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Saint-Germain #2
The Palace
The anticipated paperback release of the second title in Yarbro's long-running Saint-Germain series featuring immortal vampire Francesco Ragoczy da San Germano. Secluded in his Renaissance Florence palace, he falls for a beautiful courtesan and loses all desire for isolation.
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
42 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
259 books477 followersA professional writer for more than forty years, Yarbro has sold over eighty books, more than seventy works of short fiction, and more than three dozen essays, introductions, and reviews. She also composes serious music. Her first professional writing - in 1961-1962 - was as a playwright for a now long-defunct children's theater company. By the mid-60s she had switched to writing stories and hasn't stopped yet.
After leaving college in 1963 and until she became a full-time writer in 1970, she worked as a demographic cartographer, and still often drafts maps for her books, and occasionally for the books of other writers.
She has a large reference library with books on a wide range of subjects, everything from food and fashion to weapons and trade routes to religion and law. She is constantly adding to it as part of her on-going fascination with history and culture; she reads incessantly, searching for interesting people and places that might provide fodder for stories.
In 1997 the Transylvanian Society of Dracula bestowed a literary knighthood on Yarbro, and in 2003 the World Horror Association presented her with a Grand Master award. In 2006 the International Horror Guild enrolled her among their Living Legends, the first woman to be so honored; the Horror Writers Association gave her a Life Achievement Award in 2009. In 2014 she won a Life Achievement Award from the World Fantasy Convention.
A skeptical occultist for forty years, she has studied everything from alchemy to zoomancy, and in the late 1970s worked occasionally as a professional tarot card reader and palmist at the Magic Cellar in San Francisco.
She has two domestic accomplishments: she is a good cook and an experienced seamstress. The rest is catch-as-catch-can.
Divorced, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area - with two cats: the irrepressible Butterscotch and Crumpet, the Gang of Two. When not busy writing, she enjoys the symphony or opera.
Her Saint-Germain series is now the longest vampire series ever. The books range widely over time and place, and were not published in historical order. They are numbered in published order.
Known pseudonyms include Vanessa Pryor, Quinn Fawcett, T.C.F. Hopkins, Trystam Kith, Camille Gabor.
After leaving college in 1963 and until she became a full-time writer in 1970, she worked as a demographic cartographer, and still often drafts maps for her books, and occasionally for the books of other writers.
She has a large reference library with books on a wide range of subjects, everything from food and fashion to weapons and trade routes to religion and law. She is constantly adding to it as part of her on-going fascination with history and culture; she reads incessantly, searching for interesting people and places that might provide fodder for stories.
In 1997 the Transylvanian Society of Dracula bestowed a literary knighthood on Yarbro, and in 2003 the World Horror Association presented her with a Grand Master award. In 2006 the International Horror Guild enrolled her among their Living Legends, the first woman to be so honored; the Horror Writers Association gave her a Life Achievement Award in 2009. In 2014 she won a Life Achievement Award from the World Fantasy Convention.
A skeptical occultist for forty years, she has studied everything from alchemy to zoomancy, and in the late 1970s worked occasionally as a professional tarot card reader and palmist at the Magic Cellar in San Francisco.
She has two domestic accomplishments: she is a good cook and an experienced seamstress. The rest is catch-as-catch-can.
Divorced, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area - with two cats: the irrepressible Butterscotch and Crumpet, the Gang of Two. When not busy writing, she enjoys the symphony or opera.
Her Saint-Germain series is now the longest vampire series ever. The books range widely over time and place, and were not published in historical order. They are numbered in published order.
Known pseudonyms include Vanessa Pryor, Quinn Fawcett, T.C.F. Hopkins, Trystam Kith, Camille Gabor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 23, 2020
Too much Renaissance Italy, not enough neck-biting vampires.
June 8, 2020
3.5 stars
CQY writes excellent historical fantasy. I appreciate the amount of research that she obviously put in to get Renaissance Florence just right. I don’t know enough Italian to know if that language was being used appropriately, but it sounded good to my untutored ear.
I like her main character, Saint-Germain, but sometimes I think he is not quite “vampirey” enough, if you know what I mean. He is altogether too nice and thoughtful and gentle—rarely does he use his vampire strength or powers of persuasion. Although the books’ covers display ladies’ necks with puncture wounds, the reader really doesn’t see very much to that effect in the novel. There seem to be more problems with being a vampire and fewer impressive powers.
I’m also intrigued with Yarbro’s version of the vampire, where the combination of blood & sex is better than just blood. Apparently Saint-Germain is limited to lips & hands to stimulate his partner (not such a bad thing from a female perspective). However, it would get boring in the long-term, as it does for Estasia in this adventure, leading her to threaten Saint-Germain with exposure and becoming a tricky adversary for him to deal with. This was where I figured he should just drain her and eliminate a problem, and his reluctance to do so made no sense to me. Plus, there is a scene where Saint-Germain visits his alchemical apprentice in prison—the sexual dimension of their meeting when his assistant had just been tortured just felt icky. I know they needed to do a blood exchange if she was to escape, but as I say, the sexuality felt inappropriate to me during that scene.
The recurring theme seems to be loneliness—Olivia writes frequent letters asking Saint-Germain to come to Rome, which for some inexplicable reason he is unwilling to do. S-G seems to be frequently creating new vampires, who then get upset about their situation (despite the fact that they asked for the transformation) and they head out on their own.
Obviously, an eternal vampire gives an author the excuse to research & write about whatever historical setting they are interested in. While the historical angle is great, I wish the vampiric nature of the main character was more apparent.
CQY writes excellent historical fantasy. I appreciate the amount of research that she obviously put in to get Renaissance Florence just right. I don’t know enough Italian to know if that language was being used appropriately, but it sounded good to my untutored ear.
I like her main character, Saint-Germain, but sometimes I think he is not quite “vampirey” enough, if you know what I mean. He is altogether too nice and thoughtful and gentle—rarely does he use his vampire strength or powers of persuasion. Although the books’ covers display ladies’ necks with puncture wounds, the reader really doesn’t see very much to that effect in the novel. There seem to be more problems with being a vampire and fewer impressive powers.
