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The Dark Queen Saga #2
La Cortesana
¿Es posible elegir entre el poder y el amor?
Gabrielle es joven, hermosa y llena de ambición. Maestra en el arte de la seducción y conocedora de hechizos ancestrales, ha conseguido convertirse en la cortesana más deseada de la corte de París. Su objetivo final no es otro que el propio rey Henry de Navarra, con el que espera llegar a controlar el trono de Francia. Su principal oponente, por supuesto, será otra mujer: Catherine de Medici, también conocida como la Reina Oscura, dueña de enormes riquezas, legiones de sicarios y capaz de recurrir a la magia negra cuando sea necesario. Sin embargo, quizás el principal obstáculo en el camino de Gabrielle resida en el capitán Nicholas Remy. Un simple hombre, armado con algo más poderoso que cualquier poción o la espada más afilada: el amor. Ambición, pasión y oscuras conspiraciones en una apasionante trama situada en uno momento fascinante y turbulento de la historia.
Gabrielle es joven, hermosa y llena de ambición. Maestra en el arte de la seducción y conocedora de hechizos ancestrales, ha conseguido convertirse en la cortesana más deseada de la corte de París. Su objetivo final no es otro que el propio rey Henry de Navarra, con el que espera llegar a controlar el trono de Francia. Su principal oponente, por supuesto, será otra mujer: Catherine de Medici, también conocida como la Reina Oscura, dueña de enormes riquezas, legiones de sicarios y capaz de recurrir a la magia negra cuando sea necesario. Sin embargo, quizás el principal obstáculo en el camino de Gabrielle resida en el capitán Nicholas Remy. Un simple hombre, armado con algo más poderoso que cualquier poción o la espada más afilada: el amor. Ambición, pasión y oscuras conspiraciones en una apasionante trama situada en uno momento fascinante y turbulento de la historia.
640 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2005
55 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
About the author
Susan Carroll
65 books379 followersBorn Susan Carol Cute in 1952, Susan Coppula obtained a Degree in English with complementary studies in History in the University of Indiana. Since 1986, Susan has published books under three different pseudonyms: Susan Carroll, Susan Coppula, and Serena Richards
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 8, 2008
This is my least favorite of the Dark Queen Trilogy. I didn't relate to the characters as much and found their story too smultzy to be anything more than a sappy romance with little to offer. "Losing himself in her loving..." was a line in the novel and it pretty much summed up the caliber of realistic, raw emotion. Not that I don't love passionate romance. The Dark Queen and The Silver Rose had more likeable heroines and though there was indeed "smultzy" romance, they were both based on character/relationship developments that were not painfully obvious or typical. (The Silver Rose was my favorite. The witch ending up with the witchhunter. Cool.)
August 24, 2024
5/5⭐
“El hombre que logre por fin conquistar el corazón de Gabrielle tendrá un tesoro. La dama sabe ser terriblemente reservada y evasiva. Pero debajo de ese exterior frío arde un fuego interior, una pasión que un hombre desea probar.”
Una novela repleta de intrigas y conspiraciones, que me atrapó mucho más que el primero. ¡Qué personaje es Gabrielle Cheney! Ambientada en la corte francesa en la segunda mitad del siglo XVI con el rey Enrique III/Enrique de Valois a la cabeza y Catalina, La Reina Negra cuyo poder evitan desafiar las mujeres sabias de la isla ya que es dueña de enormes riquezas legiones de sicarios y espías y, capaz de recurrir a la magia negra cuando sea necesario.
Siguiendo con la historia de la segunda hermana, Gabrielle Cheney, han pasado más de tres años desde que ella se fue de la isla Faire y que no ve a sus hermanas, con quienes está distanciada y desde que el capitán Remy estuvo en dicho lugar. Ahora Gabrielle se ha convertido en una reconocida cortesana de París, tiene una casa que heredó, llena de criados, frecuenta la corte, asiste a banquetes, a las mascaradas, siempre está rodeada de personas que buscan su favor y de las que ella no se fía y a los que desprecia, pero se siente sola porque en torno suyo giran tontos que no ven otra cosa que la brillante fachada que ella representa y jamás se acercan a tocar a la verdadera Gabrielle. Oscuridad, aislamiento y una inmensa soledad yace en su interior. En ésta segunda parte conocemos cómo van las cosas entre Ariane y su esposo y el por qué Gabrielle parte a París y lo que genera en su hermana ésta brusca decisión.
