wait for my next reread.