I’m also intrigued with Yarbro’s version of the vampire, where the combination of blood & sex is better than just blood. Apparently Saint-Germain is limited to lips & hands to stimulate his partner (not such a bad thing from a female perspective). However, it would get boring in the long-term, as it does for Estasia in this adventure, leading her to threaten Saint-Germain with exposure and becoming a tricky adversary for him to deal with. This was where I figured he should just drain her and eliminate a problem, and his reluctance to do so made no sense to me. Plus, there is a scene where Saint-Germain visits his alchemical apprentice in prison—the sexual dimension of their meeting when his assistant had just been tortured just felt icky. I know they needed to do a blood exchange if she was to escape, but as I say, the sexuality felt inappropriate to me during that scene.
The recurring theme seems to be loneliness—Olivia writes frequent letters asking Saint-Germain to come to Rome, which for some inexplicable reason he is unwilling to do. S-G seems to be frequently creating new vampires, who then get upset about their situation (despite the fact that they asked for the transformation) and they head out on their own.
Obviously, an eternal vampire gives an author the excuse to research & write about whatever historical setting they are interested in. While the historical angle is great, I wish the vampiric nature of the main character was more apparent.
May 27, 2017
Meh...these books aren't terrible, per se. But I don't care in the least about the MC, & the other characters aren't helping. Saint Germain seems little more than a vehicle to plop down in any era the author feels like researching; his vampirism is minimally described, & even more minimally related to the plot -- except for all-too-rare occasions when it DOES matter, & those chapters are the good ones. The scenes between Estasia & Saint Germain are pretty intense -- her escalating obsession & addiction, his efforts to extract himself gracefully, their discussion of who/what he is without admitting anything directly. But the remainder is SO BORING.
Clearly this series just isn't for me. I can't abide historical fiction that spends more time showing off research than telling a good story, & Yarbro's style does exactly that. Meanwhile, on the paranormal side, there's no sense of urgency; it's like the MC is a vampire only because it gives immortality & therefore allows the author easy access to many different eras.
Anyway. I give it 2.5, but rounded up to be kind. As I said, I think it's a taste issue rather than poor writing.
Clearly this series just isn't for me. I can't abide historical fiction that spends more time showing off research than telling a good story, & Yarbro's style does exactly that. Meanwhile, on the paranormal side, there's no sense of urgency; it's like the MC is a vampire only because it gives immortality & therefore allows the author easy access to many different eras.
Anyway. I give it 2.5, but rounded up to be kind. As I said, I think it's a taste issue rather than poor writing.
June 18, 2009
It actually says "Historical Horror" on the cover, which is hilarious. I guess when this was written any novel with a vampire was automatically considered horror. It's not really appropriate, though; Saint-Germain is an ancient, lonely vampire with a keen fashion sense who only wants to live among us in peace (and in luxurious comfort). He helps the poor and downtrodden, heals the sick, transcends social barriers, and in general is an all-around good guy.
This novel is set in 15th-century Florence, around the death of Lorenzo de' Medici and the rise to power of Savonarola, the book-burning, art-destroying fanatical priest. (There's a very moving scene where Saint-Germain saves a couple of Boticelli paintings from the Bonfire of the Vanities. I need to look up the real history on that.)
The plot is typical for one of these books: Saint-Germain builds a house, saves a bunch of people, mourns for the ones he fails to save, and is finally forced to leave town by religious fanatics. There are the usual women in distress who attract Saint-Germain: one who's young and beautiful and crazy and another who is older and scholarly.
These books are melodramatic but they're quite readable historical fiction, and the vampire element adds a nice, subtle paranormal touch. The letters which begin every chapter can be tedious, but I do like the scolding ones from Olivia.
This novel is set in 15th-century Florence, around the death of Lorenzo de' Medici and the rise to power of Savonarola, the book-burning, art-destroying fanatical priest. (There's a very moving scene where Saint-Germain saves a couple of Boticelli paintings from the Bonfire of the Vanities. I need to look up the real history on that.)
The plot is typical for one of these books: Saint-Germain builds a house, saves a bunch of people, mourns for the ones he fails to save, and is finally forced to leave town by religious fanatics. There are the usual women in distress who attract Saint-Germain: one who's young and beautiful and crazy and another who is older and scholarly.
These books are melodramatic but they're quite readable historical fiction, and the vampire element adds a nice, subtle paranormal touch. The letters which begin every chapter can be tedious, but I do like the scolding ones from Olivia.
July 23, 2008
If you haven't read any of the St. Germain novels, get started. They are excellent historical fiction with a very different vampire. Count St.Germain is 3000 years old, and is an experienced healer and alchemist. He is nourished by giving pleasure to women, either in person or in dreams.
Every one of these novels is like a good movie that takes you away to another time and place, and presents interesting and intelligent characters in worthwhile conflicts. Every book is meticulously researched and provides fascinating details about whatever era is being presented.
The Palace takes place in Renaissance Florence, from the end of the days of the Medicis through Savonarola's Bonfire of the Vanities. Ms. Yarbro does her usual effortless job of moving the story along with regular chapters interspersed with "documents" (letters, proclamations, etc.) which further round things out. Her writing is stately and clear, with vivid descriptions.
All in all, the St. Germain books are to be looked forward to, savored, then remembered with satisfaction.
Every one of these novels is like a good movie that takes you away to another time and place, and presents interesting and intelligent characters in worthwhile conflicts. Every book is meticulously researched and provides fascinating details about whatever era is being presented.
The Palace takes place in Renaissance Florence, from the end of the days of the Medicis through Savonarola's Bonfire of the Vanities. Ms. Yarbro does her usual effortless job of moving the story along with regular chapters interspersed with "documents" (letters, proclamations, etc.) which further round things out. Her writing is stately and clear, with vivid descriptions.
All in all, the St. Germain books are to be looked forward to, savored, then remembered with satisfaction.
March 4, 2017
The Palace is the second in Yarbro's Saint-Germain series, blending vampires with historical fiction and romance (which grabs me more than Anne Rice's work in this vein). The novel is set in Renaissance Florence during the waning days in the life and rule of Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici, shortly before the first exile of the Medici family during 1494-1512. What makes this book so very good is the depiction of the evils of religious fanaticism as embodied by Girolamo Savonarola, the Dominican monk who preached fire and brimstone and quite literally brought the inquisition to Florence, complete with the torture of "heretics", the "Bonfire of the Vanities", and an auto-da-fé. Savonarola and his enforcers, the Militia Christi (think Hitler's Brown Shirts only Church-based) make for much more frighting real-life monsters than any vampires, believe you me. In fact, the role switch of placing the vampire in role of the good guy while the religious fanatics are the villains is quite delightful, IMHO. The attention to historical detail is very good and the plot even encompasses the artist Sandro Botticelli and Savonarola's baleful influence upon his later life and career. Highly recommended!