Nuevos personajes se introducen en esta historia, entre ellos, Lobo, personaje que me gustó mucho y me divirtieron sus ingeniosos diálogos con Miri, la tercera hermana, lo que nos muestra un adelanto de lo que será el tercer libro porque aparece el temido Le Balafré. Cassandra, otro personaje que no me agradó para nada pero es necesaria para la trama a la que no le sobra ni le falta nada: Hay cámaras secretas, baile de máscaras, torneo de justas y un sin fin de escenarios que hace muy emocionante ésta historia. 512 páginas que no aburren para nada y donde el contenido histórico es lo justo y necesario. Nuevamente la ambientación de la época junto a la magia y a los hechos históricos sigue siendo excelente junto a la reaparición de personajes como los Cazadores de Brujas ya que Gabrielle es una de ellas y es conocedora de las oscuras artes; Su mayor ambición es ser la mujer más poderosa de Francia y ha decidido utilizar su poder de seducción para convertirse en la cortesana más deseada de la corte, y su objetivo es “cazar” a Enrique de Navarra, quien es rehén de la Reina Negra; Pero no es la única que quiero liberarlo: Nicolas Remy, el capitán, a quien Gabrielle conoció tiempo atrás, también quiere liberarlo de las garras de Catalina y de su poder sobrenatural. Es así que la mujer más deslumbrante de París y el valeroso caballero, al que todos creían muerto, se reencuentran.
El capitán Remy me enamoró mucho más que Renard (“El destino de Ariane”) porque él es el sueño dorado de toda mujer, por su valentía y caballerosidad, un hombre tan seguro de su fuerza que no teme ser amable. Un hombre cuya honradez brilla como armadura bruñida en medio de la corrupción que existe en la corte. Remy es un hombre que se esmera en cumplir las promesas que hace y es sobre todo, un hombre fiel, que no tendrá que luchar para no caer en el hechizo de Gabrielle, el poder que ella tiene sobre él es tal que no puede poner distancia de ella y acaba enamorado de ella.
Pese a todos sus esfuerzos por quitárselo de la cabeza, él continúa atormentando a la segunda hermana Cheney en todos sus momentos de vigilia. Aunque se esfuerza por expulsar su imagen de su mente, está enferma de miedo porque teme verlo muerto.
El romance entre ellos es chispeante, desde el primer libro se sabe que su historia de amor no será fácil porque cada uno tiene sus propias ambiciones. Gabrielle es mordaz, dada a los arranques de genio, es cínica, sinuosa y tiene un secreto, sin esperanzas de redención, pero el capitán Remy poco a poco va comprendiendo su dolor y sus traumas. Ambos tienen cicatrices profundas, tienen que superar su pasado; Él, recuperar el corazón de la mujer que ha amado; Ella, sortear el obstáculo de un simple hombre armado con la poderosa espada del amor.
RECOMENDADÍSIMO: Eso sí: lean el primero, “El destino de Ariane”. Aquí la mezcla de elementos históricos que fueron reales con aventura y romance, más elementos sobrenaturales como las ciencias ocultas, hacen de la trama un estilo único.
“El hombre que logre por fin conquistar el corazón de Gabrielle tendrá un tesoro. La dama sabe ser terriblemente reservada y evasiva. Pero debajo de ese exterior frío arde un fuego interior, una pasión que un hombre desea probar.”
Una novela repleta de intrigas y conspiraciones, que me atrapó mucho más que el primero. ¡Qué personaje es Gabrielle Cheney! Ambientada en la corte francesa en la segunda mitad del siglo XVI con el rey Enrique III/Enrique de Valois a la cabeza y Catalina, La Reina Negra cuyo poder evitan desafiar las mujeres sabias de la isla ya que es dueña de enormes riquezas legiones de sicarios y espías y, capaz de recurrir a la magia negra cuando sea necesario.
Siguiendo con la historia de la segunda hermana, Gabrielle Cheney, han pasado más de tres años desde que ella se fue de la isla Faire y que no ve a sus hermanas, con quienes está distanciada y desde que el capitán Remy estuvo en dicho lugar. Ahora Gabrielle se ha convertido en una reconocida cortesana de París, tiene una casa que heredó, llena de criados, frecuenta la corte, asiste a banquetes, a las mascaradas, siempre está rodeada de personas que buscan su favor y de las que ella no se fía y a los que desprecia, pero se siente sola porque en torno suyo giran tontos que no ven otra cosa que la brillante fachada que ella representa y jamás se acercan a tocar a la verdadera Gabrielle. Oscuridad, aislamiento y una inmensa soledad yace en su interior. En ésta segunda parte conocemos cómo van las cosas entre Ariane y su esposo y el por qué Gabrielle parte a París y lo que genera en su hermana ésta brusca decisión.