June 16, 2011
3.5 stars. This is the second Saint-Germain book I've read, the first being An Embarrassment of Riches (the newest one). The Palace is a much longer novel, with lots more plot and plenty of action, which was the reason I read it so fast. I did think it went on a little too long, especially since it slammed to such an abrupt stop at the end; but in the meantime I connected with many of the characters, particularly Ruggiero and Demetrice. I haven't clicked with Saint-Germain himself yet, though. I plan to keep reading this series until I do. (I really want to meet Olivia!) As for this book, it was good historical fiction spiced with supernatural melodrama. It was interesting to compare it, being the second book in the series and written in 1978, with the most recent one published 33 years later. That's my entire lifetime. I have to give props to that.
February 19, 2016
Do not let the cover fool you – the book is so much better than that! Trust me, authors get 0 say in cover art, and this edition as particularly egregious in affronting the author’s talent.
The book is part of a series about the vampire Saint-Germain, each book showing the adventures he has in a different time and place. Here, we see what he gets up to in Renaissance Italy – and, unfortunately for him, it isn’t all master artwork and gorgeous fashion.
Saint-Germain often suffers from being surrounded by idiots, and it’s no exception here as the area gets gripped by Savonarola fever. Let the book burning begin!
It gets somewhat heavy on the epistolary exposition, which normally I’m not a huge fan of, but it worked here.
Another solid example of a vampire story done right.
February 11, 2016
I read Ms. Yarbro's " Hotel Transylvania" years ago, and remember enjoying it when I was much younger and more interested in vampire literature. After the "Twilight" phenomenon and the tv show "True Blood" (which I loathed after watching only one episode!), I vowed to swear off vampires forever! But "The Palace" has removed the bad taste from my mouth because of all the attention to historical detail that she has packed into this novel of the Renaissance whose hero happens to be a vampire. It is true that as vampires go he is one of the softer incarnations and is more morally humane than the majority of the humans around him so if you like your vampires bloodthirsty and terrifying, this book is not for you. However, if you are a fan of historical fiction, do not let the vampiric elements deter you from reading this fine tale. I guarantee that you will enjoy it and that you will probably want to read other books in the Saint-Germain series.
Read
May 28, 2012"'You're very old, aren't you?" she asked.... "It must seem foolish to love this city so, or to want to stay here.'
"Ragoczy reached for his riding boots, and before pulling them on, he held them up and tapped the thick soles. 'Do you know what's in them?' he said, and there was a command in his tone that caught her attention and held it.
"'No.' Her face had lost some of its fear and there was the familiar spurt of curiosity in her eyes.
"'Earth,' he said shortly. 'My native soil. Without it I would be unable to cross running water or walk in the sunlight for fear of being burned as you would be by hot metal. Don't tell me about the pull of home. I know it. I have known it for more than three thousand years, in lands you know nothing of. The earth is my life as much as blood is.'"
Kindle location 4518-25
"Ragoczy reached for his riding boots, and before pulling them on, he held them up and tapped the thick soles. 'Do you know what's in them?' he said, and there was a command in his tone that caught her attention and held it.
"'No.' Her face had lost some of its fear and there was the familiar spurt of curiosity in her eyes.
"'Earth,' he said shortly. 'My native soil. Without it I would be unable to cross running water or walk in the sunlight for fear of being burned as you would be by hot metal. Don't tell me about the pull of home. I know it. I have known it for more than three thousand years, in lands you know nothing of. The earth is my life as much as blood is.'"
Kindle location 4518-25
December 14, 2012
Questa seconda avventura delle Cronache di Saint Germain si svolge nell'Italia rinascimentale, più precisamente nella Firenze (anzi, Fiorenza) di Lorenzo de' Medici, e vede contrapposto il vampiro protagonista nientemeno che al Savonarola, con contorno di Botticelli, Poliziano, Pico della Mirandola... naturalmente non si può pretendere una perfetta fedeltà storica, ma l'ambientazione è comunque affascinante. Sempre molto carismatico Saint Germain e bella la figura di Demetrice Volandrai, alla quale già si accennava nel primo volume; tuttavia, continuo a essere insoddisfatta di questa serie... c'è stato un miglioramento rispetto a Hotel Transilvania, ma da una saga cos�� popolare all'estero mi aspettavo finora molto, ma molto di più.
November 16, 2020
In this novel, we find ourselves in a situation that might well be a nightmare for a vampire. A city that moves from being influenced by a patron of the arts and lover of all things beautiful to being controlled by a religious fanatic that sees heretics on every streetcorner. The former is Laurenzo de Medici (called Il Magnifico), the latter Girolamo Savanarola. Saint-Germain, who goes by Count Francesco Ragoczy da San Germano, becomes a close friend of Il Magnifico, and the painter called Botticelli and is one of the first to realize that Laurenzo is dying. Laurenzo's friends tend to ignore the fiery sermons on the sinfulness of vanity and the esteem of heathens like Aristotle and Euripedes preached by a monk called Savanarola. Even said monk's predictions that God would strike down Laurenzo are ignored. At least until Laurenzo can no longer hide his illness, and seemingly overnight, passes away.
Savanarola quickly seizes the minds of Florence and begins convincing the ruling Council to pass laws requiring devotions and forbidding lavish parties, costly garments, and non-religious decorations. Things get so bad that Saint-Germain must run for his life from a populace that does NOT know he is a vampire!
Ms. Yarbro's depiction of Savanarola is as an unspeakably foul manipulator and her detailed examples of his sermons (real or fictitious)were so unsettling that I had to deduct a star.
Again, this is a historical novel, where fictional characters mingle with historical figures, in events that spring from the author's imagination
This book takes place in and around Fiorenza (Florence) from November 5, 1490 - May 28, 1498
Savanarola quickly seizes the minds of Florence and begins convincing the ruling Council to pass laws requiring devotions and forbidding lavish parties, costly garments, and non-religious decorations. Things get so bad that Saint-Germain must run for his life from a populace that does NOT know he is a vampire!