Nuevos personajes se introducen en esta historia, entre ellos, Lobo, personaje que me gustó mucho y me divirtieron sus ingeniosos diálogos con Miri, la tercera hermana, lo que nos muestra un adelanto de lo que será el tercer libro porque aparece el temido Le Balafré. Cassandra, otro personaje que no me agradó para nada pero es necesaria para la trama a la que no le sobra ni le falta nada: Hay cámaras secretas, baile de máscaras, torneo de justas y un sin fin de escenarios que hace muy emocionante ésta historia. 512 páginas que no aburren para nada y donde el contenido histórico es lo justo y necesario. Nuevamente la ambientación de la época junto a la magia y a los hechos históricos sigue siendo excelente junto a la reaparición de personajes como los Cazadores de Brujas ya que Gabrielle es una de ellas y es conocedora de las oscuras artes; Su mayor ambición es ser la mujer más poderosa de Francia y ha decidido utilizar su poder de seducción para convertirse en la cortesana más deseada de la corte, y su objetivo es “cazar” a Enrique de Navarra, quien es rehén de la Reina Negra; Pero no es la única que quiero liberarlo: Nicolas Remy, el capitán, a quien Gabrielle conoció tiempo atrás, también quiere liberarlo de las garras de Catalina y de su poder sobrenatural. Es así que la mujer más deslumbrante de París y el valeroso caballero, al que todos creían muerto, se reencuentran.
El capitán Remy me enamoró mucho más que Renard (“El destino de Ariane”) porque él es el sueño dorado de toda mujer, por su valentía y caballerosidad, un hombre tan seguro de su fuerza que no teme ser amable. Un hombre cuya honradez brilla como armadura bruñida en medio de la corrupción que existe en la corte. Remy es un hombre que se esmera en cumplir las promesas que hace y es sobre todo, un hombre fiel, que no tendrá que luchar para no caer en el hechizo de Gabrielle, el poder que ella tiene sobre él es tal que no puede poner distancia de ella y acaba enamorado de ella.
Pese a todos sus esfuerzos por quitárselo de la cabeza, él continúa atormentando a la segunda hermana Cheney en todos sus momentos de vigilia. Aunque se esfuerza por expulsar su imagen de su mente, está enferma de miedo porque teme verlo muerto.
El romance entre ellos es chispeante, desde el primer libro se sabe que su historia de amor no será fácil porque cada uno tiene sus propias ambiciones. Gabrielle es mordaz, dada a los arranques de genio, es cínica, sinuosa y tiene un secreto, sin esperanzas de redención, pero el capitán Remy poco a poco va comprendiendo su dolor y sus traumas. Ambos tienen cicatrices profundas, tienen que superar su pasado; Él, recuperar el corazón de la mujer que ha amado; Ella, sortear el obstáculo de un simple hombre armado con la poderosa espada del amor.
RECOMENDADÍSIMO: Eso sí: lean el primero, “El destino de Ariane”. Aquí la mezcla de elementos históricos que fueron reales con aventura y romance, más elementos sobrenaturales como las ciencias ocultas, hacen de la trama un estilo único.
July 19, 2018
“I thought it would explode like a skyrocket”
In 16th century Paris? That is the kind of book it is. Trashy. But if you want that read it.
In 16th century Paris? That is the kind of book it is. Trashy. But if you want that read it.
November 7, 2015
I am humbled. I didn't realize this was a romance novel when I selected it. Took it home from the library where it sat until last on my list of 3. I knew I liked the historical references, but knew I needed to focus on this book especially because of the Downton-Abbey-esque attention to historical object detail. So I cranked out the first two to really concentrate on this one. Then....I realized on page 70 that it was a romance novel. I had to look it up online to confirm genre. I used to be a librarian and I'm ashamed to say I judged readers of romance, but no more. Susan Carroll is to be commended. I have earned the right to say that her portrayal of past violation and sexual trauma was absolutely spot on. Spot. On. And I was with her every step of the way on this Phoenix Rising From The Ashes triumph over that trauma. She did it. Carroll has a dialogue pace that is remarkable. The pace of the dialogue is what makes scenes like the triumphant victory believable. I am floored, shocked and humbled. I appreciate what she has done here so much. Bravo!
December 17, 2023
Me gustó conocer la historia de Gabrielle y Remy. No me acordaba que él no murió y pensé que iban a poner otro protagonista.
Me gustó su reencuentro entre ellos y que Lobo fuera quien hiciera recapacitar a Remy al final sobre el amor de Gabrielle y sus sacrificios.
Lobo fue un personaje que me gustó mucho y ahora falta ver el triángulo amoroso.
Cassandra fue un personaje que me cayó mal, falta ver que pasará con lo de su hija.
Me gustó su reencuentro entre ellos y que Lobo fuera quien hiciera recapacitar a Remy al final sobre el amor de Gabrielle y sus sacrificios.
Lobo fue un personaje que me gustó mucho y ahora falta ver el triángulo amoroso.
Cassandra fue un personaje que me cayó mal, falta ver que pasará con lo de su hija.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2017
I found Remy's or Wolf's tale much more compelling than Gabrielle - the lead... Even Cassandra was a more intriguing character. I look forward to the conclusion with the Silver Rose where the focus will be on Miri, the youngest Cheney sister.
May 11, 2015
A light read, too trashy for me. A lot of his groin this and that which didn't add to the story whatsoever. I do love a Parisian tale and that's why it gets 3 stars.
August 2, 2024
(Es indispensable leer en orden estas novelas, de lo contrario se arruina el efecto y la comprensión de lo que hacen los personajes.)
En esta continuación trasladan la acción hasta la corte francesa en la segunda mitad del siglo XVI (con el entonces rey Enrique III/Enrique de Valois). Han pasado tres años desde los eventos del primer libro, ahora la segunda hermana Cheney, Gabrielle, convertida en una reconocida cortesana, y el valeroso caballero Nicolas Remy se reencuentran.
La historia continúa siendo fascinante, con las intrigas palaciegas y los personajes nuevos que introduce; mi favorito Martin el Lobo, por sus diálogos ingeniosos, en especial cuando platica con Miri. Hay bailes de máscaras, torneos de justas, cámaras secretas... en fin, un banquete de escenarios y emociones que impiden que uno se aburra con la lectura.
Sabía que el romance de Remy y Gabrielle sería precioso pero no sencillo (pese a lo mucho que se aman) en parte por sus personalidades y sus ambiciones que van en sentidos contrarios, pero también por la intromisión de otros. Remy es maravilloso con ella cuando va comprendiendo el dolor y traumas que arrastra debido a un evento de su pasado. Y Gabrielle, aunque no lo admita en público, desde el inicio hace todo lo posible para protegerlo de una corte que desea verlo muerto. Con los últimos capítulos tuve que seguir leyendo en la madrugada porque necesitaba saber cómo se resolvería la trama.
De verdad, me gusta cómo mezclan los elementos históricos (verídicos), componentes sobrenaturales, en una trama de aventuras y romance (me recuerda un poco a la serie Outlander/Forastera de Diana Gabaldón), por eso le doy la nota máxima.
En esta continuación trasladan la acción hasta la corte francesa en la segunda mitad del siglo XVI (con el entonces rey Enrique III/Enrique de Valois). Han pasado tres años desde los eventos del primer libro, ahora la segunda hermana Cheney, Gabrielle, convertida en una reconocida cortesana, y el valeroso caballero Nicolas Remy se reencuentran.
La historia continúa siendo fascinante, con las intrigas palaciegas y los personajes nuevos que introduce; mi favorito Martin el Lobo, por sus diálogos ingeniosos, en especial cuando platica con Miri. Hay bailes de máscaras, torneos de justas, cámaras secretas... en fin, un banquete de escenarios y emociones que impiden que uno se aburra con la lectura.
Sabía que el romance de Remy y Gabrielle sería precioso pero no sencillo (pese a lo mucho que se aman) en parte por sus personalidades y sus ambiciones que van en sentidos contrarios, pero también por la intromisión de otros. Remy es maravilloso con ella cuando va comprendiendo el dolor y traumas que arrastra debido a un evento de su pasado. Y Gabrielle, aunque no lo admita en público, desde el inicio hace todo lo posible para protegerlo de una corte que desea verlo muerto. Con los últimos capítulos tuve que seguir leyendo en la madrugada porque necesitaba saber cómo se resolvería la trama.
De verdad, me gusta cómo mezclan los elementos históricos (verídicos), componentes sobrenaturales, en una trama de aventuras y romance (me recuerda un poco a la serie Outlander/Forastera de Diana Gabaldón), por eso le doy la nota máxima.
Read
May 22, 2023Quite a while since I read the previous (first) book, which was good. Romance set mostly in France, 1575. So so sooo dark and angsty! Over 70% in and I just can’t go on. It’s good, well-written, and I really want to know what happens, but every time I make myself read it, it feels like punishment. Setting aside for now. Might appeal to readers with more resilience (or even a preference for) relentless doom.
July 22, 2019
I liked the first book so much- can't understand what happened here. I don't know why I even finished the book, as I didn't even like it until half way through. I did think it picked up during the last half, though, and I finished with the thought that I would read the final book of the trilogy.
Where are all the editors?! Did this book need to be so long and repetitious?!
Where are all the editors?! Did this book need to be so long and repetitious?!
dnf
January 28, 2020This is my third time trying with this book over the course of more than a decade and I'm DNFing it for real this time. I just find it unspeakably boring, even though I read enough of the story to see where it should become interesting. I think I just don't connect with these characters, even though I liked other books in this series and I'm just going to stop trying at this point.