Ms. Yarbro's depiction of Savanarola is as an unspeakably foul manipulator and her detailed examples of his sermons (real or fictitious)were so unsettling that I had to deduct a star.
Again, this is a historical novel, where fictional characters mingle with historical figures, in events that spring from the author's imagination
This book takes place in and around Fiorenza (Florence) from November 5, 1490 - May 28, 1498
January 2, 2025
A vampire love story set in Renaissance Italy. Saint-Germain is in Florence in 1490. It is the time of Lorenzo the Magnificent, and wandering about are Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. But also in town is the mad monk Savonarola, and soon to come is the Borgia Pope Alexander VI. Saint Germain has chosen a very interesting time to live in Florence.
The story ostensibly follows Saint-Germain and his budding love for Lorenzo's cousin and his difficulties in dealing what is a form of Spanish Inquisition visited upon Florence. But mostly this love story is swallowed up by the true tale of Savonarola and his seizing of power. He inflicts a harsh, fanatical rule over the city, including a goon squad that is empowered to go into people's houses and look for things unholy, or just expensive. He earns the ire of the Pope, gets excommunicated, but continues to preach anyway. Saint-Germain the vampire is going to find the city a bit too hot to handle before long with a fanatical priest in charge.
The historical accuracy of this book is amazing. Obscure characters abound, and the verisimilitude of the apparel and foodstuffs and just everyday living of people in renaissance Florence (the rich ones, anyway)cannot be matched. I do take issue with the idea that the extremely superstitious and hyper Catholic people of Florence would so readily accept even the idea of a vampire in their midst, but I'll get over it. I really enjoy this series.
The story ostensibly follows Saint-Germain and his budding love for Lorenzo's cousin and his difficulties in dealing what is a form of Spanish Inquisition visited upon Florence. But mostly this love story is swallowed up by the true tale of Savonarola and his seizing of power. He inflicts a harsh, fanatical rule over the city, including a goon squad that is empowered to go into people's houses and look for things unholy, or just expensive. He earns the ire of the Pope, gets excommunicated, but continues to preach anyway. Saint-Germain the vampire is going to find the city a bit too hot to handle before long with a fanatical priest in charge.
The historical accuracy of this book is amazing. Obscure characters abound, and the verisimilitude of the apparel and foodstuffs and just everyday living of people in renaissance Florence (the rich ones, anyway)cannot be matched. I do take issue with the idea that the extremely superstitious and hyper Catholic people of Florence would so readily accept even the idea of a vampire in their midst, but I'll get over it. I really enjoy this series.
May 25, 2023
Got this at a used book store, under the romance section. I have no idea why. 226 pages in and the FMC and MMC have said maybe 4 sentences to each other. The book states that they eventually were living together, so you assume they spoke more, but there isn't an ounce of passion in this. And worse still, the romance that there was in it was horrible.
The FMC was sleeping with her cousin, from what we can assume is a young age since she was orphaned (and there is an inappropriate age gap between them). The MMC was pleasuring a woman (you don't get to read it of course) and he told the female he could never be touched or have fun with a woman that way.....What.The.F.? This is a romance and the male can't even be touched?
This book reads exactly like the original Dracula. The main characters are rarely ever the ones in charge of the chapter and there are irritating letters every few pages. It literally felt like plagiarism. If you took Dracula and stuck him in Florence, this would be just like it. It's not like a new take or a rewrite, it felt like a copy.
The FMC was sleeping with her cousin, from what we can assume is a young age since she was orphaned (and there is an inappropriate age gap between them). The MMC was pleasuring a woman (you don't get to read it of course) and he told the female he could never be touched or have fun with a woman that way.....What.The.F.? This is a romance and the male can't even be touched?
This book reads exactly like the original Dracula. The main characters are rarely ever the ones in charge of the chapter and there are irritating letters every few pages. It literally felt like plagiarism. If you took Dracula and stuck him in Florence, this would be just like it. It's not like a new take or a rewrite, it felt like a copy.
June 19, 2023
I'm not completely sure why I liked this book so much. It's more descriptive of clothing than anything I'd usually enjoy. A good portion of the text is just that. It's also pretty slow, overall.
Still, there was enough there to keep me going. The constant restraint Germain holds himself in, only on occasion performing a feat of vampiric strength, is something you don't see often. It makes sense, he would have had to learn to blend in to survive. The only thing comparable I can think of is MacAvoy's 'Tea with the Black Dragon,' having a character with great power that they mostly never use.
The priest is a good antagonist. His sermons and the effect on the congregation are believable. Some of the later scenes seemed a bit over the top, until I think of some Pentecostal services I've seen.
It's quite a bit longer than Hotel Transylvania, but if you enjoyed that then this one is probably worth picking up. They were both much better than Interview with the Vampire.
Still, there was enough there to keep me going. The constant restraint Germain holds himself in, only on occasion performing a feat of vampiric strength, is something you don't see often. It makes sense, he would have had to learn to blend in to survive. The only thing comparable I can think of is MacAvoy's 'Tea with the Black Dragon,' having a character with great power that they mostly never use.
The priest is a good antagonist. His sermons and the effect on the congregation are believable. Some of the later scenes seemed a bit over the top, until I think of some Pentecostal services I've seen.
It's quite a bit longer than Hotel Transylvania, but if you enjoyed that then this one is probably worth picking up. They were both much better than Interview with the Vampire.
May 21, 2024
Reading this book I feel like I stepped back in time and got to experience Florence during the Renaissance. Lots of fascinating details of everyday life in those times. I also learned where the phrase Bonfire of the Vanities came from. 🔥😱 The villain in this story—the monk Savonarola—is super creepy and the fact that he was a real person just adds to the horror.
I really like Saint Germain as a character. There were a few times I got annoyed and just wanted him to do more cool vampire stuff, but he is, after all, a stranger in town and that means restraining himself most of the time and “blending in”.
The only thing to keep in mind with this series of books is that they are each stand-alone. Each one explores a different time period in history. And even though we are assured that we will read more about Saint Germain in future books, we are left wanting to know what happens to the other characters.