June 5, 2018
The second book in the Dark Queen series. Gabrielle takes fate into her own hands and decides to become a courtesan in Paris, much to the dismay of both sisters.
October 3, 2018
Great series!
September 6, 2020
This is a good series - think I have one more to look forward to!
January 15, 2021
Me gusto la hstoria y como siguio con respecto a donde acabo el primero pero no se porque se me hizo demasiado pesado, ya no veia cuando se acabara
October 2, 2022
The characters in the Courtesan were much better than in the first book as well as the story which made it an enjoyable read.
August 5, 2025
Magic, spiritism, etc; no thanks.
December 30, 2025
my favorite Catherine de medici series! i love this one slightly more than book 1 because crazier stuff happens. and it got me in the feels a little more
July 9, 2019
Liked it but so far of the two books in the series that I have read I like the dark queen better. Glad that they told the story of Gabrielle but I think wolf also deserves a story I have just gotten into the next book the silver rose and still think wolf needs to have his own book. His own story. All in all a good read and I would recommend this two friends that enjoy this type of book. Excited to see what happens in the next few books I'm enjoying the storyline.
October 15, 2024
this was like watching the worst period piece ever that is also soooo good because it’s bad. loved it but wished the smut was less cringe if we’re being honest
December 20, 2009
This book was good! Gabrielle is by far the most exciting sister to read about! I loved the intrigue in the court and how beneath everyone's plans there's always a hidden agenda of what they really want. This is a great mix of historical fiction mixed with paranormal and fantasy. The plot was interesting, the romance was there but I was able to tolerate it, and the ending was great and I'm really looking forward to the next book. There is also a helpful author's note at the end of the novel to explain what's fact and fiction - very helpful and a nice explanation done by Susan Carroll.
I really liked how each Cheney sister has her own unique personality and characteristics. Ariane the oldest, is very calm, a healer, and strong. Gabrielle is quite the opposite, she's reckless, ambitious, outspoken, and stubborn. Miri, the youngest, has an affinity with animals, but tries to see the good in everybody. Each of them has a love interest and although I liked Ariane and Renard, Gabrielle and Remy were much more passionate and "heated". There were more explicit scenes in this one - I suppose it makes sense as Gabrielle is a courtesan but I let that slide, her and Remy had a nice chemistry and they just seemed to be great for each other. (I actually think Martin and Miri are rather cute together, I suppose we'll see what happens next with her in the following book).
There is a good element of plot twisting and surprises, which keeps the plot interesting and keeps you turning the pages. I have to admit, some parts were a little eye rolling; especially when one is in danger and suddenly the rescue team arrives just on time. However I enjoyed this book too much to let that bother me.
My favorite part, would be when Remy surprises Gabrielle at the masquerade party. It had great descriptions and you can vividly picture Gabrielle's gown, and the party sounded like something I just wanted to jump into. It was a perfect scene to develop a lot of intrigue and mystery into the plot!
Overall I recommend this book to those that love a good historical fiction, mixed with magic and passionate romance, with a very passionate couple.
I really liked how each Cheney sister has her own unique personality and characteristics. Ariane the oldest, is very calm, a healer, and strong. Gabrielle is quite the opposite, she's reckless, ambitious, outspoken, and stubborn. Miri, the youngest, has an affinity with animals, but tries to see the good in everybody. Each of them has a love interest and although I liked Ariane and Renard, Gabrielle and Remy were much more passionate and "heated". There were more explicit scenes in this one - I suppose it makes sense as Gabrielle is a courtesan but I let that slide, her and Remy had a nice chemistry and they just seemed to be great for each other. (I actually think Martin and Miri are rather cute together, I suppose we'll see what happens next with her in the following book).
There is a good element of plot twisting and surprises, which keeps the plot interesting and keeps you turning the pages. I have to admit, some parts were a little eye rolling; especially when one is in danger and suddenly the rescue team arrives just on time. However I enjoyed this book too much to let that bother me.
My favorite part, would be when Remy surprises Gabrielle at the masquerade party. It had great descriptions and you can vividly picture Gabrielle's gown, and the party sounded like something I just wanted to jump into. It was a perfect scene to develop a lot of intrigue and mystery into the plot!
Overall I recommend this book to those that love a good historical fiction, mixed with magic and passionate romance, with a very passionate couple.
December 5, 2010
The Courtesan (The Dark Queen Saga, #2)
my rating:
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The Courtesan (The Dark Queen Saga #2)
by Susan Carroll
The Courtesan (The Dark Queen Saga, #2) 3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 459 ratings · 49 reviews
Skilled in passion, artful in deception, and driven by betrayal, she is the glittering center of the royal court–but the most desired woman of Renaissance France will draw the wrath of a dangerous adversary.