I really like Saint Germain as a character. There were a few times I got annoyed and just wanted him to do more cool vampire stuff, but he is, after all, a stranger in town and that means restraining himself most of the time and “blending in”.
The only thing to keep in mind with this series of books is that they are each stand-alone. Each one explores a different time period in history. And even though we are assured that we will read more about Saint Germain in future books, we are left wanting to know what happens to the other characters.
December 28, 2025
Having read this back in the late 70s when it came out, I was surprised on this reread how so many things happening in today's America were actually portrayed in this book. Yep, there is a Trump character. Yep, religious right still trying to force their beliefs on others (although not through torture or burning at the stake, thank goodness!). Yep, foreigners still looked upon as suspect or evil. Yep, rich still trying to control government, although there is some good in this in the book. As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. But once again, as what happened back in the 70s for me, it made me want to up my game and be a better person in the face of the asswipes that are trying to change what freedom is supposed to be.
September 23, 2018
Fanged Monster ? He is Not !
Although he is an ancient vampire , el Conde St Germain is noble , honest and valiant , admirable as a generous loyal friend and merciful , well somewhat , to his enemies.
The horror , madness comes as a result of religious fanatics , Christian based this time , led by a mad monk , Savonarola.
It is an interesting reversal of our usual concepts of the undead have a vampire defending the good and the beautiful .This is an enjoyable adventure and a clever inversion of the more usual formula.
Although he is an ancient vampire , el Conde St Germain is noble , honest and valiant , admirable as a generous loyal friend and merciful , well somewhat , to his enemies.
The horror , madness comes as a result of religious fanatics , Christian based this time , led by a mad monk , Savonarola.
It is an interesting reversal of our usual concepts of the undead have a vampire defending the good and the beautiful .This is an enjoyable adventure and a clever inversion of the more usual formula.
October 14, 2018
I love the Saint-Germain character. Quinn plots well, her characters are vivid and her historical research is impeccable. And she has a sense humor. The Palace is my favorite of the first three books in the series. I stopped reading after Blood Games because the stories became too violent (sadistic violence) for my taste. However, if that sort of thing doesn’t bother you and you like historical fiction, I highly recommend her vampire tales.
August 1, 2021
Another book in the long life of the vampire based on an actual figure from history, and more research done by the author. I minored in history, so some of this is fun, in that way.
These books feature ambiguous sex (hallmark of the 70's - early 80's) and are not quite a guide of how make a woman happy, but give some ideas. They feature brutality. (They don't sugar coat life in ancient times. Now is the best time to be alive.) They have strong female characters.
I'm going to keep reading.
These books feature ambiguous sex (hallmark of the 70's - early 80's) and are not quite a guide of how make a woman happy, but give some ideas. They feature brutality. (They don't sugar coat life in ancient times. Now is the best time to be alive.) They have strong female characters.
I'm going to keep reading.
July 2, 2024
"The Palace" is my favourite in the Saint-Germain series, thanks to its fascinating Medici backdrop. Set in Renaissance Florence, Yarbro's vivid historical detail and rich descriptions bring the era to life. Count Saint-Germain's complex character and moral integrity shine against the backdrop of political intrigue and artistic brilliance. A compelling blend of history, romance, and supernatural elements.
June 20, 2018
I wanted to love these books but they just weren't my cup of joe. This one just didn't manage to pull me in. I quit around page 110.
January 30, 2024
Quinn's writing is so elegant and lush, and the history is so richly depicted, but the stories are so sad. This is about Venice during the period of Savonarola. What more need I say.
October 5, 2025
I love her style of writing. very well written
February 3, 2017
A light read, good historical details and use of language.
January 18, 2012
This vampire mythology… as long as have homeland dirt, and move around in daylight… no food, fed by blood but together also the intimacy and closeness of sex, immortal but death by decapitation, staking or fire. Males cannot have intercourse. After exchange of blood, and actual death, will rise again remade 24 hours later.
Fiorenza, 1490 – 1498, under the patronage of Laurenzo de Medici – who had a heart for his people, who loved art, philosophy, the out of doors, discussions, books, education… but he is dying – of gout? We get some of the flavor of the Renaissance – of Leonardo & Botticelli’s art, of rich patrons, of politics – the rise of the middle class and artisans, of church and fanaticism, of developing democracy.
Vampire Fracesco Ragoczy de San Germano is building a palazzo in Fiorenza – one a bit at odds with other construction. (a layer of imported dirt in the foundation). We learn of Ragoczy in two ways – through letters to & from Leonardo da Vinci, Olivia (in Roma) who was vampire with him during the Roman days and continues to be his friend, Gian-Carlo, his business foreman at his palazzo in Venezia – so we see his eclectic interests, his history, his wealth... and then we also see how he is in Fiorenza – with Gasparo is an arte, artisan, builder – and though vocal against the ways of Ragoczy’s plans, comes to regard Ragoczy highly, as Ragoczy treats him with respect – offering a hug and kiss of cheeks; with Laurenzo, a great friend and we see Ragoczy’s sadness as he is aware of his impending death and he can’t do anything about it – it’s too late to turn him; with his long time servant and friend Ruggiero.
We see him with Donna Estasia, a widow (therefore an acceptable lover), with whom he has honestly shared who he is, of offering her great satisfaction in sex without intercourse and the taking of her blood, but we see her growing craziness – so that he leaves her when she demands intercourse, and then she starts with fits of believing demons are attacking her for sex. Hmmmm… She ends up at a convent that cares for crazy people, and then confesses to Domenicani Savonarola but not that Ragoczy was a vampire, but lying saying that he was sacrilegious, forcing her to have sex on the church alter etc., who then uses her confession to run Ragoczy out of town so as to avoid arrest. And we see Fiorenzi, a center of art, humanity, and learning change to a place of fear, loss of beauty, religious used to control and punish people – the beginnings of the inquisition, under the influence of this Savonarola.
And Ragoczy’s friendship and almost love for Demetrice Volandrai – Laurenzo’s lover, friend, & intellectual equal – who comes to Ragoczy at Laurenzo’s request, and Laurenzo’s death – to organize Laurenzo’s and Ragoczy’s libraries & housekeeper… who watches him, and with what Laurenzo told her knows the truth of him, and confronts him. And though a bit fearful of him, wants to learn from him – and he accepts her just as she is… hmmm… and together they do what they can for the poor who are get by the plague – needlessly, if only Laurenzo’s son took his responsibility seriously and cleaned up where it could be, relocating into new homes, etc. as his father would have – the death of Laurenzo leads to the fall of Fiorenzi…. and after Ragoczy is run out of Fiorenzi, he returns 3 years later when Demetrice is arrested as a heretic, for being able to read Greek, to rescue her… he comes to her in prison twice, and makes sweet love to her… and when he is unable to free her, goes to her before her execution (after she has been tortured to confess her guilt), and turns her, and leaves her dead in her cell, and rescues her body and is there when she awakens – and they have escaped together. And the story ends with a last letter from Olivia expressing her understanding of why Demetrice left him to make her own way that she wasn’t quite accepting of the turning, and her wish that someday Ragoczy will find a woman to love.
I wonder about the author’s other vampire San Geramano books – all of Ragoczy? Or relatives… other times of history? Will he find love?
Fiorenza, 1490 – 1498, under the patronage of Laurenzo de Medici – who had a heart for his people, who loved art, philosophy, the out of doors, discussions, books, education… but he is dying – of gout? We get some of the flavor of the Renaissance – of Leonardo & Botticelli’s art, of rich patrons, of politics – the rise of the middle class and artisans, of church and fanaticism, of developing democracy.
Vampire Fracesco Ragoczy de San Germano is building a palazzo in Fiorenza – one a bit at odds with other construction. (a layer of imported dirt in the foundation). We learn of Ragoczy in two ways – through letters to & from Leonardo da Vinci, Olivia (in Roma) who was vampire with him during the Roman days and continues to be his friend, Gian-Carlo, his business foreman at his palazzo in Venezia – so we see his eclectic interests, his history, his wealth... and then we also see how he is in Fiorenza – with Gasparo is an arte, artisan, builder – and though vocal against the ways of Ragoczy’s plans, comes to regard Ragoczy highly, as Ragoczy treats him with respect – offering a hug and kiss of cheeks; with Laurenzo, a great friend and we see Ragoczy’s sadness as he is aware of his impending death and he can’t do anything about it – it’s too late to turn him; with his long time servant and friend Ruggiero.
We see him with Donna Estasia, a widow (therefore an acceptable lover), with whom he has honestly shared who he is, of offering her great satisfaction in sex without intercourse and the taking of her blood, but we see her growing craziness – so that he leaves her when she demands intercourse, and then she starts with fits of believing demons are attacking her for sex. Hmmmm… She ends up at a convent that cares for crazy people, and then confesses to Domenicani Savonarola but not that Ragoczy was a vampire, but lying saying that he was sacrilegious, forcing her to have sex on the church alter etc., who then uses her confession to run Ragoczy out of town so as to avoid arrest. And we see Fiorenzi, a center of art, humanity, and learning change to a place of fear, loss of beauty, religious used to control and punish people – the beginnings of the inquisition, under the influence of this Savonarola.
And Ragoczy’s friendship and almost love for Demetrice Volandrai – Laurenzo’s lover, friend, & intellectual equal – who comes to Ragoczy at Laurenzo’s request, and Laurenzo’s death – to organize Laurenzo’s and Ragoczy’s libraries & housekeeper… who watches him, and with what Laurenzo told her knows the truth of him, and confronts him. And though a bit fearful of him, wants to learn from him – and he accepts her just as she is… hmmm… and together they do what they can for the poor who are get by the plague – needlessly, if only Laurenzo’s son took his responsibility seriously and cleaned up where it could be, relocating into new homes, etc. as his father would have – the death of Laurenzo leads to the fall of Fiorenzi…. and after Ragoczy is run out of Fiorenzi, he returns 3 years later when Demetrice is arrested as a heretic, for being able to read Greek, to rescue her… he comes to her in prison twice, and makes sweet love to her… and when he is unable to free her, goes to her before her execution (after she has been tortured to confess her guilt), and turns her, and leaves her dead in her cell, and rescues her body and is there when she awakens – and they have escaped together. And the story ends with a last letter from Olivia expressing her understanding of why Demetrice left him to make her own way that she wasn’t quite accepting of the turning, and her wish that someday Ragoczy will find a woman to love.
I wonder about the author’s other vampire San Geramano books – all of Ragoczy? Or relatives… other times of history? Will he find love?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2015
In Fiorenza in the time of the Medicis, Francesco Ragoczy da San Germano has commissioned the most unusual and opulent of palazzos. It has secret rooms where he may work his alchemy, and where he may truly refresh himself in sleep on a bed made from his homeland's soil. He often accompanies Lorenzo de' Medici, the city leader, intrigued by the man's wisdom and love of beauty that has allowed him to make the city great. But sadly, this contentment is not to last... but you knew that already.
When Lorenzo dies, the world pretty much falls apart. A Dominican monk named Savonarola has gained great power, through stoking a passionate people's fanatical fear of damnation. He denounces everything possible -- art, clothing, comforts -- saying that all these things draw you from God and send you to hell. This, in combination with other elements, places a stranglehold on the people, making life miserable. What is most frightening for me is how almost reasonable he seems. Being fairly well versed in the Bible, it came across as both scary (Oh dear, my interpretation is rather liberal, isn't it?) and tragic, for I believe God is not that cruel. Yet, in the name of God, these people are stripped of all special possessions, forced to smother their creativity, afraid to speak one word astray. The fervor that he whips into the people is also rather sad. He gets off on making people miserable, not for God's glory, but his own, and no one is really making a move to stop him. The fear of hell is a pretty big fear. So you can understand why some of these people go crazy the way they do, and why the ones who don't still smother themselves, try to blend into the marble work.
This rising tension in the city doesn't make things easy for a Stragnero such as San Germano, nor for Demetrice Volandrai, who lived with Lorenzo and now acts as Germano's housekeeper. Demetrice loves books, and knowledge, and so she takes pleasure in learning by the mysterious stranger's side. The passion between them is a subtle thing. She truly loved the Medici and fears the creature she suspects San Germano to be. When things get too uncomfortable for San Germano, he leaves, offering to take her with him. She refuses, and eventually gets charged with heresy. Germano must return to a city, where people are willing to kill him to save his soul, in order to save the women he loves.