Paris, 1575. The consort of some of Europe’s most influential men, Gabrielle Cheney is determined to secure her future by winning the heart of Henry, the Huguenot king ...more Skilled in passion, artful in deception, and driven by betrayal, she is the glittering center of the royal court–but the most desired woman of Renaissance France will draw the wrath of a dangerous adversary.
Paris, 1575. The consort of some of Europe’s most influential men, Gabrielle Cheney is determined to secure her future by winning the heart of Henry, the Huguenot king of Navarre. As his mistress, Gabrielle hopes she might one day become the power behind the French throne. But her plans are jeopardized by Captain Nicolas Rémy, a devoted warrior whose love Gabrielle desires–and fears–above all. She will also incur the malevolence of the Dark Queen, Catherine de’ Medici, whose spies and witch-hunters are legion, and who will summon the black arts to maintain her authority. With the lives of those she loves in peril, Gabrielle must rebel against her queen to fulfill a glorious destiny she has sacrificed everything to gain.
Alive with vivid period detail and characters as vibrant as they are memorable, The Courtesan is a sweeping historical tale of dangerous intrigues, deep treachery, and one woman’s unshakable resolve to honor her heart
my rating:
didn't like itit was okliked itreally liked itit was amazing
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The Courtesan (The Dark Queen Saga #2)
by Susan Carroll
The Courtesan (The Dark Queen Saga, #2) 3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 459 ratings · 49 reviews
Skilled in passion, artful in deception, and driven by betrayal, she is the glittering center of the royal court–but the most desired woman of Renaissance France will draw the wrath of a dangerous adversary.
Paris, 1575. The consort of some of Europe’s most influential men, Gabrielle Cheney is determined to secure her future by winning the heart of Henry, the Huguenot king ...more Skilled in passion, artful in deception, and driven by betrayal, she is the glittering center of the royal court–but the most desired woman of Renaissance France will draw the wrath of a dangerous adversary.
Paris, 1575. The consort of some of Europe’s most influential men, Gabrielle Cheney is determined to secure her future by winning the heart of Henry, the Huguenot king of Navarre. As his mistress, Gabrielle hopes she might one day become the power behind the French throne. But her plans are jeopardized by Captain Nicolas Rémy, a devoted warrior whose love Gabrielle desires–and fears–above all. She will also incur the malevolence of the Dark Queen, Catherine de’ Medici, whose spies and witch-hunters are legion, and who will summon the black arts to maintain her authority. With the lives of those she loves in peril, Gabrielle must rebel against her queen to fulfill a glorious destiny she has sacrificed everything to gain.
Alive with vivid period detail and characters as vibrant as they are memorable, The Courtesan is a sweeping historical tale of dangerous intrigues, deep treachery, and one woman’s unshakable resolve to honor her heart
May 30, 2013
This book concerns the second sister of the ladies of the Fair Isle. The oldest, Ariane is married while the second sister, Gabrielle is trying to find her life in Paris.
Nicholas Remy survived the St. Bartholomew Massacre and is now trying to find a way to free King Henry Of Navarre while Gabrielle is trying to win his heart.
Dark creatures are also at work. There is the blind witch, Cassandra, the dark queen, Catherine DeMedici whom main aim is to own the ancient book Of Shadows. Then there is the witch hunter, Simon Aristide whom Gabrielle's younger sister, Miri had once loved.
Like the first book in this series, the pace was slow at first and I had some trouble getting into it but once I got into it, I read avidly. The author takes her time weaving all the elements of the plot together but things move much faster toward the middle of the book.
Rather than rescuing his king, Remy finds himself falling in love with Gabrielle while she in turn is torn between this same king and her love for Remy. Then she is arrested by Simon, the witch hunter.
The next book in this series is The Silver Rose about the youngest sister, Miri.
The practice of black magic and witch craft in this book is what I have commonly read in others. the author mostly uses it as a means to apply more suspense in her story.
I cannot spoil this review by telling the exciting end. My only advice is to read the series yourself!
Nicholas Remy survived the St. Bartholomew Massacre and is now trying to find a way to free King Henry Of Navarre while Gabrielle is trying to win his heart.
Dark creatures are also at work. There is the blind witch, Cassandra, the dark queen, Catherine DeMedici whom main aim is to own the ancient book Of Shadows. Then there is the witch hunter, Simon Aristide whom Gabrielle's younger sister, Miri had once loved.
Like the first book in this series, the pace was slow at first and I had some trouble getting into it but once I got into it, I read avidly. The author takes her time weaving all the elements of the plot together but things move much faster toward the middle of the book.
Rather than rescuing his king, Remy finds himself falling in love with Gabrielle while she in turn is torn between this same king and her love for Remy. Then she is arrested by Simon, the witch hunter.
The next book in this series is The Silver Rose about the youngest sister, Miri.
The practice of black magic and witch craft in this book is what I have commonly read in others. the author mostly uses it as a means to apply more suspense in her story.
I cannot spoil this review by telling the exciting end. My only advice is to read the series yourself!
August 22, 2015
See full review for The Courtesan at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves....
As the Lady of Faire Isle it is Ariane Cheney’s job to protect those on the Isle. But there are some things she can’t predict to happen. The woman who the Cheney sister’s father was having an affair with died and the house has been left to them. Ariane is about ready to decline the house, when Gabrielle decides she wants it. She doesn’t want to live on Faire Isle anymore, not with so many bad memories. Ariane forbids her from going, but she does anyway, stealing away in the middle of the night. Three years later, Gabrielle is one of the most famous courtesans at court, but she still has ghosts to put to rest.
She searches out for her friend Cassandra, a daughter of the earth who is versed in a darker sort of magic, to help summon the ghost of Captain Remy the Scrouge who perished in the bloodbath of St. Bartholomew’s Eve. The blind witch agrees to help, but for a future favor. They try to summon Remy, but he doesn’t appear. Instead, Cassandra’s master appears with a prophecy. Gabrielle is destined for greatness. She will be the mistress to the king of Navarre and be his right hand when he becomes king of France. The séance ends, with no sign of the captain, which means one of two things. Either Remy has moved on and is at peace, or he never really died in the first place.
As the Lady of Faire Isle it is Ariane Cheney’s job to protect those on the Isle. But there are some things she can’t predict to happen. The woman who the Cheney sister’s father was having an affair with died and the house has been left to them. Ariane is about ready to decline the house, when Gabrielle decides she wants it. She doesn’t want to live on Faire Isle anymore, not with so many bad memories. Ariane forbids her from going, but she does anyway, stealing away in the middle of the night. Three years later, Gabrielle is one of the most famous courtesans at court, but she still has ghosts to put to rest.
She searches out for her friend Cassandra, a daughter of the earth who is versed in a darker sort of magic, to help summon the ghost of Captain Remy the Scrouge who perished in the bloodbath of St. Bartholomew’s Eve. The blind witch agrees to help, but for a future favor. They try to summon Remy, but he doesn’t appear. Instead, Cassandra’s master appears with a prophecy. Gabrielle is destined for greatness. She will be the mistress to the king of Navarre and be his right hand when he becomes king of France. The séance ends, with no sign of the captain, which means one of two things. Either Remy has moved on and is at peace, or he never really died in the first place.
May 30, 2016
It's been three years since Ariane and Catherine came to an uneasy truce. But while Catherine hasn't bothered the Chaney sisters, Ariane and Gabrielle have come to blows about Gabrielle's chosen career. Gabrielle has traveled to Paris and become a courtesan. Known for her beauty, Gabrielle is a sensation in Paris and has captured the interest of King Henry of Navarre. Finding herself alone, without the comfort of her sisters, Gabrielle in living a lie. Pretending to be happy and willing to become the King's mistress, Gabrielle is still fighting her feelings of guilt over the death of Remy. Her only friend is a reclusive witch Cass who has a disturbing past and a darkness that isn't entirely comfortable for Gabrielle.
Learning the Remy isn't dead but has been in hiding for three years and is still plotting to help Henry of Navarre escape, Gabrielle is both overjoyed and dismayed. Deciding to help Remy in order to keep him safe from Catherine, Gabrielle begins to let the devoted warrior into her heart. The malevolence of Catherine is reaching a peak when she hears that the Book of Shadows has been found. Keeping the book out of Catherine's clutches will take all three Chaney sisters and their band of loyal men.
Learning the Remy isn't dead but has been in hiding for three years and is still plotting to help Henry of Navarre escape, Gabrielle is both overjoyed and dismayed. Deciding to help Remy in order to keep him safe from Catherine, Gabrielle begins to let the devoted warrior into her heart. The malevolence of Catherine is reaching a peak when she hears that the Book of Shadows has been found. Keeping the book out of Catherine's clutches will take all three Chaney sisters and their band of loyal men.
June 26, 2012
Gabrielle Cheney has established herself as both a woman a court, and in the arms of the men of Paris, and she is even dabbling in becoming the mistress of the Huguenot Navarre king. However, one thing always takes Gabrielle's mind away from her conquest of power, the memory of her love the young captain Remy; who perished in the Huguenot masequere or so she believes until she receives the shock of her life, and then the tug of war begins between two very strong personalities. This part of the novel bothered me. The tug of war between Gabrielle and Remy; normally I can understand tug of war between two lovers, but the nobility in Remy's character to which he expects her character to live up to; and the attack that Gabrielle suffered were a bit over done. I suppose with these two at each other's throat's that is the point but opposite's had to attract in this book with Gabrielle's selfishness at other points because I could not stand it. I have a feeling this will be my least favorite book of the series, with amulet's, crazy bipolar friend's and Nostradamus sightings.