What makes Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's series so special is that each book, especially this one, captures a time perfectly. Renaissance Florence comes alive, filled with personalities -- Botticelli, Da Vinci, Medici -- that we read about in various histories, but never really get to experience. In these books we do. We get to see the passion for learning as it clashes with the passion for God. Yarbro creates a world that is seductive and rich, peopled with men and women of strong emotions. San Germano is the embodiment of the elegant vampire, lonely and tortured by the fact that so many he loves will inevitably die. Yet he can't keep his heart sealed from it. His incredible knowledge is something he puts to great use, tending to plague victims, attempting to prolong a dear friend's life. This makes him admirable. He does not revel in darkness, but accepts his fate and tries to live the best he can. Perhaps it helps that he can go about in the daylight. The earth in his shoes gives him greater leeway. But I think it's mostly because for all his own passion, he is far too sensible to mope.
The Palace is a reprint of the second book in the series. Warner has also reprinted the first, Hotel Transylvania, which I remember rather fondly. I'm really pleased that Warner is reissuing these books. The series is a fine one, extremely well researched, exquisite in its use of Vampirism, and well worth seeking out.
When Lorenzo dies, the world pretty much falls apart. A Dominican monk named Savonarola has gained great power, through stoking a passionate people's fanatical fear of damnation. He denounces everything possible -- art, clothing, comforts -- saying that all these things draw you from God and send you to hell. This, in combination with other elements, places a stranglehold on the people, making life miserable. What is most frightening for me is how almost reasonable he seems. Being fairly well versed in the Bible, it came across as both scary (Oh dear, my interpretation is rather liberal, isn't it?) and tragic, for I believe God is not that cruel. Yet, in the name of God, these people are stripped of all special possessions, forced to smother their creativity, afraid to speak one word astray. The fervor that he whips into the people is also rather sad. He gets off on making people miserable, not for God's glory, but his own, and no one is really making a move to stop him. The fear of hell is a pretty big fear. So you can understand why some of these people go crazy the way they do, and why the ones who don't still smother themselves, try to blend into the marble work.
This rising tension in the city doesn't make things easy for a Stragnero such as San Germano, nor for Demetrice Volandrai, who lived with Lorenzo and now acts as Germano's housekeeper. Demetrice loves books, and knowledge, and so she takes pleasure in learning by the mysterious stranger's side. The passion between them is a subtle thing. She truly loved the Medici and fears the creature she suspects San Germano to be. When things get too uncomfortable for San Germano, he leaves, offering to take her with him. She refuses, and eventually gets charged with heresy. Germano must return to a city, where people are willing to kill him to save his soul, in order to save the women he loves.
What makes Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's series so special is that each book, especially this one, captures a time perfectly. Renaissance Florence comes alive, filled with personalities -- Botticelli, Da Vinci, Medici -- that we read about in various histories, but never really get to experience. In these books we do. We get to see the passion for learning as it clashes with the passion for God. Yarbro creates a world that is seductive and rich, peopled with men and women of strong emotions. San Germano is the embodiment of the elegant vampire, lonely and tortured by the fact that so many he loves will inevitably die. Yet he can't keep his heart sealed from it. His incredible knowledge is something he puts to great use, tending to plague victims, attempting to prolong a dear friend's life. This makes him admirable. He does not revel in darkness, but accepts his fate and tries to live the best he can. Perhaps it helps that he can go about in the daylight. The earth in his shoes gives him greater leeway. But I think it's mostly because for all his own passion, he is far too sensible to mope.
The Palace is a reprint of the second book in the series. Warner has also reprinted the first, Hotel Transylvania, which I remember rather fondly. I'm really pleased that Warner is reissuing these books. The series is a fine one, extremely well researched, exquisite in its use of Vampirism, and well worth seeking out.
October 20, 2016
A differenza di tutte le altre storie di vampiri, benché io non ne sia un’accanita lettrice, in questo romanzo ho trovato la vera autenticità della loro stirpe.
Non è la solita storia paranormale al centro di un superficiale contesto passionale, anzi inquadra il protagonista, Francesco Ragoczy, come un alchimista dalle capacità straordinarie che il vampirismo gli concede, ma soprattutto lo rappresenta come un gentiluomo, oltre che benestante, anche ricco di generosità e altruismo.
Abbiamo sempre pensato che i vampiri fossero esseri assetati di vendetta e colpevoli di atti sanguinari, ma questo romanzo smentisce questi antichi pregiudizi.
La storia ha al centro tanti personaggi, dividendosi in tre parti. Ed è proprio questo il merito dell’autrice, che al confronto di molte altre, riesce a rendere realistica nei tempi e nei luoghi l’origine storica della saga di Saint Germain.
L’ambientazione è la Firenze rinascimentale, dove si ritrovano volti straordinari e indimenticabili, come quelli di Lorenzo de’ Medici e Botticelli. Il tutto reso autentico e veramente fedele all’epoca dalle minuziose descrizioni della scrittrice.
Fra questi volti noti e familiari, c’è anche quello seducente e femminile di Demetrice Volandrai, graziosa cortigiana al servizio di De’ medici, che fin da subito resta folgorata dall’affascinante proprietario del più lussuoso palazzo di Fiorenza, il vampiro Francesco Ragoczy da San Germano.
La narrazione non fa bruciare subito l’evidente passionalità fra i due, perché la dolce e intelligente Demetrice, promettente alchimista, sospetta del magnetico fascino dell’uomo,accorgendosi che possiede qualcosa fuori dal comune.
Alla fine, però la curiosità verso l’antichissima scienza alchemica, che pratica nelle segrete stanze del palazzo, la induce a diventare la fedele aiutante del vampiro. Egli assapora a distanza il sorprendente fascino che la donna suscita in lui. E’ da moltissimo tempo che non prova certe sensazioni: niente di tutto ciò è riuscito a provare con la precedente amante Estasia, cugina di Botticelli. Il romanzo dedicherà una cospicua parte al personaggio dannato e disperato di questa donna, che in seguito si pentirà per aver commesso così tanti peccati carnali con il vampiro; infatti soltanto alla fine di una lunga redenzione diventerà Suor Estasia di Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Ma, se nella prima parte del libro, le vicende di questi personaggi storici rapiscono il lettore, dovremo attendere la fine della storia per sapere come si concluderà il forte legame tra i due protagonisti. Ed è qui, che ancora una volta la Yarbro ci sorprende, perché soltanto quando Demetrice verrà accusata di eresia, il vampiro dovrà cercare di trarre in salvo la sua amata. Qui, vi sarà l’acerrimo nemico in veste di monaco, Girolamo Savonarola, che animato da un terribile fanatismo religioso porterà Fiorenza a soccombere alla superstizione e alla violenza.