February 13, 2013
I finished reading this book last week, and I've been having a hard time putting my thoughts down. I found the book well written, the story flowed well, I loved the introduction of a few new characters who I think we may see more in future books. It was great to see Renard, Ariane and Miri. It was even nice to see Simon as well, but I'm not too sure about his character, he's confused and angry and I'm curious on what the author will do to redeem him. But The Courtesan is Gabrielle and Remy's story. Which I don't quite agree, it was Gabrielle's story, Remy had more of a secondary role in it in my opinion. Gabrielle was the one who was struggling with what her heart said and what she had promised herself. Should she follow Remy or should she become the mistress of an imprisoned king.
I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting. I still enjoyed it, but it just wasn't as good as the first book, The Dark Queen. I'm hoping that the next book of the series, The Silver Rose, will be better.
I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting. I still enjoyed it, but it just wasn't as good as the first book, The Dark Queen. I'm hoping that the next book of the series, The Silver Rose, will be better.
May 17, 2016
While not as good as the first in the series, The Courtesan was still a gripping read. This book is clearly a bridge between the first in the series and the rest, and I don't believe that it would be successful as a standalone read.
Three years after the events of The Dark Queen, we are able to see where our characters end up. My LARGEST problem in this book is that it introduces new conflict in characters from the first book, and then literally address this conflict in passing (literally in one sentence. That just doesn't work for me, and ended up making the storyline choppy and difficult to follow. When focusing on Remy and Gabrielle, the flow was successful, however any additional characters were almost just unnecessary. That being said, if they were addressed properly then these characters may have been great additions to the plot (thinking Henry of Navarre, the Wolf, even Simon).
I'm very glad I continued with the series, and I can't wait to read more. I recommend this book as part of the series, but again, not as a standalone read.
Three years after the events of The Dark Queen, we are able to see where our characters end up. My LARGEST problem in this book is that it introduces new conflict in characters from the first book, and then literally address this conflict in passing (literally in one sentence. That just doesn't work for me, and ended up making the storyline choppy and difficult to follow. When focusing on Remy and Gabrielle, the flow was successful, however any additional characters were almost just unnecessary. That being said, if they were addressed properly then these characters may have been great additions to the plot (thinking Henry of Navarre, the Wolf, even Simon).
I'm very glad I continued with the series, and I can't wait to read more. I recommend this book as part of the series, but again, not as a standalone read.
April 9, 2008
The second of the Cheney sisters, Gabrielle, has taken herself off to Paris, the world of intrigue and ambition, to persue a life as a courtesan. Remy, her paramour from the first book, The Dark Queen, returns to Paris with the intention of rescuing his king, Henry of Navarre from loose captivity at the French Court. Their paths cross again, will they be drawn together again, or have they changed too much in the years apart?[return]The Dark Queen is intriguing again, there is dappling in the dark arts, action and adventure.[return]My favourite character was Martin Le Loup (Wolf), given to being very dramatic, and with a deep suspicion of witches, he is Remy's shadow, and falls in love with Miri, the youngest Cheney. But in his eagerness to serve and protect Remy, what evil will he get himself mixed up in?
September 23, 2009
If you're going to write a historic novel, try to retain some of the history, please. I understand this is a fantasy novel, but if you set it in historic times and places, some things need to be right.
In 1575, people don't say things like "Oh, I don't care about religion! Whether you're Catholic or Hugenot, it doesn't matter!"
No. Does Ms. Carroll really think that all the religous wars and civil unrest is just a hobby for the people of France at the time? People were fiercely loyal to their respective faiths, and they died for them.
And at that time, no one was thinking about revolution. They didn't think you could get rid of a king or queen. It wasn't something that had happened before.
And once again, the writing fell flat. Simple characters, and a plot I could guess from the first chapter. I don't know why I continue to read these things.
In 1575, people don't say things like "Oh, I don't care about religion! Whether you're Catholic or Hugenot, it doesn't matter!"
No. Does Ms. Carroll really think that all the religous wars and civil unrest is just a hobby for the people of France at the time? People were fiercely loyal to their respective faiths, and they died for them.
And at that time, no one was thinking about revolution. They didn't think you could get rid of a king or queen. It wasn't something that had happened before.
And once again, the writing fell flat. Simple characters, and a plot I could guess from the first chapter. I don't know why I continue to read these things.
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