Un romanzo che riserva un sorprendente biglietto da visita al periodo rinascimentale, mentre alla fine il lettore potrà scoprire, oltre che le vere origini e tradizioni, anche il misterioso segreto che tiene in vita nei secoli il mondo dei vampiri. Ognuno di loro come noi, ha un forte legame per la propria terra natia. Un motivo in più, per leggere questo libro.
Francesca Ghiribelli.
Non è la solita storia paranormale al centro di un superficiale contesto passionale, anzi inquadra il protagonista, Francesco Ragoczy, come un alchimista dalle capacità straordinarie che il vampirismo gli concede, ma soprattutto lo rappresenta come un gentiluomo, oltre che benestante, anche ricco di generosità e altruismo.
Abbiamo sempre pensato che i vampiri fossero esseri assetati di vendetta e colpevoli di atti sanguinari, ma questo romanzo smentisce questi antichi pregiudizi.
La storia ha al centro tanti personaggi, dividendosi in tre parti. Ed è proprio questo il merito dell’autrice, che al confronto di molte altre, riesce a rendere realistica nei tempi e nei luoghi l’origine storica della saga di Saint Germain.
L’ambientazione è la Firenze rinascimentale, dove si ritrovano volti straordinari e indimenticabili, come quelli di Lorenzo de’ Medici e Botticelli. Il tutto reso autentico e veramente fedele all’epoca dalle minuziose descrizioni della scrittrice.
Fra questi volti noti e familiari, c’è anche quello seducente e femminile di Demetrice Volandrai, graziosa cortigiana al servizio di De’ medici, che fin da subito resta folgorata dall’affascinante proprietario del più lussuoso palazzo di Fiorenza, il vampiro Francesco Ragoczy da San Germano.
La narrazione non fa bruciare subito l’evidente passionalità fra i due, perché la dolce e intelligente Demetrice, promettente alchimista, sospetta del magnetico fascino dell’uomo,accorgendosi che possiede qualcosa fuori dal comune.
Alla fine, però la curiosità verso l’antichissima scienza alchemica, che pratica nelle segrete stanze del palazzo, la induce a diventare la fedele aiutante del vampiro. Egli assapora a distanza il sorprendente fascino che la donna suscita in lui. E’ da moltissimo tempo che non prova certe sensazioni: niente di tutto ciò è riuscito a provare con la precedente amante Estasia, cugina di Botticelli. Il romanzo dedicherà una cospicua parte al personaggio dannato e disperato di questa donna, che in seguito si pentirà per aver commesso così tanti peccati carnali con il vampiro; infatti soltanto alla fine di una lunga redenzione diventerà Suor Estasia di Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Ma, se nella prima parte del libro, le vicende di questi personaggi storici rapiscono il lettore, dovremo attendere la fine della storia per sapere come si concluderà il forte legame tra i due protagonisti. Ed è qui, che ancora una volta la Yarbro ci sorprende, perché soltanto quando Demetrice verrà accusata di eresia, il vampiro dovrà cercare di trarre in salvo la sua amata. Qui, vi sarà l’acerrimo nemico in veste di monaco, Girolamo Savonarola, che animato da un terribile fanatismo religioso porterà Fiorenza a soccombere alla superstizione e alla violenza.
Un romanzo che riserva un sorprendente biglietto da visita al periodo rinascimentale, mentre alla fine il lettore potrà scoprire, oltre che le vere origini e tradizioni, anche il misterioso segreto che tiene in vita nei secoli il mondo dei vampiri. Ognuno di loro come noi, ha un forte legame per la propria terra natia. Un motivo in più, per leggere questo libro.
Francesca Ghiribelli.
October 16, 2012
This is an old favorite of mine, picked up when I was in my teens, and published in 1978 when vampires were still monsters that made your pulse race not because they were sexy, but because they were likely to devour you. In these days of Buffy and Twilight I think we've gone much too far in the other direction, but back when I encountered Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's humane vampire Saint-German, it seemed fresh. And what impressed me most back then wasn't the vampire side of this book--it was the historical fiction side. This is set in Renaissance Florence, and Lorenzo de Medici, Botticelli, and the sinister monk Savonarola are all featured here. The vivid picture painted of the flowering of the Renaissance threatened by religious fanaticism made quite the impression on me. For some reason I never picked up another of the Saint-Germain books--this is part of a series, and not even the first one, but the second (Hôtel Transylvania was the first.) This one does stand alone though, and writing up this review makes me want to seek out others in the series for a Halloween read.
February 24, 2024
I’m re-reading these books about the vampire Saint Germain by Yarbro that I originally read when I was in high school and enjoying them once again. Unlike other vampire books, these are more about history than horror, although Yarbro is keen on showing how bloody humans could be to each other, which I suppose also distinguishes her vampires from others, because the villains here are the humans, not the vampires.
The time period here is a time in Italy before it was a coherent country but a republic of aligned states precariously dependent on the merchant prince families for their continued existence. During the course of the novel, the Medici’s who protect the city fall from favor while a Domenican monk becomes a dangerous demagogue to the detriment of the city and its people.
What’s interest to me reading these at this point in my own writing career is how quickly Yarbro moves her plot from time to time, sometimes skipping months or a half year between chapters. I also admire her ability to recreate the letters from particular characters to another, which, while not as opaque as A.S. Byatt’s, still challenge the reader to read between the lines.
The time period here is a time in Italy before it was a coherent country but a republic of aligned states precariously dependent on the merchant prince families for their continued existence. During the course of the novel, the Medici’s who protect the city fall from favor while a Domenican monk becomes a dangerous demagogue to the detriment of the city and its people.
What’s interest to me reading these at this point in my own writing career is how quickly Yarbro moves her plot from time to time, sometimes skipping months or a half year between chapters. I also admire her ability to recreate the letters from particular characters to another, which, while not as opaque as A.S. Byatt’s, still challenge the reader to read between the lines.
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